Justin T. Weller

Founder of Urbana Tomorrow

Justin was raised on his family’s farm in Urbana. When he was 14, he started his first business, a beef cattle company.

In high school, Justin co-founded TrueChat, a marketing and media company. Through the company, he hosted a podcast called The State of Us for 12 years that was syndicated on AM & FM radio stations across more than 28 U.S. States and parts of Canada. The State of Us was focused on going beyond mainstream cable news and party lines, working to push past the noise and bring attention to all the issues that matter.

After finishing high school and continuing to develop TrueChat, Justin attended Xavier University and studied psychology, political science, and public relations before pursuing his businesses full-time.

In 2017, Justin founded Tomorrow Enterprises to manage an event venue at his family’s farm and to invest in blighted properties in the Urbana area.

“A Social Justice Warrior”

- Mayor Bill Bean

Social and economic justice have always been important to Justin. Growing up as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, he became keenly aware of the challenges facing “fly-over” country. While at Urbana High School, Justin frequently heard adults tell students that if they wanted to be successful, they should graduate and leave this town. Justin knew that message must change.

In 2019, at age 24, Justin ran for mayor of Urbana as an Independent and came within about 200 votes of winning. His platform focused on providing opportunities for anyone to build better lives for themselves economically and socially in small towns. Part of that dream was a youth center.

Still committed to helping his community after the election, Justin decided that improving education couldn’t wait on local government. He assembled a team of education professionals with more than 150 years of combined experience and started making the Urbana Youth Center (UYC) a reality.

Today, UYC serves about 700 student members and provides access to evidence-based programing that helps lift students out of poverty by equipping them with the skills necessary for success. Justin is the founder and currently serves as the executive director.

In 2021, Disney conducted a nationwide search to recognize and celebrate 50 heroes in recognition of the Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary. Tens of thousands of people were considered for the honor and Justin was selected and named a Magic Maker.

In a message officially notifying Justin of his selection, Corporate Citizenship for Disney said they named Justin a Magic Maker, “…for the incredible act of magic you’ve done for your community.  On behalf of all of us at Disney, we’re so impressed with your spirit of kindness and generosity. You truly embody the characteristics of a Disney Magic Maker!”

Today, Justin continues to serve as Founder of Urbana Tomorrow, leading marketing, sales, and development of the organization. The company is a group of businesses that spans real estate, construction, event spaces, media, and retail. Together, these organizations share a workforce devoted to building a better tomorrow.

Justin lives with his husband, Bret, his Great Dane, Diana, and their two cats in Urbana. He is an avid book collector, enjoys playing board games with his family, and is private pilot.