Meet The Owners

Serving South-Central Indiana Since 2014

In 2014, Mike and Kelly Heffner opened Express Employment Professionals Columbus with a vision to make a difference in south-central Indiana. Driven by a desire to help people find fulfilling careers and businesses to find skilled employees, the Heffners built a company that has become a trusted resource for job seekers and employers alike. Their commitment to the community has laid a strong foundation for the Express Columbus and Express Indy South teams to grow and serve as leaders in recruiting, staffing, and workforce development.

In 2021, Phill Powell joined as Managing Partner and Vice President of Operations, further enhancing our capacity to serve. Having worked under Mike’s leadership for over 14 years, Phill brings extensive recruiting, sales, and leadership experience to his role. As a leader and owner, Phill plays an essential role in guiding our team and strengthening our reach and impact across south-central Indiana.

Together, our ownership team is driven by a shared vision: "To help as many people as possible find good jobs by helping as many clients as possible find good people."

Mike Heffner

Owner / President

Mike Heffner, Owner & President

Mike Heffner is the President and co-owner of the Express Employment Professionals franchise locations in Greenwood, IN (Indianapolis - South) and Columbus, IN, as well as the Specialized Recruiting Group, a professional staffing agency serving south-central Indiana. With a passion for leadership and workforce development, Mike has become a sought-after speaker and writer on topics such as leadership, employee engagement, retention, morale, change management, and job search strategies. He shares his insights in his blog, Leadership Roadmap, which appears monthly in the Southside Times. Mike serves on the Region 5 Indiana Workforce Development Board and the Aspire Johnson County Economic Development Board. Under his leadership, the Indianapolis Express offices have been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Indy Star year after year. Mike and Kelly started their business in May of 2005, earning the "Fast Track" award for start-up performance, and in 2011, they were named "Franchisees of The Year." Outside of work, Mike and Kelly live in the Center Grove area and attend both Emmanuel Christian Church and Mount Pleasant Christian Church. They have 2 adult-aged kids, Kaitlyn and Brandon.

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Kelly Heffner

Vice President of Accounting

Kelly Heffner, Owner Vice President of Accounting

Kelly Heffner is the Vice President of Accounting and co-owner of the Express Employment Professionals franchise locations in Greenwood, IN (Indianapolis - South), Columbus, IN, and the Specialized Recruiting Group, a professional staffing agency serving south-central Indiana. Kelly has played a crucial role in the financial operations of the business since they started in 2005. Her dedication, along with Mike's leadership, helped the company quickly earn the "Fast Track" award for its start-up performance. In 2011, Kelly and Mike were awarded the prestigious title of "Franchisees of The Year." The Heffners' dedication to helping people find employment and supporting the local community has been a driving force behind their continued success.

Outside of work, Kelly and Mike live in the Center Grove area and attend both Emmanuel Christian Church and Mount Pleasant Christian Church. They have 2 adult-aged kids, Kaitlyn and Brandon.

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Phill Powell

Managing Partner & Vice President of Operations

Phill Powell, Vice President of Operations & Managing Partner

Phill graduated from Southeastern University in 2001. After five years in leadership at a church, he joined Express Employment Professionals. Powell has worked under Mike Heffner's leadership for over 18 years, gaining extensive experience in recruiting, sales, and leadership. He began as an Employment Specialist focused on Administrative staffing and moved into a leadership role as Inside Sales Manager. He now oversees operations for Indianapolis South and Columbus.

Phill is actively involved with Mount Pleasant Christian Church. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife Shannon and their two kids, Taylor and Drew. Phill hopes his experience will impact the Express staff, job seekers, and businesses they serve.

Powell says, "I'm thrilled to join the ownership of this well-established, high-impact company that consists of an extremely talented team. For over 14 years, I’ve been blessed to work with Mike and the team to build a business that inspires hope in job seekers, our clients, and our community. I’m grateful to my wife and family for encouraging me along the way. Express is part of our family."

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