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Hejaz Shriners

The Hejaz Shriners of Greenville, SC, are proud to announce that Benjamin L. Martin, a lifelong resident of Mauldin, will serve as Potentate in 2025. A dedicated Shriner since 1996, Ben’s journey has been defined by his commitment to service, leadership, and the values of the fraternity.
Over the past five years, Ben has progressed through the Divan, taking on key leadership roles to prepare for this esteemed position. His dedication to the mission of supporting Shriners Children’s Hospital reflects his deep passion for making a difference in the lives of others.
Ben’s career accomplishments are equally impressive. Starting as a student at Greenville Technical College while working for Johnson Controls in 1979, he played a pivotal role in developing the technical trades program for HVAC, earning him GTC’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Over four decades with Johnson Controls, Ben rose through the ranks, from apprentice to Director of Services for the Southeastern U.S., with his expertise recognized at the University of Wisconsin through a company sponsorship.
Within the Masonic community, Ben has been a cornerstone of local lodges, serving as Master of both Empire and Mauldin Lodges. As a Hejaz Shriner, he was named Shriner of the Year in 2016 and chaired the Steering Committee for the Shrine Golf Course.
Outside of his professional and Shrine commitments, family is at the heart of Ben’s life. He and his wife, Tonya, share a love of travel and adventure, having visited many countries together. Their blended family includes Ben’s daughter, Sara, son-in-law Cory, and two grandsons, Brody and Lawson, along with Tonya’s three sons, Brandon, Matthew, and Jordan, and their two grandsons, Deegan and Hudson.
As he steps into the role of Potentate, Ben is excited to lead the Hejaz Shriners through a year of impactful community engagement and fundraising. Four major events highlight the 2025 calendar:
• Barstool Golf: A unique blend of a bar crawl and putting contest featuring n