The Kaeb Family Redefines Success

Passing along an inheritance that never fades

Clint Kaeb always remembers wanting a boat. Even as a Sunday School teacher, his students knew that was his dream. But being a parent means sacrifice—and having eight kids can drain the bank account quickly, regardless of how much was in there.

The Kaeb family / Photo via Forgotten Initiative website

Especially since Clint and Jami Kaeb’s family continues to grow.

“Every time we got close to getting that dream, we would end up using the funds for something more important, like the adoption of another child or a couple of kids,” Clint said. “And it has been worth it.”

Clint and Jami sat down with the Generous Giving organization to share how they are passing the value of generosity on to their children. And how the new definition of success is faithfulness, not money.

“It isn’t always going to be like we want it to look like, but living out faithfulness is success,” Jami said. “Whether we faithfully walk or stumble in our obedience to God, it is success for our family.”

Jami stays busy leading The Forgotten Initiative, a ministry she founded in 2011, that supports families navigating the foster care system. Meanwhile, Clint is principal owner at Kaeb Sanitary Supply.

Despite the demands of running a business and a growing ministry, the Kaebs are convinced their greatest impact begins within the walls of their own home.

“I think about what it means to pass along things to our kids,” Jami said, reflecting on the idea of inheritance. “We want them to understand that we are just vessels, we don’t really own anything, it is not our right. We aren’t entitled to have nice things or live an easier life. It is about how we can look out for others or invite others in. I hope they see themselves as vessels.”

The lessons haven’t all been easy to come by. Life is hard, and sometimes curve balls require pivots and self reflection. After two failed attempts at adoption during the 2008 recession, Jami—usually a positive, half-glass-full person—says something shifted and she began struggling with depression.

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Jami finally went to her medical doctor, who patiently listened and prescribed her medication for depression.

“A few weeks later, I was driving the kids to school and looked out the window. When I said, ‘Kids, it’s a beautiful day!’ I realized I was back to my old self.” Jami said. “I felt like God took my face in His hands and said, ‘Honey, it’s not about you.’”

“This whole journey of parenting is a reminder that life is not about you; it is about drawing closer to the Lord,” added Clint.

Another pivotal point in the Kaeb family came after Jami and Clint attended a Christian conference. They reflected while strolling along the beach, and came up with a plan—to cap their family income at $150,000, and give the rest away.  That year, the family business did well, and the Kaebs gave away three times as much as any year prior.

They included the kids in their plan, creating a vision board and family values.

“I gave a short report on the impact our giving was having on others,” Clint said. “It was fun to see the kids get involved, and we took their suggestions. I remember one specific thing that came up. We had just heard a missionary share about a need to repair their plane, which they used to go out to the villages.”

The wing had been damaged in a crash and would take $10,000 to repair. Instead of taking part in the fundraising effort, the Kaeb children proposed paying for the entire repair.

“It really was the Lord’s graciousness to allow us to be a part of that,” said Clint. “That was pretty special.”

The sacrifices along the way are part of the Kaeb’s success—even the boat. “There’s things I want that I don’t get,” Clint said. “And it’s still like that because we have a big family.” By modeling that to their children—that treasure in heaven trumps treasure on earth, Clint and Jami are passing on something more valuable than money.

“In the end, I hope they experience the incredible things Jesus has for their lives, and accept those gifts, but I also hope they don’t hold onto them,” Jami said. “I hope they live a life God has called them to live.”

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