How I Apply My Christian Faith to Everyday Life | Interview with Joel Kleber

Running Jim’s Group, one of the largest franchise networks in the southern hemisphere, comes with immense responsibility. 

But what many people don’t realize is just how much my Christian faith influences every decision I make, both professionally and personally.

Where My Faith Began

I grew up in a deeply Christian household. 

My parents were devout, and their example shaped me from a young age. 

Church was a regular part of our lives, and I absorbed values like honesty, compassion, and service early on. 

Those lessons never left me.

Even while earning my PhD in history and launching my first lawn mowing business, my beliefs were always in the background, quietly guiding the way I lived and worked. 

Faith gave me a moral compass. 

It helped me focus not just on profit, but on people.

Building a Business on Christian Values

From the very beginning, I wanted Jim’s Group to stand for something more than just services. 

I wanted it to be a business grounded in integrity. 

That goal has been shaped in no small part by my Christian convictions.

I built our franchise model with clear expectations: honesty, transparency, and a sincere concern for the well-being of our customers. 

Those aren’t just business policies—they reflect the faith-driven ethics I believe in. 

I think it’s part of the reason customers trust us.

Finding Strength in God

There have been many tough moments—difficult decisions, setbacks, even failures. 

In those times, I’ve leaned on my faith. 

I pray, I pause, I reflect. 

I trust that God has a purpose, even when the path isn’t clear.

Prayer helps me find calm in the chaos. 

Talking with my Christian community keeps me grounded. 

When I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself that my work is part of something bigger than me. 

That perspective changes everything.

Keeping Life in Balance

It’s easy to get swept up in business. 

But my faith constantly reminds me to prioritize what truly matters—family, health, relationships, and kindness. 

I don’t want my life to be defined solely by business milestones. 

I want it to be full of meaning.

My beliefs help me keep that balance. 

They teach me to appreciate the simple things, to stay humble, and to seek joy not just in achievement, but in purpose.

Giving Back and Serving Others

My faith isn’t just personal—it drives me to act. 

That’s why I support initiatives like the Jim’s Group Foundation, which provides aid for mental health research, disaster response, and other causes. 

I believe that those of us who are blessed have a responsibility to help others.

I also use platforms like the Jim’s Podcast to share how faith can intersect with work, leadership, and daily life.

I want to encourage others to explore how their beliefs—whatever they may be—can give them strength, direction, and meaning.

Faith Is My Foundation

When I reflect on everything we’ve built at Jim’s Group, I know none of it would have been possible without my Christian faith. 

It’s been my foundation—from the principles that shaped our franchise model to the way I lead and interact with others.

More than anything, I hope our company is known not just for its scale, but for the values it embodies. 

I want people to feel the integrity behind our brand. 

I want to leave behind a legacy not just of success, but of purpose.

As I continue to lead this organization, I know my faith will remain at the center. 

I hope that by sharing how it has guided me, I can help others find their own path, rooted in meaning, service, and the belief that we’re all here to make a difference.