Some people believe that giving should be loud—big checks, press releases, fundraisers with flashing cameras. That’s one way to do it, and I respect anyone who supports causes they care about. But for me, philanthropy has always been something quieter. More personal. More about showing up than showing off.

Giving back isn’t just something I believe in. It’s part of how I was raised. And it’s part of how I measure success, not just by the projects we complete, but by the communities we help strengthen along the way.

The Roots of the Jacobsen Lubniewski Fund

The Jacobsen Lubniewski Fund wasn’t born out of a boardroom or a branding strategy. It was born out of real conversations with my wife, about my mother,  about how we could use what we’ve built to support the people and places that matter to us.

We named the fund after My mother’s maiden name and married name to honor her with the love to help others and heart to give more than she had. These are names tied to hard work, resilience, and doing what’s right without needing credit. Our families didn’t have much growing up, but they always found ways to help others. It was their time more than money they gave because they didn’t have it to give. It was taking not only their kids to beaches and parks but others as well. My mother( Laura) helped save lots of lives through our church. She passed at the young age of 53 from cancer and asked me to always give more than you get.  

That kind of quiet generosity made a lasting impression on me. It shaped the way I see philanthropy today. It’s not just about writing a check. It’s about being present. Being part of the fabric of your community. Looking out for the people around you.

Why Community Investment Matters

There’s a difference between charity and community investment. Charity can be a one-time gesture. Community investment is about long-term commitment. It’s about believing that when your community does well, everyone benefits, including your business.

Through the Jacobsen Lubniewski Fund, we’ve been able to support local schools, youth church programs, and community beautification projects. Sometimes it’s funding supplies. Sometimes it’s lending equipment or labor. Sometimes it’s just showing up and doing the work ourselves.

These aren’t headline-grabbing initiatives. But they matter. They build pride. They give kids opportunities. They improve everyday life for people who might otherwise be overlooked. And to me, that’s what giving back is really about, making a meaningful difference, one relationship at a time.

Philanthropy Without a Spotlight

People often ask why we don’t talk more publicly about our giving. The truth is, we’re not doing it for attention. We’re doing it because it’s the right thing to do.

There’s a certain integrity in giving quietly. It keeps you focused on the mission, not the recognition. It forces you to think carefully about who you’re helping and why. And it reminds you that not everything needs to be performative. Some of the most important work happens behind the scenes, without applause.

That said, I do believe it’s important to talk about philanthropy when it can encourage others to do the same. If sharing our story motivates another business owner to start a local scholarship or sponsor a youth program, then that’s worth it. Not because we want the credit, but because we want to be part of a culture that values giving.

Connecting Business to Purpose

At Paving Arts, we build a lot more than hardscapes. We build relationships. We build trust. And we try to build stronger communities with every job we take on. That means hiring locally when we can. It means paying people fairly and treating them with respect. And it means reinvesting our success into the places where we live and work.

I think sometimes people view business and philanthropy as separate things. To me, they’re deeply connected. A good business shouldn’t just extract value from a community, it should give value back. It should create opportunity, support education, and elevate the next generation.

That’s why giving through the Jacobsen Lubniewski Fund isn’t something we do “on the side.” It’s part of the whole picture. It’s part of what defines our company values, and frankly, it’s part of what makes the hard work worth it.

Teaching the Next Generation

One of the things I’m most proud of is how we’re involving our kids in the giving process. We talk to them about the causes we support. We bring them to community events. We ask for their ideas.

I want them to grow up understanding that success means more than personal achievement. It means lifting others up. It means recognizing your responsibility to people beyond yourself.

Giving back isn’t something you do after you’ve “made it.” It’s something you build into your life, your business, and your family culture from the start. The earlier they understand that, the better.

Quiet Impact, Lasting Legacy

At the end of the day, my hope is that the work we do through the Jacobsen Lubniewski Fund lives longer than any one job or project. I hope it helps kids believe in their potential. I hope it makes a tough season a little easier for a family in need. I hope it reminds people that they’re not alone.

You don’t need a spotlight to make an impact. You just need intention. And you need to care deeply enough to keep showing up, even when no one’s watching.

Philanthropy, to me, isn’t a task to check off. It’s a lifelong mission. A quiet one, maybe. But one that speaks volumes through action.