CALEB ASSESLIN
Rooted in the Land,
Focused on the Future
A TCF Career Technical Education (CTE) Scholarship helped Caleb Asselin invest in his future, but the values that guide his work were shaped long before he earned his CDL.
When Caleb Asselin decided to earn his Commercial Driver’s License, he wasn’t simply adding another credential. He was investing in his business, preparing for new opportunities, and building on the values that have guided his family for generations.
As the owner of Caleb Services, a growing lawn care and property maintenance business, Caleb is always looking ahead. His company employs six people during the summer and expands to 12 during the winter. That forward-thinking mindset led him to The CIRI Foundation’s Career Technical Education Scholarship. Earning his CDL was a practical investment that strengthened his business while preparing him for future opportunities.
But Caleb’s story began long before he stepped into a commercial truck. He is a lineal descendant of CIRI Original Shareholder June Asselin and Kenaitze Indian Tribe descendant. Although he never had the opportunity to meet his great-grandmother, her legacy continues to influence the values that guide his life and work.
Investing in Opportunity
Caleb recognized that earning a Commercial Driver’s License would create opportunities both his business and his future.
“I know Alaska needs a lot of trucking,” Caleb said. “Especially with projects like the LNG pipeline coming in the future.”
With support from TCF’s CTE Scholarship, Caleb completed his training through Kenai Peninsula Driving Instruction in Kenai, Alaska. The program challenged him from the beginning.
“They pushed you a lot, but they also encouraged you,” Caleb said. “From Monday through Friday, I learned so much and gained confidence.”
Without TCF’s support, Caleb says it would have taken much longer to save for the training. Today, the skills he gained continue creating opportunities for his business, career, and community.
Rooted in Stewardship
Whether he’s hunting, fishing, berry picking, hiking, or spending time outdoors, Caleb finds himself returning to the same lesson: care for the land, and it will continue to provide for future generations. “The only meat I eat is what I catch, hunt, and harvest myself,” Caleb shared. One day, he hopes to return permanently to the Kenai area because of the deep connection he feels to his family and the land. “When I set foot on solid ground there, it really grounds me,” he said.
Those same values shape the way Caleb operates his business. He avoids harsh chemicals whenever possible, reduces unnecessary plastic use, and prioritizes environmentally responsible practices. He also enjoys hiring Alaska Native employees who share similar values of stewardship, subsistence, and caring for the land. .
Leading by Example
Family, mentors, and his experiences as both a Boy Scout and Eagle Scout helped shape Caleb into the leader he is today. Now he is committed to paying that guidance forward by mentoring his employees, helping them build skills and confidence, and sharing knowledge with fellow business owners who are just getting started. “I always ask, ‘What can I do to help you?’”
For Caleb, success is measured not only by personal achievement. It’s measured by the opportunities he creates for others.
Looking Ahead
As he looks to the future, Caleb hopes to remain involved with TCF through alumni engagement and mentorship opportunities. He is especially interested in supporting the Na’eda Network and one day serving on TCF’s Board of Directors.
When asked what advice he would give students pursuing their own education and career goals, Caleb kept it simple: “Find a mentor. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Aim to do your best, but don’t rush through life. Make a clear goal and see it through.”
Because of The CIRI Foundation…“I was able to successfully obtain my CDL, which will open doors for me in the future.” .
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