Check Out Jason Ribby’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Ribby.

Hi Jason , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Grave Expectations began in a very personal way—by caring for my own family.
I started by cleaning and restoring my family’s headstones that had become weathered, dirty, overgrown, and, in many ways, forgotten with time. What began as a simple act of respect quickly turned into something deeply moving. Seeing the stones restored—names legible again, details visible, dignity returned—was a powerful reminder of how easily memories can fade without intention, even when love never does.
At the time, I didn’t realize that what I was doing wasn’t already covered by cemetery care. Like many people, I assumed “perpetual care” meant the headstones themselves were maintained. It wasn’t until later that I learned perpetual care typically applies only to the cemetery grounds—not the individual monuments. Unbeknownst to me, this meant I was providing a service that simply wasn’t being offered locally, despite how deeply needed it was.
After completing the work, I shared before-and-after photos on Facebook. I didn’t post them with a business in mind—I shared them because I was proud of the transformation and the meaning behind it. Almost immediately, the response was overwhelming. Friends, acquaintances, and even people I barely knew reached out with kind words and requests to restore the graves of their own loved ones. That moment made it clear this wasn’t just appreciated—it filled a real and unmet need.
At the same time, I was navigating life as a father to my six-year-old daughter, Maizie, who has Down syndrome. Maizie has an incredible heart and a natural empathy that can’t be taught. She experiences the world in a way that slows everything down and brings focus to what truly matters. Without planning it, she became part of the process—helping, observing, and connecting in her own way.
As Grave Expectations continued to grow, so did the support from our community. In addition to word-of-mouth referrals, we were honored to be featured by a respected local news outlet that shared our story in a thoughtful and professional way. That coverage sparked an outpouring of encouragement, awareness, and calls to action from people who connected with both the mission and the message behind our work. It reinforced that this service mattered—not just to individual families, but to the community as a whole.
Today, Grave Expectations continues to grow through trust, visibility, and genuine relationships with families who want their loved ones remembered with dignity and care. We approach every grave as if it were our own family’s, understanding that behind every name is a story that deserves respect.
What began with my family’s headstones has grown into a mission rooted in service, inclusion, and legacy—both for the families we serve and for my daughter, who is learning that she belongs, she contributes, and she has an important place in the world.
Grave Expectations is more than a business. It’s a reflection of love, remembrance, and the belief that meaningful work—done with heart—can leave a lasting impact.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—and I don’t think meaningful work ever is.
One of the earliest challenges was stepping into a space that didn’t have a clear blueprint. Because this type of individual headstone care wasn’t commonly offered locally, there were no established systems to follow. Everything—from pricing and processes to educating families about what perpetual care does and does not include—had to be built from the ground up. That learning curve came with trial and error, and a lot of time spent making sure we were doing things the right way, respectfully and ethically.
There have also been emotional challenges. Working in cemeteries means working in very personal spaces. Every grave represents a family, a loss, and a story. Carrying that responsibility—especially while wanting to do justice to every single family—can be heavy. You don’t rush this work, and you don’t take it lightly. Some days are physically demanding; others are emotionally demanding, and often they’re both.
Balancing business ownership with fatherhood has been another ongoing challenge. I’m not just running a company—I’m raising a daughter with Down syndrome who requires extra advocacy, patience, and presence. There are appointments, therapies, and moments where life simply has to come first. Learning to grow a business at a sustainable pace, without sacrificing my role as her dad, has required constant adjustment.
There have also been moments of doubt—wondering if people would continue to see the value in a service that isn’t flashy or fast, but deeply intentional. The encouragement from families, the trust they place in us, and the community support we’ve received—especially after sharing our story publicly—has helped carry us through those moments.
Every challenge has reinforced why this work matters. The struggles haven’t slowed us down; they’ve shaped us. They’ve taught patience, humility, and the importance of staying rooted in purpose rather than pressure.
This road hasn’t been easy—but it has been meaningful. And that’s what makes it worth continuing.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Professionally, my work spans multiple disciplines, but it’s all rooted in responsibility, ethics, and service.
My primary role is in retail security, where I’m responsible for helping ensure the ethical and compliant operation of a local retailer. That includes addressing security challenges, maintaining compliance standards, and supporting overall safety and shrink reduction efforts so the business can operate responsibly and profitably. It’s a role that requires trust, consistency, and the ability to balance people, policy, and problem-solving on a daily basis.
In addition to that, I’m a content creator and digital/affiliate marketer. Over time, I’ve built several streams of income that I operate from home, and one of the things I’m most proud of is teaching others how to do the same. Through my social media platforms, I focus on education—breaking down systems, sharing what I’ve learned, and helping people see that building income doesn’t always require complicated or unrealistic paths. I enjoy empowering others with practical tools they can actually use.
My background is somewhat unconventional. In the past, I was a licensed commercial pilot as well as a certified EMT and firefighter. Those roles shaped my discipline, work ethic, and sense of responsibility. However, life has a way of redirecting even the most carefully laid plans. Due to family dynamics and past relationships, I made the difficult decision to place certain dreams on hold in order to prioritize stability and the well-being of my family.
What sets me apart isn’t just the variety of paths I’ve walked—it’s the willingness to adapt without losing purpose. Today, I’m in a supportive relationship with a wonderful woman who encourages my ambitions and believes in my goals. That support has allowed me not only to pursue my professional interests again, but also to be the best possible father to our six-year-old daughter, Maizie.
What I’m most proud of is resilience—the ability to pivot when necessary, rebuild when required, and continue moving forward with intention. Whether it’s in my career, my creative work, or my role as a father, I strive to lead with integrity, teach through example, and build a life that balances responsibility with purpose.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I’m not sure I would call this my favorite childhood memory, but it is without question the one that has stayed with me most vividly.
When I was very young, my great-grandmother was quite ill. Because of her condition, we were never especially close in the traditional sense, but she was always present in our family’s life. On the night she passed away, I believe she visited me. I remember feeling her presence, hearing her voice, and feeling her place her hand gently on my forehead. She told me that she would always love me and that it was time for me to go to sleep. When I opened my eyes, she was gone.
The following morning, both my sister and I asked where Grandma was. We were told she wasn’t there, and only a short time later my father received the call that she had passed away during the night. What makes this memory especially meaningful is that my sister and I, to this day, share the same memory and the same details of that moment—despite never having talked about it as children. That shared experience has stayed with both of us throughout our lives.
I also have many warm and joyful memories from my childhood—family trips, summers spent at Cedar Point, fishing with my father, Boy Scouts, time with friends, and experiences at school that helped shape who I am today. Those moments carry a sense of joy and simplicity that I still appreciate.
But that night with my great-grandmother stands apart. It was my first experience with loss, love, and something that felt larger than explanation. It shaped how I think about connection, memory, and the way people remain with us long after they’re gone.

Pricing:

• Standard Headstone cleaning $50.00
• larger headstone cleanings $80.00
• Video visitations $25.00 + $15 for every 15 minutes
• Flower deliver $25 plus the price of the arrangement
• Packages and multi grave discounts are available

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.GraveExpectations.net
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1agmq8FTQq/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grave-expectations-grave-cleaning/
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/W6RqLsLF_d
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grave.expectation