Calab’s father, Jacob Martinez (1938-2015) was a lawyer in Dubuque, Iowa. In 1990, the Rose Law Firm of Little Rock, Arkansas hired him and placed him on the partnership track. The historic firm had only had white male partners previously. Calab’s mother, Julia (Jones) Martinez (1965-2061) had been a real estate broker in Iowa. After moving to Arkansas, she was unexpectedly offered a position of some influence with the federally owned Resolution Trust Corporation. While neither of the Martinez’ were given any access to the Whitewater real estate project, their names were used in all documents used to attempt covering up the scandal. Jacob was barred from practicing law. Jesse lost her real estate license. Both were placed on house arrest until January 20th, 2001 when they were among those pardoned on the final day of the Clinton presidency.

Caleb spent much of his childhood with parents who were under house arrest. He was midway through his freshman year of high school when they were pardoned. Throughout his teenage years, he tried to distance himself from the stigma surrounding Jacob and Jesse. The Little Rock Catholic High School for Boys had an active Marine ROTC program, and he threw his energy into that despite his parents’ objections. Upon graduating high school, he received a full scholarship at Texas A&M.

Caleb completed three Marine contracts, however disciplinary problems kept him from rising above the rank of first lieutenant. After leaving the Marines, Caleb took a security position with the Hoagland Institute.