Building Legacy and Community Impact: Gertha and Ebens Jean Share Their Delaware Journey

Meet Gertha and Evens Jean: A Journey of Connection

On this episode of Out & About with Antionette, listeners were introduced to the dynamic duo Gertha “Gigi” and Ebens Jean, a couple whose journey begins thousands of miles apart yet converges in Delaware. Gertha, originally from the Bahamas, and Ebens, hailing from Haiti, found their paths serendipitously crossing at a community college in Delaware. As Gigi humorously recounts, the spark wasn’t immediate, but a friendship blossomed into romance, culminating in marriage, children, and a flourishing partnership—in life and business.

The couple’s story is one of unity, resilience, and friendship. Their backgrounds brought them to Delaware, a state Ebens’ family chose for its opportunities and community ties after moving from Florida, thanks to his grandfather’s early relocation to the area in the 1980s. Gigi and Ebens eventually discovered shared ambitions and a drive not only for personal success but for community enrichment.

The Unexpected Adventure Into Insurance

Neither Gigi nor Ebens grew up envisioning themselves in the insurance industry. Like many, Gigi “stumbled into it” while seeking ways to cover her college tuition. Starting off by filing paperwork for a local insurance broker and leveraging her skill as a translator for Haitian clients, she quickly realized she could make the complicated world of insurance accessible and relatable. Over 15 years, this experience empowered her to demystify insurance, helping others understand and utilize it more effectively.

Ebens’ path was a bit different, rooted in the B2B space, and sparked by witnessing brokers in the benefits sector. A pivotal moment at an employee benefits enrollment inspired him to pursue his license, eventually working with Allstate and recognizing the potential to make a difference not just through insurance but through holistic risk management for businesses.

Serving Nonprofits and Building Impactful Businesses

One Way Insurance Group (OWIG), founded by the Jeans, is anything but your typical firm. The agency has a sharp commercial focus—serving nonprofit organizations, construction, real estate developers, and investors. Having accidentally started a nonprofit of their own, Gigi and Ebens bring empathy, expertise, and practical solutions to their clientele. Their unique approach helps organizations leverage insurance not just as a protective measure but as a strategic asset—using policies for risk management, attracting board members, donors, and fostering long-term growth.

Ebens emphasizes that while many associate insurance strictly with life or health, OWIG’s strength lies in commercial offerings and risk management. They help clients in construction and other industries build safety compliance and manage risks proactively, highlighting the breadth and importance of insurance beyond the traditional policies most people know.

Community at the Core: Giving Back and Staying Grounded

What sets the Jeans apart isn’t just their savvy business sense but their deep commitment to giving back. From humble beginnings—starting their agency with no money, grants, or client list, only faith and determination—their journey was bolstered by their community.

Through the thick of the pandemic, rather than retreat, they doubled down on service. Initiatives like bookbag giveaways, toy drives, and providing essential supplies kept their doors open and hearts full. As Gigi passionately notes, “as we bless the community, the community continue to bless us.” Service is their cornerstone, evidenced by their hands-on involvement and tangible support, whether it’s through community events, educational videos, or outreach.

Building an Enterprise, Sharing Wisdom, and Inspiring Others

Not content with just one success, Gertha and Ebens have grown OWIG into a multi-faceted enterprise—OIG Enterprises. This ecosystem now includes insurance, risk management, apparel, media, and a foundation. Their growth has come with a sense of responsibility to lift others up, to be transparent and generous with knowledge, and to encourage other entrepreneurs to “bet on yourself.”

Their commitment to education extends to social media, where their energetic TikTok videos and online presence make insurance and entrepreneurship approachable. The couple also authored a book detailing their path and have launched their own podcast, Risk Taker Podcast, where they highlight stories of entrepreneurs who boldly pursue their dreams.

Words of Wisdom and Lasting Legacy

The interview closes on a high note with both Gigi and Ebens sharing heartfelt advice. Gigi affirms, “You are enough. No matter what they say, no matter what people think about you, you are enough. And you deserve to be in every room that you walk in.” Ebens echoes the call to courage: “If you have a dream…you gotta be able to take a risk. Take a leap of faith for your dream, for your goals and make it happen.”

The Jeans’ journey is more than a story of entrepreneurial success—it’s a testament to the power of faith, family, and the ripple effect of giving back. As they continue to build, share, and inspire, their legacy is felt not just in Delaware, but wherever kindness, ambition, and resilience are valued.

Connect With Gertha and Ebens Jean:
Learn more at TheDynamicDuoSpeaks.com, follow them on social media, or check out the Risk Taker Podcast for empowering stories and practical wisdom for dream chasers everywhere.

More contact information!

• One Way Insurance Group: www.onewayinsurancegroup.com
• OWIG Risk Management: www.owigrisk.com
• OWIG Apparel: www.owigapparel.com