Who Is Dan Gilbert’s Wife Jennifer? Exploring the Married Life of Cavaliers Owner

When you think of Dan Gilbert, the billionaire entrepreneur behind ‘Rocket Companies’ and owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, it’s easy to focus on his diverse success. But there’s a vital part of his story that often goes unnoticed. As the saying goes: behind every successful figure, there’s often a remarkable partner; and in Dan’s case, it’s his wife, Jennifer Gilbert. She isn’t just Dan’s better half, she made a significant mark in her own right. Let’s take a closer look at the one who shares her life’s journey with the Cavs’ owner.

Jennifer Gilbert: Which companies has she founded? How old is she?

Jennifer Gilbert was born in 1968 and is currently 56 years old. She majored in interior design at Michigan State University and graduated during an economic downturn, leading to a shift in her original career plans. This unexpected twist led her to Rock Financial, Dan’s budding company, where their paths crossed and their story began.

Fast forward to today, Jennifer is a creative entrepreneur who’s made a name for herself, and her professional expertise is backed by a diverse portfolio, from interior design to software development and non-profit initiatives.

She is the founder of Pophouse, a Detroit-based design studio for commercial spaces, and Amber Engine, an e-commerce platform for sellers. “Design isn’t just about making something look good,” she has said. “It’s about building an environment where people can thrive.”

In addition to her business ventures, Jennifer is associated with certain not-for-profit organizations such as ORT America and the Israeli and Overseas Committee of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. Her philanthropic work has had a deep impact. She is the president of NF Forward, focused on healthcare and funding research. She co-founded the Gilbert Family Foundation, committing over $100 million to NF research!

Beyond her immense professional success, Jennifer’s life is intertwined with her role as a loving mother and a philanthropist. But before we get into that, let’s talk about her family life with Dan and the challenges they’ve faced together.

Do Jennifer and Dan Gilbert have children together?

Yes, Jennifer and Dan Gilbert are proud parents of 5 children. But the Gilbert family’s story is not without heartache. Their son, Nick, who was a beloved figure in Cleveland’s NBA community, passed away in May 2024 at 26 because of complications from neurofibromatosis.

Nick had been diagnosed with NF1 at just 15 months old, which led to multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and other treatments. He became a symbol of hope and resilience, particularly during his appearances at the NBA Draft Lottery, where he also became a good luck charm for the Cavaliers! The Cleveland side landed the No. 1 selection, which turned into future All-Star guard Kyrie Irving.

“Nearly every family will encounter unexpected health challenges at some point. While our family has faced severe health crises, we have been fortunate to receive some of the best medical and rehabilitative care in the country,” Dan said.

“We aim to enhance access to that same top-notch care for all Detroiters in times of need“.

The Gilberts founded The Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute in memory of their beloved son. The institute shall be opened in 2027 and is set up with the collaboration of Henry Ford Health, Michigan State University Health Sciences, and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Dedicated to advancing research on neurofibromatosis, exploring potential treatments, and finding a cure, the GFF has committed $190 million over ten years to support operations and research.

“Sometimes fate can deliver a bad card, but our family has learned from our experience that there can be many ‘blessings in disguise’ if you play the hand correctly. Had our son not been born with NF, we would never have known about the condition nor been in the position to help other kids also born with the disease. We feel honored to be able to give and help others in this world. It is truly a gift to give,” Dan and Jennifer together penned in their pledge letter.