Mr. Jean Jenner, who is widely recognized in Florida for assisting in winning campaign strategy for many political campaigns, was born on May 24, 1957, in La Rochelle, France, to parents Jean Gauvain and Yvonne Jenner. His mother was a renowned Antique dealer and his father owned a small factory near La Rochelle.
Jean’s father, came from a long line of French politicians dating back to 1509. Jean’s first involvement in politic was in 1963, distributing political fliers for his dad’s successful campaign for city commissioner in the small city of l’Houmeau near La Rochelle in France.
The May 1968 riots which took place in France had a tremendous impact on a then 12-year-old Jean. It seemed the country was on the brink of civil war. It was after the May 1968 event that Jean began to read newspapers and develop an interest in political issues.
While a teen, Jean worked as a volunteer for several campaigns and ultimately served as a departmental advisor in the Presidential Primary election campaign of Jacques Chirac.
Jean studied in the city of Toulouse and while there became a freelance photographer for local newspapers.
From 1978 to 1979, Jean served his mandatory time in the French Army as a photographer, first in an inter-army unit (Infantry/Air Force/Navy) and then in the 22 Regiment d’Infantry de Marine (22eme RIMA).
At the age of 24, in December of 1981, Jean Jenner, his wife, and daughter moved to the Florida east coast where he first opened a photography studio near Daytona Beach, then, a few years later, a French Bakery which he still owns today.
In 1992, Jean joined a local civic group, Citizens for Ormond Beach, Inc. The group led anti-urban sprawl effort who negatively impacted the quality of life of the small city. He quickly rose to the rank of Vice-President and then President of the group whose membership then peaked at 600 paid members. In 1995 Citizen’s for Ormond Beach led a successful effort to replace some pro-growth members of the city commission. Two years later, it toppled the remaining pro-growth member of the city commission.
Jean’s reputation for the ability to manage, successful, low budget grassroots campaign against well-funded candidates whose campaigns were managed by professional campaign consultant is well established.
Jean credits his success to two factors in which he excels – Messaging and targeting.
Besides political campaigns, Jean has business expertise in the field of government relations, general aviation, environmental issues, and the food industry.
Public / Private Sector services
- Citizen’s for Ormond Beach 1991-1995 (President 1994-1995)
- Trust for Public Land (Steering Committee Member (Ormond Beach / Belmead Property Aquisition 1997))
- City of Ormond Beach Quality of Life Board (1995-199)
- City of Ormond Beach Aviation Advisory Board 1997-2001 (Chairman)
- City of Ormond Beach Board of Adjustments & Appeal Board 1999-2016 (Vice-Chairman 2015-2016)
- Volusia County Democratic Executive Committee (Education and Training Chair) 2003 – 2006
- Volusia County Democratic Executive Committee (Information System Chair) 2006 – 2016
- Volusia County Democratic Executive Committee (Vice-Chairman)) 2013 – 2016
- President La Gourmandise, Inc. 1984 – 2012
- President The French Bakery, LLC. 2012 – 2018
- Vice-President Advanced Flight Training, Inc. 1992 – 1996
- President JAG Aviation, Inc. 1992 – 1995
- Jenner Consulting Services, 2007 – to date.
Federal and State Certifications
- FAA Certified Private Pilot
- FCC Licensed Radio Operator (N2FLA)
- EPA 609 Certified Technician
- EPA 608 Certified Technician
- Certified Food Safety Manager
- Public Notary (State of Florida)