It’s not every day that you get to be featured on the cover of a magazine, especially one as prestigious as BIP Magazine, the official publication of NABIP. For Chelsea and Donovan Ryckis, this was a milestone in their journey…a moment that validated years of hard work, dedication, and, of course, their commitment to transforming healthcare transparency.
When NABIP, the leading organization for insurance professionals, reached out to feature Ethos Benefits and put Chelsea and Donovan on the cover, it was a clear sign that the movement for healthcare transparency had reached a significant turning point. NABIP represents all types of insurance agents—from individual to group to Medicare—and to be chosen to discuss the growing demand for transparency in the group health insurance market was a huge honor. The fact that this issue was a central focus for such a major organization speaks volumes about how far the conversation around healthcare has come—and where it’s headed.
A Humbling Moment in Our Journey
At first, Chelsea admits, it was hard to imagine that the way Ethos had designed its business mattered. “There was a time when it felt like an uphill battle,” she says. “We were going up against giants, and it often felt like no one was really listening. It was tough, and at times, we felt like we were in this alone.”
But fast forward to today, and the story couldn’t be more different. Ethos Benefits is now being recognized by industry leaders, and the team is stronger than ever. The support and encouragement they’ve received from peers in the industry have made this recognition all the more meaningful. “To be recognized by NABIP is more than just a title or a feature,” says Chelsea. “It’s a signal that our work is resonating, and the mission we’ve been passionate about is truly gaining traction.”
The Remote Interview: Reflecting on Our Journey
The interview for BIP Magazine was conducted remotely and took about an hour. Chelsea and Donovan had a blast discussing the origin of Ethos Benefits, how the company was founded, and the values that drive it—especially the guiding principle of “fiduciary first” that permeates everything they do.
“Donovan’s founding story is what makes this business so special,” says Chelsea. “It’s incredible to reflect on how far we’ve come from those early days. There was a time when I was sleeping in my office, barely scraping by to make rent, using Donovan’s savings just to keep the lights on.”
But despite the challenges, the pair kept going, and over time, they began to realize their vision for a more transparent and accountable healthcare system. “We’ve always been committed to doing things differently, but it took a while for others to see what we saw,” Chelsea adds.
The Photo Shoot: A Moment to Celebrate
When it came time for the photo shoot, Chelsea and Donovan were excited but nervous—this was a big moment! They were working with the talented photographer, Doug Scaletta, who made the process easy and enjoyable. One thing that stood out was how Copious, Chelsea’s service dog, was able to attend the shoot too. “Doug was 100% on board with having Copious there, and it just made the experience even more special,” Chelsea shares. The photo shoot was described as a “lifestyle shoot,” where they were encouraged to simply be themselves—and that’s exactly what they did.
“Getting dressed up for this shoot was fun,” says Chelsea. “But more than that, it was a full-circle moment. It felt like all the hard work, all those late nights, and all the sacrifice finally paid off. We’re proud of where we are, and we’re excited about the future.”
A Full-Circle Moment
Looking back, Chelsea reflects on just how far they’ve come. “There was a time when I was driving my beater college car at 3:30 AM to Miami for a prospect meeting at 8 AM—my car leaking AC onto my feet. I would park a block away so no one would see it. That’s where we started, and now we’re here.”
This milestone isn’t just about the recognition—it’s a reminder of how much has been accomplished. “The feedback from peers has been the best part,” Chelsea says. “Our movement is energized by the recognition, and so are we. It shows that what we’re doing is important, and it motivates us to keep pushing forward.”
Looking Ahead: The Mission for Transparency
Being featured in BIP Magazine is just the beginning for Ethos Benefits. Chelsea and Donovan are more committed than ever to the mission of transparency in healthcare. “We know the road ahead isn’t always easy, but we’re not alone anymore,” says Chelsea. “The industry is waking up to the importance of transparency, and we’re excited to lead the way.”
For Ethos, this feature is a reflection of where they are today—and a reminder of how far they’ve come. But more importantly, it’s a symbol of the vision they continue to work toward: a world where healthcare is more transparent, affordable, and accessible for everyone.
This visibility is just the beginning of what’s to come. With a talented, mission-driven team behind them, Chelsea and Donovan are ready to make even more waves in the world of healthcare benefits.
