Bert Jacobs

Biography

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Bert Jacobs is co-founder and CEO (Chief Executive Optimist) of The Life is Good Company, which spreads the power of optimism through inspiring art, a passionate community, and groundbreaking nonprofit work. Bert Jacobs and his brother John launched their business with $78 in their pockets, selling T-shirts in the streets of Boston. Today, Life is Good is a $100 million positive lifestyle brand sold by over 2,000 retailers across the US and Canada.

Bert Jacobs worked as a ski instructor and pizza delivery guy in Vail, CO before teaming with his brother John to design and sell T-shirts in college dorms up and down the East Coast. After five years traveling in their van together, the brothers officially launched Life is Good.

Bert Jacobs focuses his energy on guiding the Life is Good brand vision, and developing strategic partnerships and collaborations with organizations that extend the Life is Good brand to new product categories and customers. He enjoys live music, travel, and surfing. His shoes do not always match.

To inspire others to choose optimism and grow the good in their lives, Bert Jacobs and John wrote Life is Good: The Book/ How to Live with Purpose and Enjoy the Ride, published by National Geographic in September 2015.

Bert has been awarded honorary doctorates from several universities for entrepreneurship, business innovation and philanthropy. He and Life is Good have been featured on CNNMoney, CNBC’s Business Nation, ABC News’ Nightline, NBC’s The Today Show, and in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Inc. Magazine, and Men’s Health Magazine, among others.

Bert Jacobs and John are the youngest of six siblings from Needham, MA. They credit their mother as the first powerful optimist in their lives, and the inspiration for Life is Good.

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Life is Not Easy, Life is Not Perfect, Life is Good

Bert & John Jacobs founded Life is Good to inspire people to celebrate the good around them. Over time, a vibrant community grew that taught them that optimism is the most powerful
strategy to living a happy and fulfilling life, especially in the hardest of times. In times of uncertainty, fear, loss, and tragedy, we still have the choice to focus our energy on what’s right
in our lives and the world around us and find opportunity instead of obstacles. We can use these times of darkness to come together, see each other as humans (not just co-workers or clients), build unbreakable bonds, and innovate like never before. Through this virtual keynote experience, Bert or John Jacobs will share the inspiring business story of Life is Good, from the humble beginnings selling T-shirts out of a van to finding opportunity in the face of hardships like the Great Recession and unthinkable tragedies like the Boston Marathon Bombing, which took place steps from the Life is Good Headquarters. Audience members will leave this keynote with a renewed sense of optimism and with the tools and inspiration needed to find and grow the good around them – in business and in life.

Optimism Can Take You Anywhere

John Jacobs and his brother Bert launched the Life is Good Company with $78 in their pockets selling t-shirts on the streets of Boston. Today, Life is Good is a $100-million, positive lifestyle
brand sold by more than 2,000 retailers across the U.S. and Canada. Their inspiring business story and lessons on optimism and corporate social responsibility will demonstrate how focusing on the good can transform your mindset and business and take you anywhere. Tailor your keynote to emphasize:
• The Power of Optimism: Discover how to live life with purpose and enjoy the ride
• Entrepreneurship for Companies of All Sizes: Cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship
• Positive Purpose: Integrate social mission into your business …the authentic way

Testimonials

Bert manages to balance the need for a polished and serious business speaker, with one that can share with audiences his admirable brand of success, all while conveying his genuine personal optimism. Hands- and minds-above, Bert was a standout for this conference.

– Boston Private

I can't express enough how great Bert was. After the event it was like escorting a rock star through the crowd. Everyone conveyed that he was the best speaker we've ever had. Bert was motivating, inspiring, and a great example of how to live.

– Citizens Financial Group

To say that we were more than thrilled with Bert's participation would be an understatement. There is no doubt that there are 1600 new huge fans of Life is good and Bert Jacobs. He made us laugh, cry, and everything in between he was fun, approachable and I especially appreciated his interest in our culture and company. He is truly one of a kind.

– Matrix, A Division of L'oreal

In an auditorium filled with over 400 high school students, adults, and educators from across the US, Bert opened our hearts with his inspiring stories. His message of optimism and the power of kindness evoked a sense excitement, inspiration, and indeed bravery. We were honored to have partnered with Life is Good for the Emotion Revolution Summit and there is no doubt that his message moved everyone in the audience.

– Cynthia Germanotta, President - Born This Way Foundation

Booksby Bert Jacobs

Life Is Good

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