Go behind the scenes at our March 2011 cover shoot, as the self-described Chief Executive Optimist discusses why his company, Life is good, resonates with so many, and why being “authentically engaged” is his business.
Behind the Scenes With Bert Jacobs (Video)
Life is good co-founder Bert Jacobs on creating a global brand around simple optimism.
I am greatful for my ability to think and use my talents to get me where I want to go. And for having great examples, such as Bert Jacobs, on the results of never giving up, even when it’s the only thing that makes sense to do.
I’ve learned to be grateful for the support of my family and friends. When times get tough (ended up both without a home and jobless this spring) a few folks have really stepped up to help me and my kids get through this. One friend has let us stay with him and his family for more than two months while our house was repaired. When I lost my job, other friends have come forward with leads and random work to help out.
It both makes me grateful and inspires me to be more aware of what my friends may need from me and the little things I can do to help others.
I’m grateful for family, friends, good health, beauty, and our dog.
I am grateful most for the lessons I’ve learned from others.
My Popo taught me patriotism (he served in WW2 under General Patton). From Momo I learned frugalness and simplicity. They also instilled in me my love of nature. I spent many summers picking vegetables in their garden and helping them work the flowerbeds. Popo also took me fishing. They taught me about hope, goodness, faith, sharing, and giving. I owe so much to them.
My parents taught me that I could do anything I want. They set no limits in what I could learn or do. The
My Aunt demonstrates Loyalty and caring as she takes care of a disabled spouse and diabetic son.
My daughters teach me joy and spontenaity. I also learned from them how to see that I am not the most important person in the world. Others deserve that spot. I gained a sense of wonder watching them discover the world around them.
My spouse shows me what faithfulness and stability bring to a life. He has encouraged me to grow and stretch my boundaries. I learned that at age 40 I could take up cycling and mountain biking just because he said I could.
My friends have taught me that burdens are lessened when shared and that we all need each other. When no one else is around, they are the ones you turn to for a pick me up.
Even those people who fell out of my life taught me lessons; resilience, forgiveness, and healing.
So I am so grateful for those lessons, they allowed me to develop into a person who enjoys life. I get outside and enjoy the bounty of nature as often as possible, be that camping, cycling, hiking or just mowing my lawn. I spend as much time as I can with those who mean the most to me. Tabatha
Just bought my first issue at grocery store, had never seen publication before and am intrigued.
Congratulations on the success of your company and thank you for this simple, yet powerful,affirmation of life. Two years ago while visiting my best friend from college, who lived in Chicago, I noticed a happy face in her car window, with the saying Life is good. It was so her – gentle, positive, intelligent wisdom. I told her I really liked it and she seemed pleased. A little later in our visit, she handed me a gift bag and I knew why she’d been so pleased – in the bag was a gift she’d gotten for me: a mug. On one side are the words “Life is good”, on the other is “Do what you like, like what you do.” Simple, positive, meaningful. The time we spent together walking, talking, reminiscing was the real gift. But I treasure that mug from her and its positive message. (Especially since at the time of that visit, I knew I’d never see her again. Her life was being taken by cancer, and a little more than 1 month later she was gone from us.) One other gift in the bag was
a bar of soap with the word “Grace” on it. I’ve always liked the word, but now I appreciate it more – as one of the gifts she left me with. You are so right – the words we see, say and hear, and the words we leave others with – are so powerful.
Thanks for accentuating the positive in both word and action.
I have enjoyed seeing Life is good shirts and hats for several years now. In fact I have purchased and given some of them as Christmans gifts. Now that I hear the story behind them I am even more pleased with them.
This is a great video. It is great to hear these stories…
I just received the last issue of the magazine and was happy to read this inspirational story.
I had seen them on tv before and I find it amazing and love to hear positive people that become succesful We all have dreams and should never give up.
I knew Life is good products for over 10 years. This is the first time I knew the story behind it. It was inspiring. Keep the good work!
I love your vision and energy Bert ! My late husband Dr. Richard Carlson, who wrote the “Dont Sweat the Small Stuff” used to love wearing your shirts, and it was so in keeping with his message too. Thank you for all that you are doing to remind us the life really IS good. Blessings, Kris