5 Optimism Secrets Of Bert Jacobs: The Life Is Good Co-Founder's $150 Million Journey In 2025

Bert Jacobs, the co-founder and Chief Executive Optimist (CEO) of The Life is Good Company, continues to be a leading voice in business and conscious capitalism, with a packed schedule of high-profile speaking engagements confirmed for 2025. As of December 2025, Jacobs is actively spreading the brand's core philosophy of optimism, proving that a positive outlook is not just a personal trait but a powerful, scalable business model that has built a lifestyle brand valued at over $150 million in retail sales. His current focus remains on leveraging the brand’s success to support the critical work of the Life is Good Kids Foundation.

The story of Bert Jacobs and his brother, John Jacobs, is the quintessential American rags-to-riches tale, starting with just $78 in their pockets and a van they used to sell T-shirts on the streets of Boston. Today, the Life is Good brand, instantly recognizable by its iconic 'Jake' character, is a global enterprise. Bert's ongoing commitment to his unique role as 'Chief Executive Optimist' and his upcoming appearances at major conferences highlight his continued relevance as a thought leader in entrepreneurship, ethical business, and the transformative power of a positive mindset.

Bert Jacobs: A Quick Biography and Professional Profile

Bert Jacobs' journey from a struggling entrepreneur to the head of a major lifestyle brand is a testament to perseverance and the power of a simple idea. His detailed profile provides the necessary context for understanding the foundation of the Life is Good movement.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

• Full Name: Bert John Jacobs
• Primary Role: Co-Founder and Chief Executive Optimist (CEO) of The Life is Good Company
• Co-Founder: John Jacobs (Brother)
• Hometown/Base: Boston, Massachusetts
• Alma Mater: Villanova University
• Early Career: Substitute Teacher, Skiing Instructor (Colorado), Selling T-shirts door-to-door in college dorms
• Company Founded: 1994
• Initial Capital: $78
• Brand Valuation: Estimated $100 Million to $150 Million in retail sales
• Published Work: Co-author of Life is Good: The Book (a practical guide to the power of optimism)
• Philanthropy: Co-founder of the Life is Good Kids Foundation
• Key Entities: John Jacobs, Life is Good Company, Chief Executive Optimist, Jake, Villanova University, Boston, Conscious Capitalism, The Life is Good Way, Optimism.

The 2025 Speaking Tour: Bert Jacobs’ Latest Updates and Engagements

In 2025, Bert Jacobs is scheduled to deliver keynote speeches at several major industry events, reinforcing his status as a sought-after motivational and business speaker. His appearances focus on the intersection of business success, mental health, and the strategic power of optimism in both corporate and personal life.

Key 2025 Speaking Engagements

Jacobs’ commitment to sharing the Life is Good philosophy is evident in his current schedule, which includes highly anticipated appearances at diverse industry gatherings. These events serve as a platform for him to discuss the company's unique culture and its commitment to social impact.

• APTA TRANSform Conference (September 14-17, 2025, Boston, MA): Bert Jacobs is slated as a keynote speaker for the American Public Transportation Association's major conference. His address is expected to cover how to build a resilient, purpose-driven organization, drawing on 30 years of entrepreneurial lessons.
• Global Pet Expo 2025: Jacobs is also scheduled to unveil a new keynote series at the Global Pet Expo. This engagement underscores the universal appeal of the brand's message across various consumer markets and his ability to connect with a wide range of business leaders.

His speaking topics frequently revolve around the company's unconventional success story, the importance of fostering a positive workplace culture, and the practical application of optimism in overcoming business challenges. Jacobs' speaking fee, which is consistently reported to be in the $50,000 to $75,000 range, reflects the high demand for his insights and inspirational delivery.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

The Philosophy of the Chief Executive Optimist: Core Values and Conscious Capitalism

Bert Jacobs doesn't just sell T-shirts; he sells a mindset. The title "Chief Executive Optimist" is more than a novelty—it defines the company's operating principle. The Life is Good brand is a prime example of Conscious Capitalism, a movement that advocates for businesses to have a higher purpose beyond profit generation.

The company's success is rooted in ten core values, which serve as the internal compass for every decision, from product design to leadership strategy. These values—authenticity, compassion, creativity, courage, gratitude, humor, love, openness, and simplicity—are not abstract concepts but actionable principles that Jacobs and his brother have championed since the company's early days.

Lessons from Life is Good: The Book

Co-authored with John Jacobs, Life is Good: The Book crystallizes their business philosophy. It teaches readers and entrepreneurs that optimism is not passive denial but an active choice to focus on opportunity, even in the face of rejection. Bert Jacobs famously views rejection as "an opportunity to adjust and improve," a vital lesson learned during the early years when they faced countless setbacks while trying to sell their designs.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

The narrative of the book and his speeches often highlight the importance of the company's foundation: the power of their mother's positive attitude, which inspired the brothers to focus on what was right in the world, even during their challenging childhood. This personal story is the ultimate source of the brand's authenticity, a core value that resonates deeply with its consumer base.

The Life is Good Kids Foundation: Spreading Optimism as a Social Mission

The true measure of Bert Jacobs' commitment to his philosophy lies in the Life is Good Kids Foundation. This philanthropic arm of the company is not a side project but a central pillar of the brand's mission, with a focus on helping the most vulnerable children. The Foundation is dedicated to positively impacting children who have faced adversity, such as poverty, violence, and illness.

The Foundation operates through its unique Playmaker Program, which is rooted in the power of optimism. The program trains and supports childcare professionals—known as 'Playmakers'—to create loving, joyful, and safe environments for children. The goal is to provide children with the loving relationships and joyful experiences they need to grow up healthy and resilient, transforming the capacity of organizations that serve them.

A minimum of 10% of the company's net profits is dedicated to the Foundation, demonstrating a powerful commitment to using business as a force for good. This dedication to social responsibility, combined with the brand's commercial success, makes Bert Jacobs a leading figure in the modern movement toward a more ethical and conscious business world. His ongoing work in 2025 ensures that the message of optimism continues to be a driving force for both commerce and compassion.