Bert and John Jacobs: Founders of Life is Good
Bert Jacobs and John Jacobs are American brothers who cofounded the lifestyle brand Life is Good. They started the company in 1994 after selling T-shirts out of a van with the optimistic slogan "Life is good." The brand grew into a global lifestyle company known for casual apparel, accessories, and home goods, with a mission centered on spreading optimism. The Jacobs brothers built the brand through grassroots marketing and a focus on simple, hopeful messaging. Learn more about the company's background via its official site Life is Good.
Bert Jacobs serves as the chief executive officer of Life is Good, while John Jacobs has held the role of chief creative officer. Together they oversee brand strategy, product design, and marketing campaigns that emphasize storytelling and positivity. The company operates from its headquarters in Encinitas, California, and maintains a large direct-to-consumer business alongside wholesale partnerships. Life is Good has become one of the most recognized optimism-driven brands in the United States.
Net Worth, Revenue, and Business Growth
Estimates of the Jacobs brothers' combined net worth have placed them in the hundreds of millions of dollars range, driven by the growth of Life is Good and related ventures. Life is Good has reported annual revenues exceeding $100 million, with products sold through its own stores, website, and major retailers. The company has expanded its licensing business into categories such as home furnishings, stationery, and digital content. Their wealth is primarily tied to equity in the private company rather than public market valuations.
The brand's growth has been fueled by a loyal customer base and high-profile licensing deals, though Life is Good remains privately held and does not disclose detailed financial statements publicly. The Jacobs brothers have emphasized reinvestment into the brand and its charitable arm, the Life is Good Kids Foundation. The foundation focuses on supporting children facing adversity through play, creativity, and community programs. For broader context on private company valuations, see this Forbes overview How Private Company Valuations Work.
Philanthropy and Public Impact
The Jacobs brothers founded the Life is Good Kids Foundation to bring joy and support to children in need across the United States. The foundation funds programs in hospitals, shelters, and schools, providing resources for play, art, and emotional well-being. Bert and John Jacobs have used their public platform to promote messages of resilience and optimism, often highlighting the foundation's work in media appearances and campaigns.
Their philanthropic model integrates brand storytelling with direct charitable giving, a strategy that has resonated with consumers who value purpose-driven companies. The brothers have also supported other causes related to children's health and education through personal donations and partnerships. For information on charitable giving trends among private company founders, see this SEC resource on the structure of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.