Haute Secrets Boston: Bert Jacobs of Life is Good
Who would think a simple phrase could change everyone’s outlook? Bert and John Jacobs certainly did when they created the Life is Good brand. The power of positive thinking got its start in 1989 when the Jacobs brothers started selling the now famous optimistic T-shirts throughout Boston.
Photo Credit: Life is GoodSince then, the brothers have turned that simple phrase into a $100 million lifestyle brand that now donates 10 percent of its annual net profits to help kids in need. (They have donated over $11 million; primarily through Life is Good products, events, and community fundraising efforts).

We caught up recently with Jacobs to find out what he loves most about Boston.
Where were you born: Boston
How long in Boston: Downtown for 15 years
Neighborhood: Back Bay
Occupation: T-Shirt Guy
Favorite Restaurant: Paramount Café, Flat of Beacon Hill
Best Sushi: Oishii, South End
Best Italian: Delfino, Roslindale
Best dessert: Toscanini’s Ice Cream, Cambridge
Best place for a romantic date: Charlestown Bistro
Best Sunday brunch: The Dogwood Café, Jamaica Plain
Best place for a power business meeting: Miel at InterContinental
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Liberty Hotel, Flat of Beacon Hill
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Goorin Bros, Newbury Street
Favorite Charity Event: Pan-Mass Challenge
Favorite Cultural Event: Opening Day at Fenway
Favorite Cultural Institution: Nantucket Whaling Museum
Best Steakhouse: Stockyard – now that Michael Conlon bought and runs it.
Best Pizza: Woody’s behind Berklee School of Music
Best Lunch: High Rise Bread Company, Cambridge, MA
Best Gym/Athletic Facility: EBF, Fort Point
Best Massage: EBF, Fort Point
Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber Black
Best Museum/Exhibit: Body Worlds Vital
Describe Boston in three words:
No
Bull
Sh*t
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Nantucket Island
All-around favorite spot in Boston: My roof deck
Best Aspect of Boston: I can ride my bicycle everywhere.