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