Living on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches has really paid off for brothers Bert and John Jacobs.

The creation of one cartoon, known simply as Jake, has blossomed into an icon of optimism for the duo who created the Life is Good retail brand concept. Spreading good cheer all over the world is the main message of this unique national retailer.

With the help of the Hudson Group, an airport concessionaire, Life is Good is now available in airports around the country, including Houston’s own award-winning William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).

Hobby Airport was recently recognized by Airports Council International – North America’s (ACI-NA) Centerlines magazine as the second best medium-sized airport in North America for “Best Convenience Retail Program” for 2007.

“We’re very pleased to see the recognition Hobby’s received from passengers and the aviation community,” says Mary Case, Hobby Airport manager. “We all work together to make the traveling experience at Hobby pleasant and Life is Good is a great example of what our attitude is here.”

Life is Good began in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1994 when the Jacobs brothers decided to put Jake on t-shirts.

Just five years before that, they knew nothing about the business and were struggling to keep their business afloat by living in their van, eating mostly peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and showering only when they could.

Jake changed all that for the pair.

The quaint store that’s been a part of Hobby Airport since May of 2007 really stands out in the Central Concourse.

Upon entering, you’re surrounded by comfortable apparel in soft colors, which include much more than just t-shirts. Other merchandise such as flip-flops, backpacks, headgear, sweats, pajamas, toys and even pet products can be found at Life is Good as well.

One of the biggest sellers at the Texas airport is the “Cowboy Jake” apparel.

“I think Cowboy Jake is so cute with his cowboy hat,” exclaimed Heather Mancheski, an Indianapolis, Indiana native. “This is a great souvenir to take home from Houston.”

The Hudson Group considers Life is Good one of their best business partners and the Jake creators say the feeling is mutual.