From the Author

Jimmy Buffett didn’t just build a billion-dollar brand; he built a way of life. 

As Jimmy said in his 1994 letter to Steve Eng, who was writing an unauthorized biography about Jimmy, nobody is as qualified to write a biography about Jimmy as Jimmy was. Not only did he live the life, but he was a New York Times bestselling author, so no, he didn’t need a third party to write his story. Jimmy’s book, A Pirate Looks at Fifty, is a fantastic story about his life up to that point. Sadly, he passed away way too young and never got to write an updated autobiography. 

This book is NOT an attempt to write a biography. This book is focused on the authentic lifestyle brands Jimmy built, from my perspective as a 40+ year fan and with a lifelong passion for marketing. Along the way, I pass along marketing and business tips I learned the hard way, as well as my thoughts on how to build the foundation for a successful, authentic lifestyle brand.

I try to paint vivid pictures of what draws people to Jimmy’s music and brands through my personal stories and those of others who were pulled into the Jimmy Buffett vortex. Jimmy’s brands spun out of Jimmy living his life, but the genius was that he recognized the potential and how to capitalize on it without altering his core values. As you will see throughout this book, this business success was not dumb luck based on the success of one hit song. I believe his success was the result of the perfect mix of his creative genius, business vision, a true love for people, and an unwavering passion for getting the most out of life.

Harrison Ford summarized Jimmy’s magic at the Jimmy Buffett Tribute Concert at the Hollywood Bowl just over six months after Jimmy’s passing: Jimmy Buffett’s "coolness" was “Infectious enough to create an entire culture around his music.” “There will never be another like Jimmy.” He also reinforced what I heard and read repeatedly: “Usually cool guys are not that nice. Jimmy was more than nice. He was kind. He was beloved by his family, by his friends, by his band, by his crew, and by his collaborators. And he loved them all back.”

This book will take you on a journey into the world of escapism and adventure that Jimmy turned into an authentic lifestyle brand, while squeezing every drop out of a life well lived. If you want to add a little interactive fun to this trip, there are QR codes throughout the book that take you directly to videos, playlists, and some detailed information for the curious. 

Net proceeds from this book will be donated to Singing for Change and the Lone Palm Foundation.

This story is an independent and unauthorized work about the authentic lifestyle brands built by Jimmy Buffet.  It is not endorsed, sponsored, or affiliated with Jimmy Buffett, his estate, Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC, or any of his affiliated entities.  All information in this book is based on publicly available sources and factual reporting to the best of the author’s knowledge.  No copyrighted material belonging to Jimmy Buffett or his affiliates has been used without permission.  Any references to products, trademarks, or other commercial entities are for informational or descriptive purposes only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation.  The author and publisher have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the material, but the contents are provided for educational, historical, and entertainment purposes only.