Here's Jimmy's Formula For Wild Success.

It's been a year, but I'm gut-punched again. Jimmy’s gone. Gone too soon.??

When my kids were little and we went on road trips, Jimmy was there the whole way. He lullabied them to sleep and put a jig in their step when they played. He guarantees a smile on my face in dark times, offering perfect advice when I need it. Sipping margaritas occasionally spurs lyrical philosophies, seeds planted by Jimmy. More contemplations conjure up visions of hundreds of happy revelers at my kid’s weddings bouncing to Jimmy’s beat. Songs they know by heart. Jimmy’s done nothing but add joy to our lives for decades.

Paradise just added another player. One who fancies cheeseburgers.

Long live Jimmy Buffet, 1946-2023.

His first album, Down to Earth, was released in 1970. But it wasn’t until July 1977 that Buffet had any breakout success, with the release of Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes. Featuring his signature song, Margaritaville, it remains his best-selling album. His first Hot 100 hit, and most widely recognized song, Margaritaville launched a career, ultimately producing a $1B+ net worth.

Buffett’s expansive 50-year music career produced:

• 29 studio albums.
• 31 compilation, live, and specialty albums.
• 67 singles.
• 13 Hot 100 hits
• 2 Grammy Awards
• Numerous Country Music Awards

Not stopping at writing songs, among other novels and kid’s books, Tales from Margaritaville, Where is Joe Merchant?, A Pirate Looks At 50 all reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. His play, “Escape to Margaritaville”, even debuted on Broadway.

Building an aspirational life of beaches, boats, and bars, Buffet leveraged his poetic pursuit of a sun-drenched life leading his Parrothead followers to:

• Margaritaville Cafes in the US, Mexico, throughout the Caribbean, and Canada.
• Margaritaville Foods- frozen seafood and chicken, chips and salsa, and iced teas.
• Margaritaville Hotels and Resorts- Casinos, RV parks and hotels.
• Margaritaville At Sea- Ocean cruises.
• Margaritaville Tequila, Rum and Spirits.
• Margaritaville Cargo- Frozen drink makers and tailgating accessories.
• Margaritaville Footwear
• Landshark Lager- Beer brewed by Anheuser Busch.
• Radio Margaritaville- Sirius/ XM radio and on the web.
• Last Mango Stables- Horse racing enterprise.
• Paradise Key Teas- Flavored iced teas.

Buffet’s empire produces over $1.5B in sales and boasts another $4.8B in the development pipeline.

Jimmy delivered joy and continues to do so. A glimpse of his business structure shows an artist expressing his authenticity in an idyllic lifestyle. Simple. One that’s easy to see, hear, taste, experience, and love.

Buffet’s breadth of products attracts all walks of life, readers, rock and country music fans, food and party people, resort and cruise vacationers, the list goes on. It’s not to say your business should expand into areas where you don’t have expertise, it’s more like adding to your food buffet more items your tribe finds enticing.

What I find so inspiring, is that Jimmy was just being Jimmy. His artistry spawned attachments. I’m sure he had dark days, one of his biggest hits, “Come Monday” was so inspired, but he never wavered from his true calling. Nor did he seem to force something into being because business metrics point to strong opportunity absent of the pure joy in doing so.

Some ideas to consider:

• What’s my joy factor? I’ll be dead soon enough, am I doing what I do for me, or someone else who cares less than I do?
• Is my authenticity so clear that others are inspired by it?
• In my wake, are there sustainable values elevating other’s lives?

If you’re inclined to listen, Jimmy’s wisdom is sound, if you’re having a tough weekend, come Monday it’ll be all right.