Joe Laurita

Based mainly in the Santa Monica area in California, Joe Laurita serves as the CEO of the Jimmy Buffett inspired apparel and lifestyle brand, Margaritaville Apparel Group.

Aside from his role as an entrepreneur in the apparel industry, Laurita has been a major contributor and supporter of a variety of nonprofits. Namely, Laurita has supported organizations which promote and encourage arts-related programming and vocational training for high schools students across the country. He is a supporter of Tony Bennett’s organization, Exploring the Arts (ETA), which initiates art programs in high schools across the US.

His own company, Margaritaville, works with ETA Laurita to offer internships to high school students, educating them about the design and manufacturing trades. For his company's partnership with Exploring the Arts, the organization awarded Laurita the honor of “Man of the Year” in 2010.

Laurita also has been contributing to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for more than two decades as well as supporting Project Ladybug. The organization is a nonprofit with the mission to provide emotional and financial support to families and children with life threatening illnesses.