What Happened To Burt From Burt’S Bees? The Untold Story

Burt Shavitz, the co-founder of Burt’s Bees, passed away on July 5th in Bangor, Maine. He was 80. The company announced his death, attributing it to respiratory complications.

Burt Shavitz, the bearded, quirky and reclusive co-founder of the popular skin care brand Burt’s Bees, lived a life as unique as his products. He was known for his simple lifestyle and his dedication to using natural ingredients in his products. Shavitz started the company in 1984 with his then-girlfriend, Roxanne Quimby. The two met at a craft fair in Maine and quickly realized they had a shared passion for creating natural products. Shavitz’s background as a beekeeper provided the inspiration for the brand’s first product: beeswax lip balm. Quimby, who had a background in marketing, helped to build the brand’s success. The company thrived under their leadership, eventually becoming a multi-million dollar enterprise. In 1999, Quimby bought out Shavitz’s share of the company. She continued to run Burt’s Bees until it was sold to Clorox in 2007. Though he was no longer involved in running the company, Shavitz’s image and legacy remained closely tied to the brand. He was often featured in advertising and marketing materials, and his story was told in a popular 2013 documentary called “Burt’s Buzz.” The documentary highlighted his unconventional lifestyle, his dedication to natural products, and his close relationship with Quimby.