Two Friends, a Giant Leap, an Unforgettable Journey
A Defiant Dream Chased Against the Odds
Who hasn’t dreamed of quitting the rat race to live in a tropical paradise?
Two decades ago, David Putnam and Yair Lichtenstein did just that—walking away from careers in law and marine science to open a tiny surf shop on the sunny shores of Aruba. No retail experience. No formal business plan. Just a shared vision of building a life they wouldn’t need a vacation from.
In Little Giant, author Marcia Heath captures how these two trailblazers transformed Bula Surf Shop from a humble storefront into a beloved iconic brand while keeping their entrepreneurial spirit (and friendship) alive. Blending memoir with biography, Heath reveals how their unconventional mindset and courageous choices inspired her—a burnt-out boomer—to finally pursue her lifelong dream of writing.
It’s one of many revelations in this captivating exploration of what it really takes to chase a dream and redefine success on your own terms.
- Discover how two maverick entrepreneurs turned their love of ocean sports into a thriving community hub
- Find inspiration in each wipeout and every wave of their success
- Get glimpses of an idyllic Caribbean lifestyle through 50 vibrant photos
Whether you’re poised for a bold leap or just exploring possibilities, Little Giant invites you to pause, reflect, and listen to what’s calling to your heart.
Advance PRAISE FOR "LITTLE GIANT"
“This beautiful book is a fountain of inspiration about living adventurously and on your own terms.”
William Parkhurst, New York Times bestselling author of True Detectives
“The characters and their stories moved and delighted me, and the book itself is gorgeous.”
Shelley Sperry, author of What’s the Big Idea?
“…a beautiful story of two men chasing their dreams, but not in the default ‘more is better’ way. The flow of the book reminded me of Tuesdays with Morrie. I wish there were more books like this.”
Paul Millerd, author of The Pathless Path and Good Work
“This compelling exploration…enlivens our understanding of our own dreams, lives, and work.”
Elizabeth Garber, author of Sailing at the Edge of Disaster
“This book sounds like a Hollywood feel-good movie. Well, the ‘feel good’ is there, but the story is very real. Little Giant is for the dreamers in all of us.”
BookTrib
“Little Giant offers wisdom on business and friendship from an improbable venture in the Caribbean.”
Murray Carpenter, author of Caffeinated
A true story so captivating, it’s being made into a documentary film
In 2003, David and Yair set up shop on the Caribbean island of Aruba, Yair’s native country. As self-made entrepreneurs, they faced the usual dark moments of personal doubt, financial worries, and a revolving door of employee issues.
Against long odds, they transformed Bula from a nondescript storefront into a thriving business that’s an incubator for local talent and a cultural hub.
In a “bigger is better world,” here are two friends who built something remarkable by intentionally staying small. The forthcoming documentary will let you experience this amazing story and the Caribbean setting that made it possible.
Stay tuned for updates on the Little Giant documentary due for release in early 2025.
‘We went from stupid to less stupid.’
Yair and David admit they never had a ten-point plan or magic mantra. As they jokingly like to say, “We went from stupid to less stupid!” Their self-effacing humor offer a refreshing change from self-serving business books.
Yair and David detest publicity. They only agreed to do interviews for the book when the author promised no “claiming,” surf slang for uncool boosting.
Little Giant tells the real story, not a whitewashed version.
An underdog success tale set in the tropics
With more than 50 photos of remote beaches, towering cacti, and exotic wildlife, Little Giant transports you to a world tourists rarely see. They’re the kind of images that make you smile and relax at the same time.
Little Giant invites you to live vicariously through David and Yair’s unconventional pursuit of happiness.
Get inspired by two best friends who refused to settle for what society expected of them.
Ready to ride the wave of new possibilities?
Little Giant is for anyone who’s ever dreamed of taking a bold leap, but never quite made it happen.
Order your copy today:
Amazon
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Bookshop.org
