An award-winning true story about the search for personal freedom
The world separates doers from dreamers. This book is for the rare few who are both.
What if your biggest wipe-out became your greatest teacher? Two friends discovered this truth when their career dreams imploded in their late twenties.
David Putnam and Yair Lichtenstein might have played it safe, found new jobs, and stayed on the default path. Instead, they left everything behind and set up shop on a Caribbean island.
With zero retail experience and shoestring funding, they founded their tiny surf shop on three radically simple ideas: stay best friends, have fun, do good. Their bold experiment evolved into Aruba’s most beloved surf shop and a path to freedom that upended every rule of business success.
Inspired by their unconventional choices, author Marcia Heath pursued her own long-buried dream of writing. Through vivid storytelling and in-depth interviews, she weaves together:
• Honest reflections on the wipeouts, unexpected waves, and rewards of reinvention
• Counterintuitive business lessons, like why staying small can lead to greatness
• Insights from experts on friendship, creativity, and the pursuit of happiness
• Striking photos capturing Aruba’s beauty and tight-knit surfing culture
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 you.
Ready to escape the success trap?
Find fresh new angles on getting unmired in the guide, From Lows to Leaps. Inspired by real-world lessons from the book.
What Reviewers Are Saying
“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 is a very human book about choices and what can happen when people truly love each other. It depicts a different way of life and doing business, where you can have your cake and eat it, too.”
Mickey Green, award-winning filmmaker
“Little Giant offers wisdom on business and friendship from an improbable venture in the Caribbean.”
Murray Carpenter, author of Caffeinated
A 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 competitive pressures.
Against long odds, they transformed Bula from a nondescript storefront into a highly profitable business that’s an incubator for local talent and the cultural heart of the island.
The forthcoming documentary will let you experience this amazing story and the Caribbean setting that made it possible.
Subscribe for updates on the Little Giant documentary due for release in 2025.
Underdog heroes
Ask Yair and David for their secret to success, and they’ll laugh: “We went from stupid to less stupid.” Their refreshing honesty sets Little Giant apart from self-serving business books.
Little Giant tells the real story, not a whitewashed version.
Part Caribbean escapism, part inspiration for bold life changes
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.
You’ll live vicariously through David and Yair’s quest for freedom while gaining practical wisdom for your own next chapter.
Get inspired by two mavericks 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. You don’t need to open a surf shop—or even visit the Caribbean—to find inspiration for your next adventure.
Order your copy today:
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🏄♂️ Ride your own wave to success
Awaken your creativity and explore "What's Next?" in the new Lows to Leaps guide.