Nearly one in five small businesses never makes it through the first year. That’s not just a statistic; it’s a wake-up call. And it’s exactly why Alan Wozniak wrote The Small Business BIG EXIT. This new book, now live on Amazon, is not another glossy “how-I-made-it” memoir. Instead, it’s an honest, practical playbook for surviving the grind of entrepreneurship — and coming out stronger, richer, and ready for your own big exit.
“Success isn’t about avoiding storms. It’s about learning to navigate them. Show up when things are hard, celebrate the wins, and always be there when it sucks,” — Alan Wozniak, CEC, CIEC, President & CEO of Business Health Matters / MarketWell Solutions
A Realistic Look at Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurs hear plenty of hype about “overnight” success. Wozniak’s story is the opposite. Over 25 years, he built a company from nothing, survived near-bankruptcy, grew it 370% in four years, earned four Inc. 5000 honors, and ultimately sold at 17.5x EBITDA. How? Not through shortcuts, but through transparency, grit, and what he calls “being there when it sucked.”
In The Small Business BIG EXIT, Wozniak takes readers behind the scenes of payroll scares, cash-flow crunches, and boardroom battles. He openly shares the leadership habits that carried him and his team through the lows and into the wins. His goal: to help other small business owners see the tough times not as a failure but as a training ground for resilience and growth.
“I’ll never forget those first years when cash flow was tight and my team worried about payroll,” Wozniak recalls. “Being honest and present with my people — showing up emotionally and practically — built trust. That trust became our superpower.”
From Struggle to Success
Wozniak’s journey is proof that embracing the tough moments pays off. By leaning into the principle of “being there when it sucked,” he transformed his company from a struggling startup into a powerhouse. Along the way, he discovered a set of eight “business health” pillars that can turn obstacles into stepping stones.
In the book, he breaks these ideas into actionable steps for today’s entrepreneurs. Readers learn how to:
- Practice radical transparency with their teams.
- Build resilience using the eight business health pillars.
- Turn obstacles into stepping stones instead of dead ends.
- Celebrate small wins to fuel motivation and morale.
Each chapter is rooted in real-life stories and strategies, not just theories. Wozniak’s conversational tone makes complex business ideas approachable, whether you’re running a million-dollar enterprise or just opening your first storefront.
More Than a Memoir — A Playbook for Small Business Owners
While Wozniak’s own experiences inspire The Small Business BIG EXIT, it’s written for anyone who’s ever signed a lease, hired a first employee, or lost sleep over making payroll. Think of it as a trusted mentor in book form.
“Success isn’t about avoiding storms. It’s about learning to navigate them,” Wozniak emphasizes. “Show up when things are hard, celebrate the wins, and always be there when it sucks.”
This mindset shift — from fearing adversity to embracing it — is the heartbeat of the book. Wozniak shows that resilience isn’t a trait you’re born with; it’s a skill you build by showing up consistently, even when things aren’t going your way.
Availability and Bonus Offer
The Small Business BIG EXIT is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retailers. As a bonus, readers can take the free Business Success Scorecard Quiz on 10XCoach.ai. The quiz gives a quick, accurate snapshot of where your business stands across key performance areas — a perfect companion to the strategies in the book.
About the Author
Alan Wozniak is a veteran entrepreneur, small business advocate, and founder of Business Health Matters / MarketWell Solutions. With over 25 years of experience building, scaling, and exiting successful companies, he has inspired business leaders to rethink what it means to lead through adversity. His approach — rooted in transparency, resilience, and shared purpose — has made him a sought-after speaker, mentor, and coach for entrepreneurs across the country.
Why This Book Matters Now
In a world where small businesses face unprecedented challenges — from economic shifts to talent shortages to supply-chain disruptions — Wozniak’s message is timely and refreshing. Rather than selling a dream, he offers a proven framework to help owners survive the storms, build stronger teams, and exit on their own terms.
Whether you’re still in the grind or already planning your big exit, The Small Business BIG EXIT is your guide to doing it with honesty, grit, and purpose.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
- Nearly one in five small businesses fails in its first year.
- Transparency and resilience are not optional; they’re survival skills.
- Celebrating small wins can power long-term success.
- “Being there when it sucks” is more than a mantra — it’s a leadership habit.
- The eight pillars of business health can help any company prepare for a successful exit.
Final Word from Alan
“Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster. Some days you’re on top of the world, other days you’re hanging on for dear life. The Small Business BIG EXIT is the book I wish I had 25 years ago — a roadmap to remind me that the hard times are part of the journey. Show up. Stay honest. Trust your team. And remember: every storm you weather makes you, your team and your business stronger.”
For more information, review copies, or interview requests,
Please contact:
Media Relations –
MarketWell Solutions
Alan Wozniak
727-252-9533
