Pulaski Chamber of Commerce,

“Roy’s groundbreaking book is both fun and relevant. Early on, he indicates that alligators fail more than they succeed. I actually am happy about this! But the real “gator bite,” or learning nugget, from Rocky the Alligator is that small businesses must learn from their mistakes and adapt to the challenges of customer sophistication, fierce competition, and, yes, onerous regulation. Remembering that small businesses in the U.S. generally account for 60 to 80 percent of net new jobs growth, this book is a must for small businesses to navigate the swamp and grow with confidence and integrity.” –Jeffrey C. Thomson, CMA, CAE, CEO, Institute of Management Accountants

“The Alligator Business Solution is a great tool for anyone thinking about starting a business to read thoroughly prior to making the decision to become a small business owner. There is an incredible amount of information compiled from Roy Austin’s decades of experience as a successful businessman, owner, and leader. If you are already in business, this book will enable you to structure your company to achieve even greater success. I enthusiastically recommend The Alligator Business Solution.” – Ron Kirby, President,Business Consulting & Leadership Development Regional Director BNI, Hilton Head & Charleston Regions

“When you are truly ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work on starting or revitalizing your business-READ THIS BOOK! Roy Austin shares practical and logical fundamentals to foster your business success, with a passion for helping you succeed.”-Bob Nicoll, Author, Remember the Ice and Other Paradigm Shifts

“As managing partner of a regional accounting firm, I see many small businesses’ financial results. I believe if more of my clients read this book and paid attention to the details that are discussed, I would have more successful clients. Many of my small business clients are good at certain aspects of their businesses but have many details that are wanting for lack of attention and lack of knowledge on these issues. This book puts into simple readable perspective some of the basic things that businesses can focus upon to achieve greater success. One of the issues I have with the many business books I read is keeping my attention and not lingering on a point too long. This was written well, flowed nicely, and kept my attention. I really believe it will be a help to small businesses that take the time to read it.”-Michael T. McCarthy, Managing Partner, Hancock Askew & Co., LLP Offices in Savannah, Atlanta & Miami

“The Alligator Business Solution is the book I wish I had when I took my first stumbling steps into self-employment two decades ago. I’ve read hundreds of business books, but not one of them was as comprehensive as this one. Roy Austin covers everything from preparing to start your business all the way to really understanding your financials. All of this information, plus the included case studies and encouragement from the author, will save you from the often fatal mistakes made by new business owners. Reading this book is like having your own mentor working with you step-by-step as you navigate the difficult and often lonely road of owning a business.”-Bonnie Jo Davis

“If you want to get through the swamp, you need an experienced guide. Not someone who tells you, ‘This is the way we used to do it,’ but rather someone who says, ‘This is what I learned and here’s how it applies.’

“Along comes Roy Austin, who has compiled the ultimate guide out of the ‘management swamp’ with an extremely practical, realistic and useful how-to book on starting and running your own business. Sure, the swamp/alligator analogy is a little kitschy, but Austin’s examples and no-nonsense advice make it easy to overlook the smilin’ gator that leads you through the book. And it fits his down-to-earth sense of humor and humility. If Austin doesn’t know something, he tells you who does and where to find it.That makes this an invaluable survival guide. Einstein said genius is the ability to explain the complex in the simplest terms possible-and no simpler. Austin may not be Einstein, but he would be my choice for swamp guide.”-M. Dan. Suwyn Partner, Workplace Dynamics, Former:Owner of Rapid Change Group, Managing Editor, Savannah Morning News,Presentation Editor,Fort Wayne News Sentinel,Reporter Gannett Newspapers

“Starting and running a small business is, to say the least, a tremendous challenge.We all know that a significant percentage of start-ups and small businesses fail, and that there can be many reasons for this. “One of the main reasons, without a doubt, is the wide range of skills required of the small business owner/operator. It is extremely rare that an owner/operators possesses all of the skills required, so it is essential that they both ‘know what they need to know’ and ‘know what they don’t know.’ The Alligator Business Solution provides an exceptional go-to handbook for the small business owner/operator. It thoroughly covers virtually all of the key elements around small business, from strategy and planning to organization and finance, as well as marketing/sales operations. “Most importantly, The Alligator Business Solution does all this in a manner that is approachable, friendly, and understandable. It educates without intimidating.The author, Coach Roy, does this in a refreshing and innovative framework by using ‘The Swamp’ and ‘The Alligator’ as the metaphors. The reader can find everything they need to know under topics such as ‘Swamp Fundamentals, ‘Finding Food in the Swamp,’ and ‘Swamp Survival.’ Business handbooks work best when they are truly handy, and The Alligator Business Solution certainly fits the bill here! I would recommend it heartily to any and all small business owners/operators who are smart enough to know that they don’t know it all.”-Professor Mickey Goodman, Professor of Business & Entrepreneurship, Savannah College of Art & Design Co-Founder and Principal with e2Advisors LLC.

“Having completed a number of acquisitions (25+) of early stage companies during 35 years as a business leader, and experiencing varying levels of operating sophistication within them, I appreciate the value of the basic but essential ‘words of wisdom’ Roy Austin shares in The Alligator Business Solution. He has written a guide, or perhaps better said ‘playbook,’ for a first-time entrepreneur who is just starting a business and/or a business owner who needs to reset/pivot a company’s direction and priorities. These are lessons one might learn in business school, but for those without this training, it is exactly what a street-savvy, first-time entrepreneur should know and follow in building a sustainable profitable business. “In The Alligator Business Solution, Roy provides a thoughtful and practical step-by-step approach essential to establishing a structure and winning operating culture within a business, by sharing his extensive knowledge and experience. He covers all aspects/functions critical to building a successful business highlighting the importance of planning, processes, controllership, marketing, leadership, and governance within a company. Starting with a vision, statement of values & company culture, and fundamental purpose of a business, he provides the reader an insightful tutorial that should help to put your company on a successful track going forward. I highly recommend Roy’s ‘Solution’ to all entrepreneurs and early stage company owners, whether just starting a business or still in the early stages of development and growth.”-Kenneth Boyda, Current: Chairman & Director of Razberi Technologies Inc.,Director of Vidsys, Inc.,Former: President and CEO of Interlogix/General Electric Security

“This easy-to-read book explains how any business owner can progress from the fundamentals of an excellent product or service to sustainable success. The way to build any business is to develop a product or service with a competitive advantage. Most small business owners know how to make an excellent product or provide an excellent service, but may have limited knowledge about how to achieve a competitive advantage. Mr. Austin stresses that all businesses must constantly make business decisions beyond their product or service and also understand the quickly changing business environment. 

“You may have the best product today; but, if you do not adapt, you may find yourself in second place or worse over time. Mr. Austin presents guidelines on how to monitor your business continuously to achieve your goals. In this book, the author compares building a business to building a house in the ‘business swamp,’ which requires a solid foundation upon which to base decisions. In essence, this requires knowledge of all aspects of the business, along with the skills and tools to utilize that knowledge. Mr. Austin has done an excellent job in presenting this blueprint in a humorous and entertaining manner, and I highly recommended his book to every business owner, regardless of the business size.”- Allen Yessman, MAcc, CMA, CPA Adjunct Professor of Accounting, Nova Southeastern University

“Fundamental to this book is that businesses are serious and essential to the owners. From the start, Roy Austin’s true wish is for every reader’s business to thrive. He clearly and thoroughly presents guidelines for success with compassion and wit, liberally supported by enjoyable anecdotes from his extensive network of successful entrepreneurs. What makes the book stand out is Roy’s ability to provide workable solutions distilled not only from the experiences of business luminaries (e.g., Jack Welch), great thinkers (e.g. David Kahneman, Mark Twain), and from small business owners he has met, but also from his own consulting experiences, all distilled into bite-size edibles that small business owners will relish. You will not put this book down once you start, but you will want to reread with a highlighter to emphasize the prescriptions he offers that parallel your business. His passion for entrepreneurs and small businesses is evident as he asks you the reader to participate in end-of-chapter tasks that will reward you with fresh views of your business that will sustain you for years.”-Tim Cairney, Associate Professor, Georgia Southern University Chair, Florida Council, Institute of Management Accountants

“Like the alligator, this comprehensive business book has a way of sneaking up on you. There are 76 chapters, but don’t let that frighten you. Each one is direct and to the point. If you are looking for a solution to a specific challenge, you can hunt down your issue by chapter topic. At the end of each chapter, the author gives you an assignment so you can implement what you have learned. Roy Austin has shared his years of experience with his readers in an incredibly organized fashion befitting that of an authentic financial expert. Read from start to finish or bite by bite depending on how hungry you are for these tasty tips on how to succeed in the competitive business world.”- Lydia Ramsey, International Business Etiquette Expert, Speaker and Author, Manners That Sell—Adding the Polish That Builds Profits.

“Roy Austin has a true passion for helping people find ways to be successful in business. His new book, The Alligator Business Solution, shows not only that passion but reflects his knowledge of what it takes to run a viable business. A joyful read that offers great insight!”-Shellie West, CEO & Founder, the Greater Bluffton, SC Chamber of Commerce.

“I found it very informative and think it is an excellent tool for the small business owner. This a fun read that is easy to understand and kept my attention. The short segmented topics are great for the busy entrepreneur, making it easy to pick up and focus on one area.”- Terry Peacock, President, Peacock Cabinetry

“A brilliant reminder that the solution to complex problems can often be discovered by returning to core principles. Warning: This book will make you evaluate the effectiveness of every person and operating procedure in your business.”-Ammie Dover, Principal, Larek Point Consulting

“Roy’s messages based on the use of analogies of alligators and swamps to the starting and running of a small business are simple and straightforward. Their value is that they are memorable, logical, actionable, and realistic. A good read!”- Ray Wenig, President & COO, Salt Marsh Angels

When I bought The Alligator Business Solution I didn’t know this book was going to become a priceless asset. While you may run a successful company, I encourage all to read this book. No, not just a book; this is business manual. Learn not only the accounting, taxes, assets, debts, marketing, ups and downs of business, business plans, your customers, but also learn about your SUCCESS! My favorite feature of this book is the “Gator Bites,” little bits of knowledge that really make you think.These tips improved a few of aspects in my business.This entertaining business manual gave me a good laugh or two.The book is easy to read, and includes informative stories about small businesses. I’ve started using the book to redo my business plan step by step.-Josh Barrett, President, Barrett Information Technology

 “Educational, Entertaining, and Concise. A must read for any entrepreneur or intraprenuer.”-Robert Bendetti, CFO of Life Cycle Engineering
Founder of the Charleston CFO Council

 “The Alligator Business Solution is helping me realize my potential in business by leading me along a path to realize for myself what needs to be done to succeed in business and that it can be done if you are passionate about what you do. I have found it to be easier to read that many business books and Coach Roy to be a caring and kind soul who I believe truly wants me to succeed.”-Albert Knight, Owner, Carolina Chillin’ LLC

 “The Alligator Business Solution, is a great resource for Small Business Owners or people looking to start a small business.  Roy does an excellent job of providing a road map and insight into all the skills, tools, and understanding one must address to have the best possibility for success in the small business swamp!”-Tom Graziano, Owner, Bottom Line Products, Inc.

“I find the book to be a good start for small business owners as well as start-ups – it is very easy to read and formatted in a way that it is easily understood. It gives the basics to a good and successful start for good business practices. I found you made an excellent point, from an accountant’s perspective, when you said ‘you don’t make money doing accounting, you make money providing products and services to your customers.”-Rebecca A. Vincent, MBA, Accounting & Tax Services

“The Alligator Business Solution is a “soup to nuts” handbook every small business owner needs to read and re-read!”- Hamp Greene, Partner, Palmetto Benefit Solutions

“I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well-written book by Roy Austin. Many “business” books are too technical and detailed and although their content is good, the books themselves are not user-friendly. They have no practical applicability for the average small business owner This is NOT the case with The Alligator Business Solution. It is user-friendly and has practical applicability. It is an excellent map for small business improvement. I like the use of the Gator Bites and quite frankly like his use of the Table of Contents as being an easy reference guide to Specific items of interest. I recommend that every small business owner read this book!!” –Don Davis, Branch Manager Open Mortgage, LLC

“I found Roy Austin’s book to be full of practical business tips, great business advice, and humorous anecdotes.The subjects that he covered were very useful to any business owner, and the examples he chose to make his points were very insightful. As a member of BNI, I have met many business coaches and business strategists, but I have total confidence in Roy’s advice and his expertise. His book covered all the necessary information for a new business owner or a seasoned one! I highly recommend this book to BNI members.”-Celeste Simmons, Owner, Big Social Marketing

“How does someone that has never started a business know how to write a business plan? How do they know they need a business plan? The Alligator Business Solution explained why and told how. I know there are thicker books but that’s not what a newbie needs. The Alligator Business Solution is simple, inspiring and useful. I gave it to a friend that needed it badly!”- Rick Clanton, Principal, Group 3 Architects

If you are thinking about starting a small business here is a hint.  Read this book.  It has everything you need to know in order to be a success. If you are already in a small business here is a hint: Read this book. It has everything you need to know in order to stay/become a success. What you can take away from this book if you pay attention is as good as a Summer Session at Harvard. Without the hassle and expense.-Joseph K Hall, Architect

Roy Austin’s book is a practical is a must read for start-up, growing, and established businesses alike.  Roy provides practical ideas and thought-provoking exercises that lead the business owner to examine both leadership and management practices. I highly recommend this book.- Linda Klingman, Principal, HRCoastal

I strongly encourage any person who is considering starting a new business to read Roy Austin’s book, The “Alligator Business Solution.” The insight that he brings to the table is exactly what each entrepreneur needs to understand before investing their time, money, blood, sweat, and tears. Roy has chronicled each critical area that a prospective business owner should have knowledge of before they make the leap. I believe anyone who practices the principles presented by Roy, just raised their opportunity for a successful business venture significantly! I’ve read a lot of business books and next to “The One Minute Manager”, this is my favorite.- Rick Harris, Dealer Principal and majority owner of James Matthews Inc. auto dealership. retired. Currently, Chairman of the Board of Grant County State Bank, Swayzee, Indiana

 Small business owners and entrepreneurs all share the same dreams of success.Their “can do” attitude and expertise in the profession of their choosing is certainly a key ingredient to making those dreams a reality.  Sadly, those dreams can quickly become nightmares without the proper forethought, planning, and efficient execution of critical components which are vital to the success of any business, no matter how big or small. In The Alligator Business Solution, author Roy Austin gets to the heart of what ultimately makes people, and their businesses, succeed. This book is an excellent resource for every business owner, manager, or entrepreneur, regardless of age or experience. Mr. Austin’s fluid presentation of topics in manageable “Gator Bites” allows the reader to maximize comprehension of essential truths and practices that transform businesses from “good” to “great”, and from “better” to “best”. I will continually refer to Mr. Austin’s book as a guide to ensure the long-term success of my own company, not just for the sake of success, but so that we can continue to improve the lives of those within our community whom we are privileged to serve.-Bill Fletcher, President, Unisource Mortgage

“You will want to redesign your entire business plan after reading Roy’s book”- Marjorie Young, President of Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.

This book has good, clear explanations of the nuts-and-bolts of operating a business, but, unusually, they are combined with lots of useful advice about the attitudes, skills, and practices that you need to be successful at it.- Dennis Austin, Development Manager, PowerPoint, Microsoft Corp., Retired

“A five star “must” read for entrepreneurs and small businessmen. “The Alligator” offers easy-to-read recommendations based upon experience and wisdom. The author explains the fundamentals of writing a sound business plan, and the short stories of successful businesses at the end of the book are inspiring.”-David Kimball, Small business owner, Retired

 “Why get an MBA when you can take a bite out of Coach Roy’s book. The Alligator Business Solution is entertaining Saturday morning reading and useful Monday afternoon reference material; and, it is an essential organism in the small business or any business habitat.”-Cooper Glenn, CIA, CPA, CFF

“What I liked about the book is its comprehensiveness in a very readable and usable style. It hits all the topics a new business has to address and meets needs on so many levels. For those thinking about starting a business, it tells them all the areas they need to have covered, many of which are not their passion. The story lines help to give real life experiences so they can relate to the topic and hopefully gain a better understanding of it. For those planning to start a new business, it is a great checklist to make sure they have the needs covered. And not just topical needs, but also what information specifics do they need to be keeping and watching to see how their business is doing.  For those in a new or existing business, it is a great checklist to see what they have covered and what they may be deficient covering. 

It documents the massive number of things that have to happen to make a business successful.”- Rob Hager, ChE PE, MBA, 6 Sigma Black Belt, Special Projects Manager, Eastman Chemical Company

I really enjoyed reading Roy’s book, Alligator Business Solutions. I found that it was well organized and easy to read. I liked that it presents different business concepts and accounting terminology in a fresh and simple way with practical applications. Because of the way it is organized with short chapters, I was able to read a little bit at a time and then think about what I read as I went about my day as a small business owner. I appreciate that it is a thought provoking book and instead of just attempting to provide all the answers and solutions it helps equip the reader to find the best answers and solutions that match their unique business situation.  I highly recommend you read this book whether you are involved in business for your full-time occupation, have a casual interest in business or are somewhere in between.-Stephen Mobley, Owner Berkeley Flowers and Gifts

The Alligator Business Solution is the no-nonsense, common sense approach to business and solving day to day issues that affect all businesses. Good advice for every layer of management.-Bill Smith, General Manager, Litco Mfg. SE, Wellford.SC

“As a business owner, professional investor and amateur herpetologist, I highly recommend Roy’s book. It’s about time someone gave the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) the credit it deserves. A business person needs to be prepared in order to perform the hard work of establishing and managing a viable business. When an opportunity appears, it is best to jump on it quickly and with enough scale to make a difference. Roy’s book provides an excellent guide on setting up a new business, improving the management of any business, old or new, and how to best take advantage of opportunities.”-Felton Jenkins, CFA Partner & Portfolio Manager, Trimaran Capital LLC

I am in the Swamp! Thanks to The Alligator Business Solution, I believe I now have tools and direction to get out and on to dry ground. Here is a document that points the way, highlights priorities, and provides a framework to grow and succeed. During the beginning of my career in the military, I was issued a guidebook. It served as a reference for almost all things military. It was invaluable during my years in the service and I still have it today. This book by Coach Roy is the guidebook for the business owner and all others laboring in the business swamp. This well thought out book covers business essentials from the initial planning, start up, and all along the business journey. Best of all, Coach has made it down right interesting! Like my other guidebook, I will keep it and use it for many, many years. Read and heed to succeed!- Dave Corneliussen, Owner, Sea Spray Exterior Cleaning 

The title of this book is unusual, drawing your attention from the start. After learning more about the message of the book, the alligator analogy is spot on. Bluffton, SC resident Roy Austin is the founder of Rockwell Business Solutions, LLC, a business consulting/coaching firm with a mission to help small businesses by giving them a competitive advantage from the start. Roy, known as Coach Roy, shares his expertise from many years of experience in business and is now an in-demand speaker, conducting numerous seminars, teaching effective methods and solutions to succeed in business. In writing “The Alligator Business Solution”, Coach Roy interviewed 18 thriving small business owners. The book describes many of the pitfalls that can potentially sabotage the chances for success while teaching concepts and tools to benefit organizations of every size and type, whether for-profit, non-profit, church or civic organizations. This valuable business guide details practical advice for building a “solid house” in the “business swamp”, emphasizing the importance of mastering the basics (product expertise, financial, marketing and managing people) whether you enjoy them or not. Small business owners, as well as those hoping to be, will find this book easy to read, entertaining and, most importantly, full of relevant information.-Glenda S. Harrison, Freelance Writer/Contributor to The Bluffton Sun

Roy, I’m sitting on the beach reading the financial part of your book. I am finding it incredibly beneficial. You are explaining things in ways I have never heard explained before or perhaps just never really understood. Kudos. Really enjoying it! I wish I had it when I was planning my own business. By reading Roy’s book you can avoid many of the mistakes many of us make in the early stages of building a business. The section on accounting was especially useful. It helped me understand what were previously complex concepts in a way that I could understand and use to my benefit. I recommend Roy’s book whether you are just starting out or whether you are already scarred from life in the business swamp.- Brad Tholen, Owner, Horizon Home Inspectors

 Hey Roy…I thoroughly enjoyed your book, and found your writing style (pragmatic, easily digestible bites, and “assignments”) entertaining and useful!!  I’m a “serial” entrepreneur, as you know, and I know that I don’t know it all! Thanks for the gentle reminder-in many chapters-to get my ducks in a row!- Carol Kirchner, Business Development Consultant, Barter Card USA

The Alligator Business Solution is a great tool for my leadership team to use, because it breaks most aspects of a small business into understandable parts. Many of our staff are not knowledgeable about all of the areas of a business that require attention and The Alligator Business Solution illustrates what needs to happen for any business to be successful. At the same time, it does not get bogged down in the minutia of details that many business books do. I am making this required reading for my managers and supervisors.- Mike Peterson, CEO, Gabriel Group

I have never met a small business owner that did not want to succeed, but success is not something a business owner should leave to chance.There is a greater probability of success when the pursuit of an opportunity intersects with a high level of preparedness.   Roy’s easy-to-read book provides much of the knowledge needed to improve one’s level of preparedness and chances of success. However, this book offers much more, it offers knowledge and insights that can make that success sustainable. “No one will care about your business like you do.” Few could argue with that statement, which comes from one of Roy Austin’s first “Gator Bites.” However, the care and nurturing of a business requires knowledge. By reading this book, you will learn about all the facets of operating and managing a business. Accounting, marketing, risk management, employee hiring and retention, and the list goes on. All the foundational concepts are here.  You do not need to be an expert in everything, but you certainly need an awareness of the fundamentals.The Alligator Business Solution offers you the foundational knowledge that is essential on your path to success.-Paul E Juras, PhD, CMA, CPA, Vander Wolk Professor of Management Accounting and Operational Performance Babson College, pjuras@babson.edu

“The Alligator Business Solution is a book to keep and refer to often. Chapter four may be my favorite. If you own your own business, just buy it. The book is informative, practical, and presents a humble approach to business success.”-Doug Baird, Owner, OneWorld Sustainable

 “A comprehensive guide for anyone who is running or intending to start a small business. As a small businessman myself, I am aware of the many pitfalls in dealing with the different aspects of the operation.  Paramount importance includes staff loyalty, the integrity of the product and service offered, customers satisfaction, selection of professional service, cash flow and regulatory compliance. In your book, you discussed all the above and more and with quotes from practicing business managers. While reading your book I put your suggestions in the context of my own operation. I identified one major weakness and I’ve initiated a project to fix it. Better to be aware of the alligator than trying to manage by crisis.”-Ernest Yu, Chairman, Erlina Pty Limited Melbourne, Australia

“I have enjoyed your book since I’ve been “in a swamp.” Good read, very understandable, excellent organization. My only question is that it could with some tweaking be a sort of guidebook for many areas other than business ones, thereby making it more marketable to a much larger audience. The “alligator” can be a solution and/or help in home management, relationship management, estate management.”- Eleanor Hutton, Professor, Emory & Henry College

The “Alligator Business Solution” is a book I would recommend to anyone thinking of starting a business, or anyone who currently has one. Throughout its pages, Roy makes you feel like he is right there with you in the room, encouraging you with his treasure trove of true-life stories of business owners, each with a lesson to teach. The Alligator is a wonderful metaphor, as Roy takes each aspect of running a business and turns it into easily digestible “gator bites.” Roy shows us that the apparently daunting “elephant” like problem of learning a business is just to eat it “one bite at a time.” Everything is laid out for clarity and organization, yet Roy makes learning fun with quotable quotes, funny graphics and thoughtful images. The book has hands-on exercises that reinforce its messages. It inspires the reader to see that there are many ways to run a successful business, but all have one thing: singular focus. And that is the strength of Alligator Solution: it practices what it preaches throughout its pages that are conversational, funny and inspiring, yet at the same time, driving home life-long lessons.  Refreshingly, the book doesn’t preach in platitudes: instead, like all great “how-to” authors, Roy comes across as a listener: he makes you ask yourself, “What do you want? What are your values? Which businesses do you identify with?  The Alligator Solution is simply a must-have for future business owners, and any current business owner will greatly profit from its wisdom as well.-Dr. Craig J. Richardson, BB&T Distinguished Professor of Economics Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC

What a great read!  Not only is The Alligator Business Solutions packed with great information, it is well written for an easy read in comparison to other similar books in the same field.  Once you pick this book up you won’t be able to put it down! The only thing I recommend is a pen and paper to take notes because you are going to want to take this all in!- Michael Ruthsatz, Real Estate Manager, Adams Outdoor Advertising

 The Alligator Business Solution is easy to read, to the point and you don’t need a masters in finance to understand simple solutions!- David Crenshaw, CEO, International Dunnage, LLC, Thunderbolt, GA.

The Alligator Business Solution is a practical, common sense approach to growing and sustaining a profitable business. I recommend the book to any small business owner as a reference guide when problem solving.- Joel Rudicil, President, LED Lowcountry, LLC

The Alligator Business Solutions is a truly unique book that every business owner should have in his library. It contains very practical and applicable knowledge.The book has a road map, a step by step pathway to success in running a business, implementing the best practices in business development and management.- Roman Larionov, President, PCSaved.com

 The Alligator Business Solution is an informative, easy-to-read primer on organizing and managing a business, based on the experiences of eighteen successful entrepreneurs. Small business owners will be doing themselves a huge favor by reading it. Roy Austin gives really sound, practical advice.- Jim Jordan, Author of Savannah Grey

“The Alligator Business Solution” is packed with sound real world advice and covers many topics that small business owners fall short on. I’d highly recommend it to small business owners who want to succeed in the real world.- Michael Osteen, M.B.A., Chief Investment Strategist, Port Wren Capital

“As comprehensive a book on starting and operating a small business as I have ever come across. Very detailed, yet highly readable and accessible. This is one you read, and then keep on the shelf for on-going reference.”- Henry Lopez, Co-Founder & Managing Partner

I liked the book very much. I found it has plenty of “old school” values that seem to have been lost over the years. I liked the very simple, basic, non-complicated approach.This would be an easy book to use as a guide to get started and continue to use as a reference to achieve great success in any business.-Jack Passarello, Director on the National Staff for Engineering, ATT&T

The Alligator Business Solution offers vital information for small businesses in a clever and entertaining manner comparing their survival to that of an alligator. I especially enjoyed the quotes prior to each chapter. In addition, the examples of local small businesses whose ideals have enabled them to survive and thrive over time were very beneficial.- Lisa F. Lanier, Chief Financial Officer, Precision Cutting Service

The accounting portion of this book gives the reader a comprehensive look at small business practice in the field. It is a good first look at what is involved with understanding the signs on the highway to financial success.- Gerald S. Silberstein, PhD CPA MBA CMA Accounting Program Coordinator, Assistant Professor The Sage Colleges School of Management

“Two of my many positions during my IBM career was developing both a Customer Satisfaction Process (yes, it is a process) and I also studied and taught the value of working as a Team as opposed to working alone. The Alligator Business Solution does an excellent job of emphasizing and teaching these two concepts. I wish I had the book thirty years ago.”-Mike Nicoletti

 I truly enjoyed reading The Alligator Business Solution. Since I recently started my small business, the timing was perfect as I could learn as I read. I found the book had several points that helped explain how to help get my business up and running effectively and efficiently. Since I didn’t go to school per-say to start my own business, reading the book helped me grow and learn as a small business owner.- Alexandra O’Neil, Owner, Alexandra’s Video Marketing

This is a great handbook for anyone in business. Full of practical information and strategy that will allow you to evaluate your business.- Heather Bragg, Owner, Bragg Media

After retirement from Eastman Chemical Company, I continued in community service, but if I had had Roy Austin’s book, I am sure I would have tried my hand at starting a business! It is the best guide for beginning entrepreneurs that I have encountered. It is a pleasant, humorous, easy “read” and appeared to me to be as complete as such a book can be. It contains real-life examples of the business “swamp” and greatly emphasizes pertinent points as “gator bites”. 

I believe it could also be used as a textbook for a class in starting a business. I recommend it to anyone contemplating going into business. It could be your first, and best, investment yet!- Charles L Seay, Retired, Director of International Trade Services, Eastman Chemical Company District Governor of Rotary and AID (Administration for International Development) in The Czech Republic and India

Coach Roy, I wanted to let you know how interesting the book you wrote was. You provided a lot deeper insight to items I should have look harder at. Since discovering areas that need attention, we are in the process of rewriting our contracts and our customer service expectations. Great Book-Time for a sequel!!- Sam Liberti, Owner, Low Tide Designs

The Alligator Business solution is a must read for any business owner seeking to improve efficiency of operations, creating business strategies and improving profitability. Roy Austin presents business concepts in a very clear and understandable format.  Wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone in business leadership or ownership roles.- Matt Follis, Owner, Empire Construction

The Alligator Solution is simply a must-have for future business owners, and any current business owner will greatly profit from its wisdom as well.-Author Unknown, Amazon Review

“The Alligator Business Solution should be required reading for all college introduction to entrepreneurship courses and owners of small, privately-owned businesses.”-Erich K. Schmid, President, Business Intermediary Services, Ltd., CM&AA (Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor)

“It was a pleasure to be asked to be interviewed and included in this book. After I read it, I can say it is an HONOR to be a part of this book!” If you have ever thought about entrepreneurialism, this is a must-read. Excellent read that you won’t want to put down.- Michael E Covert, President/CEO, Covert Aire

The “Alligator Business Solution” is, like its author Roy Austin, a delightful, witty, intelligent, thoughtful, immensely helpful, and unique companion for either your next large business training or a friendly and helpful one-to-one conversation. Entertaining and chock-full of information you can put to use immediately.- Daisy Nelson White, PhD President, White Ridgely Associates Founding Member, Polaris Tech Charter School.

I found The Alligator Business Solution to be a very helpful book. In particular, I like the Cause and Effect Fishbone model. It is a very descriptive and visual way for business owners to map out factors affecting profits and cash available for business opportunities.-Steve Richards, Principal, Alongside Business Consulting

Since I spent my entire career in large corporations, it is fair to say that I know very little about small businesses. However, Roy’s book is not just relevant to the small business environment. As I read “The Alligator Business Solution”, I was struck at how applicable nearly every chapter was to managing success within a large corporate structure, since most corporations have divisions and product lines that often function like small businesses. The analogy of the alligator in a swamp is very graphic and therefore, memorable. Inserting thought catching “gator bites” is an exceptional way to drive home the points. I particularly recall the gator bite “Its impossible to make a good decision with bad information”.This one point transcends all aspects of a successful organization and for that matter, one’s life itself. Well done, Coach Roy!-Robert D Sipprell, Jr, MBA, SPHR, Retired HR Executive

As a vacation rental business owner, I highly recommend Roy’s book. It is so easy to read and very understandable. It’s very informative for any business, and an excellent resource for starting a new business. The book is full of knowledge which is needed to succeed, and I thoroughly enjoyed the financial section.The entire book is an excellent guide!-Terry Allmon, Owner Alemaigne Haus Cabins, Helen, GA

“A good primer for small business owners. Covers the fundamental building blocks for starting and maintaining a successful business. Chapter assignments provide the reader an opportunity to reflect on and improve their business outcomes. An easy and worthwhile read full of business witticisms and small business success stories.”-Ed, Pappas, AT&T. District Manager- Marketing Residential Long Distance Services

I highly recommend The Alligator Business Solution by H. Roy Austin to entrepreneurs or experienced business people. I have easily read over 350 business books through my career and found this to be one of the most organized and useful. Packed with important information ranging from seeing the vision through marketing and leadership, Mr. Austin delivers it in an easy to understand and methodical format. The photos, graphs and tables are extremely well done. It is a book to use over and over again as a guide for any growing business. It is a 5-star business guide I will continually use. Be sure to put it on your shelf and learn the right way to run your business.-Edward Gelb, President, CEO of SEO

The Alligator Business Solution is a fun read full of enjoyable anecdotes, rich in wisdom, and hits on core concepts central to success in business. I’ve been a principal in several businesses. I enthusiastically recommend it to small business owners.-Austin Kennedy, Principal, Savannah Forestry Equipment

Many thanks to John Kropski for this 5 star Amazon review of The Alligator Business Solution.

Amazon Review October 14, 2019: 5.0 out of 5 stars

Roy does a great job condensing so many key business topics

Roy includes over 70 chapters each covering an important aspect of leading and controlling a business. He delivers his knowledge in a practical yet educational manner obviously supported by his many years of work with his clients. This is a book for the busy entrepreneur who is at the point of moving the organization from start-up towards sustainability.-John Kropski CPA, AMSF, President, Amherst Growth Partners.