Joe Cullen is an author, business strategist, speaker, and social advocate who brings clarity, momentum, and purpose to everything he does. With over 30 years of experience building and scaling businesses across multiple industries, Joe has led startups from concept to exit and advised business owners through real-world challenges of growth, profitability, and leadership.

At the heart of Joe’s work is a driving belief: everyone deserves the tools to build a better life, no matter their starting point.

A Proven Business Leader

Joe is the founder of Business Matters Success Solutions, a company focused on helping startups and small business owners develop sustainable, scalable, and successful companies. Through practical coaching, educational programs, and strategic advising, he has helped entrepreneurs across the country launch stronger businesses and make smarter decisions.

He’s been a five-time founder with three successful exits, a trusted coach to dozens of entrepreneurs, and a problem-solver for companies facing everything from profit leaks to operational chaos.

Author of Straightforward Business Books

Joe is the author of six business books, including The Business Blueprint, The One-Page Business Plan, and The Overwhelmed Entrepreneur. His writing is known for its simplicity, practicality, and real-world insight, designed to help entrepreneurs move from idea to execution without confusion or overwhelm.

His books are read by first-time founders, seasoned operators, and anyone looking to build with purpose, not just hustle.

A Voice for Social Change

In addition to business, Joe is a respected voice on social justice issues in the United States. His long-form essays explore topics like criminal justice reform, homelessness, reentry after incarceration, and economic disparity. As a monthly columnist for Global Trends Magazine, Joe tackles global issues with clarity, compassion, and a call to action, connecting complex policy issues to the people they affect most.

He’s written on topics including food insecurity, global migration, and the impact of tariffs on developing economies.

Founder of Sidre

Joe is also the founder of Sidre (Sidre.us), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping justice-involved individuals rebuild their lives through business education, mentorship, and support. Sidre empowers people who have been incarcerated to reenter society with confidence, and it works to challenge the stigma and structural barriers they face every day.

Through Sidre, Joe is building a national conversation around redemption, opportunity, and second chances.

A Dynamic, High-Energy Speaker

Joe is a keynote speaker known for blending storytelling, strategy, and soul. His talks inspire action and challenge assumptions, whether he’s speaking to a small leadership team or a stadium of thousands. He’s delivered workshops, led corporate trainings, and once served as the opening speaker for Tony Robbins in front of 60,000 energized attendees.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Joe continues to write, teach, coach, and advocate, working every day to help entrepreneurs build stronger businesses and to help communities build a better, more just future.

150+

30+

Years of experience

Happy clients

5

Businesses Founded

3

Successful Exits

1

Successful Failure

100%

Committed to Success