Design a Business That Works Without You

What if you could step away from the day-to-day and your business not only survives, but thrives? Whether you’re thinking about building a leadership team, selling one day, acquiring another business, or just finally taking a vacation without panic… this session is for you.

In this talk, Mike shares his real-life journey of taking over a family business and transforming it into a modern, scalable company. But this isn’t just a succession story, it’s about building a business that doesn’t rely on you, so you can focus on the big picture. We’ll cover how to increase your company’s value (even if you’re not planning to sell), what makes a business attractive to buyers, investors, or successors, and the key strategies to pull yourself out of the weeds and operate like a true leader. Whether you’re planning to exit in 2 years, 20 years, or never, this session will help you build a stronger, more valuable business that runs like a company, not a job.

Presenter: Mike Libbey

Mike, Partner & COO at YBL, has a rich history with the company, starting part-time at 17 while studying at Niagara College and then Yorkville University. Before joining YBL full-time in 2010, he gained valuable experience at the Ministry of Finance. Since then, Mike has been instrumental in evolving YBL into a tech-driven firm, serving clients across North America. His individual accolades include winning Best Accountant in Clarington, Oshawa, and Whitby (2019-2024), while YBL has proudly claimed Best Accounting Firm, Tax Services, and Bookkeeping for 7 consecutive years. In 2021, Mike earned his Smith Manoeuvre certification and was recently named a Top 50 International ProAdvisor. Most notably, he received the Todd Skinner Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2024, underscoring his leadership and innovation. Mike’s dedication continues to drive YBL’s mission of empowering businesses with modern, scalable financial solutions.

Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week

November 17 – 21st 2025

Join us for the 13th year of ‘Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week’.

Durham Region’s celebration of entrepreneurship is held each November during Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week is a collaboration of Durham’s business support, educational and networking organizations who have come together to encourage and support entrepreneurs, job creators and innovators who create economic growth in the Durham Region.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD)