In this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Mike Libbey, the Chief Operating Officer of YBL, an accounting firm based in Ontario, Canada. Mike shares his journey of joining the family business, which was founded by his father, and discusses the transition of leadership and the growth of the firm over the years. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges of balancing family and professional relationships, succession planning, and scaling a business.
The Origins of YBL and Mike's Entry into the Business
Mike's father, a CPA, started YBL (formerly known as Your Bottom Line) as a side business while working full-time in corporate finance. Over time, YBL grew, and in 2010, Mike joined the firm as its first official employee. Interestingly, there was no grand plan for Mike to take over the business. Initially, he considered working elsewhere after college, but after multiple job interviews, he realized the potential of his father's firm and decided to join. This natural evolution led to Mike working alongside his father, slowly taking on more responsibilities in bookkeeping, personal and corporate taxes, and operations.
Growing the Firm and Scaling Operations
Under Mike’s leadership, YBL has grown significantly since he joined in 2010. When he started, the firm was a small, sole proprietorship with only a handful of subcontractors. Over the years, YBL expanded from working out of his father's living room to having its own office space. By implementing new systems and embracing technology, Mike helped streamline operations, allowing the firm to scale effectively. Today, YBL is a team of about 30, with plans for further expansion through natural growth and acquisitions.
Balancing Family Dynamics and Business Growth
A key theme in the interview is the balance between family relationships and business growth. Mike shares that neither he nor his father initially pushed for him to take over the business, and they were more focused on making thoughtful decisions for the company's future. This approach has allowed them to maintain a healthy personal relationship while successfully running and growing YBL. Mike also reflects on the importance of not forcing succession on his children, emphasizing that it should happen naturally, much like his own journey with the firm.
Listeners can learn more about Mike Libbey by connecting with him on LinkedIn and online at ybl.ca.
