Mike is the co-founder and CEO of FreshBooks, planet earth's leading online invoicing and bookkeeping app for service oriented professionals, freelancers and teams. Mike built FreshBooks in 2003 for his design firm in order to scratch his own itch. Since launching in May 2004, FreshBooks has touched over 2,000,000 lives and Mike and his team dedicate themselves to being a great service for people who love their work, and want to focus on it instead of focusing on their paperwork.

2. Looking back in the thick of it
@MikeMcDerment – Co-Founder and CEO
Oct, 2010 – #Innovate2010

3. Mike McDerment
Co-founder, CEO

4. 9 morsels for
entrepreneurs
I’ve learned the hard way

5. We believe you love what
you do. We help you focus
on it.

6. The leader in online
invoicing 2004
Over 2,000,000 users since
Solo Design agencies, Recurring revenue
professionals Law firms businesses
$19.95/month $29.95/month + $79.95/month +++
$10/month/staff

7. A brief history…
• Founded in 2003
• Based in Toronto
• 3 years in Mike’s parents’ basement
• Now 50 people and expanding
• Service culture
• No VC

8. My Story
The longer version. A disclaimer about us
hiring.

9. Get paid for two
things
Know what you are. Ask people.

10. Complement
yourself
Three roles. Go to happy place. A set of
reports.

11. Value Your Values
Hire for it. Don’t settle. Build a culture. No
venture.

12. Just say “no”
27:1. Two units. Two deals.

13. Take your time
Speed kills. Consultants and such.

14. Ignore the
competition
Don’t follow. Quitters. We didn’t know any
better…

15. The experts are
wrong
Smart people suck. Naiveté.You can do it
any way.

16. “Focus!”
The four letter word in business. Advisor.

17. Finally, know
this…
Vision. Canvas. SCARCE. Go to your
happy place.

18. 9 morsels for
entrepreneurs
I’ve learned the hard way

19. Questions?!!
Bring em’!