FACILITYCalgary

December 11, 2018

When I was young I thought Top 40 referred to popular music.

Perhaps it still does, but these day I hear that term more often in regard to the ‘Top 40 under 40’ recognition of remarkable career achievement early …

In the case of Darby Young, she’s been achieving against overwhelming challenging odds her entire life. She founded her own enterprise, Level Playing Field, transforming what she’d been doing for free as a community volunteer into a for-profit enterprise – consulting to the buildings industry and to companies, removing both physical and systemic barriers. And this past year she’s also been recognized as one of 150 daring women by the YWCA.

Our interview took place at her offices at the Kahanoff Centre, where so many not-for-profit organizations hang out is a cheery place where high ideals, laughter and friendly faces mean serious business. Darby tells me, “we are the only for-profit business in the building”.

Born and raised in Calgary – Darby’s mom is Greenery’s founder Joanne Young, her dad is Earl Young, retired from Hockey Canada. She has two older sisters. Being born into a dynamic family is a great start, being born with cerebral palsy might severely limit most people in terms of their potential. In Darby’s case, it was a temporary set-back. Her mild cerebral palsy meant she didn’t walk till she was three. She’s had numerous surgeries, walks and talks and engages with a big smile and generous handshake like everyone else. She drives her car without special controls – drives a scooter, drives a wheelchair too. Disabled ski club, extreme sports fan, community volunteer, community activist … you get the picture. Important business. Independent owner. Strong. Engaging. Stubborn. She knows a lot of people and doesn’t hesitate to use her connections. She gets things done.

Darby’s childhood was different than most. Montesorri school for K-3, Elbow Park, back to Montessori for 4-6, the balance of her schooling at Calgary Academy, then off to Lethbridge College where she studied Business Administration. Intermittent jobs, stints at ‘mom’s company’ and ski-racing consumed her time; she’s been around the block in the world in pursuit of Olympics and in support of Paralympians. She worked in event services at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver and has worked as a tireless volunteer and advocate on code compliance and barrier free accessibility for the City of Calgary. Her work as volunteer caught the attention of several members of council and staff who encouraged her to start her own firm which she did in 2015. Level Playing Field Inc.’s staff of consultants 3-5, full/part-time are working hard – consulting with building owners and managers and large corporations in terms of creating useful, functional and barrier free environments where everyone can thrive.

Why are you successful? “because people believe in us, believe in me. I have a network of friends and family who’ve helped me AND hold me accountable”.

What has held you back? “financing and under-capitalized business”.