David Reid

David Reid is a CEO turned author, board director, and technology strategist whose career spans more than 35 years of building, scaling, governing, and ultimately exiting businesses. His insights aren’t theoretical — they come from lived experience, forged through real decisions, real sacrifices, and real outcomes. David was CEO of EPIC Information Solutions, a Winnipeg based IT infrastructure and services company. Over two decades he grew EPIC organically and through the acquisition and integration of four companies, ultimately expanding to more than 100 employees. Under his leadership, EPIC became recognized as both a Best Workplace in Canada and a Best Small/Medium Employer. In 2013, following a disciplined and intentional 10 year exit strategy he designed a decade earlier, David sold the company to Manitoba Telecom Services for a premium valuation and achieving the optimal exit he had envisioned before turning 50. Following his successful exit, David built a portfolio career focused on elevating leaders, modernizing organizations, and strengthening governance. He works with business owners, CEOs, and IT solution providers across Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. through peer group facilitation, 1:1 coaching, IT strategy advisory, and business exit planning. David also serves as an accomplished board director, contributing his expertise in technology, cybersecurity, governance, artificial intelligence, and enterprise risk. He has most notably served on the Canada Revenue Agency’s Board of Management, Tbaytel Municipal Services Board, Chair of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and many other not-for-profit boards. David holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Manitoba and the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. He has also completed advanced certifications in AI Ethics, Cybersecurity Oversight, Crown Director Effectiveness, Enterprise Risk, and Board Oversight of Strategy. Across all of his roles — entrepreneur, CEO, director, advisor, facilitator, and author — David is driven by a commitment to clarity, intentionality, strong governance, and helping business owners shape their future rather than react to it. His work empowers leaders to optimize technology, strengthen governance, and build businesses capable of successful transition and long term value creation. When he’s not working with organizations or writing, David enjoys travel, family time, lake life, and maintaining an active, health focused lifestyle

As the founder and CEO of a company that grew to over 100 employees, David experienced firsthand every challenge that business owners face when thinking about their future. Ten years into the business, he realized that an exit was inevitable — and that without a plan, it would likely happen under suboptimal conditions.

Rather than leave it to chance, David built a methodical 10-year plan to exit on his own terms. The result? A premium valuation sale and an optimal exit achieved before he turned 50.