The To-Do-Dudes

When local homeowners and businesses need reliable help with yard work, moving, cleaning, or general odd jobs, they're turning to an innovative local company that's bridging the gap between student labor and community needs. The To-Do Dudes, founded by 23-year-old Erik Libby, provides flexible labor services using college students and young professionals throughout Palm Coast, Ormond Beach, and Daytona.

What started as a simple favor for his grandmother has evolved into a thriving business with 36 employees, over 7,000 completed projects, and 550 five-star Google reviews. "I was out there laying down 200 bags of lava rock for my grandma," Libby recalls. "Golfers from the nearby course kept walking over asking if I had a business card. Within an hour and a half, five different groups had stopped to talk to me."

That lightbulb moment in 2020 sparked the realization that many community members desperately needed reliable help with tasks they either couldn't or didn't want to handle themselves. "If my grandma asked me for this much help, I couldn't imagine how many other people around the community would need this type of help," Libby explains.

The Minnesota native, who moved to Florida in 2016, graduated from Stetson University in 2022 and made the bold decision to pursue his business full-time rather than follow his family's sales-oriented career path. His gamble has paid off, with the company expanding from Palm Coast to Ormond Beach in 2023 and Daytona in April 2024.

What sets The To-Do Dudes apart is their focus on students and young professionals aged 17-26, creating what Libby calls "students helping neighbors." This approach provides flexible employment opportunities for college students while giving customers peace of mind about who's coming to their homes.

The company handles everything from mulching and weeding to furniture assembly and moving services and even computer assistance, though they draw the line at licensed work like electrical or plumbing. They've even expanded into event services, working with organizations like Ormond Main Street festivals and Advent Health events.

Libby's entrepreneurial journey hasn't been without challenges. "Unknown unknowns" have tested his problem-solving skills, from hitting a pool pipe on his very first job to developing policies for unusual situations. "What can go wrong will go wrong," he notes, describing his approach as "paying down my ignorance" through continuous learning.

Recognition has followed success. The To-Do Dudes placed second in a regional pitch competition (similar to TV’s Shark Tank), earning $5,000, and Libby earned a spot among the top 20 finalists in a global entrepreneurship competition in Chicago.

Looking ahead, Libby has ambitious plans to take the concept nationwide, with immediate expansion planned for St. Augustine and Jacksonville. "We've gotten calls from 13, 14, 15 other states," he says. "This is a need that's severely underserved."

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Libby's advice is simple: "Just get started. You're never going to have all the answers, and the timing is never going to be perfect. There's no better time than right now."

So if you’re in need of help around your home or business, “The To-Do-Dudes” are ready to help. You can learn more at their website: TheToDoDudes.com. Or give them a call at (386) 597-0722