Insights by Candor Advisors

Hosted by Kirk Michie

Business Entrepreneurship Investing

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Episodes

247

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Advice and insights about selling your business by Kirk Michie and his network to guide successful founders to a better outcome.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 19, 2026Episode 3123 min

Why Sell Side QoE Pays Off

In this video, M&A advisor Kirk Michie explains why a sell-side quality of earnings report can be one of the best investments a founder makes before selling a business. You’ll learn: What a sell-side quality of earnings report does Why buyers conduct their own buy-side QoE How unclear financials can distract from your company’s value Why EBITDA add-backs must be supported How net working capital can affect a transaction When to begin preparing your financials for a sale A sell-side QoE can help address financial questions before buyers raise them. That allows you to spend more time explaining what makes your company valuable—and less time defending your books.

August 28, 2026Episode 3114 min

The Founder Who… Waited Too Long

Preparing to sell a business often begins long before an investment banker starts contacting potential buyers. Effective business exit planning may require six to eighteen months of internal preparation before a company formally goes to market. Founders can use that time to professionalize financial reporting, reduce customer concentration, organize supplier and partner contracts, prepare a data room, and identify growth opportunities that may make the company more attractive to buyers. A sell-side quality of earnings analysis and stronger documentation can also help buyers better understand the company’s historical performance and transferable economics. Buyers consider more than a company’s past results when determining valuation. They are also evaluating the future opportunities available after the acquisition. According to M&A advisor Kirk Michie, preparing those elements before beginning the sale process can help founders pursue a higher valuation, stronger deal terms, and greater control over their legacy after the transaction.

August 14, 2026Episode 3102 min

How to Keep Emotion From Ruining Your Deal

Selling a company is personal, so buyer questions can easily feel like criticism of you and the business you built. As requests multiply and decisions take longer, understandable frustration can begin to threaten the deal. In this video, M&A advisor Kirk Michie explains how the right transaction advisor can serve as a shield, guide your responses, and help you stay focused on the outcome. Watch the video to learn why managing emotion is an essential part of a successful M&A process.

June 25, 2026Episode 3072 min

Stock Sale vs. Asset Sale: Why Deal Structure Matters

Many founders focus on negotiating the purchase price, but the structure of the transaction can be just as important. Whether your business is sold as a stock sale or an asset sale may affect both your tax bill and the buyer’s economics. In this video, Kirk Michie explains why these conversations should begin before the Letter of Intent is signed and how the right planning can create a better outcome for both parties. Watch the video below to learn why this often-overlooked topic deserves your attention.

June 12, 2026Episode 3063 min

What the Silver Tsunami Means for Founders

You’ve probably heard the term “silver tsunami” before. While it’s often associated with retirement and wealth transfer, there’s another side of the story that’s especially important for business owners. Over the next decade, millions of founders will look to sell their businesses as they transition into retirement. In this short video, Kirk explains what that trend means for business owners and why waiting until you’re ready to retire can be a costly mistake. Watch the video to learn why exit planning should start years before a sale.

June 12, 2026Episode 3042 min

The Net Working Capital Peg for Founders

When business owners think about selling their company, most of their attention goes to valuation and purchase price. But one overlooked deal term can create surprises after closing. In this short video, Kirk Michie explains what a net working capital peg is, why buyers require it, and how it can affect the amount of money you ultimately receive from a sale. Before you sign a letter of intent, make sure you understand how this provision works and what it could mean for your transaction.

June 1, 2026Episode 3042 min

Is Your Business a Qualified Small Business? The Section 1202 Tax Windfall

Taxes can dramatically change what founders actually keep after selling a business. In this video, Kirk Michie introduces Section 1202, also known as the Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) exemption, and explains why founders should understand these rules long before going to market.

May 28, 2026Episode 3033 min

RWI vs. Escrow: How to Keep More Cash at Closing Without the Risk

Many founders are surprised to learn that part of their sale proceeds may be tied up after closing. In this video, Kirk Michie explains how Rep & Warranty Insurance can sometimes reduce escrow requirements and help sellers keep more cash upfront.

May 14, 2026Episode 3032 min

The TSA Checklist: Defining Your Post-Sale Role Before You Sign

Most founders spend the majority of a sale process focused on valuation, deal terms, and due diligence. But many transactions also include a lesser-known component called a Transition Services Agreement, or TSA. In this video, Kirk Michie explains what a TSA is, why buyers use them, and how they can affect a founder’s responsibilities after closing.

May 7, 2026Episode 3026 min

Platform vs. Add-On Acquisitions: How Private Equity Decides Your Valuation Multiple

When founders begin talking with investment bankers or private equity buyers, they often hear terminology that has little to do with how they actually operate their business. One of the most important examples is whether a company is viewed as a “platform” investment or an “add-on” acquisition. In this episode, Kirk Michie breaks down what those categories mean, how buyers use them, and why the distinction can materially affect valuation, deal structure, and buyer interest during an M&A process.