Shows
Insights by Candor AdvisorsThe Funnel, Ep. 10: What Percentage Do Transaction Advisors Charge?As you move closer to selling, it’s natural to ask what investment bankers or business brokers actually cost. The numbers can feel opaque if you’ve never done a deal before.In this episode of The Funnel, Kirk explains typical fee ranges by deal size, how success fees work, what retainers look like, and how different advisors structure incentives. If you want clarity before engaging anyone, this is worth watching.
2026-01-0905 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsThe Funnel, Ep. 9: Where Do You Find Your Buyer?As founders move closer to selling, one common concern comes up: where do you actually find a buyer for your business?In this episode of The Funnel, Kirk explains how buyers are sourced, the difference between strategic and financial buyers, and why preparation matters more than hunting for a needle in a haystack. If you’re thinking ahead about who might buy your company, this will help you frame it correctly.
2026-01-0204 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsThe Funnel, Ep. 8: What’s the Process to Sell Your Business?Once founders move past curiosity and decide to explore a sale, the next question is usually about process. What actually happens between deciding to sell and closing a deal?In this episode of The Funnel, Kirk breaks down the full sell-side process—from preparing materials and identifying buyers to due diligence and closing—so you can understand how all the pieces fit together.
2025-12-1904 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsThe Funnel, Ep. 7: Should You Hire an Investment Banker?In this episode of The Funnel, M&A advisor Kirk Michie explains when founders should consider hiring an investment banker and when other approaches may be appropriate. As business owners move deeper into the exit process, questions about deal structure, buyer access, and negotiation leverage become more important.Kirk explains that investment bankers are most valuable when a business is attractive enough to generate interest from multiple buyers. By creating competitive tension, bankers can help drive higher valuations, better terms, and clearer post-close outcomes. He also notes that founders negotiating directly with a single buyer...
2025-12-1202 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsThe Funnel, Ep. 6: How Long Does Selling Take?In this episode of The Funnel, M&A advisor Kirk Michie explains how long it typically takes to sell a business and why founders often underestimate the timeline. Many owners assume their transaction will be simple due to business structure or limited complexity, but most deals follow a similar sequence regardless of size or industry.
2025-12-0503 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsHow To Decide If You Should Sell NowDeciding when to sell your company is rarely straightforward. Even founders who are open to a sale often feel unsure about whether current conditions favor moving ahead or waiting. In this episode of The Funnel, Kirk outlines the practical factors that shape good timing, including performance trends, economic signals, buyer behavior, and sector-specific momentum. He explains when it makes sense to go now—and when patience may lead to a better outcome. Watch the video below for a clear framework on making a timing decision.
2025-11-2002 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsHow To Make Your Business More ValuableIf you’ve been thinking about a potential sale but the numbers aren’t where you want them to be, you’re not alone. Many founders reach this stage and wonder what actually moves valuation.In this short episode of The Funnel, Kirk explains the three levers that make the biggest difference: professionalizing your financials, clarifying adjusted EBITDA, and reducing key risks like customer concentration and founder dependence.Watch the video here to see what buyers look for and how to strengthen your position before going to market.
2025-11-1403 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsWhen Should You Sell Your Business?In this episode of The Funnel, Kirk Michie tackles one of the biggest founder questions: when is the right time to sell?While many owners wait until they’re exhausted or facing setbacks, Kirk explains why the best time to go to market is actually when things are going well—when revenue is climbing, margins are strong, and your team can carry the business forward.He also breaks down specific internal and external signals to watch for—like contract renewals, industry appetite, and private equity activity—that can dramatically affect your valuation.
2025-10-3003 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsWhen to Hire Advisors for a Business SaleWhen should you bring in advisors when selling your business?From investment bankers and lawyers to accountants and financial planners, timing matters. Bring them in too early and you’ll burn resources. Bring them in too late and you risk costly mistakes.In this video, Kirk Michie shares how to sequence advisors and the critical points where their involvement adds the most value.
2025-09-2404 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsSelling a Business with Declining RevenuesSelling a business is challenging enough—but what if your revenues are down year over year? Many founders assume buyers won’t be interested, but that’s not the case. While valuation may be affected, a deal can still get done if you position your company strategically and highlight the value it brings to the right acquirer.In this article, Kirk Michie explains why declining results don’t automatically shut the door on an exit, what types of buyers are most likely to be interested, and the steps founders can take to maximize their outcome.
2025-09-1803 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsScaling vs. Selling: Which Lowers Risk?Every founder eventually faces the same question: do you keep scaling—or sell while things are strong?In this video, Kirk Michie shares how successful founders weigh growth capital against selling early, and why selling can sometimes be the best way to manage risk. From valuation trade-offs to protecting your outcome, Kirk explains how to decide which path makes sense for you.
2025-08-2102 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsHow to Prove Your Business Runs Without YouOne of the biggest buyer concerns in any deal is whether the business depends too much on the founder. If it does, that’s a red flag—and it can hurt both valuation and deal structure.In this episode, Kirk Michie shares how to prove your business can run without you. From building a capable leadership team to showing successors in the room during buyer meetings, he explains the practical steps that make buyers confident and let you take more cash at closing.
2025-08-2102 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsWhat Business Expenses Should You Cut or Keep Before Selling?Before a sale, many founders try to optimize their financials by trimming costs or making strategic upgrades. But not every change lands well with buyers. In this short video, Kirk Michie explains how to think about expense timing, whether you’re investing in growth or managing EBITDA. He breaks down what’s smart to spend, what’s better left alone, and why buyers may not give you credit for certain moves. If you’re prepping for a sale in the next 6–18 months, this is essential advice.
2025-08-1302 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsShould You Trade Price for Better TermsIn this short video, Kirk Michie breaks down how to weigh structure vs. price when negotiating a business sale. From earnouts to seller notes to equity rollovers, he explains what to look out for and when it might make sense to accept a little less for a lot more peace of mind.
2025-07-3103 min
The Nice Guys on BusinessKirk Michie: Acquire Wisely By Building Smart DealsPrior to establishing Candor Advisors, Kirk Michie accumulated three decades' worth of experience collaborating with founders and families to address their strategic objectives and help them to achieve better outcomes. Over his career, Michie raised and allocated over $1 billion in capital, while actively participating in over 60 transactions, including buyouts, sales, and other deals, surpassing a total value of $1.5 billion. Kirk Michie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in a variety of areas, including transaction advisory services, mergers and acquisitions (with a specialization in founder-owned private companies), corporate and family office governance, capital raising, private equity, corporate stra...
2025-07-1444 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsWhy is Selling a Business So HardSelling a business isn’t just a financial transaction—it’s a full-time job stacked on top of your already full-time job. In this short video, Kirk breaks down the surprising emotional toll and practical pressures that catch many founders off guard—and shares what you can do to prepare and stay grounded through it all.
2025-07-0904 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsQ1’25 Market Update: Why Buyers Are Still ActiveCurious how the 2025 M&A market is shaping up? In this short update, Kirk Michie explains why deal volume remains high, where private equity is looking to spend, and why some businesses tied to supply chains or tariffs might want to wait. Watch the quick video below to get the full story.
2025-06-2402 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsWill They Keep Your People? Here’s How to Think About It.What happens to your team after you sell? It’s not always up to you—but there are smart ways to protect your people. In this 3-minute video, Kirk explains how buyers view staffing and what you can do about it.
2025-06-0503 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsIt’s Not Just About the Money—It’s About Your WhySure, the money matters—but it’s not the whole story. In this quick video, we explain why understanding your personal motivation is the most important part of your exit plan. Whether it’s freedom, purpose, or something else, your “why” will guide every decision that follows.Kirk Michie breaks down the key adjustments that can impact your sale price, timing, and terms. Watch this short video to get clear, tactical guidance before you go any further.
2025-05-2903 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsBefore You Sign the LOI: Understand These Deal-Changing AdjustmentsBefore you sign a Letter of Intent, make sure you understand the deal behind the deal. From EBITDA adjustments to working capital pegs, these hidden levers can change your payout—and your future.Kirk Michie breaks down the key adjustments that can impact your sale price, timing, and terms. Watch this short video to get clear, tactical guidance before you go any further.
2025-05-1405 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsHow Culture Fit Can Make or Break Your Business SaleBefore the deal is done, there’s still work to do. In this video, Kirk Michie shares practical steps founders should take before and after closing to avoid problems that can disrupt operations, damage relationships, or hurt the legacy they’ve built. If you’re preparing to sell—or already deep in a deal—this is the checklist you didn’t know you needed.
2025-05-1404 min
The Exit - Presented By FlippaThe Art of Exit Preparation: Kirk Michie's Advisory InsightsWant a quick estimate of how much your business is worth?
With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business.
You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit
--
In this episode of The Exit: Kirk Michie, Managing Partner at Candor Advisors, shares insights from his 30-year career in capital markets and M&A advisory.
He discusses his transition from financial advising to helping founders navigate successful exits.
Kirk emphasizes the importance of understanding your "why" as...
2024-11-1834 min
Biz Mafia : Where Business Gets MadeEP 14: The Intricacies of Business Sales with Kirk MichieWhat does it mean to sell, not just a business, but its soul too? In the world of mergers and acquisitions, the decision to sell your business isn’t one to be taken lightly. It's more than just transferring ownership—it often involves letting go of a piece of your identity, your hard work, and your dreams. It's a decision that can't be made overnight.In this episode, we’re thrilled to feature Kirk Michie from Candor Advisors. Candor Advisors provides investment banking advisory services to successful founder-led businesses. Whether you're a seasoned business owner...
2024-05-211h 02
The Nice Guys on BusinessKirk Michie: Selling Your Company The Right WayPrior to establishing Candor Advisors, Kirk Michie accumulated three decades' worth of experience collaborating with founders and families to address their strategic objectives and help them to achieve better outcomes. Over his career, Michie raised and allocated over $1 billion in capital, while actively participating in over 60 transactions, including buyouts, sales, and other deals, surpassing a total value of $1.5 billion. Kirk has established himself as a prominent speaker and panelist, regularly participating in events organized by the Association for Corporate Growth, Vistage, and Entrepreneurs Organization. He is a sought-after guest on various acclaimed podcasts, including Entr...
2023-12-1135 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsGuest Podcast from Beyond 8 FiguresFind out more at the show page linked below:https://beyond8figures.com/podcast_episode/the-6-key-steps-to-selling-a-business-with-kirk-michie-candor-advisors/
2023-09-2048 min
Pencils DownThe Founder’s Gladiator: Kirk Michie on Values-Driven DealsThe episode of Pencil’s Down features Kirk Michie, founder of Candor Advisors, a boutique investment bank and transaction advisory firm. Host Fed Baradello’s conversation with Michie uncovered Kirk’s unique approach at Candor, focusing on founder-centric advisory and transaction services, all undergirded by uncompromising values.
Their broad-ranging and engaging conversation touched on many topics, including Kirk’s path from a financial advisor to leading his own firm; taking a holistic, purpose-driven approach focused on founders’ goals and not just maximizing fees; his emphasis on integrity and persistence as core values, standing up for founders against predatory b...
2023-09-2044 min
Beyond 8 FiguresThe 6 Key Steps to Selling a Business with Kirk Michie, Candor AdvisorsSelling a business is more than just finding the right buyer; it’s about taking the necessary steps to effectively prepare for this major transition. In this episode, A.J. welcomes Kirk Michie from Candor Advisors to discuss the six key steps for a successful business sale. They talk about the importance of understanding your purpose in business, why entrepreneurs need to be more open to outside help, and the indispensable role that trusted financial advisors can play when you’re looking to sell your business.About Kirk Michie:Kirk Michie is the Founder and curr...
2023-09-2048 min
How2Exit: Buy, Don't Build - M&A of Small BusinessesE127: Kirk Michie Discusses His Role As A Business Advisor And The Secrets To Selling A BusinessKirk Michie has been an active player in finance for more than 30 years, and involved in middle market M&A for nearly two decades. Since founding Candor Advisors 3 1/2 years ago, Kirk has been involved in nearly $1 Billion worth of sales of private businesses, several to large public companies. His varied experience, often referred to as reps in the M&A gym, paired with his daily involvement in the sector, drives his primary mission, guiding founders to better outcomes.According to Michie, the six secrets to selling a business are finding your why, matching your buyer with your why...
2023-06-2857 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsGuest Podcast by Becker Private Equity and BusinessKirk Michie talks about economic private & public sentiment, buying behavior trends he’s keeping his eye on, the importance of focusing on purpose over profit, & more.
2023-05-2407 min
Selling Your Business with David KingNavigating the M&A Market in 2023 with Kirk MichieKirk Michie of Candor Advisors provides his expert read on the current state of the M&A market in this uncertain economy with high inflation and interest rates and how it's all impacting mergers & acquisitions. Kirk has over 30 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions. He's worked in investment banking, private equity, and as an investment advisor. Today with Candor Advisors, he consults with owners and with businesses that are at the initial stages of exploring all their capital raising and M&A alternatives and sees them through their sale. He's been directly involved in 60 M&A transactions. Kirk...
2023-04-0731 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsWhat does Candor Advisors do for Founders?Find out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2023-01-0102 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsImportant Terms to Know when Selling a CompanyFound out more information on our website: https://candor-advisors.com
2022-12-0103 min
2022-11-2202 min
2022-11-2102 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsWhat's So Wrong With Earn Outs?Get more information at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-11-2103 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsGuest Podcast: Interview with Kirk by Kevin Craine on the Everyday MBA PodcastFind out more about Candor Advisors at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-11-0723 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsChoosing an Investment BankerFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-10-3102 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsWhen Should You Sell Your Business?Find out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-10-1401 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsGuest Podcast by Influential Entrepreneurs: Interview with Kirk Michie, Founder of Candor AdvisorsFind out more about Influential Entrepreneurs at https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Learn More about Candor Advisors at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-10-1022 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsSeller Expectations - The Number One Deal KillerFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-09-2203 min
2022-08-2301 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsFull Time Predators and Part Time PreyFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-08-2201 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsThe difference between an investment banker, business broker and exit plannerFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-04-2602 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsAdd Backs for Adjusted EBITDAFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-03-3002 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsSelling Your Company for More MoneyFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-03-2803 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsSelling Your Company for More MoneyFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-03-0802 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsYour Buyer Will Tip Their Hand Pre-LOIFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-03-0302 minSelling Your Business with David KingThe Imposter Syndrome in M&A with Kirk MichieHosting Kirk Michie, founder of Candor Advisors who has more than 30 years’ experience working with entrepreneurs, closely held business owners, and high net worth families strategic planning to achieve their legacy objectives. In this episode we discuss Fear of Missing Out and how the Imposter Syndrome impacts founders in the M&A process. We also discuss the foundational elements to prepping for sale or navigating the sale process and Keeping the Four Agreements when selling. In strategic and senior management roles, Michie has raised and deployed more than $1 billion of capital, been involved with evaluating more than 2,000 direct investments, pa...
2022-02-2427 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsDoes Buyer Quality of Earnings Analysis Always Work Against Sellers?Find out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-02-2205 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsDon't Mistake Marketing Outreach for Buyer Interest in Your BusinessFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-02-1002 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsBalancing Your Fears and Key Deal PointsFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-02-0203 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsWho's the Buyer for your Business?Find out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-01-1902 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsGreat Advisors act as Guru, Guide, and GladiatorFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-01-1401 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsDon't Let M&A FOMO Drive you to Sell too SoonFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-01-0303 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsUpdate on Full Time Predators and Part Time PreyFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-12-0802 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsHow Long Should Your Deal Take To Close?Find out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-12-0304 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsTransaction Bonuses For Key EmployeesFind out more at https://candor-advisors.ocm
2021-12-0302 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsPrivate Equity Comes in Many FlavorsFind out more at https://candor-advisors.ocm
2021-12-0302 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsYou May Have Missed Your WindowFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-11-1202 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsMake Hard Decisions Now to Maximize When you Sell LaterFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-11-1202 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsM&A Markets are Frothy...Should you Speed Up or Slow Down your Sale?Find out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-10-2702 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsBeware the Working Capital AdjustmentFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-10-2003 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsNot Every Buyer Move is StrategicFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-10-1802 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsDon't Waste Time With The Wrong BuyerFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-10-1102 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsStrategic Buyers Are Always Better, Right?Find out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-09-2803 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsTaking Control Of Your Buyer's Due Diligence ProcessFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-09-2802 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsIs Your Buyer Dragging Out Due Diligence?Find out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-09-1702 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsAsset Sale or Stock Sale? Dude, What does that even mean??.m4aFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-09-0702 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsThe Call To Buy Your Business Isn't Made By A Decision MakerFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-08-3101 min
2021-08-3102 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsEvery Deal Has At Least One HiccupFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-08-1903 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsBuyers Price | Seller Terms - The TradeoffsFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-08-1903 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsShould I Sell to Private Equity?Find out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-08-1000 min
2021-08-0602 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsWhat's A Clean Team In Due Diligence?Find out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-08-0302 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsThe Difference Between Venture Capital and Private EquityGet more information at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-07-2602 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsListen To Your Founder & Ceo Peers...To A PointGet more information at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-07-1203 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsAvoid This Simple AND COSTLY MistakeGet more information at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-06-3001 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsIt Only Gets Worse After You Sign The LoiGet more information at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-06-3002 min
Insights by Candor Advisors3 Understandable and Disastrous Mistakes Founders Make…Get more information at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-06-3002 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsDon't Give Up Too Much Too SoonGet more information at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-06-3003 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsWhich Players Are Critical In The Sale Process?Get more information at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-06-3003 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsWhat's A Founder Friendly Private Equity Firm?Get more information at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-06-3004 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsMake The Spacs Compete For Your BusinessGet more information at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-06-3001 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsShould You Sell To A Spac?Get more information at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-05-0702 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsHow to Deal with Poor Business Partners or Misaligned Shareholder InterestWe have dozens, if not hundreds of growth equity, structured finance, and traditional private equity firms in our network that are set up specifically to provide capital to solve these dilemmas.We can help!Find out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-05-0702 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsImpulses Don’t ScaleGet more information at our website linked below.https://candor-advisors.com
2021-05-0702 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsThe Three Keys to Negotiating Your SaleFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-04-1302 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsThe Four Agreements in Due DiligenceFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-04-1302 min
Insights by Candor Advisors4 Keys to Hiring the Right Investment BankerFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-04-1303 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsGetting Alignment with the Investment Bank Engagement LetterFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-04-1301 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsWhat is a Fundless or Independent Sponsor?Find out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-04-1302 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsGetting Penalized for Great Results During the PandemicFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-04-1301 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsSeller Expectations and Market RealitiesFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-04-1303 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsYou May Not Get as Much Cash as You Expect When Selling Your BusinessFind out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-04-1304 min
2021-04-1302 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsWhat Does It Mean For Founders To Take Chips Off The TableFind out more at https://candor-advisors.ocm
2021-04-1301 min
Insights by Candor AdvisorsIs This a Good Time to Sell?Find out more at our website: https://candor-advisors.com
2021-04-1300 min