Insights
Videos, articles, & advice from Kirk and his network, to help successful founders find better outcomes.
The Founder Who… Waited Too Long
A successful business may attract buyers, but that doesn’t mean it’s ready to sell. Kirk explains why starting your exit prep early can lead to a better price, better terms, and more control when the time comes.
How to Keep Emotion From Ruining Your Deal
Buyer questions can feel personal, especially when the deal process drags on. Kirk Michie explains how the right advisor can help you manage the pressure and keep the deal moving.
The Founder Who... Didn't Know What Their Business Was Worth
An offer may sound impressive, but is it actually a fair price? Kirk Michie explains how to understand your company’s market value before entering a sale process.
The Founder Who... Only Had One Buyer
A $20 million offer may deliver less than half that amount at closing once earn-outs, seller notes, and escrow are considered. Before accepting a lone buyer’s terms, see how competition can change the outcome.
Stock Sale vs. Asset Sale: Why Deal Structure Matters
The structure of your deal can have a major impact on what you keep after taxes. In this quick video, Kirk explains why the stock sale versus asset sale conversation needs to happen long before closing.
What the Silver Tsunami Means for Founders
The silver tsunami isn’t just about retirement. It’s about millions of business owners preparing to sell their companies over the next decade. Here’s why founders should start planning years before they want to exit.
The Net Working Capital Peg for Founders
Many business owners focus on the purchase price but overlook the deal terms that can impact what they actually take home. Here’s why understanding the net working capital peg before signing a letter of intent matters.
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.
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.
The TSA Checklist: Defining Your Post-Sale Role Before You Sign
Many founders focus on valuation and overlook what happens after closing. A transition services agreement can quietly shape your role, responsibilities, and time commitment long after the deal is signed.
Platform vs. Add-On Acquisitions: How Private Equity Decides Your Valuation Multiple
Many founders hear terms like “platform company” or “tuck-in acquisition” during a sale process without understanding what they actually mean. In this video, Kirk Michie explains how private equity firms categorize businesses and why those labels can directly affect valuation multiples.
Q1 2026 M&A Market Update: Why Buyers Are Getting Pickier
The market is still strong for A and A+ companies, but private equity buyers are becoming more selective. Kirk Michie explains what founders should know before deciding whether now is the right time to sell.
Planning Ahead: Tax Strategy for Founder-Led Exits
Most founders think about taxes too late in the sale process. In this video, Kirk Michie explains why exit tax planning should start earlier, how deal structure changes tax exposure, and why moving states right before a sale usually does not work the way founders expect.
Do You Really Need a Professional Business Appraisal?
Thinking about selling your business and wondering if you need to pay for a professional appraisal first? Watch this quick video to learn why you can probably skip it and save tens of thousands of dollars instead.
Why Selling Your Business Feels So Hard
Why does selling feel so overwhelming? You’re not imagining it.
The true cost of selling your company—broken down.
The true cost of selling your company—broken down.
Efficiency Sells: How Great Ops Boost Your Valuation
Clean ops, strong margins, and high EBITDA can get you a premium valuation. Here’s how to get there.
The Costly Mistake Founders Make: Telling People Too Early
Founders often feel tempted to announce a sale early. But telling customers or employees too soon can jeopardize the deal. Here’s when—and how—to share the news.
It’s Not Just About the Money—It’s About Your Why
Selling your business? Start with why. This short video covers what most founders overlook—and how it impacts everything from deal terms to life after the close.
Before You Sign the LOI: Understand These Deal-Changing Adjustments
Before you sign that LOI, make sure you know what you’re really agreeing to. These deal terms can shrink your final payout if you’re not prepared.
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- Business Assets 3
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- Business Buyer Types 6
- EBITDA 21
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- Guest Podcast 3
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- Private Equity 43
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