Sell Side

Tune in to the Sell Side podcast for a comprehensive exploration of the business selling journey. Join host Michael Stanley from Keel Point as he engages with business owners, attorneys, wealth advisors, and other experts, offering you an immersive, panoramic perspective on the transaction process.

Sell Side is a business podcast hosted by Michael Stanley, with 30 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Michael Stanley hosts Sell Side, a business show with 30 episodes published.

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  Sell Side

  Episode 35: Sell Side Short on Why Deals Fall Through

  Aug 20, 20268 min

  A signed Letter of Intent may feel like the finish line, but it is really only halftime. In this Sell Side Short, Michael explains why so many transactions fall apart after the LOI and how sellers can avoid common deal killers. He discusses the importance of disclosing potential issues early, maintaining clean financials, managing unexpected liabilities, and staying focused on business performance throughout due diligence. Michael also shares why sellers must remain levelheaded when challenges arise, trust their advisory team to find solutions, and understand how changes in EBITDA can affect the final deal. The key to reaching the closing table is preparation, transparency, and a commitment to keep working the process. https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-k-stanley-jr-mba-cexp™-30916131/

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  Sell Side

  Episode 34: Running a Business vs. Growing a Business with Todd Taylor & Chris Holliday

  Aug 6, 20261h 36m

  In this episode of The Sell Side Podcast, Michael Stanley sits down with Todd Taylor, CEO, and Chris Holliday, CFO, of Taylor Electric to discuss the company's journey from a family-owned electrical contractor founded in 1970 to a successful platform acquisition. Todd and Chris share how they transformed the business by shifting from simply running a company to intentionally growing one. They discuss improving margins, preparing financials for a sale, building the right leadership team, and why creating opportunities for the next generation of employees became their driving motivation. The conversation also offers an inside look at the M&A process, including selecting the right investment banking team, navigating quality of earnings, due diligence, evaluating buyers, and ultimately choosing a partner that aligned with both their financial goals and their company's legacy. Whether you're a founder beginning to think about an exit or simply looking to build a more valuable business, this episode is filled with practical lessons on preparation, succession planning, and maximizing founder outcomes.

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  Sell Side

  Episode 33: Sell Side Short on Life After the Sell

  Jul 16, 20265 min

  In this episode of The Sell Side , we discuss what life after a business sale can really look like. From the emotional transition of no longer running the company you've built to planning your finances, finding a new purpose, and preparing for what's next, we explore the conversations every business owner should have before closing a deal. Whether you're considering selling in the near future or years down the road, this episode offers practical insights to help you prepare for the next chapter with confidence.

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  Sell Side

  Episode 32: Sell Side Short on Earnouts

  Jun 18, 20264 min

  In this episode of Sell Side Shorts , Michael Stanley breaks down one of the most common deal-making tools used to close that gap: the earnout. Michael explains how earnouts work, why buyers use them to manage risk, and why sellers should approach them carefully. He also shares key considerations when structuring an earnout, including the importance of choosing the right performance metrics, avoiding potential pitfalls tied to EBITDA-based calculations, and creating a clear process for measuring results after closing. Whether you're preparing to sell your business or simply want to better understand M&A deal structures, this episode offers practical insight into how earnouts can help get a deal across the finish line while protecting both sides of the transaction.

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  Sell Side

  Episode 31: Sell Side Short on Quality of Earnings Report

  May 21, 20265 min

  In this installment of Sell Side Shorts , host Michael Stanley breaks down one of the most important — and often misunderstood — parts of the M&A process: the Quality of Earnings (QofE) report. Michael explains what a QofE report is, why buyers rely on it during due diligence, and how it impacts the final valuation of a business. From verifying revenue recognition and profitability to identifying potential risks or inconsistencies in financial reporting, this episode gives business owners a behind-the-scenes look at how buyers evaluate a company before closing a deal. The conversation also covers the difference between buy-side and sell-side QofEs, why project-based and seasonal businesses should strongly consider completing a sell-side QofE before going to market, and how a proactive approach can help reduce surprises, retrading, and stress later in the process. Whether you’re preparing to sell your business or simply want a better understanding of how buyers assess EBITDA and company value, this episode offers practical insight into one of the most critical financial steps in a successful transaction.

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