In this episode of The 8-Figure Product CEO, Luke Peters sits down with Kirk Michie, Managing Partner at Candor Advisors—a deal-making pro who’s helped founders sell over $1B worth of businesses.

Kirk breaks down what founders really need to know about selling their business, from how private equity thinks, to the hidden traps that can kill your valuation. They talk about what “multiples” actually mean, how tariffs and market shifts are changing deal terms, and what it takes to make your business attractive—not just big.

If you’re a founder thinking about exiting in the next few years, this episode is packed with honest, real-world advice that can save you millions. No fluff, just straight talk from someone who’s been on both sides of the deal table.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

• What private equity really looks for in physical product businesses

• How tariffs and supply chain shifts are reshaping deal terms

• What makes a multiple go from 5X to 8X—and how to get there

• The red flags that spook buyers and how to fix them early

• Tactical advice on getting your house in order before exit

Luke also shares tools like the Exit Readiness Test, which lets founders benchmark where they stand today and what they need to improve. Check your Exit Readiness Score here: apexceo.co

You’ll also hear:

• Why product companies need to act like service businesses in 2025

• How deals are being structured post-COVID and amid global uncertainty

• The difference between “hoping for a buyer” vs. engineering your exit

Whether you're a few years out from a sale or just want to build a more valuable company—this is a practical conversation with zero fluff.