Sell Side

Michael Stanley

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.

  1. 14H AGO

    Episode 26: From Bookkeeping to Strategy: A Fractional CFO’s View with Shelby Ashley

    On this episode of Sell Side, host Michael Stanley sits down with Shelby Ashley, founder of Optimized Financial Solutions, to unpack what small business owners often misunderstand about their finances—and how that confusion can limit growth, cash flow, and exit opportunities. Shelby shares her journey from corporate financial analyst to fractional CFO and explains why most businesses outgrow basic bookkeeping long before they’re ready for a full-time CFO. The conversation dives into cash vs. accrual accounting, why profit on paper doesn’t always mean money in the bank, and how forward-looking financial strategy helps owners regain clarity and confidence. Michael and Shelby also explore the M&A side of small business finance, including preparing a company for sale, internal succession planning, common valuation mistakes, and how buyers should evaluate cash flow, debt, and operational risk before acquiring a business. Along the way, Shelby offers practical advice on hiring, forecasting, and removing the owner from day-to-day operations so the business can truly scale—or sell. Whether you’re overwhelmed by your numbers, thinking about an eventual exit, or considering acquiring another business, this episode delivers grounded, real-world insight into what healthy financial leadership actually looks like. https://optimizedfinancialsolutions.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelby-ashley-mba-a72903b9/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-k-stanley-jr-mba-cexp™-30916131/overlay/photo/

    33 min
  2. 10/02/2025

    Episode 19: Wilbur Ellis - Keel Point

    In this episode of The Sell Side Podcast, host Michael welcomes Wilbur Ellis, a seasoned investment banker with deep roots in Huntsville. Wilbur shares his journey from speechwriting in Washington, D.C., to law and business school at the University of Virginia, and ultimately into decades of investment banking experience with firms like Morgan Keegan, Dane Rauscher Wessels, RBC Capital Markets, and Stephens. Together, Michael and Wilbur explore the unique challenges and opportunities facing family-owned businesses as they prepare for succession or sale. They discuss the differences between working with large public companies versus founder-led businesses, the importance of early planning, and how strategies like succession planning, pre-sale preparation, and understanding the buyer universe can maximize value. Wilbur also reflects on memorable deals, lessons learned, and why helping family businesses transition successfully has become his passion. The conversation highlights how their partnership is bringing expanded capabilities to Kill Point, offering family business owners not just transaction expertise but long-term advisory support designed to protect and grow value ahead of an exit. If you’re a founder, family business owner, or simply interested in the nuances of middle-market M&A, this episode offers valuable insights into preparing for a successful transition. https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-k-stanley-jr-mba-cexp™-30916131/

    30 min

About

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.