Ed has a diverse background which includes over 25 years in various aspects of mergers and acquisitions. Combined with personal experience in engineering, operations, finance, project management, business development and real estate, he has a wealth of practical experience working with businesses of all types and sizes. Ed is passionate about educating owners concerning business valuation and the process of transitioning out of their business so they can move on to the next phase in their lives.

Ed began his professional career as a project engineer in the oil and gas industry with ConocoPhillips where he provided project management and engineering support throughout the United States, Canada, and South America. He eventually moved on to become a business development manager, participating in dozens of acquisitions and divestitures while working closely with most of the top Wall Street investment banking firms.

For the past 15 years Ed has assisted business owners throughout the Northwest in planning for and executing the sale of their companies, specializing in representing privately held businesses across a broad range of industries. His passion for working with privately held businesses began when he helped start a company in Houston that developed internet-based character education programs for high school students.

Ed spent four years after college serving in Germany as a combat engineer for the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer. He has a Bachelor of Science in engineering as well as an MBA and is a certified valuation analyst with the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA).

John has been a trusted advisor working with business owners and shareholders of privately held businesses for more than 30 years with leading investment banking firms such as Seattle-based Meridian Capital and global investment banking firms including Credit Suisse, Merrill Lynch and Bank of America. He has developed a successful track record by helping owners work through complex business transitions, recapitalizations, and company sale transactions. John has closed more than 100 company sale, recapitalization, financing and M&A transactions across multiple industries ranging from consumer products & e-commerce, manufacturing, distribution, aerospace, business services, technology and more.

John lived and worked in Asia for more than 20 years, including in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. During his time abroad he picked up two Chinese dialects as well as global insights which enable him to bring both a local and global perspective to transactions and business situations. In 2010, John returned to his native Seattle and continued his work in investment banking with Meridian Capital. In 2017 he co-founded Chinook Capital Advisors with Ed Kirk. John is also an active member of Vistage International and Alliance of International Corporate Advisors (AICA).

As an alumnus of Seattle University and Gonzaga University, John remains passionate about giving back his time and helping students. He and his wife, Candy, have three grown children and two grandchildren. When he’s not helping his clients, John often dreams of time on his crabbing boat or cheering for the Mariners in a World Series.

Michael is passionate about understanding regional business owners’ needs and challenges in transitioning to the next phase of their lives. He manages deal execution, ensuring a smooth process for all clients.

Michael graduated cum laude from Gonzaga University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with concentrations in Finance and International Business. He completed internships with a commercial lender, and a startup eCommerce firm. He competed in the CFA Institute Research Challenge, where the team placed second place regionally. He studied abroad for a semester at Queen Mary University of London.

Michael has been an active member of Vistage since 2020, working with local trusted advisors to develop his leadership skills. In addition, he mentors students interested in finance careers through the UW Bothell Mentorship EDGE program, demonstrating his passion for helping the next generation.

Outside work, Michael is an aviation geek (aka “av-geek”), stays active through biking and running, and constantly plans his next fine dining experience or adventure around the globe.

Mitchell Carpenter joined Chinook Capital Advisors as an Associate in April 2026. Mitchell is enthusiastic about hearing business owners’ stories across the Pacific Northwest, connecting them to other business leaders, and preparing them for the next stage of their lives.

Prior to joining Chinook, Mitchell gained experience in Investment Banking, where he worked with numerous middle-market business owners on transactions and strategic planning. This experience provides him with a practical understanding of the challenges business owners face and the importance of thoughtful preparation and execution throughout a transaction process.

Mitchell graduated cum laude from Pacific Lutheran University, with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with concentrations in Finance and Accounting. He completed internships in wealth advisory and corporate finance. He served as the Vice-President & COO of the Regents Investment Fund.

Outside of work, Mitchell is an avid outdoorsman, stays active in the pool and the gym, and spends most of his free time with his friends and family.