I turn complicated information into clear documents that win decisions.

Former commercial underwriter at RBC, owner-operator for over 20 years, and author of a library of client guides. I write proposals, grant applications, capability statements and client-facing material that people actually read.

Published client work

Guides I wrote and designed for my own real estate clients, in use today.

Hamilton Home Buyer's Guide A 30-page editorial guide taking buyers through five stages, from first thoughts to moving in. Hamilton Home Seller's Guide The companion guide for sellers, in the same editorial system. The Psychology of Selling a Home Research-backed, room by room, with myth-versus-evidence callouts and honest evidence ratings. Hamilton Home Inspection Guide What to expect, what to ask, and the options after the report. Helping a Parent Downsize A conversation guide for adult children facing a sensitive family decision. The full guide library Moving, staging, decluttering and more, all written and designed by me.

Proposal and grant samples

Responses to real, public requests for proposals and a real grant application form, as PDFs. The bidding organizations are fictional and nothing was submitted.

Technology · Municipal Website redesign RFP, Township of Joly The brief: a small township with no IT staff needed an accessible, Canadian-hosted website by November. Covers all 21 required features, a five-phase plan to a fixed deadline, and the RFP's conflicting dates flagged as questions. Nonprofit · Grant Ontario Trillium Foundation Seed grant The brief: make the case for a one-year pilot in 200-word answers and a capped budget. A youth baseball and mentoring pilot, answered within OTF's word limits, with a $48,080 budget in their categories. Building services · Education HVAC maintenance RFP, three-building school The brief: one contractor for maintenance, emergencies and building controls across three school buildings. Executive summary mapped to each scoring criterion, a compliance matrix, service commitments and pricing structure.

Before and after rewrites

Self-initiated samples showing how real local businesses could present themselves. Not commissioned by the companies.

Construction Mechanical contractor capability statement A homepage with placeholder text, rebuilt into a one-page statement aimed at general contractors. Professional services Accounting practice A generic, all-caps introduction turned into a page that speaks to small business owners and families. Health and wellness Physio and chiro clinic A stock listing turned into a page that answers what patients in pain actually ask.

Let's talk about your next proposal.

Hamilton, Ontario · available for full-time, contract and project work

michaeljmccarthymba@gmail.com

(416) 704-2963