The Patient Labyrinth Company

You've built something that matters. Not just a business, but a way of life. We help owners like you carry that forward—on your terms, with your values intact.

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Not Ready to Sell. Still Ready for Something More.

A man sets out to draw the world. As the years go by, he fills a space with images of provinces, kingdoms, mountains, bays, ships, islands, fishes, rooms, instruments, stars, horses, and individuals. He discovers that that patient labyrinth of lines traces the shape of his own face.

— Jorge Luis Borges, The Maker

We chose the name The Patient Labyrinth Company because we believe your work—the business you've built—is part of a longer path. Not something to be sold off in haste, but a thread in the pattern of your life.

You're not looking for a buyer

You're looking for a way forward. We're not here to erase what you've made—we're here to give it a wider canvas.

Keep ownership & control

We help small business owners—especially custom fabricators—merge into a larger platform without giving up ownership or control.

It's about continuing

Not selling. Continuing with more support, more leverage, and more long-term value for what you've built.

Understanding the Value of Scale

If you've never sold a business before, here's a simple breakdown: most small businesses are valued based on a multiple of their annual profit, commonly referred to as EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization).

Small Business Reality

A business earning $100K in EBITDA might sell for 1X to 1.5X—or $100K to $150K total. A business earning $500K in EBITDA might sell for 2.5X to 3X.

The Scale Advantage

Once the combined EBITDA of a group reaches mid-market scale (typically $1.5M+), the multiple can increase dramatically—often 6X or more.

Instant Value Creation

By joining Patient Labyrinth, your business may instantly increase in value. That $100K EBITDA business could become worth $600K+ through consolidation math alone.

Here's the key: you retain full control of your business. The way we merge allows you to take your business back if we don't perform. There's no downside—just the chance to unlock equity value you couldn't access on your own.

About Us

Kris Schumacher

Kris Schumacher

Founder

Kris Schumacher founded The Patient Labyrinth Company to offer a thoughtful alternative to the typical business sale. His experience spans over 20 years in corporate and private equity transactions—from pricing analysis to post-merger integration—plus three years managing a private equity fund focused on small business acquisitions.

As a current woodworking company owner with an MBA and a lifetime of hands-on experience growing up in family business, Kris understands what it takes to build—and protect—a legacy.

20+ Years in Transactions

Deep experience in corporate and private equity deals—from pricing analysis to post-merger integration—plus direct PE fund management experience.

Current Business Owner

As a woodworking company owner, Kris understands the day-to-day realities and long-term considerations that matter to business owners.

Family Business Heritage

Growing up in family business provides an intuitive understanding of the emotional and practical considerations that matter most.

Flexible, Performance-Based, and Respectful

You stay in control

Merge without giving up ownership. Walk away if we don't perform.

We earn our stake

Our equity is tied to execution—real performance, not promises.

You choose your path

Stay involved as long as you like. Step back when you're ready.

Are You One of Us?

We work with fabricators—metal, wood, glass, composite—who:

This isn't for everyone. But if you're building for legacy, not just liquidation—we should talk.