Mr. Schumacher acquired his first business, Republic Structural Steel, in 1979 at the age of 29. His investment of $50,000 returned $2,000,000 in 18 months. He has been a principal in over 20 companies, with a focus on value investments in branded food products, consumer products, niche retail, niche distribution, medical products and industrial brands. The aggregate sales volume of the companies is in excess of $1 billion. Investments have included Danskin, Dance France, Marika, Pennaco Hosiery, Ray’s Brands, Kelly Food Products, Seiferts Retail Holding, Pinstripes, St..Clair Leasing, Republic Structural Steel, The Elgin Corporation, Gordon Food Products, Esmark, Inc., Heritage Holdco, and Virginia T’s.
Prior transactional experience includes Heller International and First Chicago Corporation. Mr. Schumacher completed 48 transactions at Heller in four and a half years, including Little Tykes, Mr. Coffee, Humphrey Leather Goods. Airstream, and Morgan Yachts. During his two years at First Chicago Corporation, Mr. Schumacher managed a national team of senior bankers completing over 100 transactions in a broad array of industries.
He is a former director of Easter Seals and currently is on The President’s Council.
He is a former member of Young Presidents’ Organization and currently in World Presidents’ Organization.
Mr. Schumacher graduated from Northern Illinois University with a BS in management and has Series 7 and Series 63 certifications.