Background

Caleb Ebel co-founded Backdrop in 2018 alongside his wife Natalie, building it from a direct-to-consumer paint startup into one of the most recognized disruptor brands in the home design industry, earning coverage in the New York Times, Architectural Digest, Vogue, and House Beautiful. In 2021, F. Schumacher & Co. acquired Backdrop, with Caleb and Natalie staying on to lead the brand through its integration into the Schumacher family of labels.

Why American Operator

Caleb joined the American Operator advisor network because the painting industry is one he knows at a level most never reach. He understands the contractor and consumer dynamics, the operational challenges of running a trades business, and what separates businesses in this space that scale from those that stagnate. Having built and sold a company himself, he brings a founder's perspective to the advisor role.