Jonathan Adler Is Grateful for Growth Capital

The home decor entrepreneur shares how he went from “outsider moron” to private equity-backed founder.

- BY CHRISTINE LAGORIO-CHAFKIN

Jonathan Adler will continue to lean on his design background in his new role as chief creative officer. "The essence of design in some ways is solving problems," he says.

Jonathan Adler never thought he’d become a brand. The one-time potter got his big break in 1993 by selling a collection of ceramics to Barneys New York, a deal that helped him launch his eponymous home decor and furniture company. After he’d opened a store in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood in 1998, Jonathan Adler became synonymous with a design aesthetic Adler describes as “modern American glamour.” Today, the company operates 10 stores—nine in the U.S. and one in London—that sell everything from lacquered furnishings to rugs to porcelain canisters with cheeky labels such as Ganja, Calories, and Puppy Uppers. Last year, annual revenue reportedly neared $150 million.

In January, Consortium Brand Partners, a private equity firm founded in 2022, acquired Jonathan Adler for an undisclosed sum. Adler will stay on as chief creative officer. The transaction marked his company’s second PE deal: It sold a stake to GF Capital in 2008. CBP’s two other investments are in actor and entrepreneur Reese Witherspoon’s fashion label, Draper James, and the athleisure brand Outdoor Voices. CBP plans to grow Jonathan Adler’s brick-and-mortar presence while adding new product categories for its wholesale business. Inc. spoke with Adler about the evolution of his brand, bad decisions, and the benefits of growth capital.

How are you feeling post-acquisition?

Fantastic. I’m always up for a new challenge and for what’s next. The more opportunities I have to spread my vibe, the happier and more fulfilled I will be.

What’s next for you and the business?