Foaming a Family Legacy

Spray Foam Magazine – Show Issue 2025 – Rural Iowa might not be where dreams are built for everyone, but it’s where Caleb DeFord built his. After nearly two decades in the spray foam industry, DeFord feels like he has sprayed his way through some of the wildest and weirdest places the Midwest has to offer. Crawl spaces, hog farms, airplane hangars, and hospitals – every job is a steppingstone for growth. Today, he’s passing the lessons he’s learned on to his six sons, teaching them about not only the reward of working hard, but how to nourish every relationship made along the way. Not only is he growing a business, he’s laying the foundation for his young sons to one day inherit the family business and take DeFord Spray Foam & Concrete Lifting far beyond its roots in Aplington, Iowa.

Although his sons are all young, with ages ranging from six to 14, DeFord himself also began cultivating a solid work ethic at a young age. He entered the insulation industry as soon as he reached adulthood, getting hired on at Sult Spray Foam Insulation in 2006 at age 18. He devoted himself to learning all he could about spray foam and insulation in general. In 2010, opportunity came pounding on his door, and he was given the opportunity to acquire the very company where he’d trained. Before making the leap, he remembers having a conversation with his late father, whom he credits as the reason for his entrepreneurial spirit.

“He said, ‘Just be self-employed. If not, you’re either gonna drive the person you’re working for crazy, or they’re gonna drive you crazy.’” His dad’s wry observation resonated, and DeFord Spray Foam & Coatings was born.

Despite his family’s unwavering support, the growth journey from a fledgling firm to thriving company hasn’t been without its challenges. Early on, DeFord grappled with the pitfalls of too-rapid growth. His gross income soared, but profits lagged. He searched for reasons why and had to be honest about what he found.

“I wanted to do everything at once,” he admits. “Now, it’s about focusing on what we’re great at and delivering the best experience possible.”

Always one to take challenges in stride, DeFord still dreams big and focuses on the big picture. He envisions a future where each of his six sons runs a franchise of the family business in a different corner of the country. For now, he’s content building a solid foundation and instilling in his sons the value of serving others. One of DeFord’s guiding principles is rooted in a simple but profound idea: “If somebody’s winning and somebody’s losing, the one who’s losing will always quit the relationship first.”

For DeFord, business isn’t about winners and losers—it’s about ensuring that everyone, from clients to employees, comes out ahead. This philosophy is influenced by his Christian faith and underscores everything he does. By focusing on protecting the well-being of the “other guy,” DeFord believes he’s ultimately looking out for himself.

DeFord’s work ethic, and values shine brightest in the stories he tells about his career. He chuckles when recalling the sweltering summers spent spraying insulation in massive hog barns.

“I’m walking around trying to get a look at things and all these hogs are nipping at me nonstop,” he laughs. “And then to actually spray the roof deck, we’re up there crawling on our bellies through these 300-foot-long, 30-feet-wide barns in June or July…just sweltering.”

While the work wasn’t glamorous at times, it taught him resilience and reinforced his commitment to delivering quality—even when the job got messy. As the leader of his team, DeFord knows that his actions set the tone for everyone else. This awareness motivates him to lead by example, ensuring that his team embodies the same values and dedication that have earned him a trusted name amongst his customers.

In the same vein, he emphasizes building strong relationships within the industry, and credits much of his success to his network of mentors, vendors, and organizations like the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA). For those just starting out, DeFord has some sage advice: “Have someone you can call. You don’t have to know everything, but you do need to know where to look and who to ask.”

Relying on the know-how of trusted colleagues is key to avoiding costly mistakes and wasting valuable time that could be spent on family and fun. When asked about achieving work-life balance, DeFord offers a refreshingly honest perspective: “I don’t pursue balance. It’s impossible, and it might even kill you,” he jokes.

Instead, he says he focuses on finding rhythm in his daily life, believing that a collection of “littles” often adds up to more than a few “bigs.” For DeFord, integrating work and family life is key to building something to be proud of beyond winning bids and cashing checks.

In their free time, the DeFord family can be found mostly outdoors. They all enjoy shooting sports—skeet, long-range, pistols, and .22s are all on the menu. Caleb also serves as the deputy commander for seniors in his local Civil Air Patrol squadron, a role that reflects his commitment to service and leadership. When not outdoors, the family dives into Bible study, fostering a shared faith that guides their decisions and reinforces their bond.

When reflecting on being named a finalist for Spray Foam Magazine’s Contractor of the Year, DeFord is grateful, yet humble. “Anyone can win,” he says thoughtfully. “Things are more attainable than we realize.” It’s this grounded optimism that sets DeFord apart and inspires those around him.

Spray Foam Magazine considers many factors when selecting its Contractor of the Year, including hard work, customer focus, industry knowledge, and an unrelenting drive to improve. Caleb DeFord embodies all of these qualities and more. As this year’s Runner-Up, he’s shown that success isn’t just about hitting milestones—it’s about the path you walk, the values you uphold, and the legacy you leave behind for those you love the most.