Dave Munson is the founder of Saddleback Leather Company, a brand known for building rugged, overbuilt leather bags designed to last 100 years. What started in a small Mexican leather shop grew into a globally recognized business with collaborations alongside Toyota and Martin Guitar. Beyond business, Dave and his wife Suzette also lead Love 41, a nonprofit supporting communities in Rwanda, Mexico, and Texas. His adventurous life has included escaping an assassin, surviving danger in Mexico, and building a family-owned business that became a worldwide success.

On this episode we talk about:

How Dave turned a need for a durable book bag into Saddleback Leather

His first scrappy sales tactics involving homemade signs on his Land Cruiser

Moving to Mexico, surviving an assassin encounter, and navigating unexpected dangers

How eBay became the platform that validated his business idea

The importance of striving to be the best and building products that sell themselves

Top 3 Takeaways

Sometimes a successful business starts with solving your own problem—in Dave’s case, creating a bag he couldn’t find anywhere else.

Exceptional products don’t just sell; they create demand from day one by being designed to last and built with integrity.

To stand out as an entrepreneur, choose to be the best at something—even in crowded markets—through expertise, quality, and relentless improvement.

Notable Quotes

"I told the leatherworker, I want my grandchildren to fight over this when I’m dead."

"My first marketing sign was just a sheet of paper taped to my Land Cruiser—‘Cool leather bags for sale.’"

"If you’re going to do something, don’t blend in. Try to be the best at it."

Connect with Dave Munson:

SaddlebackLeather.com

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