Dave Munson is the founder of Saddleback Leather Co., a globally recognized brand known for crafting over-engineered leather bags built to last 100 years. His journey began in a small leather shop in Mexico with one goal: “Make it so tough my grandkids fight over it when I’m dead.” Since then, he’s survived jungle treks, car crashes, and even an assassin — all with his trusty leather bag in tow.
Today, Dave leads Saddleback alongside his wife, Suzette, creating world-class products while giving back through their sister brand Love 41 and outreach initiatives in Rwanda, Mexico, and Texas. With partnerships including Toyota, the Texas Rangers, and Martin Guitar, Dave continues to build with purpose — using business as a vehicle to love people and lift communities.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Building products you truly want
- Prioritizing quality and durability
- Focusing on community and clear teaching
- Serving others and maintaining perspective
Light Bulb Moments:
- Dave designs what he would personally use, like his first “Indiana Jones” style bag. Creating items you believe in ensures authenticity and attracts like-minded customers. Avoid making products you wouldn’t proudly give to family.
- Inspired by Land Cruisers, Dave focuses on toughness and longevity, using full-grain leather instead of cheaper alternatives. Quality is measured by reliability, not cosmetics. Durable products earn trust and lasting customer loyalty.
- A passionate customer community amplifies brand support, solving problems faster than customer service. Clear communication is key: if customers don’t understand, it’s the company’s responsibility to explain simply. Shared passion builds natural advocacy.
- Success starts with family, generosity, and curiosity about differing opinions. Dave stresses outward-focused goals over money, aligning vision with meaningful impact. Experiences like travel and exposure to need reshape priorities and deepen commitment to service.
“Make stuff that you want for yourself, and then all you have to do is find people who are like you.” – Dave Munson
Connect with Dave Munson:
Website: https://saddlebackleather.com, https://dcmunson.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/saddlebackLeather
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saddlebackleather/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saddlebackbags/
Connect with Me:
Website: https://www.fornarolaw.com/
Podcast Website: https://lbmpodcast.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw
Podcast Production by Turnkey Podcast. Thinking of starting a podcast? Get more info at https://turnkeypodcast.com/ or reach out to Doug Sandler directly at Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com or call 410-340-6861.
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