05 Feb 446: Building Things That Last (Even When the Cartel Steals Your Stuff) Author & Founder of Saddleback Leather Co. – Dave Munson
What do you get when you mix adventure, leather, legacy, and a black lab named Blue? You get today’s incredible guest: Dave Munson, founder and CEO of Saddleback Leather Co. Dave’s story is as rugged and wild as the bags his company is known for. It all started with a single sketch in a Mexican leather shop and has grown into a globally recognized brand with customers who are passionate about quality, story, and craftsmanship.
In this episode, we dive deep into Dave’s journey – from burning out as a youth pastor to selling handmade bags off the back of his Land Cruiser… to now leading a team that’s building literal walls out of leather in rural Texas. (Listen in to hear why!) Along the way, Dave shares powerful insights about faith, failure, perseverance, and what it means to truly build a legacy.
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn an unconventional dream into a meaningful business… or how to hold fast to your values while the world says “cut corners”… this episode is for you.
CHECK OUT MITCH’S TEDX TALK THAT JUST DROPPED:
Mitch’s TEDx talk just dropped and it’s all about a question he used to love asking: “What’s your big dream?”
It’s a question Mitch used to ask all the time… but a few years ago… he started to realize it might actually be… the wrong question.
In the talk, he explains why asking “What’s your big dream?” can accidentally shut people down.
And… more importantly… Mitch offers three better questions you can ask instead – whether you’re talking to your kids, your team, or yourself.
These questions are designed to spark real clarity… and help you take action on your dreams, even if you don’t have everything figured out yet.
You can find the TEDx talk at mitchmatthews.com/tedx… or watch below.
We’d love for you to check it out and share it with someone who’s wrestling with their “next big thing.”
In This Episode, We Cover:
- How Dave went from youth ministry burnout to bag-building badass
- The very first sketch that launched Saddleback Leather… and why people were literally stopping him in the street
- Why Dave believes that starting is more important than having the “perfect” plan
- The many experiments – from t-shirt companies to failed launches – that taught him what NOT to do
- The unconventional but powerful leadership principle: “You’re not starting a business. You’re starting a problem-solving company.”
- Building schools, employing people others overlook, and why doing good is good for business
- The wild story of the cartel stealing a full truckload of Saddleback’s bags… and how that turned into a surprising blessing
- Dave’s deeper answer to what he wants people to fight over when he’s gone
- Why quality – in design, in life, in legacy – really matters… and why Dave believes even Jesus would run a leather business
Connect with Dave Munson & Saddleback Leather
It’s Your Turn: Build Something That Lasts
After hearing Dave’s story, one thing’s clear: legacy isn’t something you leave behind – it’s something you build daily.
So here’s the challenge:
What’s one thing in your life or work that you can start building… to last?
- Maybe it’s a business idea you’ve been sitting on.
- Maybe it’s a relationship that needs investment.
- Maybe it’s a shift in how you lead, serve, or show up.
Whatever it is, don’t wait for perfect.
Like Dave said: “God doesn’t steer a ship that’s not moving.”
- Start messy.
- Start small.
- Start now.
And as you do, remember: “Legacy starts with action.”
So go take that first step… and then tell us about it!
We’d love to hear what you’re building… big or small!
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