Dave's Killer bread at the store.
Dave's Killer Bread has grown rapidly, spreading throughout the northwestern United States, northern California, Alaska and Utah.
Dave Dahl, the bad seed.
"You Do It for Family," an article about Dave's Killer Breads appeared in the June, 2009 issue of Inc.
Dave Dahl baking.
Dave began baking his signature loaves in 2005, starting with his favorite variety, the blue cornmeal-laced Blues Bread.
James and Wanene Dahl
Dave's father, James Dahl started NatureBake with his wife, Wanene, in 1955.
Young Dave Dahl.
Dave started working in the bakery at age 9 for roughly a dime an hour.
James Dahl at work.
James was a former Navy sailor and Seventh Day Adventist. A great baker, but a sloppy businessman.
A muscle-bound, young Dave Dahl.
Dave has an impressive physical presence, standing 6 feet tall, and at one point able to bench 335 pounds.
Adolescent Dave Dahl lifting weights.
As a teenager Dave was a loner, and found catharsis playing Black Sabbath and Judas Priest on his guitar.
Dave Dahl at his graduation.
When he was 21 Dave discovered crystal meth, became addicted, and was soon dealing to support his habit.
Dave Dahl, mugshot #1
Dave would sell up to a pound of meth a day, and took to carrying a .380 semiautomatic.
Dave Dahl, mugshot #2
Dave would sell up to a pound of meth a day, and took to carrying a .380 semiautomatic.
Dave Dahl, mugshot #3
He fathered two children in his years as an outlaw, one of whom—21-year-old Jessica—helps sell Dave's Killer Bread.
Dave Dahl, mugshot #4
He fathered two children in his years as an outlaw, one of whom—21-year-old Jessica—helps sell Dave's Killer Bread.
Dave Dahl, mugshot #5
Dave went to prison four times in all. His last stint was the longest, lasting over 7 years.
Dave Dahl, mugshot #6
In his last prison stay Dave saw a psychologist and was prescribed anti-depressants. He credits this with the dramatic turnaround he has made.
Dave Dahl, mugshot #7
In his last prison stay Dave saw a psychologist and was prescribed anti-depressants. He credits this with the dramatic turnaround he has made.
Glenn Dahl, cradling the baby Dave.
His brother Glenn has long been the rock at NatureBake; helping his father with business matters for decades and finally taking control of the business in 1988. James Dahl passed away in 1997.
Glenn and Dave Dahl holding a guitar.
Glenn and Dave's relationship has been tumultuous—one time, after a fight, Dave broke into Glenn's home, stole a pistol and wrecked a dresser and cabinet.
Glenn Dahl in front of a chest.
When Dave got out in 2004, Glenn saw a change in his brother and accepted him back into the family business with moderate expectations.
Dave's Killer Bread loaves.
Eventually Glenn, realizing he needed to reinvent his business to appeal to a broader customer base, saw an opportunity in selling Dave's unique and unlikely past.
Shobi Dahl, Glenn's son and a Vice-President of NatureBake.
Glenn's son, Shobi, was brought into the business after he finished college, and instantly butted heads with Dave. They have since made up, and are both partners in the business.
Dave playing guitar.
Dave's Killer Bread will continue its expansion throughout the northwest, with a plant opening in California, and talks underway in Hawaii.
Dave in a good seed shirt.
Today Dave is 46, and looking toward the future. Beyond his vacation, he has planned speaking engagements to tell his story to groups of inmates.
