Dave's Killer Bread has grown rapidly, spreading throughout the northwestern United States, northern California, Alaska and Utah.
"You Do It for Family," an article about Dave's Killer Breads appeared in the June, 2009 issue of Inc.
Dave began baking his signature loaves in 2005, starting with his favorite variety, the blue cornmeal-laced Blues Bread.
Dave's father, James Dahl started NatureBake with his wife, Wanene, in 1955.
Dave started working in the bakery at age 9 for roughly a dime an hour.
James was a former Navy sailor and Seventh Day Adventist. A great baker, but a sloppy businessman.
Dave has an impressive physical presence, standing 6 feet tall, and at one point able to bench 335 pounds.
As a teenager Dave was a loner, and found catharsis playing Black Sabbath and Judas Priest on his guitar.
When he was 21 Dave discovered crystal meth, became addicted, and was soon dealing to support his habit.
Dave would sell up to a pound of meth a day, and took to carrying a .380 semiautomatic.
Dave would sell up to a pound of meth a day, and took to carrying a .380 semiautomatic.
He fathered two children in his years as an outlaw, one of whom—21-year-old Jessica—helps sell Dave's Killer Bread.
He fathered two children in his years as an outlaw, one of whom—21-year-old Jessica—helps sell Dave's Killer Bread.
Dave went to prison four times in all. His last stint was the longest, lasting over 7 years.
In his last prison stay Dave saw a psychologist and was prescribed anti-depressants. He credits this with the dramatic turnaround he has made.
In his last prison stay Dave saw a psychologist and was prescribed anti-depressants. He credits this with the dramatic turnaround he has made.
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'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.
When Dave got out in 2004, Glenn saw a change in his brother and accepted him back into the family business with moderate expectations.
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.
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's Killer Bread will continue its expansion throughout the northwest, with a plant opening in California, and talks underway in Hawaii.
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.
