Leadership With Heart

Have you ever wondered how some people keep standing even when life seems determined to knock them flat? That question lingered with me as I spoke with Dave Munson, the founder and CEO of Saddleback Leather Co., whose journey is marked by sharp turns, risk-taking, loss, grit, faith, and a remarkable ability to get back up again. This conversation reminded me that the path to becoming unshakable is rarely smooth. It is formed through moments that challenge our identity, stretch our resolve, and reveal what we truly rely on when everything around us feels uncertain. Dave brought stories that moved from the deserts of Mexico to the busy floors of his factory, from being a young volunteer teacher dreaming up a rugged bag to building a global brand rooted in people-first values. He talks openly about the setbacks that shaped him, including financial loss, near closures, a cartel theft of an entire truckload of products, and the intense pressure of keeping a business alive during COVID when travel bags suddenly fel