Dave Muson: Founder of Saddleback Leather Co.
In this episode, we sit down with Dave Munson, founder of Saddleback Leather Company. The conversation opens with Dave Munson’s philosophy of risk, how starting a leather goods company requires obedience to unexpected opportunities, and with the Munson family's embrace of a decade of tent life as an exercise in resilience. Brad and Bryan connect this idea to parenting, asking how children learn to face their fears, take calculated risks, and develop the courage to face adulthood.
The theme of bravery vs. stupidity runs through the middle of the episode as Munson recounts accidentally slipping into Somalia and reflecting on how adventure shapes judgment. This leads to reflections on presuppositions about Africa, on the imagination shaped by his father's childhood novels, and on how early sparks of wonder became a lifelong desire to travel, document, and serve others.
From there, the story shifts to entrepreneurial faith. Munson walks through selling bags on eBay while doing youth ministry, leaving vocational ministry despite skepticism from church leaders, and discovering that gospel work often thrives outside the pulpit and program. He remembers losses that would crush most founders—millions stolen, shipments seized by cartel—and yet frames them as training grounds for character, trust, and divine mercy.
Parenting becomes a window into theology as Munson explains how he teaches his children mercy and discipline, connecting fatherhood to God’s treatment of sinners. Discussion moves to legacy via the title of his book, They’ll Fight Over It When You’re Dead, and the question of what is worth leaving behind.
Later, craftsmanship comes into view. Brad, Bryan, and Dave discuss Martin Luther’s famous line about Christian shoemakers, the call to make excellent work instead of labeling it “Christian,” and Munson’s approach to sharing the gospel through presence rather than persuasion. Stories about his dog, Blue, and surprising business connections illustrate how storytelling travels farther than strategy.
Before closing, the trio explores Munson’s customer philosophy, handwritten notes, personal drawings, and hiring for compassion—and his expanding leather boot line, from Italian-made officer boots to new hiker and Huntsman models.
The episode ends where it began—with adventure as discipleship, legacy as service, and storytelling as the fabric that binds families, communities, and generations.
Check out the article about the tents where their family lives. These tents are not your normal tents but wildly adventurous and unique. Click Here
Visit Saddleback Leather Co. website Here
Follow Saddleback on Instagram Here
