MONEY

Former felons help Dave's Killer Bread expand across U.S.

Pat Dooris
KGW Staff
Dave's Killer Bread.

MILWAUKIE — If you live on the West Coast, you've no doubt heard of Dave's Killer Bread. Soon, the rest of the country will know the name, too.

Dave's is already in 25 states and plans to have nationwide distribution and baking plans in place by the end of 2014.

Local bread company has plans to distribute bread nation-wide.

"So what we do is we send our bakers to train these other bakeries and it's a very exacting process. Not everybody can do it," said Michelle Hunt, VP of Marketing.

The company will insist on exacting standards, "to ensure that every loaf, no matter where it's baked, tastes exactly the way it does when its baked at our 'brandquarters' here in Milwaukie, Oregon," Hunt said.

The company's namesake and inspiration, Dave Dahl, is on a leave of absence.

In November of 2013 Dahl was arrested after allegedly ramming two police cars and earlier in the day punching out a cardboard cutout of himself at corporate headquarters and threatening employees.

Dave's Killer Bread co-founder arrested, accused of ramming police cars

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and has publicly said he is bipolar and was off his medication.

Dahl is still on the board of directors and is part-owner of the company.

He joined the family business after getting out prison when his brother, who was in charge, gave him a second chance.

Even without Dahl, the company spirit of giving people a second chance is alive and well and the company is thriving.

Ronnie Elwood is the plant manager at Dave's Killer Bread. He joined the company four years ago.

Roughly one third of his workers are ex-cons.

"What we have found is that when people who have that background get an opportunity, whatever opportunity they get, they're gonna seize it and run with it, you know?" he said.

And there is plenty of opportunity.

Since 2008 the company nearly tripled in size, growing from 100 employees to 280.

As the company's organic brand caught fire, demand poured in from states all over the west. Dave's Killer Bread workers boosted output to 400,000 loaves a week.

"I'm a six time felon. Got arrested on November 25th, 2009," said Wilhelm Mutz.

He was hired at the bread company in January 2011.

Mutz views his position as more than a job. It's a shot at redemption.

"Through this job, I rock climb, I surf, I snowboard and I'm getting married next summer! It's just, through this company and the opportunities I've been given for a good job and employment, my life has come together outside of work. I would never go back. Ever!" he said.