Before founding the company, he had served a total of over 15 years in prison for multiple offenses including, but not limited to, drug distribution, burglary, armed robbery, and assault.

He rejoined the bakery in 1989 after accepting a job offer from his brother Glenn before quitting again and moving to Massachusetts, where he served more time in prison for armed robbery.

[4][2][5] While working at the bakery, Dahl developed a cornmeal-crusted loaf he and his brother named "Dave's Killer Bread" and formed the basis of the new brand.

[6] After initial success at local farmers' markets, stores began carrying the brand's products[7] and by 2013, the company had employed over 300 people (approximately one-third of whom were ex-convicts) at its headquarters in Milwaukie, Oregon.

[9] In 2016, Dahl started an organization known as Discover African Art, for which he opened a flagship showroom in Clackamas, Oregon and a boutique in Portland's Pearl District the following year.