Portland, Oregon, February 22, 2012 - Dave’s Killer Bread, a portfolio company of Goode Partners, is pleased to announce the addition of Walt Freese to its Board of Directors. Mr. Freese is the former Chief Executive Officer of Stonyfield Farms, Inc. Prior to Stonyfield Farm, Walt held the position of Chief Executive Officer of Ben & Jerry’s for more than ten years. Walt brings more than 30 years of brand management, food, and consumer product industry experience to the board of the Portland-based Company. Walt will be joining Dave, Shobi and Glenn Dahl on the board along with representatives of Goode, the Company’s equity sponsor since the end of 2012.
During his career, Walt has also spent time at Kraft/General Foods, Nestle and Hain Celestial Group. At Ben & Jerry’s, Walt led the brand’s reinvigoration and more than doubled the size of the business during his tenure. “I am thrilled to be getting involved with this exciting emerging consumer brand,” said Mr. Freese. “The product is fantastic and the brand has developed a remarkably loyal following among consumers in the Pacific Northwest. It’s very easy to get excited about the potential for this Company.”
Dave Dahl, President of Dave’s Killer Bread, explained “It’s an honor to add someone with Walt’s vast brand management experience to our rapidly growing Company. He’s a natural for us based on his work with several iconic consumer brands. We’re very excited to benefit from his learnings.”
In his new role, Mr. Freese will work closely with the senior management team. Mr. Freese will also participate in the Company’s search for a new Chief Executive Officer, which is expected to be completed by the middle of the year.
About Dave’s Killer Bread
Dave’s Killer Bread bakes organic, whole grain, vegan and GMO-free bread products sold throughout the Western United States at leading grocery stores and local markets.
Known for its trademark explosion of seeds and delicious chewiness, Dave’s Killer Bread is equally well known for the struggles faced by Dave Dahl, who battled depression and emerged from a life of crime to become one of the most celebrated bread artisans on the West Coast.
The company’s vision is to make the world a better place, one loaf of bread at a time. Founded by Dave Dahl, his brother Glenn, and nephew Shobi, the mission of Dave’s Killer Bread is to bake the highest-quality whole grain and organic bread without compromise, as well as to contribute positively to the community and create a respectful and enjoyable place for its employees to work.
In 2011, Dave’s Killer Bread was ranked by Inc. Magazine as one of the “Fastest Growing Companies in the U.S.” In addition, the company also received both the “Ethics in Business Award” from The Portland Rotary Club, Portland Business Journal, and Willamette University, and the “2011 Local Hero Award” from Edible Portland Magazine in the Food Artisan category. To learn more about Dave's Killer Bread and Dave's inspiring journey from convict to bread guru, visit www.daveskillerbread.com.
About Goode Partners
Goode Partners LLC is a New York-based private equity firm that focuses exclusively on investment opportunities in the retail, restaurant, apparel, direct marketing and branded consumer products sectors. The firm has established itself as a partner of choice by leveraging its unique combination of investment capital, a team of professionals with experience investing in and operating some of the world’s premiere consumer brands, and an extensive industry network. Goode seeks to partner with the owners and managers of well-positioned, high-growth potential consumer-oriented companies. More information on Goode Partners and its team can be found on the firm’s website, goodepartners.com.
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