Longtime friends Mark Talucci and Todd Elliott found inspiration during a trip to Bali, Indonesia in 1989 where they were intrigued by the extraordinary objects and artisan fabrics they discovered. Both natural entrepreneurs, they decided to start a business importing found treasures from overseas to their hometown San Francisco. It was then, in the beauty and simplicity of a hand-woven rattan sleeping mat, that the brand was born. 25 years later, The Sak Brand Group has stayed true to its ñtextureî heritage as one of the largest accessory companies in the country, offering three highly distinctive lifestyle brands _ The Sak, Elliott Lucca & Sakroots _ in a myriad of categories _ bags, shoes, media accessories, wallets & wristlets, travel, stationary, home, and jewelry. The Sak Brand Group family of brands are sold in more than 4,500 department stores, specialty stores and chains, top online retailers and three eComm sites _ thesak.com, sakroots.com and elliottlucca.com. The Sak Brand GroupÍs organizational structure is aimed at driving teamwork, innovation and empowerment. The strategy encourages natural leaders vs. appointed leaders, free thinking and a no fear mentality. The success or failure of the company is relied upon by a contribution from every employee and it is a company-wide effort, not dependent on a single individual or a group of individuals. Accountability is a key motivational factor with responsibilities clearly defined and clearly executable and a lack of ñred tapeî or authoritarian hierarchy that comes with working at most companies. The structure includes practices such as a mentor structure instead of bosses, category champions and culture committees.