Sydney Bencriscutto is a Milwaukee-based entrepreneur and the founder of Double Oak Essentials, a men's accessories brand that he started in 2022. He worked as an electrician and pursued music before turning his attention to product design and e-commerce. Within its first two years, Double Oak Essentials reached seven figures in revenue and was featured in Business Insider. He is currently expanding the brand's catalog to include belts, sunglasses, and crossbody bags.
01 Origin. What problem, frustration, or quiet conviction made your company/product(s) necessary? Take us back to the moment the idea wouldn't leave you alone.
I wanted to create a pop-up wallet that didn't resemble the look and style of a fidget toy. I always loved the function of such wallets, but it seemed like they were always cheaply made, as if they were a gimmick. I wanted something sophisticated. I wanted a wallet that could be respected and admired alongside a watch or another heirloom that people carry for years.
02 The constraint that shaped it. Every well-made object is defined as much by what it isn't as what it is. What was the hardest constraint you worked within, and how did it sharpen the final product?
When designing our wallets, my number one design principle was simple: NO glue. I think gluing is a method that will not stand the test of time, and it just bothers me on a fundamental level. The challenge was to create a pop-up wallet with a metal cardholder that wasn't glued inside, allowing it to be removed if desired and swapped out. Nothing permanent. Everything easily modified.
03 A design decision you defended. Walk us through one choice that was questioned, debated, or pushed back on, and why you held the line.
Throughout the design process, I insisted that we install a metal backplate on all the leather sleeves, ensuring that the MagSafe wallets would stay in place. This gave it a solid structure. Furthermore, it added a magnetic force that mitigated the risk of the cardholder falling out of the sleeve. When we tested the same design without the metal backplate, it was obvious that this addition was necessary.
04 What you removed. Form and Function lives in what's left after the cuts. What did you take out, leave on the cutting room floor, or refuse to add?
In the early versions of this wallet, we had an elastic money band and an elastic band at the top corner to help hold the wallet in place. We received complaints that the money band wasn't useful and hindered the closing of the wallet. In addition, the elastic band at the corner made it difficult to remove the cardholder and was prone to breaking. We ended up removing both. This resulted in a much more unique and premium looking wallet. No elastic. No plastic. And—of course— no glue.
05 What's next, and what stays the same? Where is the brand going from here, and what will never change about how you make things?
My goal is to make Double Oak Essentials the go-to destination for everything in the EDC (every day carry) and men's accessories space. Essentially, I want it to be a man’s number one stop for everything but apparel. Currently, we are finalizing our first belt, a new line of sunglasses, and a line of crossbody bags. Although we are adding new products, our commitment to a timeless aesthetic that integrates modern features will stay the same. Classic styles. Innovative and fresh details.
06 Who's next? Name one or two founders, makers, or studios you think is making products that beautifully marry form and function right now. Someone we should be paying attention to, and why.
Honestly, I don't keep my ear too close to the ground on up-and-coming founders, but I'm very inspired by the founders of fashion apparel brands such as @toddsnyderny, @taylorstitch, @huckberry.
Lightning Round
An object you'd never replace
My beloved Ralph Lauren Brenan Polo Bear Suede Slippers.
A book, film, or album that shaped how you think about design
Basically, other great designs shape the way I think about design. I couldn’t name one specific thing.
A daily ritual
Wake up, answer emails, coffee, workout, family time.
The last thing you bought that surprised you
The 365 5-Pocket Pant from Huckberry. Highly recommend.
A piece of advice you'd give to someone making their first product
Gather all the products that you like in one area and then fix, change, add, remove what you do and don’t like.
Coffee order
Cold brew, creatine, ice.