For years, craftsmen have been stitching sheepskin boots on the beaches of Australia and New Zealand. In 1978, Brian Smith, a young Australian surfer, brought this core piece of "Down Under" to the United States.

Armed with only a few pairs of UGG sheepskin boots and a positive attitude, Smith hit the streets of New York. However, his reception was not a friendly one, and he was sent packing, with the same few pair in his suitcase.

Smith traveled west to do little surfing in California. Arriving there he was shocked to find that there was already a small group of well-traveled surfers who’d brought similar sheepskin boots back from Australia. He’d found his niche, and he never had to leave the beach.

His first season in business Brian sold 48 pairs of boots to 5 accounts. Since then, UGG Australia has gone from a small time surf brand to the global leader in luxury sheepskin footwear.