The Last Straw, LLC was formed by Robert Stribling (the inventor), Jim Elliott (an early investor) and Samuel Crosby (Partner) in 2004 with the sole purpose of promoting the development, manufacturing and sales of a new "no spill straw."

Robert Stribling, the founding partner of TLS, owns and operates Stribling Systems, Inc. for the past 15 years. Stribling Systems is a waste equipment and service company developed around one of Mr. Stribling’s earlier patents. The company promotes an energy efficient, totally portable solid waste compactor system coupled with environmentally friendly services. Mr. Stribling’s past entrepreneurial experience and organizational skills are key to the progress of The Last Straw LLC.

Sam Crosby, a partner in TLS, owns and operates Industrial Design Associates. Mr. Crosby has over forty years of accomplishments in product design, engineering and product development in both corporate and independent environments. Mr. Crosby brings his extensive background in program management, manufacturing processes and materials, advanced development technologies and design methodology. Mr. Crosby and his firm are the recipient of several prestigious awards, including:

• The Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE) "Grand Award" Automotive (international) RiTEC
• The Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE) "Enabling Technologies Award" for RiTEC
• Gold Award, Consumer Products, IDSA/Business Week
• The Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE) "Enabling Technologies Award" (non-automotive)