Over One Year In: The Journey To Burton Goods

Fifteen years ago, I started with $1100, a sketchbook brimming with ideas, and a simple goal: create leather gear that’s as enduring and authentic as the people who use it. That’s where Pad & Quill began—a small idea that grew from trading a deck paint job for a website to delivering thousands of cases to customers like you. I wasn’t the one stitching; my role was the pencil and paper, designing with a steady cadence. Pad & Quill became a community, a craft, a story worth telling. Then came the challenges—personal hurdles, a pandemic, and a 2023 bankruptcy that tested everything. I thought it might be the end. Instead, it was the beginning of Burton Goods.

❮ ❯

That was over a year ago, and I’m excited to share that Burton Goods is thriving—meeting goals, surpassing others, and gearing up for what’s next. We’ve got new projects in the works, and I can’t wait to show you what’s coming. Stay with us for that.
Today, I’m walking you through what we’ve brought forward from Pad & Quill, what remains at our core, and what’s on the horizon. There’s something fresh brewing that has me energized—keep reading.

The Journey So Far
Pad & Quill was my foundation. I’d spend late nights sketching—iPhone cases, iPad folios, MacBook sleeves—blending classic leather with modern tech. I didn’t sew them myself; I partnered with skilled artisans who turned my designs into something tangible. You brought it to life—hundreds of thousands of you, making those sketches into products I’d proudly share with my dad. His middle name’s Burton, which feels fitting.
Designing is my passion, and you’re my inspiration—your feedback, your experiences, your trust. Over the past year, Burton Goods has been about picking up that pencil again—same vision, new chapter. It’s not a restart; it’s a continuation of what we built together.

What Stays True
Some things are too good to change—they define us. Pad & Quill had a pulse, and Burton Goods carries it forward. Here’s what endures:  

The Leather: That full-grain leather you loved—durable, rich, made to age beautifully—is still front and center. I crafted the Bella Fino iPhone Case to feel effortless; it’s evolved into the Modern Pocket Book, updated but unmistakably unique and beautiful.

The Craftsmanship: I’ve never stitched a seam, but I’ve spent 15 years designing for those who do. Every piece is handcrafted—my ideas shaped by artisans who bring precision and care. You’ll see it in the stitching: strong, thoughtful, with a human touch. My dad always said, “Make it worth keeping,” and that guides every prototype I approve.  

You!: Pad & Quill grew because you believed in it. You told me what mattered—the durability, the style, the feel. Burton Goods builds on that connection. You want gear that’s distinctive and dependable, and I’m still designing it with partners who share that commitment. Pick up a Burton Goods piece, and you’ll recognize the quality, the care, the promise you trusted before. It’s not just memory—it’s our foundation.

What’s New
This isn’t a repeat—I’m too eager to keep things moving. Burton Goods is a fresh start, and I’ve got ideas ready to share. Here’s what’s unfolding:  
The Slim Magnetic iPad Case: Imagine an iPad case that's sleek and purposeful wrapped in an all new tumbled signature leather. I designed it thinking about how you live—busy, needing function and style in one slim package. We think you'll find it's attraction...magnetic. Yes, I'm a dad and that was a joke. 

Broader Horizons: Pad & Quill kept it focused; Burton Goods is reaching further. Think leather bags to pair with your MacBook sleeve, new Apple Watch straps to refresh your look. I’m sketching an ecosystem—every piece of your Apple setup, elevated with our touch. More to come—my sketchbook’s overflowing.

Looking Ahead
Burton Goods is about us—me designing, you carrying, all of us creating something lasting. This is just a glimpse of where we’re headed. I’d love your thoughts—email me at hello@burtongoods.com or leave a comment below. Share your favorite Pad & Quill memory or what you’d like to see next. You’ve always shaped this journey.

My dad’s middle name is on this for a reason—it’s about legacy and heart. Here’s to a over a year in and many more to come, together.

Brian
Founder, Burton Goods
Minneapolis, MN USA