What happened to PQ?
In the hot summer of 2010, I dove headlong into a passion project with a modest $1100 in pocket change. This was when Pad & Quill, a brand synonym of luxury and craftsmanship, was born; its first website was built with equal parts ambition and the sweat from painting a web designer's deck. The vision? To celebrate artisans and pursue beauty in everything we create. Our offerings of fine leather goods found favor among a thriving community of hundreds of thousands of customers, far exceeding my initial imaginings over the following nine years.
However, as with all life's most incredible journeys, the road took an unexpected sharp turn in 2019. A daunting personal and financial storm swept through my life, casting unwelcome shadows over my ability to steer Pad & Quill--both from the helm of designing and managing finances—— a crisis exacerbated by the advent of the global pandemic in 2020. Tragically, like a ship swallowed whole by an unforgiving sea, Pad & Quill succumbed. Despite fighting the tide for four long years, in the bleak winter of 2023, Pad & Quill was claimed by bankruptcy, its voyage meeting a heartbreaking end.
Yet, from the ruins, springs a blossom of hope, and that is Burton Goods. The hardships of the past four years couldn't smother my love for designing and crafting leather goods or for you, the patrons who bring purpose to my passion.
I must, however, address the elephant in the room: the warranties previously given under Pad & Quill. While my current financial state disallows the ability of honoring them, your concerns are not dismissed. Please feel encouraged to reach out to Hi@burtongoods. Wherever a solution can be offered, we will try.
Finally, I must tilt my hat to each and every Pad & Quill customer over the past 14 years. Your patronage, your unswerving support for a small Minnesota family business, your dedication to the artisans behind the wonders you welcomed into your homes – you have my deepest, heartfelt gratitude.
With renewed spirit,
Brian Holmes
33 comments
I bought the little pocket book for my iPhone 5 and then again for the iPhone 6 Plus I was so impressed with the build quality and craftsmanship on these cases. I always got asked about my case when I would be out in public they were beautiful. I’m glad to see the spirit of PQ living under a different name and just ordered the MagSafe wallet stand for now. I still have a iPhone 15 Pro Max but to for long and once I get my iPhone whatever it is in a year or so I will get the Luxury pocket book for that phone. Truly beautiful products you all put out. <3
I was going through old email receipts and had so many order confirmations from P&Q, it was incredible. As I’ve upgraded devices over the years, my P&Q items accompanied those devices to their new homes. What I have not parted with is the classic leather tote bag I got in late 2018. At 8 years old, this bag is in its prime with the perfect aging process specific to P&Q leather. I was sad to hear of P&Q’s sunsetting, but Burton Goods is my next purchase because I have no doubt the exceptional quality and craftsmanship will still be there. Brian, wherever you go and share your craft, I will be there. You are a master leathersmith. Thank you for sharing your skill and artistry.
I got my P&Q Field Bag back in late October 2019. I’ve used it nearly every day since. Probably one of my favorite physical possessions. Not one part of the bag is showing any signs of potential failure. Incredible work.
I have the Pad & Quill Gladstone duffel bag, the Pad & Quill Traditional full grain leather duffel bag, the Pad & Quill full grain leather roll top mail bag, I have 2 Pad & Quill full grain leather cord / accessory cases …. All in chestnut color (I believe that’s the color name … they are all dark brown leather.) My point is … these are all great products still going strong! This guy, Brian, sells heirloom quality products. I’m pleased to see him back in business !!
Pics of the Heritage rolltop backpack
https://imgur.com/a/bQdO7UK
Hi Pad and Quill, I’m Joshua Gabriel from Australia. I’ve been a super big fan of your company, Pad and Quill, for a long time. Even with my family in the Philippines, I would always boast about your products. I was only able to buy one leather good from you, and that was the Heritage Rolltop Full Grain Leather Backpack in Whiskey color :) I ordered it around May 2020, and until now, it’s still going strong! I even consider it a family heirloom now :) Thank you so much, Pad and Quill, Dawn and Brian, for having such an amazing company that makes pure leather goods with incredible durability!
– Joshua Gabriel from Australia, 2250 NSW