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
17 comments
I am overwhelmed by learning of this development! I have been a long fan of Pad & Quill. By far, the most elegant and durable, long lasting leather products for our everyday needs. I can’t deny having some frustration when I had an older model, Apple product and desperately wanted a Pad & Quill cover, but after reading this, I am wrought with grief not realizing what potential hardships you guys were facing. I opened a business in 2019 and then another one just this past year in 2023 and I have so much empathy for this having learned what real business owners face.
Today I just bought a new Apple MacBook Air 13 inch and came straight here to get a cover. Can someone direct me how to do so with the new company? I would love to continue to support you and any way possible.
I love your products! I dread the day my iPad Air goes down, because the most beautiful part is the cover I purchased in 2014/2015. Any chance you will expand the line to tobacco pouches? Your products are top rate. I would love to see other leather goods from you guys! Glad to hear you are coming back. It would be a shame for such talent leave the market! Blessings to you all!
Bought many many P&Q products over the years. Outstanding quality and craftsmanship. After hearing that P&Q was no more, I was dreading my need to purchase a new iPad without a P&Q case. Looking forward to purchases from Burton Goods!
Welcome back! I was sad when starting to search for a new OLED iPad case that I’ll need next month. Now I know you’re still here.
My 11” pro cover from years past is still like new.
I’m typing this while looking lovingly at my Pad & Quill classic messenger bag, which I’ve had for 10 years now and will likely outlive me. As a small business owner myself, I can definitely understand the struggles, but I’m happy to see that P&Q is living on in spirit. Best wishes!