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 have purchased your products since 2016. I found your company and never purchased from anyone else. Your company always stood behind the craftsmanship of the products. So much so I purchased a travel bag as you were closing, knowing that it would still be of exceptional quality! I wish you all the best and look forward to continued design and craftsmanship.
Long time P&Q fan and customer. I just installed the Burton 14” M3 MBP leather covers. They fit exquisitely and just look awesome. I look forward to more of this highest quality workmanship in the market place from Burton. Given the popularity of the redesigned MBA I’m hoping it’s on your shortlist.
Brian , As a prior customer of Pad &Quill , I must justify that your professionalism and honesty shown during my 2 orders with your company were absolutely non comparable with any other online company I have used . Best of luck in the future , no doubt you will be successful
It’s sad to hear but understand. When your ready to start over I’ll always be a customer.
I recently replaced my 2019/20 16" Macbook Pro. Thinking the 16" would be roughly the same dimentions, I’ve tried to transplant it into my loved, well worn and petina Leather Copertina Case. Unfortunately the new Macbook is a smidge thicker so the case odes not fit quite right. Anychance you might bring a similar product to Burton? Thank you!!