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
29 comments
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
Mr. Holmes,
I am heartbroken to learn that Pad and Quill closed its shop. The craftsmanship, quality and durability of your bamboo bookbinding iPad has endured the lifespan of my Apple iPad Pro. While I love the transition to leather for a more elegant looking case while retaining the craftsmanship and quality I have come to love. I find myself missing the classic book binding case. After six years I find myself in a position where I need to replace or upgrade to the latest iPad Pro model. I can explain the years of enjoyment I have experienced accessing my iPad in plain sight at home, in the office or public spaces (MetroRail, Starbucks, Panera Bread, and Barnes and Nobel) perfectly disguised as book. I’m a tablet enthusiast so I am not a fan of the Magic Keyboard configuration for iPad cases. I want some slim, lightweight and elegantly designed. I will give the leather case a fair shot after my new iPad Pro purchase. Honestly, nothing would make my heart soar higher than if you would consider designing a limited series line restoring a book binding iPad Pro case 11 or 13 inch. If it’s not being too bold, you designed the case too good. I only brought two cases for the same device and each has given me approximately 3 years of protection and conversation piece. Even to this day when asked where I got my iPad case from I say Pad and Quill, now Burton Goods. I love these case but eventually everything reaches its lifespan and usage limit. No other product comes close, not DODOcase, not TwelveSouth, Amazon, etc. I can only imagine that the insane quality and durability was a contributing factor to the shuttering of Pad & Quill. The case was nigh indestructible and probably contributed to limited repeat purchases. Even so I employ you to consider a limited line “seasonal “ offering of the classic case that made your products such an endearing gift in my life. I wish you continued success and my support as loyal customers for all your future endeavors. Thank you so much! Best regards, Eugene
Found this page today because of my ongoing sporadic hunt for a decent new ipad case. I had a grey linen and wood case by PQ for my 2015 Ipad PRO. It lasted about 10 years with heavy use. Is there anything as good available for my iPad Pro 12.9 6th gen?
The wood encasement and linen are the features I loved most. I do have the PQ leather case, but is not the same. Such a bummer, such a fine product. All the best to you!
I like many of you was originally a PQ customer. I still have my PQ item which I purchased many many years ago.
I again like many of you was very disappointed when I read the news that PQ was going out of business.
Not very long after I received an email advertising the new business, Burton Good. I’m made my first purchase under the new name and can attest that the same quality and attention to detail is as good or better than the PQ days.
I love the offered products.
I am sorry to hear it’s been a challenging four years but glad to hear you’ve found a business solution that worked for you and yours. I’m with “Kevin” in the comments near mine—I don’t know of anyone competing in the MacBook “book” cover space. I liked how mine was (still is) unique and protective while still being discreet. I love how it reminds me of checking out scores in the music library in college.