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
25 comments
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.
I have over 8 items from Pad and Quill including one of the satchels, and now 2 Burton Goods: the 13 inch iPad Pro Max keyboard AND the non-keyboard covers. (The cover for the occasion, I don’t always want to take my keyboard, but I do always want it protected and I just prefer this cover – it looks good and it works!) My oldest P&Q I(iPad Pro first generation) is still beautiful and I don’t ever expect it to wear out. iPhone cases with credit cards = perfect. Good Luck with Burton Goods. Scritch the dog for us!!! Robert
Dear Brian,
From Germany my congratulation for your decision to go on with your Business.
In the last years i changed all my iPad and iPhone Assesoires into your products
and hope i will get the chance to Go further with this practice.
Thanks alot and all the Best
I really love your products and while saddened to not be able to find awesome products from you, it’s proof your products were that good— I never had any need for replacing them and only bought for new items. Thank you
In today’s market, who apologizes to their customers—by way of a letter and picture of themselves? I purchased and still have several of the PQ products—heck, I even purchased a pair of the famous “Minnesota Redwing,”boots based on Brian packing them in my now PQ overnight bag!” All the best Brian and colleagues—and know your products speak volumes about your passion for developing and creating second-2-none—quality products!