MC Business & Economic Development Center hosts owner of Bear Claw Knife & ShearOctober 12, 2021

It is time to sharpen your small business knowledge with the Midland College (MC) Business & Economic Development Center (BEDC) as it invites all to a FREE lecture featuring Richard Steinberg, the owner of Midland's Bear Claw Knife and Shear. The talk will be Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the Wagner and Brown Auditorium in the Allison Fine Arts Building on the MC main campus. No reservations are needed.  Questions can be directed to Letticia Martinez, BEDC project assistant, lmartinez@midland.edu, or by calling (432) 686-4912.

Steinberg will discuss managing a successful small business and the challenges, including COVID-19. His father was a jeweler and gemologist with a small retail store where Steinberg was introduced to the 1970’s classic retail style. 

“Retail was very different back then,” Steinberg recalled. “In some ways it was more difficult and, in some ways, much easier. Though the retail business has become much more technical and complex, the fundamentals remain the same.” 

Bear Claw Knife and Shear was founded in 1986, and it recently moved into the online world with bcknife.com The popular Midland store has more than knives, such as cooking/baking accessories and services such as sharpening and laser engraving.

“I am excited to sit down and reflect on my time in this community,” Steinberg said. “I hope the story of Bear Claw Knife and Shear can inspire other small business owners in Midland. I started out strictly sharpening; now I get to bring my love of high-end knives and love of cooking fresh foods to all of Midland every day. I cannot wait to share my thoughts on the future of retail and business in general.” 

The lecture will be moderated by MC President Dr. Steve Thomas.

The MC BEDC’s mission is to help people increase credit scores, purchase homes and start or expand businesses. It provides free business, credit and housing counseling, and related classes and workshops year-round. The BEDC is a collaborative effort between MC and the City of Midland.