Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Murphy.
Mark, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been in the Running Shoe Industry since 1993, even while on different career paths I always had a position in a run specialty retail store. The fellowship between runners has always amazed me, it is a very individual activity, but to a runner everyone cheers for you and wants you to succeed. I have never met a runner I did not instantly like. In run specialty shops throughout the DFW area there is a sense of camaraderie and community that grows around each shop. Running is also the most democratic of sports, everyone can find a way to run if they want to.
After a decade in the DFW area working and managing other Run Specialty stores I found a chance to finally put my energy into my own community when I found that Bear Creek Running Co. in Keller Town Center was going to close its doors. So on April fool’s Day 2017 I bought Bear Creek Running Co., a Running Shoe store with no running shoes and got busy.
Has it been a smooth road?
While I bought a store that already had some history it still meant opening dozens of accounts, learning all the legal obligations, working with the city and learning on the job. Each account was like applying for a different college with their own requirements. In the middle of our first summer the domain we thought we had bought along with the store turned out not to be the case and our domain and e-mail accounts were wiped out. Locked up, held for ransom.
We are still trying to get the mess that created straightened out and basically having to start fresh with all new promotional materials. Really glad that is behind us. The hardest part about your first small business is not knowing what you don’t know.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Bear Creek Running Co. – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We have probably the smallest run specialty store in the history of run specialty, so it is close to impossible for someone to get in the door without us greeting them. Our motto “every foot matters” we take seriously. We take the time to meet everyone we fit and carefully listen to their needs and offer shoes we know will work with their feet. In taking the time to listen we have an opportunity to also educate our guests about what choices in footwear have to offer. Whether looking to complete your first marathon or simply walk the dog without foot pain we can offer solutions tailored to your needs. My vision is a community running clubhouse that also sells some of the best footwear the industry has to offer. We offer free social runs 5 times a week and actively support the local running community and schools.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Texas friendliness is our biggest asset. Our climate and pace allows anyone a full range of choices that make up their quality of life. For pedestrians there is way too much concrete, trails should be trails, not sidewalks.
Pricing:
- When you support small business about 30% of your dollars goes back into the local economy.
Contact Info:
- Address: 101 Town Center Lane
Suite 115
Keller Texas 76248 - Website: www.bearcreekrunningco.com
- Phone: 817-337-0950
- Email: bcrcmark@gmail.com
- Instagram: bearcreekrunningco
- Facebook: bearcreekrunningco
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
