Meet Bing Reising | Glass Neon Bender and Owner at Bing’s Neon LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bing Reising and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bing, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a neon glass bender, there aren’t very many of us around. When it came to making a decision on whether I’d want to work for another shop or for myself, it felt like a no brainer. I knew I had a bit of an open market to work with and I didn’t like the idea of working under someone else.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As mentioned, I am a neon sign bender. I am unequivocally obsessed with neon. I have been collecting neon signs since I was 11 but even showed an interest in them prior to that. I am 25 and started bending at 22. So, for nearly 11 years I had the opportunity to study, first hand, neon signs up close and personal. I truly believe that I was called to do this craft and quite literally spread my light.

I like to make custom neon signs for local businesses, neon art that I’ve designed myself, as well as repair signs…especially the vintage ones!

I don’t think I am where I want to be professionally yet. And quite honestly, I’m not even sure I know exactly what that looks like. But, staying hungry is what will help me continue to succeed. Getting to where I am though has not been easy at all. Aside from personal matters that I’ve had to deal with, neon bending itself is one of the absolute hardest things I have ever done in my life. Working with and manipulating glass is no joke. The time and dedication needed to learn the art of bending is magnificent. One way I forced myself is by making my ‘practice’ pieces the final pieces. If something was not right with the glass, I’d do it over and over again until it was.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a pal were coming to Cleveland that has never been to Cleveland, I would take them to the Cleveland Art Museum first and foremost. I absolutely adore that place. The collections there are just magnificent and the galleries are always free. I think really anyone could get something out of going, even if art isn’t totally your thing. Perhaps I’d take them to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, another Cleveland staple and fascinating museum.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are certainly a number of people who have helped to make my neon bending journey a success. First and foremost, my mentor Kevin. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am with bending today. He’s old-school neon and has taught me countless things about glass bending, processing my tubes, and the craft as a whole. He’s a huge supporter of me and genuinely just wants to see me succeed. I’d argue that that’s one of the absolute best qualities of a mentor.

And then, of course, my family. They have been an enormous support to me the past few years and are also excited about my future ahead.

Website: bingsneon.com

Instagram: bingsneon

Other: bingsneon@gmail.com