JU

Jonny Utah

LEGO collector, investment enthusiast & building technique explorer

About Jonny

I've been hooked on LEGO since my dad brought home a 6990 Monorail Transport System in 1990. I was seven years old, and that one set sparked a lifelong obsession with the brick. Like a lot of us, I went through my "dark ages" in high school and college, but the 10179 UCS Millennium Falcon in 2007 pulled me right back in.

These days, at 38, I've got a dedicated LEGO room that my wife tolerates and my kids think is the coolest thing ever. I spend my time hunting for retired gems at garage sales and estate auctions, analyzing which current sets might become tomorrow's collectibles, and building MOCs that'll never quite live up to my childhood imagination. I've learned a lot about what makes certain sets appreciate - and made my share of mistakes along the way.

I'm also a huge tech nerd - I love finding ways to blend technology with LEGO. Whether it's motorizing builds with Powered Up, programming Mindstorms robots, or just using apps to organize my collection, I'm always looking for that intersection where bricks meet bytes.

Through Brick by Brick, I share everything I've picked up over three decades of collecting, investing, and just plain loving this hobby. Whether you're trying to find the perfect gift, debating which set to add to your collection, or wondering if that sealed box in your closet is worth anything, I've probably been in your shoes.

Articles by Jonny 142 articles

Gift Guides

Best LEGO Christmas Gifts 2025: From Viral Sensations to Hidden Gems

Discover the best LEGO sets to give as Christmas gifts in 2025. From the viral Game Boy build to timeless Botanical Collection, we've curated trending sets actually flying off shelves this season.

Entertainment

Best LEGO Podcasts 2025: Top Shows Every AFOL Should Listen To

Looking for LEGO content to listen to while building? From breaking set news to deep-dive interviews with designers, these are the best LEGO podcasts for adult fans in 2025.

Entertainment

Best LEGO Movies and Shows to Stream: Your Complete Viewing Guide

Looking for LEGO content to stream? From the groundbreaking original LEGO Movie to bingeable series like Ninjago and DreamZzz, here's everything worth watching, plus the matching sets to build while you watch.

Comparisons

Best RC Building Block Sets 2025: JMBricklayer vs LEGO Technic Control+

Looking for RC building blocks? We compare JMBricklayer vs LEGO Technic Control+. JMBricklayer offers 50%+ savings with motors and remotes included. Here's our complete 2025 guide.

Comparisons

LEGO vs Cheaper Alternatives: Honest Comparison of CaDA, Reobrix, MEGA & JMBricklayer (2025)

LEGO alternatives offer 40-60% savings, but are they worth it? We tested sets from CaDA, Reobrix, MEGA, and JMBricklayer. Here's what we found about quality, RC features, and long-term value.

Comparisons

JMBricklayer vs LEGO: Is This Budget Brand Worth It? (2025 Review)

JMBricklayer offers LEGO-compatible sets at 40-60% lower prices. But is the quality there? We tested multiple sets to see if this 2022 newcomer deserves a spot in your collection alongside (or instead of) LEGO.

Programming

Hacking LEGO's LPF2 Connector: Complete Protocol Guide for Makers

The LPF2 connector is LEGO's proprietary interface for Powered Up devices. Understanding this protocol is essential for building custom sensors, intercepting motor data, or creating...

Programming

ESP32 + LEGO Powered Up: Complete Wireless Control Guide with Legoino

The ESP32 has emerged as the premier choice for LEGO integration, primarily due to its dual-core architecture, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stacks, and exceptionally low cost. This comprehensive...

Programming

Raspberry Pi Build HAT: Complete Python Guide to LEGO Motor Control

Want to control your LEGO motors with Python? The Raspberry Pi Build HAT is your gateway to creating advanced LEGO robotics projects. This guide provides a complete overview of how to use the Build...

Programming

GBC Watchdog: Building a Safety System for Great Ball Contraptions

Great Ball Contraption (GBC) builders know the pain of burnt motors. A single jam can destroy an expensive motor in minutes. This guide shows you how to build a universal safety module that detects...

Programming

Building an AI LEGO Sorting Machine: Raspberry Pi + OpenCV Tutorial

The automated LEGO sorting machine is the "holy grail" project for LEGO hobbyists. This guide covers building a complete vision-based sorter using Raspberry Pi, OpenCV for image processing, and...

Programming

Power Management for LEGO Robots: The Complete 9V vs 5V Guide

Choosing the right power system for your LEGO robots and trains can be tricky. Should you stick with the classic 9V system, or embrace the newer 5V Powered Up platform? This guide dives deep into...

← Back to All Articles