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

Guides & Tips

10 Best LEGO Deal Sites to Save Money (2025)

Save money on LEGO with this guide to the best deal sites, price trackers, and buying guides. Learn where to find discounts, compare prices, and make smarter purchasing decisions.

Investment & Collecting

ROI Analysis: LEGO MINDSTORMS vs Arduino vs Raspberry Pi for STEM Education

You're about to spend $300-500 on a STEM education platform for yourself or your child. LEGO MINDSTORMS promises robotics fun. Arduino offers maker flexibility. Raspberry Pi delivers real...

Programming

Integrating External Sensors with SPIKE Prime: Expand Your Robot's Capabilities

Expanding the capabilities of your LEGO SPIKE Prime robot with external sensors opens up a world of possibilities, allowing it to interact with its environment in more sophisticated ways. This...

Interesting Facts

LEGO's Hidden Gems: Obscure Sets You (Probably) Haven't Seen

Beneath the blockbuster LEGO sets everyone knows lurk some real rarities - exclusive promos, region-only releases, retro oddities and fun one-offs. Discover super-rare builds with curious backstories, from gift boxes that hide scenes to VIP swag and special Chinese New Year displays!

Buying Guides

10 Beginner Python Projects for LEGO MINDSTORMS: Learn by Building

The best way to learn Python is by building real projects. This guide provides 10 progressively challenging MINDSTORMS projects—from displaying messages to building autonomous line-following...

Investment & Collecting

LEGO Sets Retiring in 2025 and Why to Buy Them Now

Don't miss your last chance! Major LEGO sets retiring in 2025 include Star Wars UCS Razor Crest, Lion Knights' Castle, Diagon Alley, Disney Castle, and Ninjago City Markets. Once retired, these sets often double or triple in value on the secondary market.

Investment & Collecting

LEGO Investment Guide: 11% Annual Returns (2025 Data) - Which Sets Appreciate

LEGO sets can be lucrative alternative investments, with some appreciating 15-30% annually. Learn which sets to buy, how to store them, and when to sell for maximum returns.

Investment & Collecting

Retired LEGO Sets Worth Buying in 2025

Not all retired LEGO sets are good investments. Learn which discontinued sets appreciate in value, where to find them, and how to avoid overpaying on the secondary market.

Buying Guides

LEGO Age Guide: Best Sets for Kids 18mo-18yr (2025)

Find the perfect LEGO set for every age! Our comprehensive guide covers age-appropriate LEGO builds from toddlers to teens, with developmental benefits, safety tips, and expert recommendations.

Guides & Tips

New FREE LEGO Tools: AI Recommender, Gift Finder Quiz & More (2025)

We've just launched 9 brand-new FREE tools to help you buy smarter, build better, and get more from your LEGO collection. From AI-powered recommendations to investment tracking, these tools will change how you experience LEGO.

Guides & Tips

How to Display Your LEGO Collection: Expert Tips for 2025

Transform your LEGO collection into a stunning display! Expert tips on shelving, lighting, dust protection, and creative display solutions. Make your builds the centerpiece of any room.

Buying Guides

Complete LEGO Star Wars Collector's Guide 2025: UCS Sets, Investment & Display Tips

From choosing your first UCS set to building a museum-quality collection, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about LEGO Star Wars collecting in 2025.

← Back to All Articles