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 173 articles

Programming

GBC Watchdog: Building a Safety System for Great Ball Contraptions

Great Ball Contraptions (GBCs) are intricate LEGO machines designed to move LEGO balls in a continuous loop. A GBC watchdog system is essentially a mechanism or set of mechanisms integrated into a...

Programming

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

Want to take your LEGO creations to the next level? Hacking the LEGO Power Functions 2.0 (LPF2) connector opens a world of possibilities for makers, hobbyists, and educators. This guide provides a...

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...

News

LEGO Black Friday 2025: Official Dates & Best Early Deals to Grab Now

Black Friday 2025 is on the horizon, and for LEGO enthusiasts, it's the most wonderful time of the year for snagging incredible deals on coveted sets! This guide provides you with the official...

Programming

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

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

Gift Guides

Best LEGO Sets Under $50 for Christmas 2025 - Updated Weekly | Limited Stock Alert

Best budget LEGO sets under $50 for Christmas 2025. Updated weekly with current prices and availability. Maximum value picks.

Gift Guides

Best LEGO Christmas Gifts 2025 - Updated Weekly | Order Before They're Gone

Updated weekly with LEGO Christmas gifts still in stock for 2025. Real-time availability for last-minute holiday shopping.

Gift Guides

Ultimate LEGO Gift Finder: Perfect Sets for Every Occasion 2025

The ultimate guide to finding the perfect LEGO gift for any occasion in 2025. From birthdays to holidays, we've curated top picks for every budget and interest.

Investment & Collecting

LEGO Botanical Collection Indoor Gardening Setup Ideas

Create stunning brick-built indoor gardens with the LEGO Botanical Collection—from elegant Orchids to lush Succulents.

Educational

LEGO Color History: Evolution of the Palette Since 1949

Explore the fascinating evolution of the LEGO color palette from 5 basic colors in 1949 to over 60 colors today, including rare collector colors and key milestones.

Guides & Tips

How Long Does It Take to Build a 1000-Piece LEGO Set? (2025 Data)

Get accurate build time estimates for 1000-piece LEGO sets based on experience level, set complexity, and building conditions.

Guides & Tips

How to Sort and Organize Your LEGO Brick Collection: Complete Guide

Master the art of LEGO organization with our comprehensive guide covering beginner to advanced sorting techniques, storage solutions, and workflow tips for builders of all levels.

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