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

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

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

Power management is where most hybrid LEGO/electronics projects fail. LEGO motors need ~9V, microcontrollers need 3.3V or 5V, and getting this wrong can melt your bricks, fry your electronics, or...

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...

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 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

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

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.

Buying Guides

Best LEGO Space Sets 2025

Explore the best LEGO space sets of 2025, from NASA recreations to sci-fi adventures.

Buying Guides

Best Vintage LEGO Sets for Collectors 2025

For LEGO enthusiasts and collectors, the allure of vintage sets is undeniable. These sets not only represent a piece of LEGO history but can also be valuable additions to any collection. This guide...

Educational

LEGO Theme Evolution: From Classic to Modern Lines

Discover how LEGO themes evolved from simple universal bricks to licensed franchises and adult collector sets, spanning classic Town, Space, Star Wars, and LEGO Icons.

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