From Bedroom Hobby to Million-Dollar Lego Business
Alex Jones, a 34-year-old from Cardiff, turned his love for Lego into a business empire worth more than £1 million (about $1.3 million). What started as a childhood passion has now grown into a company that ships thousands of Lego sets to customers all over the world.
The Beginning: A Love for Lego
When Alex was a child, he spent hours building with Lego bricks. He never guessed that his favorite toy would one day become his full-time job. In 2016, Alex noticed something interesting: old and rare Lego sets were selling online for much more money than their original price. This discovery gave him an idea for a new business.
“I realized there was a huge market for rare and retired Lego sets,” Alex said. “People are willing to pay a premium for sets they missed out on or want to collect.”
Building a Business from His Bedroom
Alex started small. He began by buying Lego sets from stores and online shops. He looked for sets that were about to be discontinued or were already hard to find. Then, he sold them online to collectors and fans who were searching for those special sets.
- He started his business from his bedroom in Cardiff.
- He focused on sets that were no longer being made.
- He quickly learned which sets would become valuable.
The Rise of Brick Arena
Today, Alex’s company is called Brick Arena. It has become one of the biggest sellers of rare and collectible Lego sets in the world. Brick Arena ships thousands of sets each year to customers in many different countries.
“It’s been an incredible journey,” Alex said. “I never imagined that something I loved as a child would become my full-time job.”
The Secret to Success: Knowledge and Timing
Alex says his success comes from knowing a lot about Lego and the toy market. He spends a lot of time researching which sets are likely to go up in value. He watches online forums, auction sites, and Lego fan groups to spot new trends.
“It’s all about timing,” he explained. “Some sets double or triple in value within a few years of being discontinued.”
For example, a Lego set that originally cost $100 in stores might sell for $300 or more once it is no longer available. Alex has learned how to predict which sets will become popular and which ones people will want to collect.
Challenges and Rewards
Running a business is not always easy. Alex has to manage his staff, keep track of thousands of Lego sets, and make sure his customers are happy. He also has to decide which new sets to buy and when to sell them.
Even with all these challenges, Alex still enjoys building with Lego for fun. “It’s a great way to relax and unwind,” he said. “And it reminds me why I started this in the first place.”
Inspiring Others to Try
Alex’s story has inspired other Lego fans to start buying and selling sets, hoping to make money from their hobby. But he warns that it is not as simple as it might look.
- Know the market: You need to understand which sets are valuable.
- Be patient: Sometimes it takes years for a set to become rare.
- Invest time and money: You have to be willing to put in a lot of work.
Looking to the Future
Brick Arena continues to grow as more people discover the world of Lego collecting. Alex has plans to expand his business into new markets and try new ways to reach customers.
“There’s always something new in the world of Lego,” he said. “I’m excited to see where it takes me next.”
Key Facts About Alex’s Lego Empire
- Started business in 2016 from his bedroom
- Now runs Brick Arena, shipping thousands of sets worldwide
- Business is worth over £1 million (about $1.3 million)
- Focuses on rare and retired Lego sets
- Credits success to market knowledge and timing
Alex Jones’s story shows that with passion, research, and hard work, it is possible to turn a childhood hobby into a million-dollar business.