Two Senior Vice Presidents of Lending and Branch Presidents, two collectors and builders of LEGO, two similar stories on how they were introduced to this hobby, and two passionate individuals who are not only bank leaders in their communities, but also within their households leading their children to discover the enjoyment and creativity around LEGO. What started in a workshop by a toymaker in Billund, Denmark in 1932, first introduced in the United States in 1961, and has become a hobby, passion and revenue stream for many, has captured our affection for two of our bank lending team officers.

 What is your hobby, and how did you get into this hobby?

ALEX:

One of my hobbies that I enjoy is building LEGO. Ever since I was a little kid I would play with LEGO with my brothers.

AUSTIN:

I’ve always been drawn to building things or putting things together. When I was a little kid, my mom would keep me entertained with puzzles, LEGO, Lincoln Logs - anything I could build or put together. She said I found it therapeutic, and I still do! Sometimes I’d build it, sometimes I’d stash it away…not sure why, but I like to ‘collect’ things.

How long have you had this hobby?

ALEX:

I enjoyed LEGO when I was a kid, but got back into the hobby of collecting and building once I had my own children.

AUSTIN:

As long as I can remember, but even more so since having kids of my own. As my oldest son was growing up, he’d love to go to the LEGO aisle at the toy store and, every once in a while, I’d let him pick something out. It wasn’t uncommon for me to grab one for myself too!

Why did you start this hobby?

ALEX:

I find it peaceful and relaxing, and I believe it to be a great hobby for kids. If they follow the instructions, they may learn patience and how to hold their attention on a task.

AUSTIN:

I guess I needed therapy!!

Do you share your hobby with a family member/friend?

ALEX:

Yes, my children and I enjoy building and playing with LEGO together. It provided us an outlet to use our imagination and be creative in building whatever we can think of.

AUSTIN:

My wife – sometimes. Every once in a while, we’ll put one together on date night, but I really enjoy building with the kids. While that’s always fun, it’s not quite as therapeutic as building alone in a quiet place. Nieces, nephews, my kid’s friends – even most adults - love to come and tour the LEGO room.

How many hours a week do you spend on your hobby?

ALEX:

It really varies depending on the kids’ schedules

AUSTIN:

Not as much as I’d like! Three to five hours building and three to five hours working on my inventory and sales strategies and processes. In the last year, I just hired my youngest brother to help manage the sales operation side. We sell on EBay, Facebook Marketplace, and hope to be ungated with Amazon very soon. Most sets I’ve bought over the years have sold for a great profit. So now, not only do I buy and build LEGO, but I buy, hold, and resell LEGO to fund my hobby.

What’s your favorite part about your hobby?

ALEX:

Now I get to enjoy watching my kids build and use their imagination to create their own ideas.

AUSTIN:

It’s fun!