Business
BY STEVE GUNTLI
Karly Newberry and her two kids sort through loose pieces to construct their own custom mini gs.
Bricks & Mini gs features some rare and elaborate builds, such as this rare roller coaster kit.
PHOTOS BY STEVE GUNTLI COMMUNITY IMPACT
Bricks & Mini gs helps LEGO fans nd rare sets Gary Friedman, owner of the Bricks & Mini gs store at the Homestead Shopping Center in far Northwest Austin, was not originally a LEGO fan. His passion was precious gems; he studied as a gemologist and worked in the jewelry industry for about a decade. Eventually, he decided to switch careers, working as a fth grade teacher for more Shopping Center in May of 2017. What they o er
Mini gs come in a wide variety of styles, from original creations to established properties like STAR WARS.
Customers can purchase new or used LEGO sets or sell their unwanted kits. The store pays extra for fully-built sets, so Friedman’s team can con rm all necessary pieces are included. The shop also o ers a large bin of loose bricks, so builders can locate that elusive missing piece to complete their masterwork. What else? “Austin is a hotbed of active LEGO enthusiasts,” Friedman said. “They have clubs here, they host conventions here. It’s a big, fun community, it really is.”
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than 18 years. It was Friedman’s educational background that originally drew him to LEGO. “LEGO ts right in the middle of the retail and education Venn diagram,” he said. Intrigued by the idea of blending play, edu- cation and business, Gary and his wife Holly Friedman decided to invest in their own franchise, and opened their storefront at the Homestead
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14010 N. Hwy. 183, Ste. 445, Austin https://bricksandmini gs.com/austin-tx
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CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
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