199. Greg Turner Talks Legos, Business, and Johnson City

Johnson City Living

About the Guest:

Greg Turner is the founder and owner of "Get Bricked," a premier Lego store located in Johnson City. With a deep-rooted passion for Lego that began in his childhood, Greg reignited his interest during the COVID-19 pandemic and turned it into a thriving business. Beyond Legos, Greg has extensive experience in retail, having owned multiple brick-and-mortar stores specializing in minerals and fossils. His wife, too, is an entrepreneur, owning the West Main Antique Store in Johnson City. Together, they are deeply integrated into the local business community.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the podcast, host Colin Johnson welcomes Greg Turner, owner of the popular "Get Bricked" Lego store in Johnson City. As summer lingers and the town buzzes with activities, Colin and Greg delve into the world of Legos, discussing everything from the origins of Greg's passion for these iconic building blocks to the thriving business he has created. They explore the intricacies of the Lego market, the community involvement, and the excitement of upcoming projects.

Throughout the conversation, Greg shares fascinating insights about the Lego industry, including investment tips and the immense popularity of certain sets like Star Wars and Harry Potter. The episode covers nostalgic memories, entrepreneurship lessons, and the joys of bringing a childhood passion back to life. Essential themes such as community growth, family bonding, and the enduring appeal of Lego are skillfully woven into this informative and entertaining discussion.

Key Takeaways:

• From Passion to Business: Greg Turner's rekindled love for Lego during the pandemic led to the creation of "Get Bricked," a booming business in Johnson City.
• Community Involvement: The store is not just a retail space but a community hub offering events like build sessions and the upcoming birthday party room.
• Lego Investment Insights: Lego sets, especially Star Wars and Harry Potter, can be significant investment vehicles, with sealed sets increasing in value over time.
• Family Bonding: Legos provide an excellent opportunity for family bonding and creativity, appealing to both kids and adults.
• Downtown Growth: Greg talks about the growth and charm of downtown Johnson City, highlighting the benefits of living and owning a business in a smaller, bustling town.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The amount and variety of parts now compared to 20, 30 years ago has definitely expanded greatly." - Greg Turner
2. "We wanted to get back to a small town. Cost of living in Asheville skyrocketed. The traffic, crime, etc." - Greg Turner
3. "Lego Forbes named it two years in a row the number one investment vehicle on the planet." - Greg Turner
4. "I've been an entrepreneur my entire life. I remember selling dum dum lollipops in the first grade for 10 cents." - Greg Turner
5. "With Legos, you can just take the bricks and build whatever you want and use your imagination. What's better than that?" - Greg Turner

Resources:

• Get Bricked Instagram: @get_bricked_jc
• West Main Antiques: Owned by Greg Turner’s wife, also located in downtown Johnson City.

For more captivating insights and to learn about the expanding world of Legos and community events in Johnson City, be sure to listen to the full episode. Don’t miss out on the upcoming birthday party room at "Get Bricked" and other exciting projects! Stay tuned for more enriching content from the podcast, bringing you closer to the heart of Johnson City's vibrant community.