Host: Cristan Engelke
Guest: Kevin & Tammy Thorn
VIDEO
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DESCRIPTION
Welcome back to Southaven Business Beat! Today, Cristan sits down with Kevin & Tammy, owners of Bricks & Minifigs in Hernando—where childhood wonder meets grown‑up creativity. If you’ve ever asked, “Bricks & what now?”… it’s LEGO® heaven: pre‑owned sets, rare minifigs, custom art builds, birthday parties, Ladies Night, robotics, derby races, and more.
What you’ll learn:
•The hilarious “Discovery Day” bamboozle that launched their franchise
•Why retail ≠ other businesses (and why marketing matters twice)
•How they turn a store visit into an experience (botanicals, wall art, custom builds)
•Parties, camps, robotics (FIRST® LEGO League), stop‑motion, and after‑school programs
•Community connection: Hernando Farmers Market Kid Zone
•The surprising brain benefits of LEGO play for adults & kids
•The “Allowance Case” that teaches money smarts
•Future events: Date Night, LEGO Bingo, Friday Race Night
If you’re local: they’re in the historic depot area by the tracks in Hernando. Go say hi to Kevin & Tammy—and tell them Cristan sent you.
Join the conversation:
Tell us in the comment section on YouTube
What’s your favorite LEGO theme (Star Wars™, Botanicals, Icons, Technic, etc.)?
Should we host a LEGO® Date Night challenge on the show?
Moms—want a spot at the next Ladies Night mosaic session?
Like this episode if you love seeing small businesses thrive.
Subscribe so you never miss a new story from the Mid‑South business community.
CHAPTERS
- Welcome to SBB + today’s guest (00:00 – 00:40)
- “Bricks & Minifigs” explained (hint: LEGO®!) (00:40 – 01:27)
- Kevin’s lifelong LEGO obsession → from attic piles to a business (01:27 – 03:12)
- The Utah “vacation” that turned into franchise Discovery Day (03:12 – 04:20)
- Biggest challenge: MARKETING (and more marketing) (04:20 – 07:10)
- Turning shopping into an EXPERIENCE (art on walls, botanicals, customs) (07:10 – 10:18)
- Why this franchise felt right: family-run & faith-based culture (10:18 – 11:07)
- Two brands, one store: franchise rules + LEGO brand guidelines (11:07 – 12:45)
- Week-by-week wow moments (kids & grownups alike) (12:45 – 13:54)
- Why Hernando? Small-town feel, central to the territory (13:54 – 14:42)
- Birthday party room—hosted play + every kid leaves with a mini bag (14:42 – 16:17)
- LEGO for your brain: therapy, problem-solving, clarity (16:17 – 18:29)
- Community: Hernando Farmers Market Kid Zone (18:29 – 19:24)
- FIRST LEGO League robotics, camps, after-school ideas (19:24 – 22:41)
- Ladies Night (third Thursday, mosaics, snacks & jazz) (22:41 – 25:00)
- Coming soon: Date Night, LEGO Bingo, Friday Race Night (derby track!) (25:00 – 26:59)
- Most rewarding: seeing creativity unlock (Edgar Allan Poe diorama!) (26:59 – 29:23)
- Chamber value: speed networking & elevator-pitch reps (29:23 – 31:13)
- Pro tip: use the Chamber events calendar (31:13 – 31:35)
- Visit the Hernando depot shop + subscribe! (31:35 – 33:49)
Connect
More Southaven Business Beat episodes: www.southavenbusinessbeat.com
Chamber membership info: www.southavenchamber.com
Bricks & Minifigs (Hernando): bricksandminifigs.com/hernando-ms
This month’s featured sponsor — DeSoto Athletic Club (DAC)
Ready to level up your energy, mindset, and consistency? DeSoto Athletic Club has flexible, build-your-own memberships so you only pay for what you’ll actually use—group fitness, recovery, team training, and more. Start strong this week: book a tour and ask about the intro options. dacsouthaven.com
Podcast sponsors — Pure Focus Media & Wisdom Integrators
Wisdom Integrators: Systems, automations, and smart ops that give you time back—and make growth repeatable. See how your stack could run smoother: https://www.wisdomintegrators.com
Pure Focus Media: Turn your brand story into leads with pro video, strategy, and social content that actually moves the needle. Free discovery call: https://www.purefocus.media/
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