Who are you?
My name is Pete Cronin. I have WAY too many LEGOs. I had retired from running automobile dealerships due to the effects of Parkinson’s. I recently rejoined the workforce as the Corporate Trainer for the Boch organization. I have been married for 27 years and my wife and I have four children.
What is your business?
I have a hobby, turned semi-obsession, turned business; building with LEGO.
Is there a story behind your business?
My son had asked for a particular LEGO set for Christmas, but by the time I went to buy it, it was sold out. I found it on e-Bay, however the price was over the MSRP. During m search for his gift, I noticed there appeared to be a cottage industry involving retired LEGO sets in particular themes. I watched this market for a short time, then jumped in WAY over the top. I bought dozens of LEGO sets as “investments” and started building a few. My interest in architecture got me hooked on the LEGO Modular buildings, the building seemed therapeutic for my condition, and the inventory appealed to my organizational makeup.
How is your company changing the world?
I do not consider this q business in its’ truest sense. It is more of a vehicle to fuel the hobby.
Changing the world? …. Building a new tiny one seems more appropriate.
Why do you like being a part of the bigger CI Works puzzle?
Although my time spent at my workspace is limited I truly enjoy the interaction with the other tenants.
What do you hope your company’s next milestone will be?
I hope to “finish “ a complete inventory of my approximately 1.5 million LEGO pieces sometime in 2019.
What’s cool about your team?
There aren’t’ enough “o”s in the word “cool” to describe my team.
Are there any causes you are passionate about?
I have been fortunate to enjoy the care provided by several of the Boston Hospitals and Medical Centers.
What is your biggest fear?
As a child, my biggest fear was what may go bump in the night. As an adult, I am afraid of what comes in the mail.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
I have tremendous family and have weathered the medical storms sent my way. However, I am always humbled when a person thanks me for the knowledge or inspiration I shared that helped them achieve their dreams, I can think of nothing more satisfying or enduring.
What is something most people don’t know about you/your brand?
Most people don’t realize that a worldwide network exists that facilitates the purchase and selling of specific LEGO parts.
What advice do you have for other small businesses?
I have made a career out of providing guidance and instruction, so to narrow this down is difficult. My advice for individuals would be “Ego is what you do when everyone is watching. Character is what you do when no one is watching. Character ALWAYS trumps ego.”
For business it would be “Success is where preparation meets opportunity.”
For my own life it is, ”No single raindrop believes it is responsible for the flood. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”