Member Highlight: Building a Dream, Brick by Brick

Some of the greatest stories in business start with a childhood passion — and that’s exactly how Phillori Phigures came to life. What began as a simple love for LEGO® minifigures and brick-building has evolved into a creative, growing enterprise right here in Lee's Summit. We’re thrilled to feature this dynamic duo, Phil and Lori Volen, as our newest Bridge Space member highlight!

If you haven’t had the pleasure yet, Phillori Phigures specializes in custom minifigures, brick builds, and pop-culture collectibles that turn heads at conventions and fly off the shelves of their growing online store. Their journey is an inspiring one, and we’d like to give a special shout-out to Nick Parker of Link 2 Lee’s Summit for capturing their story in an incredible podcast episode and feature article.

🎧 Watch the full interview on YouTube
📰 Read the full article on Link 2 Lee’s Summit

The Origin Story

Phil and Lori Volen, a husband-wife creative team, have long been passionate about collectibles and geek culture. Their shared enthusiasm eventually led them to design and sell custom brick figures that reflect everything from iconic movie characters to local personalities.

In the early stages, they were working out of their home, spending nights organizing tiny torsos, legs, and accessories in the garage. Orders trickled in through Etsy and small fan networks. But as demand began to grow — both for their figures and for a professional workspace — they knew it was time to level up.

Enter: Bridge Space.

Scaling Up in a Space that Gets It

Bridge Space provided more than just four walls. It gave Phillori Phigures access to:

• A secure office space for managing inventory and building in peace
• A professional business address that improved their Google visibility
• Flexible meeting rooms for collaborating with partners and planning for conventions
• A supportive, entrepreneurial community that understands the hustle

"We weren’t sure what we needed until we got here," Lori shared. "But Bridge Space has made it easier for us to focus, grow, and be taken seriously."

Having a central spot in downtown Lee’s Summit also gave them the visibility and credibility they needed to book conventions, ship wholesale orders, and eventually expand their production capacity.

Turning Brick Art into a Full-Time Hustle

What sets Phillori Phigures apart isn’t just their creativity — it’s their dedication to craftsmanship. Each figure they create is built with meticulous attention to detail, and they aren’t afraid to take bold swings when it comes to design. From pop culture mashups to personalized creations, every figure tells a story.

And it’s not just collectors who are noticing. The couple has caught the attention of pop culture fans across the country — even being asked to design exclusive figures for events and private collections. Their display booths have become fan favorites at comic cons, LEGO expos, and regional collector shows.

As orders have multiplied, so has the need for systems, space, and strategy. That’s where their growth story really begins to shine — shifting from a basement side hustle to a recognized name in the creative toy space.

Making Their Mark on Lee’s Summit

Bridge Space has always been a launchpad for local dreamers, and Phil and Lori’s story is no exception. What started as tiny bricks and late-night builds is now a business with big goals, new collaborators, and a vision for the future.

Their mission? To build a brand that celebrates storytelling, creativity, and community — one mini figure at a time.

The presence of Phillori Phigures in the Lee's Summit business community reminds us that success often comes in small, colorful packages. With continued growth, local partnerships, and the support of spaces like ours, they’re poised to inspire even more creative entrepreneurs in the area.

A Big Thank You to Nick Parker

We want to extend our appreciation to Nick Parker, host of the Link 2 Lee’s Summit podcast and long-time local storyteller. His podcast interview and accompanying article gave an in-depth look at Phillori Phigures’ roots and rising success.

Nick’s ability to bring these local business journeys to life is a huge asset to our community, and we’re lucky to have partners like him shining a light on what makes Lee’s Summit a special place to grow a business.

Final Thoughts About These Brick Builders

If you’ve ever wondered whether your quirky idea or offbeat hobby could turn into a business — let Phillori Phigures be your sign.

Whether it’s through the lens of their custom characters or the impact they’re making right here at Bridge Space, Phil and Lori Volen are a reminder that imagination and grit can truly build something special.

Want to see what they’re up to? Give them a follow, check out their latest creations, or stop by Bridge Space and say hello.

Follow Phillori Phigures
Website: Coming Soon
Instagram: @phillori_phigures
Facebook: Phillori Phigures

Learn more about Link 2 Lee’s Summit and Nick Parker’s local storytelling at:
link2leessummit.com