Our Story

Originally, we were part of Citizen Brick, the cult-favorite minifigure company known for blending humor and pop culture into collectible works of art. Citizen Brick is all about creating their own quirky, tongue-in-cheek designs. But as word spread, something unexpected happened. Creative agencies, tech firms, and even global brands started asking:

“Could you make something custom… just for us?”

That’s when Brick Works was born.

From Collectibles to Collaborations

Brick Works is the brainchild of Joe Trupia, founder of Citizen Brick, and Ashley Zenner, former production manager and lead press operator. Together, we spun off a new kind of company, a private white-label sister brand based right here in Naperville, Illinois.

While Citizen Brick still makes the highly collectible designs fans love, Brick Works focuses entirely on you. Your brand, your story, your project. We exist to bring your ideas to life in a way that’s fun, creative, and completely unforgettable.

More Than a Vendor, A Partner

When you work with Brick Works, you don’t just get a product. You get a partner, a collaborator, a team of makers who care as much about your project as you do.

We’ll help you:

• Take a vague idea and shape it into a crystal-clear concept.
• Design and produce custom kits, packaging, and minifigures that feel true to your brand.
• Create promo items that actually get noticed (and kept) not tossed in a swag bag graveyard.

Think of us as your creative sidekick. The people who generate a toy line just for you, who celebrate your big ideas, and who make sure your project shines.

Who We Work With

Our customers are bold. They’re risk-takers and conversation-starters. They’re companies and teams who want their audience to pause, smile, and remember them.

From tech launches and healthcare innovations to conventions, career milestones, and global campaigns, Brick Works has collaborated with clients who share one thing in common: they want their promotional product to feel like more than just “merch.” They want it to be an experience.

Why Chicago?

Chicago is our home base, a city with grit, creativity, and a long history of building things that last. From our two locations, we design, print, and assemble projects that ship all over the world. Being based in Chicago and the Naperville area means we’re centrally located, easy to work with, and deeply rooted in a community of makers.

Let’s Build Together

At Brick Works, we don’t just make toys. We make stories, memories, and connections. When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a company, you’re teaming up with friends who are just as excited about your project as you are.