Rising Stars: Meet John Thomas of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Thomas.

Hi John , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started JayTee RC more than 15 years ago simply because I had a genuine passion for radio-controlled cars and wanted to share that excitement with other people. What began as creating videos, reviewing vehicles, testing products, racing, building and attending RC events gradually grew into a large online community and opportunities to work with some of the biggest brands in the RC industry.

Over the years, I realized that RC cars could be more than just a hobby or entertainment. They can be an incredible way to introduce children to STEM, mechanics, technology, problem-solving and creativity in a way that immediately gets their attention.

That realization became part of the inspiration behind my nonprofit, Little Kingdom Builder, Inc. Through the organization, I use RC cars, books, toys and hands-on activities to create fun educational experiences for children and families. We have brought RC tracks and activities into community events and youth programs, giving kids an opportunity to experience something they may never have been exposed to otherwise.

Today, JayTee RC and Little Kingdom Builder represent two sides of the same mission. JayTee RC allows me to continue creating, educating and sharing my passion with the worldwide RC community, while Little Kingdom Builder gives me the opportunity to take that experience directly into communities and use it to inspire the next generation.

My goal is to continue growing both platforms, creating more STEM-based experiences for children, expanding our community events and partnerships, and showing young people that learning, creativity and technology can also be fun.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to grow and evolve while balancing JayTee RC, Little Kingdom Builder, my professional career, family responsibilities, and everything that comes with running creative and community-based projects.

With JayTee RC, I have had to navigate constant changes in social media, YouTube algorithms, audience trends, sponsorship opportunities, and the RC industry itself. Building a platform over many years takes consistency, patience, and the willingness to continue creating even when the numbers or opportunities do not always reflect the amount of work being put in.

With Little Kingdom Builder, the challenges are different. As a nonprofit, funding, resources, volunteers, equipment, transportation, and creating larger community partnerships are always things we have to work through. I have a vision of reaching more children through RC cars, STEM activities, books, and hands-on experiences, but growing that vision requires the right financial support and partnerships.

There have also been times when I have had to create opportunities instead of waiting for opportunities to come to me. That has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of continuing to move forward even when progress feels slow.

The challenges have actually helped shape what JayTee RC and Little Kingdom Builder are today. They have forced me to become more creative, more resourceful, and even more committed to using what I have built to create something positive for the next generation.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work sits at the intersection of content creation, the RC industry, education, and community impact.

Through JayTee RC, I create content centered around radio-controlled vehicles, including product reviews, testing, events, new releases, industry news, and real-world driving experiences. Over the years, I have built a recognizable platform within the RC community and have had opportunities to work with major brands in the industry.

What sets my work apart is that I do more than just showcase RC cars. I focus on making the hobby exciting, approachable, and educational. I want people to understand the technology, performance, creativity, and community behind it.

I also bring that experience into my nonprofit, Little Kingdom Builder, Inc., where I use RC cars, books, toys, and hands-on activities to introduce children to STEM, creativity, problem-solving, and new experiences. I am especially proud of being able to take something I have loved for years and turn it into something that can inspire kids and families.

In addition to content creation, I am also an author and creator. My goal has always been to build things that can entertain, educate, and create a positive impact.

What I am most proud of is that I have been able to turn a personal passion into a platform, a business, and a nonprofit mission. I believe what sets me apart is my combination of longevity, authenticity, industry experience, creativity, and my desire to use what I have built to give back to the next generation.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Some of my favorite childhood memories are connected to toys, cars, creativity, and simply having the freedom to use my imagination. I was always fascinated by things that moved, how they worked, and how much fun you could create with something as simple as a toy car.

Looking back, I think those experiences had a much bigger influence on me than I realized at the time. That same curiosity eventually grew into my passion for RC cars, creating JayTee RC, writing books, and building Little Kingdom Builder.

What makes those memories special to me now is that I get to recreate that same sense of excitement for other kids. When I see a child pick up an RC controller for the first time, get excited about a car, a book, or a hands-on activity, it reminds me how powerful those simple childhood experiences can be.

That is probably one of the biggest reasons I care so much about creating opportunities for kids today—to give them positive memories that may inspire something much bigger later in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Littlekingdombuilder.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/jay_tee_rc
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/jteerc
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jayteerc?si=QsAAl3RI048qPZpy