RC Hobbies

"The technology is still there; the electronics and mechanics are still there," he said. "And they still provide hand/eye coordination, and it gets the kids outside and playing with other kids."

The popularity of certain vehicles is cyclical, West said, but remote-controlled helicopters are the most popular current item because they can be operated both outdoors and indoors.

The business has experienced significant growth since opening, West said, thanks to its location along I-45 and word-of-mouth advertising.

He said RC Hobbies had become popular among competitive remote-controlled vehicle operators, many of which are part of a tight-knit community.

"There's a lot of people who have been in the hobbies before we came who deal with us exclusively," he said.

West and other employees at the business even participate in various racing and flying events in the area, developing a rapport with RC operators.

"We try to stay active in the community," he said.

26302 I-45 N., Spring, 281-292-5552, www.rc-hobbies.com