Built Without Permission

Matthew Mak
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Entrepreneurship

Built Without Permission is the podcast for entrepreneurs who never waited for someone to hand them the blueprint. Hosted by Matthew Mak, a former architect turned tow truck operator, landscaper, and equipment rental company owner, this show offers a raw, unfiltered look at what it actually takes to build multiple businesses from the ground up without a roadmap, a safety net, or anyone's approval. Every episode dives into the real decisions, hard pivots, expensive lessons, and unconventional strategies that separate the people who talk about building something from the ones who actually do it. No theory. No fluff. No permission needed. Whether you are a tradesperson with an entrepreneurial itch, a business owner navigating your next reinvention, or someone who has been told your path does not make sense, Built Without Permission is proof that the best businesses are rarely built by the book. This is the show for the ones who break ground before they feel ready.

  1. 4d ago

    Two Worlds, One Calendar Jody Friedman on Decades in Music Supervision & Building a Coaching Business Without Sacrificing

    In episode 23 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Jody Friedman, a serial entrepreneur, music industry professional, coach, and keynote speaker. Jody believed working harder would automatically lead to more money, freedom, and success. Instead, he discovered that sustainable growth requires working smarter, creating systems, hiring teams, delegating, and protecting time for the people and relationships that matter most.  Tune in to hear Jody Friedman’s honest perspective on entrepreneurship, identity, relationships, AI, personal development, and the courage it takes to redesign your life. If you’ve been waiting for permission to pursue what truly aligns with you, this conversation is your sign to start moving. TIMESTAMPS [00:00:06] Welcome to Built Without Permission and Jody Friedman. [00:01:18] Why entrepreneurs have to grab the reins. [00:01:55] Jody’s journey from music to serial entrepreneurship. [00:03:57] The power of music in film and storytelling. [00:05:40] What “Wreck the Room” really means. [00:06:13] The early days of entrepreneurship and chasing financial success. [00:07:54] From working harder to working smarter. [00:09:04] Protecting time, relationships, and what truly matters. [00:10:16] Creating a healthier weekly schedule. [00:11:48] The decision to redesign Jody’s life. [00:13:33] Delegation, creative ownership, and building a team. [00:14:41] Using AI to improve workflows and productivity. [00:16:22] The hidden work behind online coaching and digital marketing. [00:19:33] Building the “Wreck the Room” coaching framework. [00:20:46] The mission to help a million people transform their lives. [00:22:25] Purpose, abundance, and giving back. [00:24:37] What “Built Without Permission” means to Jody. [00:25:32] Personal growth, relationships, and letting people adapt. [00:27:18] Where to find Jody Friedman. QUOTES "Working smart is the right message. Be smart about how you work, set up your systems, hire teams, delegate." – Jody Friedman"Time with the people we care about is the most important thing." – Jody Friedman"You don't need permission to do what you are meant to do." – Jody Friedman SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Matthew Mak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmak.builds/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matt.ozoriomak LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-mak-715bb825/  J and J Equipment Rental Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandjequipmentrental/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/JJ-Equipment-Rental/ LinkedIn:  https://ca.linkedin.com/company/j-j-equipment-rental  Jody Friedman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jody_friedman/?hl=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodyfriedman/

  2. Sep 29

    Stop Leaving Money on the Table John Reay on AI Automation & How Businesses Can Win More Jobs From Marketing They're Already P

    In episode 22 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews John Reay, an entrepreneur and problem-solver whose journey across four different industries taught him one powerful lesson: building a business isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about creating leverage, solving problems, and taking action. John shares how his entrepreneurial journey began in software in 1997, when a project he built for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research Lab turned into his first business opportunity. Tune in to hear John Reay’s story of entrepreneurship, technology, risk-taking, AI innovation, and learning through experience—and discover why your next breakthrough may begin with simply taking the next step. TIMESTAMPS [00:00:06] Welcome to Built Without Permission and John Reay. [00:01:07] The lie about entrepreneurship and ultimate freedom. [00:02:10] John’s journey through four different industries. [00:03:18] From software development to video editing systems. [00:04:05] The business sale that changed John’s perspective on ownership. [00:06:08] Transitioning from trades and technology into AI. [00:07:50] The hard lessons that shaped John’s entrepreneurial journey. [00:08:35] Going back to first principles and relearning how to build. [00:11:31] Becoming self-taught through programming and experimentation. [00:15:14] Taking action before the entire path is clear. [00:15:45] The risky decision to move from Illinois to Florida. [00:16:31] Building systems for Skywalker Sound and Kennedy Space Center. [00:17:45] Pushing into new challenges in AI and specialized work. [00:20:14] What “Built Without Permission” means to John. [00:22:55] Turning ideas into reality through action. [00:23:53] Where to find John and his AI guide. QUOTES "I think the biggest one is that starting my own business is gonna be my ultimate path to freedom." – John Reay"If we don't have the entire path lit, we don't take a step." – John Reay"Built without permission means that nobody's actually asked me to do something of value for them." – John Reay SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Matthew Mak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmak.builds/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matt.ozoriomak LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-mak-715bb825/  J and J Equipment Rental Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandjequipmentrental/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/JJ-Equipment-Rental/ LinkedIn:  https://ca.linkedin.com/company/j-j-equipment-rental  John Reay Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnreayofficial/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnreayofficial/

  3. Sep 22

    Crafted for Montana Levi Wanner on Building Custom Homes, Commercial Projects & a Construction Legacy Across Billings, Bozem

    In episode 21 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Levi Wanner, a Montana-based homebuilder and entrepreneur who has spent approximately 25 years building and selling real estate. Levi shares how his journey began in property management, starting as a maintenance man before becoming a property manager and eventually earning his real estate license.  Tune in to hear Levi’s story and learn how to overcome doubt, delegate effectively, build better systems, choose the right mentors, lead with purpose, and take action even when nobody else understands your vision.  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:42] Welcome to Delta Vision. [00:01:03] Levi Wanner’s homebuilding business and 25-year real estate journey. [00:01:57] Building good, better, and best homes. [00:03:16] The moment Levi stopped waiting for permission. [00:05:14] Winning over family and overcoming doubt. [00:07:35] Starting a homebuilding business without a construction background. [00:09:07] Why execution matters more than having a perfect plan. [00:10:10] The decision to delegate and buy back your time. [00:11:49] SOPs, staffing, and using AI to scale. [00:13:42] Learning who to take advice from. [00:15:09] The power of community and learning from other entrepreneurs. [00:16:29] Turning coaching lessons into action. [00:17:32] Finding the biggest bottleneck and implementing solutions. [00:20:07] What “Built Without Permission” means to Levi. [00:22:24] Leadership, responsibility, and making the right choices. [00:23:38] Working with family and the importance of communication. [00:24:06] Why explaining the “why” makes better leaders. [00:26:22] Levi’s Builder Launch coaching platform and top tips for new builders. QUOTES "That kind of negative reinforcement always kind of pushes me over the edge." – Levi Wanner"You have to get out of your comfort zone and get some good staff." – Levi Wanner"We can't ask permission to be successful. You just have to go out and get it." – Matthew Matt SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Matthew Mak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmak.builds/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matt.ozoriomak LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-mak-715bb825/  J and J Equipment Rental Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandjequipmentrental/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/JJ-Equipment-Rental/ LinkedIn:  https://ca.linkedin.com/company/j-j-equipment-rental  Levi Wanner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leviwanner/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levi-wanner-734636170/

  4. Sep 15

    From CFP to CEO Rachel Erickson on Using Her Financial Knowledge to Bet on Herself & Build Barrel Room Media From the Gr

    In episode 20 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Rachel Erickson, founder of Barrel Room Media, as she explains why culture, character, and values matter more than money or impressive résumés—and why she refuses to take on clients or team members who negatively impact the people around them.  Tune in to hear Rachel’s entrepreneurial journey and discover practical lessons on focus, leadership, delegation, business growth, community, culture, AI, and taking action—even when your path doesn’t look conventional. TIMESTAMPS [00:00:06] Welcome to Built Without Permission. [00:01:29] Rachel’s creative agency and hospitality focus. [00:02:25] From financial advisor to entrepreneur. [00:04:41] Wine, authenticity, and doing things your way. [00:06:33] Leaving a stable career to build a business. [00:08:18] The entrepreneur trap: saying yes to everything. [00:09:39] The power of focus and mentorship. [00:10:51] Hustle culture vs. sustainable integration. [00:13:11] Rachel’s transformation through coaching and community. [00:15:16] Failure, patience, and playing the long game. [00:18:34] The rule Rachel refuses to break: work with good people. [00:20:59] AI adoption and staying ahead. [00:22:22] AI coaching, accountability, and Dan AI. [00:24:27] Building your own AI clone. [00:26:02] What “Built Without Permission” means. [00:26:51] Rachel’s content gap scorecard and where to find her. [00:28:12] Matthew’s final message: stop waiting and start building. QUOTES “Drink how you want to drink and drink what you like.” – Rachel Erickson“It’s that feeling, it’s like when you share something with someone, and then you’re like, ‘Yeah, I’m not alone.’” – Matthew Mak“Just go for it unapologetically.” – Rachel Erickson SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Matthew Mak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmak.builds/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matt.ozoriomak LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-mak-715bb825/  J and J Equipment Rental Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandjequipmentrental/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/JJ-Equipment-Rental/ LinkedIn:  https://ca.linkedin.com/company/j-j-equipment-rental  Rachel Erickson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelerick.son/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelerickson4/  Website: https://barrelroommedia.com/about

  5. Sep 9

    From Survival to Strength Shaun Shubert on Growing Up Hard, Getting Out & Building the Reforged Method for Dads Who've L

    In episode 19 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Shaun Shubert, a martial artist, chef, gym owner, coach, and entrepreneur from Boston, Massachusetts, to unpack the setbacks, sacrifices, mindset shifts, and life lessons that shaped his journey. He shares how the discipline of combat sports taught him one of the most important lessons in business and life: showing up even when you don't feel like it.  Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, building a business, becoming a better leader, protecting your time, and creating a life where your success doesn't come at the expense of the people you love. TIMESTAMPS [00:00:06] Introducing Built Without Permission and Shaun Shubert. [00:01:02] Shaun's journey from Boston and martial arts to business ownership. [00:03:12] Studying culinary arts and finding purpose through trade school. [00:05:35] Balancing life as a chef, martial artist, and family man. [00:06:56] Finding mentorship and getting back on the right path. [00:09:17] The sacrifices required to pursue combat sports. [00:11:31] Why consistency and showing up matter. [00:12:41] Transitioning from fighter to entrepreneur and business owner. [00:14:09] Building a business without sacrificing family. [00:15:08] Creating an environment where your kids can grow alongside you. [00:17:35] Breaking free from traditional work and lifestyle expectations. [00:19:39] Recognizing when you're stuck in the same routine. [00:20:48] Different definitions of success and choosing your own path. [00:21:39] Hiring the right person and getting your time back. [00:23:24] Building a team that supports your vision. [00:24:30] What “Built Without Permission” means to Shaun. [00:26:07] Trusting your gut and taking action. [00:27:30] Why consistency and momentum matter. [00:27:48] Where to find Shaun and Red Seal Martial Arts. [00:28:58] Final thoughts on building without permission. QUOTES "Sometimes you just know better. Your gut's telling you, just do it, man." – Shaun Shubert"There's no way I'm putting my kids in daycare. They're coming to the gym with me." – Shaun Shubert SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Matthew Mak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmak.builds/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matt.ozoriomak LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-mak-715bb825/  J and J Equipment Rental Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandjequipmentrental/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/JJ-Equipment-Rental/ LinkedIn:  https://ca.linkedin.com/company/j-j-equipment-rental  Shaun Shubert  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaun_shubert/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaun.aldenshubert/

  6. Sep 2

    Hands Off, Hands Down the Best Scott Dinan on Managing -1M+ Luxury Vacation Assets Across Manatee, Sarasota & Pinellas

    In episode 18 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Scott Dinan, founder of Trust First Management, as he shares how this leadership shift helped create a culture where team members began taking initiative—including one employee who recently built an entire work-order app without being asked.   Tune in for an inspiring conversation about building your future, leading with purpose, and taking action one step at a time.  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:06] Introducing Built Without Permission and Scott Dinan. [00:01:19] The moment Scott realized he was ready to start his own business. [00:02:20] Why making $200,000 revealed the limits of a W-2 career. [00:02:52] Starting a business while becoming a first-time parent. [00:04:12] The importance of having a supportive spouse. [00:05:08] Surviving two back-to-back hurricanes in Florida. [00:06:06] What kept Scott from quitting when the business was losing money. [00:07:12] Building Trust First Management and managing 50 properties. [00:08:05] Vacation rentals, real estate, and serving Canadian clients. [00:09:13] What real success looks like behind the scenes. [00:10:12] Building a team around shared vision and individual dreams. [00:11:06] How better leadership created greater team initiative. [00:12:26] Using AI and technology to transform business operations. [00:13:16] Starting a business while maintaining financial security. [00:14:12] Taking action and getting 1% better every day. [00:15:13] Overthinking, mindset, and creating your own reality. [00:15:50] Why Scott identifies with Batman. [00:17:41] What “Built Without Permission” means to Scott. [00:18:12] Why don't you need permission to create something meaningful? [00:19:17] The danger of waiting until it's too late. [00:20:53] Parenting, programming, and breaking self-imposed boundaries. [00:21:30] Where to find Scott Dinan and Trust First Management. [00:22:15] Consistency, social media, and embracing the haters. [00:22:40] Final thoughts and building without permission. QUOTES "At the end of the day, why do you need permission?" – Scott Dinan"If you have an idea, create it." – Scott Dinan"If you're waiting for permission, you're already behind." – Matthew Mak SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Matthew Mak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmak.builds/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matt.ozoriomak LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-mak-715bb825/  J and J Equipment Rental Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandjequipmentrental/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/JJ-Equipment-Rental/ LinkedIn:  https://ca.linkedin.com/company/j-j-equipment-rental  Scott Dinan  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scott.dinan/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-dinan-545b1991/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smdinan/

  7. Aug 25

    Your Wealth Starts With One Honest Conversation Laura Costa on 12+ Years of GTA Real Estate & the Communication That Changes

    In episode 17 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Laura Costa, an Ontario real estate professional who has built her career around connection, adaptability, communication, and helping clients achieve meaningful goals. From dreaming about a life traveling the Mediterranean to building a successful real estate career, Laura shares the experiences, challenges, and mindset shifts that shaped her journey.  Tune in for an inspiring conversation about real estate, entrepreneurship, mentorship, relationships, communication, personal growth, adaptability, and the courage to build a life and business on your own terms. TIMESTAMPS [00:01:33] Laura’s dream life before real estate and her ultimate vision. [00:02:52] Why adaptability matters in business and life. [00:03:39] The reality of Laura’s first year in real estate. [00:04:58] How difficult seasons build grit, discipline, and self-motivation. [00:06:06] Partnerships, relationships, and learning from things that don't work out. [00:08:50] The butterfly effect and the power of unexpected connections. [00:10:03] Laura’s approach to residential real estate and collaboration. [00:11:09] Why communication and listening are critical in real estate. [00:13:53] The skills nobody teaches: communication and negotiation. [00:17:28] Staying focused on service instead of simply chasing transactions. [00:18:35] Building a memorable personal brand through exceptional service. [00:20:26] AI, outsourcing, and creating more time to focus on clients. [00:25:28] The power of culture, connection, and word-of-mouth. [00:26:06] What “Built Without Permission” really means. [00:28:10] Reprogramming your mindset and challenging limiting beliefs. [00:29:11] Building confidence through experience and self-awareness. [00:30:01] Why execution is what turns knowledge into impact. [00:30:31] Where to connect with Laura and her Ontario-wide real estate services. QUOTES "You're doing that, you're figuring that out, you're going through the motions of life and just keep moving towards what we feel is our purpose." – Laura Costa"The consistent, boring, mundane tasks are what keep you very successful and in it." – Laura Costa"When you execute it, are you actually doing it? Whatever it is, you gotta do it for the difference to actually be impactful." – Matthew Mak SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Matthew Mak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmak.builds/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matt.ozoriomak LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-mak-715bb825/  J and J Equipment Rental Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandjequipmentrental/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/JJ-Equipment-Rental/ LinkedIn:  https://ca.linkedin.com/company/j-j-equipment-rental  Laura Costa  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanlauracosta/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-costa-b576672a/

  8. Aug 18

    Build a Business Worth Buying Brandon Smith of New Vision Projects on Trade-Up Coaching & What Contractors Need to Know

    In episode 16 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Brandon Smith, Co-Founder of New Vision Projects, as he explains that having the best product or service means little if you can't communicate its value, solve a customer's problem, and understand how to measure your sales performance.  Tune in for an inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, building confidence, developing leadership skills, learning sales, hiring coaches, creating team alignment, and taking the daily actions required to turn a small construction business into a scalable company. TIMESTAMPS [00:01:10] Brandon's difficult high school years and discovering construction. [00:01:50] From aspiring snowboarder to starting a career in the trades. [00:03:54] Finding confidence through trade school and hands-on learning. [00:05:00] The 2010 Olympics and the decision to start a business. [00:06:44] Turning skills into confidence and becoming an entrepreneur. [00:09:44] Developing a growth mindset through business challenges. [00:11:51] Emotional stability and showing up as a leader. [00:14:58] What the first year of entrepreneurship really looked like. [00:16:35] The coaching investment that changed the business. [00:17:22] Dividing roles between sales, marketing, and production. [00:20:45] Helping trades businesses build profitable, self-sustaining companies. [00:23:29] The most important skill school doesn't teach: sales. [00:24:59] Why business owners shouldn't outsource sales too quickly. [00:26:50] Storytelling, service, and building customer trust. [00:28:17] The importance of team and company vision alignment. [00:29:45] Understanding employee goals and creating alignment. [00:30:42] Brandon's Open Concept Podcast and connecting with entrepreneurs. [00:31:16] Building a business worth selling—and worth enjoying. QUOTES "Construction saved me." – Brandon Smith"People don't buy your presence, they buy your standards." – Brandon Smith"If we are not aligned on the same vision, we're not working together." – Brandon Smith SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Matthew Mak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmak.builds/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matt.ozoriomak LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-mak-715bb825/  J and J Equipment Rental Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandjequipmentrental/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/JJ-Equipment-Rental/ LinkedIn:  https://ca.linkedin.com/company/j-j-equipment-rental  Brandon Smith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildwithbsmith/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-smith-nvp/

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About

Built Without Permission is the podcast for entrepreneurs who never waited for someone to hand them the blueprint. Hosted by Matthew Mak, a former architect turned tow truck operator, landscaper, and equipment rental company owner, this show offers a raw, unfiltered look at what it actually takes to build multiple businesses from the ground up without a roadmap, a safety net, or anyone's approval. Every episode dives into the real decisions, hard pivots, expensive lessons, and unconventional strategies that separate the people who talk about building something from the ones who actually do it. No theory. No fluff. No permission needed. Whether you are a tradesperson with an entrepreneurial itch, a business owner navigating your next reinvention, or someone who has been told your path does not make sense, Built Without Permission is proof that the best businesses are rarely built by the book. This is the show for the ones who break ground before they feel ready.

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Mak
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Built Without Permission
  • Show Website
    Built Without Permission