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. 2d ago

    No Wasted Years How Dalton Sykes Turned a Decade of Discipline Into Ironworx Excavating's Rise Across Toronto & the GTA

    In episode 13 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Dalton Sykes from IronWorkX Excavating, as he shares how a simple decision in his early 20s changed the trajectory of his life—from flipping pickup trucks and selling handmade concrete dumbbells during the pandemic to building one of the fastest-growing excavation companies focused on commercial, municipal, and civil projects.  Tune in and discover why the people who succeed aren't waiting for permission—they're creating opportunities through action.  TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Built Without Permission 01:30 The moment Dalton decided to stop wasting time 03:20 Flipping trucks and selling concrete dumbbells during COVID 06:40 From liquidation business to Ironworks Excavating 11:05 The sacrifices entrepreneurs rarely talk about 15:10 Why your circle changes as you grow 20:05 Social media success vs. real success 24:00 Money, family, and defining true wealth 27:15 The power of self-accountability 29:20 Becoming a better leader and building stronger teams 36:00 What's next for Ironworks Excavating 39:30 Building a legacy for future generations 42:00 Final thoughts on building without permission QUOTES "The more you blame yourself, the more you can fix in your life." — Dalton Sykes"Success isn't the Lamborghini. Success is having peace." — Dalton Sykes"If you're waiting for permission, you're already behind." — Matthew Mak"Solve people's problems, and the money follows." — Dalton Sykes"You don't build a legacy overnight—you build it one decision at a time." — 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  Dalton Sykes LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalton-sykes-b242162b7/

  2. Jul 21

    - Old World Service, New World Tech Dennis Costa of Avas Automation on Bringing Smart Home Technology to Life

    In episode 12 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Dennis Costa from AVAS and Concepts, as he reveals how a childhood obsession with speakers and audio systems evolved into a thriving business serving homeowners with custom automation, home technology, and audio solutions.  Tune in to discover why the most successful entrepreneurs don't wait for approval—they build with purpose, trust the process, and create opportunities through consistent action.  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:06] Welcome to Built Without Permission and meet Dennis Costa. [00:02:13] Dennis shares his entrepreneurial journey and passion for audio. [00:05:27] Leaving a secure job to build a business from scratch. [00:06:01] Why family didn't always support the entrepreneurial dream. [00:08:14] Small beginnings, big vision, and believing in yourself. [00:13:54] Building systems, SOPs, and a high-performing team. [00:15:45] Why client feedback is the greatest measure of success. [00:17:20] Leadership, delegation, and trusting your team. [00:18:26] The power of long-term business partnerships. [00:23:24] The biggest misconception about becoming your own boss. [00:24:43] Why execution always beats waiting for the perfect time. [00:27:18] What "Built Without Permission" truly means. [00:31:10] Where to connect with Dennis Costa and Avis Automation. QUOTES "Sometimes the steps you take end up leading you to what you truly love." – Dennis Costa"Don't build a business because you want to be your own boss—build it because you're willing to create something meaningful." – Dennis Costa"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  Dennis Costa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avaconceptltd/  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-costa/  Website: https://avasandconcepts.com/

  3. Jul 14

    Stephen Ward - Short Term Rentals, Long Term Thinking Stephen Ward on Building Business Savvy in the STR Game

    In episode 11 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Stephen Ward, a former problem-solver in corporate America who transformed his life and career by launching one of the fastest-growing short-term rental companies in the country. Steve also reveals the pivotal moments that pushed him to leave a secure 15-year career, face down fear and self-doubt, and pursue audacious goals that most would consider impossible.   Tune in to step outside your comfort zone and discover the blueprint for unstoppable action and success!  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] From Folding Suits to Entrepreneur: Stephen Ward's Origin Story [00:03:12] Fear, Resilience, and the Power of Not Quitting [00:05:20] Unlocking Personal Growth and Coaching [00:07:57] Biggest Failure: Buying and Losing a Gym During COVID [00:12:15] Advice for Corporate Professionals Ready to Leap [00:17:22] The Science and Strategy of Scaling Short-Term Rentals [00:19:31] Implementing AI and Systems for Team Growth [00:22:03] What "Built Without Permission" Means & Taking Back Your Power  QUOTES "Fear is the gap between who you need to become and who you are today. When I adopted fear as a signal that I'm moving in the right direction, that was a big unlock." – Stephen Ward"If you’re waiting for permission, you’re already behind. The life you’re building starts with the decisions you make today." – Matthew Mak"You can build it in a way that you don’t need to take a vacation you don’t need to retire from. It just becomes life. It’s not work and life—it’s just life." – Stephen Ward 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  Steve Ward LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-ward-irl/

  4. Jul 7

    Luke Potter - Kill the Busywork Luke Potter of Ceramic Labs on Using AI & Automation to Help Small Businesses Grow Smarter

    In episode 10 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Luke Potter, a seasoned leader who transformed his career from corporate stability to entrepreneurial success by taking bold action. Luke shares how he uses process automation not just to replace tasks, but to fuel team growth, enable real implementation, and help business owners refocus on what truly moves the needle.  Tune in for a raw, honest, and motivating conversation designed for business leaders and anyone ready to take action, grow teams, and lead with purpose!  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Redefining action: Why those building the most ask for least permission [00:00:57] Luke Potter’s 60-second transformation story [00:02:04] From corporate automation to entrepreneurship: Identifying opportunity [00:08:01] Sacrifices no one sees—taking bold personal and professional risks [00:12:32] Defining success in the trenches vs. online image [00:16:35] Lessons learned: Saving years of business pain [00:23:28] What “Built Without Permission” really means [00:27:11] Social media success and surprising results [00:28:17] Action steps—stop waiting for permission QUOTES "The only person’s permission you need to do something is your own. All you have to do is start." – Luke Potter“You’re not replacing people—you’re replacing certain work, not people. It’s about helping everyone move faster and supporting your team.” – Matthew Mak“When you’re growing a business, you always are looking towards that next thing…but you have to celebrate the moments—you look back and should have appreciated them more when you were there.” – Luke Potter 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  Luke Potter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukerpotter/

  5. Jun 30

    Nathan Lewis - The Long Game Nathan Lewis of Nonpareil Roofing on a Career Forged in the Trades & a Business Built to Last

    In episode 9 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Nathan Lewis, founder of Nonpareil Roofing, as he shares his compelling journey from project manager—overworked and underpaid—to thriving roofing business owner serving all of Southern Ontario.   Tune in for wisdom on transforming obstacles into opportunities and how to build—without permission—from those who are making it happen.  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:05] Meet Nathan Lewis: From project manager to roofing entrepreneur [00:04:18] Essential roofing knowledge: what every homeowner should know [00:06:20] Scams, service, and earning trust in the trades [00:08:24] The real sacrifices of entrepreneurship: time, comfort, and family [00:11:21] Customer service as the true business differentiator [00:13:31] Advice for switching from 9-to-5 to entrepreneurship [00:17:15] "Built Without Permission": Belief, support, and silencing the doubters [00:20:00] Cutting out negativity and defining your own success  QUOTES "Don’t overthink it. If you have a plan in place, time to execute." – Nathan Lewis"You are literally the only reason why you’re not successful—most people quit before they even try." – Nathan Lewis"Customer service is what is going to get you the job. And then you have to execute." – Nathan Lewis  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

  6. Jun 23

    Scale Smarter, Not Harder Alisha Esmail of Latch AI on Using Artificial Intelligence to Grow Your Business

    In episode 8 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Alisha Esmail, Founder of Latch AI, as she shares how she navigated business pivots, overcame setbacks—including losing vital support and enduring rocky partnerships—and found new strength through elite networking and the right partners.   Tune in to level up your approach, spark new ideas, and start building—without waiting for permission!  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:05] The No-Permission Mindset: Meet Alisha Esmail [00:01:29] From International Development to Coffee Entrepreneurship [00:03:15] Road Coffee’s Impact: Direct Supply Chains & Microloans [00:04:08] Navigating Fear, Setbacks, and Getting Fired [00:07:32] The Power of Community Versus Family Support [00:09:40] The Reality Behind “Overnight Success” [00:11:00] The Importance of Elite Mentorship and Sequencing [00:12:07] Lessons from Tough Partnerships and Rediscovering Vision [00:15:14] Why Business Owners Don’t Talk About Hard Things [00:17:44] Alisha’s Advice: Start with the “Cupcake Version” [00:21:19] Skydiving as a Metaphor for Business [00:24:42] What “Built Without Permission” Really Means [00:26:47] Confronting Your Own Limitations and Taking Massive Action [00:28:16] Building AI Solutions from the Ground Up QUOTES "Everything else will work itself out, but it's our responsibility to always take that first step in anything we want to pursue." – Alisha Esmail"The only thing that really holds us back in life is ourselves." – Alisha Esmail"If you're waiting for permission, you're already behind. The life you're building starts with the decisions you make today." – Matthew Mac 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  Alisha Esmail Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alishaesmail/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisha-esmail/

  7. Jun 16

    The Exit Blueprint David Hori on Navigating the Process of Selling Your Business With Confidence

    In episode 7 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews David Hori, an elite business acquirer and coach, as we discover his powerful transformation from a secure, corporate legal and tech career to taking the ultimate entrepreneurial leap: betting on himself and building companies that reflect his personal vision and values. Tune in to learn from elite performers who don’t just talk about it—they execute, they mentor, and they redefine what’s possible when you take control of your own exit blueprint. TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Building Without Permission: Host and Guest Introductions [00:03:56] David Hori’s Journey: From Corporate to Serial Startup Exits [00:05:19] Making the Leap: Risk, Fear, and Family Considerations [00:08:15] The Value of Mentorship, Books, and Peer Relationships [00:10:35] What It Really Takes to Start and Scale a Business [00:13:38] Learning from Failure and Turning Regret into Growth [00:17:40] Strategic Acquisitions: Sectors, Criteria, and Processes [00:23:49] Buy and Hold vs. Flipping: Long-Term Vision [00:26:07] Building the Right Team: Hiring EAs, Admin, and Key Roles [00:29:28] Leveraging AI and Systems for Business Scale [00:32:18] Built Without Permission: Action, Ownership, and Execution [00:34:40] Where to Connect with David Hori QUOTES "The only reason we look behind us is to learn from—we win, or we learn." – David Hori"We are going to win because we move faster than everybody else. When they think in terms of weeks and months, we're thinking in terms of minutes and hours." – David Hori"If you're waiting for permission, you're already behind. The life you're building starts with the decisions you make today." – 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  David Hori Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedavidhori/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedavidhori/

  8. Jun 9

    The Price of the First Yes- How One Bold Job Unlocked the Start, Scale & Success of Northside Contracting's Franchise Construction Journey

    In episode 6 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Mauricio Perez, founder of Northside Contracting Corporation, as they discuss strategies for overcoming self-doubt, the value of hard-won experience, and why the most powerful successes often happen behind the scenes. Tune in to learn how to turn every challenge into a stepping stone, nurture your team, and start making your own blueprint—no permission required.  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:05] Introducing Mauricio Perez’s story and background [00:02:07] The sacrifices entrepreneurs make and the challenges of leadership [00:04:58] Success behind the scenes, social media vs. reality [00:07:12] Expanding outside Ontario: Edmonton, Calgary, and beyond [00:12:34] Biggest early lessons and growing pains [00:16:02] The moment Mauricio chose entrepreneurship [00:18:18] How Northside Contracting was born [00:25:06] Company culture and redefining team relationships [00:27:28] “Built Without Permission” and making your own rules  QUOTES "I feel like all of my lessons, the reasons I've gotten to where I've gotten today, are because of expensive mistakes and not giving up when things got tough." – Mauricio Perez"It's all part of the journey; there’s no handbook to do this. You have to do it your own way." – Mauricio Perez"The life you're building starts with the decisions you make today. So stop thinking and start moving." – Matthew Mac 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  Mauricio Perez LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricio-perez-495a3b17b/  Northside Contracting Corporation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northsidecontracting_/  Website: http://northsidecontracting.ca/testimonials/

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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
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Built Without Permission
  • Show Website
    Built Without Permission