In episode 14 of Built Without Permission, Matthew Mak interviews Michael Mok, founder of El Centro Builders, as they dive into building high-performing teams, earning client trust, creating scalable business systems, embracing change, and staying committed to your vision even when the journey becomes difficult.

Tune in to discover why you don't need anyone's permission to pursue your goals, how setbacks can become your greatest advantage, and what it truly takes to build a business—and a life—on your own terms.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:06] Michael's layoff that sparked his entrepreneurial journey.

[00:03:07] The hidden sacrifices behind building a business.

[00:03:51] Lessons learned managing customers and construction teams.

[00:09:00] Building trust and managing client expectations.

[00:12:01] Why ending a business partnership changed everything.

[00:15:31] Turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.

[00:17:09] "Be like water"—the mindset every entrepreneur needs.

[00:19:20] Why your biggest struggles become your greatest purpose.

[00:21:32] The biggest misconceptions about entrepreneurship.

[00:25:56] What "Built Without Permission" truly means.

[00:28:25] Defining success on your own terms.

[00:29:06] Where to connect with Michael Mok.

QUOTES

• "Built without permission means you define your own path in life." – Michael Mok
• "Your mess is your mission." – Michael Mok
• "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

Michael Mok

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeljmok/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelmok7997/about

El Centro Builders

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elcentrobuilders/

Website: https://www.elcentrobuilders.com/about

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/

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/