Built Without Permission
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.
Built Without Permission
Latest Episodes
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...
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 your...
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 man...
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 ...
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 sh...