What does it really take to build a business in one of the toughest cities in America? In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker sits down with Jake Malott, founder of Whitestone DCI in Los Angeles, California, to find out.
Jake’s company helps real estate developers cut through LA’s infamous red tape — permits, zoning, city approvals — to get projects moving. But his story of how he built that business is as unconventional as it is inspiring.
From giving Segway tours and dressing as a pineapple for a tech startup to launching one of the go-to preconstruction consulting firms in LA, Jake’s journey shows what persistence, creativity, and authentic leadership can do.
From Pineapple Suits to Preconstruction Success
Jake Malott didn’t have an MBA or a clear business plan when he started out. In fact, he moved to Los Angeles without a guaranteed job, texting a potential contact for months while working odd gigs just to stay afloat. His determination paid off when he landed his first role in preconstruction consulting — a field most people have never even heard of.
“I’ll dig a ditch — just get me into this industry.”
That scrappy, can-do attitude carried over when he launched Whitestone DCI in May 2019. Today, his firm specializes in helping developers navigate complex permitting and entitlement processes for residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects.
Learning to Value His Work
Like many entrepreneurs, Jake started out undervaluing his time and expertise. He remembers feeling nervous about sending his first $500 invoice. Over time, he realized:
“If it takes me an hour to do something, it’s because it took me years to get to being able to do it in an hour.”
That mindset shift led him to develop creative pricing models — like his “blocks of work” concept — which make it easier for clients to understand and commit while ensuring his team gets paid fairly.
Building a Team and a Culture
Hiring was a challenge early on because Jake couldn’t afford salaries. Instead, he created profit-sharing agreements with consultants, allowing his team to “eat their own risk” while growing with the business.
He also built a culture that reflects his own creative background, choosing an inspiring coworking studio in LA called The Preserve as Whitestone’s headquarters. The space, complete with retro rugs and outdoor greenery, was a deliberate choice to foster openness and creativity.
“Leadership isn’t about being someone else. It’s about owning who you are and building around that.”
What It Takes to Be a Business Owner
When asked our signature question — what does it take to be a business owner — Jake didn’t sugarcoat it:
“You give up your 9 to 5 to work 24/7. It takes believing that you can grow something, and just starting—even before you’re ready.”
“Done is better than perfect. Just take a step. Then take the next one.”
Jake also emphasized the importance of paying your people on time, listening to their needs, and building a community that mirrors your values.
Listen to the Episode
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build a business from the ground up — especially in a complex, regulated industry — this episode is a must-listen.
🎧 Listen now to Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes with Jake Malott
Learn how to:
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Price your services with confidence
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Build a team when funds are tight
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Create a company culture that reflects who you are
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Navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship with resilience
Connect with Jake Malott
🌐 Whitestone DCI Website
📸 Instagram @whitestone.dci
📧 hello@wsdci.com
Final Thoughts
Jake’s journey from “pineapple suits” to “preconstruction success” is proof that you don’t have to wait for the perfect plan to start. You just have to start.
Listen to this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes to get the full story — and maybe the push you need to take your own leap.
