We had the good fortune of connecting with John Jung and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I met my partner Alex while gathering a team to advise clients on how developers determine a viable new multifamily project in Koreatown and was shocked that it would cost thousands in consultant fees to determine. There wasn’t an easier low cost solution and saw the opportunity to create one. We also desperately need to build more housing but city zoning is complicated and the process of obtaining approvals is broken. Brick Work now provides the initial due diligence on what you can build and we’re working on launching a map to automate and provide more insight

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We have been a land-use resource for commercial real estate agents and developers for over 4 years. In that time we’ve completed 2,800+ reports and provided insight which have resulted in numerous transactions that have resulted in multiple housing projects being built. We are the low cost alternative to obtain the initial due diligence that wasn’t present and still isn’t now.

It has taken us a longer time to obtain product market fit being bootstrapped and wasn’t able to successfully raise a pre-seed investment round. But the urgency for the lack of affordable housing continues to grow and we want to be part of the solution. We are crowdfunding the remainder of our seed round to launch customized GIS maps that automate the data we were done manually but also provide more resources to unlock more housing development potential. I’ve learned throughout this process that beyond the capital it takes surrounding yourself with a great team to push past challenges and create solutions.

Our mission is to simplify the complex process of navigating city zoning laws and regulations, and to empower our clients with the knowledge and tools needed to build quality housing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Breakfast: Salt’s Cure, Republique, Post & Beam, Courage Bagels, H Cafe Visit: Venice Beach Canals, Griffith Observatory, Temescal Canyon Hike, LACMA, Hermosa Beach
Lunch: In-N-Out Burger, Langers, Mariscos Jalisco, Portos, Mini Kabob
Hangout: Any Koreatown Bar, Perch DTLA, Skybar Weho, Viceroy Santa Monica, Moonshadows Malibu
Dinner: Mun KBBQ, Musso & Frank Grill, Ruen Pair, Tacos y Birria La Unica, Bestia

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The love and support of my wife and two kids is the sole reason I’m able to work on something I’m passionate about. My co-founder Alex has been amazing to partner with and we have been able to help each other get through the ups and downs of building this company. My mentor Eugene set me on this path years ago and taught me valuable lessons that still guide me today.

Website: www.brickwork.la

Instagram: @brickworkla

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brickworkla/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true

Twitter: @JohnWJung79

Youtube: @brickworkla

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