We had the good fortune of connecting with David Malka, owner and co-founder of DYM Builders Group. We’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, what role has risk played in your life or career?

As ‏a human being, I believe that risks are an integral part of our life. There is nothing in life that is risk-free. With that being said, we have to find a peaceful way to live with risks.

As an entrepreneur and as an investor, I had to adopt and master the most basic rule of economics, which is that risk equals return. The higher the risk, the higher will be the reward, and, of course, vice versa.

Once I was able to adopt and master that rule, it was easier for me to apply it in my personal life, which, for most of us, it is much harder to do than in our work and careers.

I do believe, though, that the key to living peacefully among risks is in the way we manage our risks. There are levels of risks, and we must be flexible when choosing the amount of risk we’re willing to take in different situations – in both our work and personal life.

As an Israeli, born and raised, risk is always around, and you are forced to learn how to live with it. From an early age, I was always getting excited about taking risks or going on a risky adventure. It was the same thing growing up.

The biggest risk I took in my life has proven to be my biggest success story.

At the age of 27, I was already a young Israeli attorney after finishing seven years of studies, internship, and practice. I was working for one of the largest law firms that specialize in zoning and construction law and was consulting on large-scale residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects – both domestic and international.

I was enjoying my career and my life, but I felt it was not enough. I needed more.

It wasn’t about the money or my title. It was about creating opportunities for a better life.

Within one month, I quit my career, sold or gave away everything that I owned, spoke to some friends who could help me start my new life, and bought a one-way ticket to the U.S. Everyone I knew, including my beloved family, didn’t really understand what I was doing. But I knew I had to leave. I was lucky that my wife (back then – my new girlfriend who worked with me as an attorney in the same law firm) followed me to the U.S. after four months apart.

The rest is history.

Today we own and manage multiple businesses in different industries. We also have two kids.
DYM Builders Group was our first business, and it was created by our true passion for construction and real estate.

Without taking that risk, our lives would have been completely different.

What should our readers know about your business?

My business is a group of businesses that provides a range of construction and real estate services for homeowners and businesses. This means that we are not only offering general contracting services but also design and planning services, financing services, investing opportunities, development, marketing services, and consulting.

Today, some of our services have already expanded outside construction and real estate into other industries such as energy, software, lifestyle, hospitality, etc.

I think the main thing that sets me apart from others, which in many cases is also my biggest “problem,” is my ability to never compromise on anything other than perfect – whether it is something small (and maybe insignificant) or something major. I am really driven by things that are not perfect yet and need my attention.

Easy is the complete opposite description of the way I had to go through life. I believe that if my way to success is easy, it means I’m not going in the right direction. The thing that helped me the most to get to where I am is knowing that a business is a journey and it takes time. During that journey, different situations and challenges will hold me back or, at worst, punch me in the face. For me, it was about learning to take the hit, get up, and move on.

Another strong lesson that I’ve learned and am still learning every day is that every person lives by his set of beliefs, which in fact defines how his journey in life will feel and look. The beauty of beliefs, and at the same time the biggest challenge, is that you can choose them.

Being able to switch my beliefs at different business and personal hardships in my life helped me turn those into successes or important lessons. In those situations, this is – most of the time – the only difference between giving up and growing.

I want the world to know that we are here to make an impact on people’s lives in the best ways that we can. And that even if we cannot, we’re able to know we tried our best.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Day 1 – Santa Monica Boardwalk: Get fresh fruits, surf, skate, or bike, eat the best ravioli at UOVO, have the best drinks and experience the best sunset at Elephante.

Day 2 – Marina del Rey and Venice: Take a 4-hour boat trip on a sunny day, then spend time with him and the kids at Mother’s Beach, kayak. Eat the best hot dogs and fries at Wurstkuche in Venice with one of their beers. Have the best ice cream at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream. Have charcoal brick oven pizza for dinner at Gjelina.

Day 3 – Downtown LA: Visit the Art District, Little Tokyo, South Park, Fashion District, Grand Avenue, and the rooftop pool at the Proper Hotel. Dinner at the best place for Mediterranean fusion cuisine – Bavel. Best cocktails as well. Try the Tamar cocktail.

Day 4 – LA City: Shopping day starts at The Grove. On the way there, get coffee at Bluestone Lane (on 3rd) or Blue Bottle Coffee (on Beverly Blvd), then keep shopping. Then hang out at the Westfield open mall in Century City (designed by Gentler – one of my personal inspirational design firms). Lunch at one of the best Chinese restaurants in town, Din Tai Fung. Finish on Rodeo Drive with dinner at one of the best underground Vietnamese places – Crustacean. Amazing cocktails.

Day 5 – LA City: Cruising on Santa Monica and Sunset Blvd, breakfast at Bottega Luis (amazing bread, great drinks). Visit the home design shops and showrooms in Los Angeles, and Visit the Guitar Center on Sunset. Book a place at the Comedy Club for the night and have dinner in Catch Steak on La Cienega Boulevard.

Day 6 – 7: Spend the night in Joshua Tree. Stay in Autocamp, the unique Airstream luxury camp. Take a trip to the National Park. Dinner and drinks at Kitchen in the Desert. On the way back, stop at Acme 5, which has amazing craftsman housewares. If you have time, stop in Palm Springs and visit Main Street. When you’re on your way back to LA, order Jon & Vinny’s on DoorDash (they never have tables available, and their amazing Italian food seems to be tastier to go). Order spicy fusilli, cacio e pepe and chicken cutlets. So good!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I truly believe that the people I’ve met throughout life ARE my success story.

First – My dad and mentor, who taught me that I have to take risks for what I believe is right for me. No matter what others will say. He also taught me to listen and think before choosing the level of risk I’m taking.

My mom, who supported my decisions, even though letting me leave was completely against her heart.

My dear cousin and best friend, who was a tough military commander in the Israeli army – he taught me how critical it is to set goals and be ready to do anything in order to achieve them. No crying, no complaining and no giving up.

My professor in law school, who was the first one to make me believe I can make it anywhere in the world and encouraged me to take action.

My friend in the U.S. who accepted me to his home and helped me go through the very hard beginning.

My wife and kids – who made me believe that love is the fuel of life, and that’s all we need.

Website: https://dym-builders.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dym.builders

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-malka-dym

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/dym.builders

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dym-builders-group-los-angeles

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgge6_8EvQTa3Bx3QYcmtQA

Other: Houzz – https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/dym-builders-group-inc-pfvwus-pf~1514209298 Nextdoor – https://nextdoor.com/pages/dym-builders-group/

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