The “I Build Because” series delves into the hearts and minds of builders, revealing the passion and legacy that drives them.
The Series profiles contractors, builders, mechanics and artists who use Makita. Each subject tells us why they build, and their answers are as unique as their work. Follow along and get inside the minds of these skilled builders.
Jeremy Mack
Take a trip to upstate New York and meet Jeremy Mack, who had a simple plan of buying a piece of property to refurbish an existing structure and rejuvenate the land using Makita tools and equipment. In this episode of “I Build Because” Jeremy takes us on a journey that is much more than the destination. See how Jeremy uses Makita tools to rebuild a structure, rejuvenate the land, and grow as a person.
Nic Oklobzija
Meet Nic Oklobzija — pro climber, route setter, and mentor from St. Paul, MN. Nic discovered climbing in an unexpected way and turned it into a career that inspires others to push their limits. With Makita tools in hand, he builds routes that challenge athletes and fuel progress. Nic builds because climbing changed his life — now he’s sharing that passion with the world. Follow the series to see what drives builders like Nic.
James Lostlen
Makita joins artist James Lostlen in Joshua Tree, where he transforms desert-found stone and metal into functional art. Guided by wabi-sabi and powered by Makita tools, James celebrates nature’s imperfections through design.
Aunty Megz
Step into the vibrant workshop of Megan Godinez—aka Aunty Megz—in Kaneohe, Oahu, where surf culture meets craftsmanship. In this episode of “I Build Because,” Megz shares her passion for shaping surfboards, surfing with soul, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. With Makita tools by her side and her father Rex by her side, she builds more than boards—she builds confidence, community, and change. Watch now and ride the wave of empowerment, self-love, and creativity.
Casey Currie
Join us in this thrilling episode of "I Build Because" as championship racer Casey Currie reveals why Makita tools are his trusted choice for building race vehicles and leading his team to victory. Discover the precision and durability that make Makita the backbone of Casey's success, both on and off the track.
Martin Shapes
Josh Martin, a surfboard shaper from a renowned surfing lineage, learned his craft from his father, master shaper Terry Martin, in the mid-1980s. Today, in his Capistrano Beach workspace, Josh creates everything from handcrafted wood surfboards to modern EPS foam and epoxy longboards for champions like Rachael Tilly. Watch as he continues the legacy of one of the world’s best master shapers.
Generations Handcrafted
Chris Toavs, a sixth-generation woodworker, creates custom wood pieces with passion and dedication at Generations Woodworking. He honors his family’s legacy and aims to teach the next generation to craft beautiful, timeless creations.
Mitch Kelly
Mitch Kelly, of Kelly & Son Crazy Painters, has been crafting automotive art for decades in Bellflower, California. Discover why Mitch and his father Tom build, as they combine their unique talents to create exquisitely detailed show cars in this short clip.
Warnert Racing
Warnert Racing excels in the AMSOIL Snocross Championship with the help of Kyle Sackett, a top Snocross Mechanic who uses Makita Tools to keep their sleds in top form. Discover why Kyle builds in this engaging conversation inside the Warnert Racing team trailer.
18V LXT® 1/2" Driver-Drill
18V LXT® Brushless Blower
18V LXT® Sub-Compact Brushless 6-1/2” Circular Saw
18V LXT® Oscillating Multi-Tool
36V (18V X2) LXT® 21" Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Kit w/ 4 Batteries
36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4” Circular Saw
18V LXT® / 12V max CXT® Bluetooth® Job Site Speaker
18V LXT® Brushless High Speed Blower/Inflator
18V LXT® Brushless Oil-Impulse 3-Speed Impact Driver
18V LXT® 9" Fan
18V LXT® Sub-Compact Brushless 11/16" SDS-PLUS Rotary Hammer Kit
18V LXT® Brushless High Speed Blower/Inflator
Outdoor Adventure® 18V LXT® L.E.D. Area Light
Outdoor Adventure® 18V LXT® Power Source
80V max (40V max X2) XGT® Brushless 14" Power Cutter
80V max (40V max X2) XGT® Brushless 28 lb. SDS- MAX AVT® Demolition Hammer, AWS® Capable
40V max XGT® Brushless 4-1/2” / 6" Paddle Switch Angle Grinder, with Electric Brake
18V LXT® Brushless 4-1/2” / 5" X-LOCK Angle Grinder, with AFT®
18V LXT® Brushless Oil-Impulse 3-Speed Impact Driver
4" Electronic Stone Polisher
5" SJS™II Concrete Planer with Dust Extraction Shroud and Diamond Cup Wheel
40V max XGT® Brushless 3-1/4" Planer, AWS® Capable
40V max XGT® Brushless 7" Polisher
18V LXT® Tower Work/Multi-Directional Light
40V max XGT® / 18V LXT® Bluetooth® Job Site Speaker
40V max XGT® Brushless 2.1 Gallon Wet/Dry Dust Extractor/Vacuum
40V max XGT® Brushless 4-Speed High-Torque 1/2" Sq. Drive Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring
18V LXT® 3/8" / 1/4" Sq. Drive Ratchet
40V max XGT® High-Pressure Inflator
40V max XGT® / 18V LXT® Cordless Work Light, Light Only
Outdoor Adventure® 18V LXT® Brushless High Speed Blower/Inflator
40V max XGT® 4.0Ah High Power Battery
40V max XGT® Brushless 3-1/4" Planer, AWS® Capable
18V LXT® Brushless Jig Saw
18V LXT® Brushless 1/2" Driver-Drill
40V max XGT® Brushless 7" Polisher
40V max XGT® Brushless High Speed Dust Blower
18V LXT® Brushless 3/8" x 21" Detail Belt Sander
18V LXT® Sub-Compact Brushless 3" Polisher / 2" Sander
40V max XGT® Brushless 2.1 Gallon Wet/Dry Dust Extractor/Vacuum
40V max XGT® Brushless 3-1/4" Planer, AWS® Capable
40V max XGT® Brushless High Speed Dust Blower
18V LXT® 18 L.E.D. Flashlight
18V LXT® 3/8" / 1/4" Sq. Drive Ratchet
40V max XGT® Brushless 4-1/2” / 6" Paddle Switch Angle Grinder, with Electric Brake
18V LXT® L.E.D. Underhood Work Light
40V max XGT® Brushless 4-Speed Mid-Torque 1/2" Sq. Drive Impact Wrench w/ Detent Anvil
18V LXT® Sub-Compact Brushless 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill
40V max XGT® Brushless 4-1/2” / 6" Paddle Switch Angle Grinder, with Electric Brake
18V LXT® Compact Brushless 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill
18V LXT® 18 L.E.D. Flashlight
18V LXT® Variable Temperature Heat Gun
18V LXT® Brushless Quick-Shift Mode™ 4-Speed Impact Driver
40V max XGT® Brushless Blower
18V LXT® Brushless 4-Speed 3/8" Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring Anvil
18V LXT® 3/8" / 1/4" Sq. Drive Ratchet
18V LXT® Brushless 4-Speed Impact Driver
18V LXT® Sub-Compact Brushless Band Saw
18V LXT® Compact Brushless 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill
18V LXT® Compact Blower
18V LXT® Brushless 4-1/2” / 5" Paddle Switch X-LOCK Angle Grinder, with AFT®
18V LXT® Random Orbit Sander
Don’t miss out on the latest stories, tips, and inspiration from the Makita community. Follow us on our social channels to see more incredible projects, get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and connect with fellow builders, contractors, mechanics, and artists. Join the conversation and share your own journey with #IBuildBecause.
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