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Joseph Malka: One Nail at a Time

By Julie Deacon, Diamond Certified Research Writer

For Joseph Malka, a career in construction wasn’t something he stumbled into—he literally grew up in the industry. “My dad was a general contractor, so I always helped him when I was a kid,” he recalls. “Watching the way he was motivated by his work made me fall in love with the trade.”

That early exposure shaped Joseph’s perspective on construction work itself. He believes it goes beyond the physical structure and gets to the core of what a home truly represents. “A house is important for both an individual and a family because it’s the only place where you can truly feel at home,” he offers. “When a client sees the results of my work and truly appreciates what I’ve done, it’s a great feeling.”  

After years of working for other companies and gaining hands-on experience, Joseph knew it was time to recognize his own potential. In 2021, he established Nailed It Builders to bring his vision and craftsmanship directly to clients. “I wanted to make people happy by doing things my own way,” he says.

A resident of San Jose since 2016, Joseph says his favorite aspects of life in the South Bay are the opportunities and the inspiration. “The weather is always great, so it’s perfect for construction. Also, the people are really nice, so I get to work with smart clients who push me to grow and learn.”

Outside of work, most of Joseph’s free time revolves around his wife, Sivan, and their three young children, but he also enjoys staying active and working with his hands in a different way. “I like building things out of wood,” he details. “I also play soccer sometimes, but usually I’m happy to just spend time with my kids at the park or at home.”

As both a business owner and a craftsman, Joseph approaches his work with a simple but meaningful philosophy. “You only live once,” he offers. “That’s why I’m so focused on building dreams, one nail at a time.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s the first thing you’d do if you could retire tomorrow?
A: I’d move to a coastal beach with my family—somewhere far from social media and technology.

Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Peppermint tea with a spoonful of sugar.

Q: If you could instantly master an instrument, what would it be?
A: Piano.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: An early bird.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Stay home, watch a movie and drink my favorite tea.