Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Wehrman.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in May 1998 in Ogden, Utah. I had a rough upbringing. I wish I could share all these amazing memories I had as a child and into my teens and there are some but for the most part my childhood I was in survival mode. My parents divorced when I was very young and it was extremely messy. Both of my parents are addicts which didn’t make the situation any better.
At 15 my Dad died suddenly from a heart attack and at the time I was in the care of him. We were really close and that took a huge toll on me. I went to live back at my Mom’s after and it wasn’t the best environment. I would get kicked out all the time because I wasn’t safe there due to the physical abuse I was facing from my Step-Dad. 15-18 years old was rough. I was jumping from couch to couch, sleeping in drug houses or parks. During this time I was relying heavily on drugs. By the time I’d become an adult, I had formed many addictions (Meth, Heroin, and Alcohol). At that time I was losing friends left and right to overdose and suicide because of the lifestyle we were all living.
I met my wife at 15 but we went our separate ways, eventually rekindling the relationship at 19 years old. I had nothing to my name- no money, no job, and was in a deep addiction to Meth but she wanted to be with me because she saw something in me that I didn’t at that time. About a year into our relationship, she got pregnant and we got married. I knew something in my life had to change. I decided to finally get sober from drugs and I did that with lots of support from family and friends. During this time I also went back and graduated Highschool and held down a good job. My son was born in 2019 and he was everything I didn’t know I needed. Things were perfect for a year or so.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get enough professional help when I first got sober and fell back into another addiction- Alcohol. It ruined me and almost destroyed many good things in my life. 2020 hit and my life was going straight downhill. My 18-year-old sister ended up suddenly passed away in October 2020 and I just wanted to give up. My Alcoholism was making everything even worse. I ended up getting arrested for Intoxication in February 2021, I had hit rock bottom.
My in-laws and I had a very good relationship despite my problems so they paid for me to go inpatient at Pinnacle Recovery Center in Holladay, UT. Rehab was the best thing for me and overall it saved my life. I fought every day and put in the work for my sobriety and because of that, I’ve been sober for almost 2 years now. I have a very high drive for success but it was clouded for years by addiction. While being sober I have been able to heal many of my relationships including my siblings, my Mom, and most importantly my wife. My wife and I have been able to travel to Costa Rica, Mexico, and Hawaii, and continue to plan more trips! I now get to raise my son in a sober household where we all love and lift each other up. Being a father and husband is my greatest accomplishment and that will always come first in my life.
Once I was sober and had no limits I decided to push myself to become more successful, leading me to get my General Contractor’s license and start my own business – Black Ink Builders LLC. I get to renovate and remodel which is my passion. I love working with clients and hope to make a difference in their lives as I help them make their houses a home. I’ve had great success with business so far and I’m finally able to give my wife and son the life they deserve but most importantly the dad/husband they deserve!
I used to look back and get bitter about my childhood and ask questions on why I wasn’t dealt a better hand but I truly believe now that everything happened the way it was supposed to. Though I miss my Dad and my Sister, I know they played a huge role in my sobriety and just appreciate the time I had with them. I will continue to push for success with my business not only for my family but because it gives me hope and purpose.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. The biggest challenge I faced was my addiction* but after pushing through and doing the work to get sober I have been able to achieve things I never imagined. Starting up my business was tough also, I had to gain the confidence and the knowledge to really get it off of the ground but when I did I had never been so proud of myself.
Looking back on my life I would have never for a second believed I would be where I am now- married, a father, and a business owner. The challenges I faced were for a reason and I am grateful for each one because it made me the person I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Black Ink Builders LLC?
I’m a General Contractor so my business does everything from simple home repair and remodels all the way up to new construction- residential/commercial builds! I also love doing smaller to medium jobs that could include drywall, carpentry, trim/molding, flooring, and landscaping.
Anything that needs to be done we can help with. I have teamed up with more amazing local companies that I can subcontract out for the job if it is something I am needing more help with or need someone who specializes in a certain area. As a General Contractor, I also can manage large-scale jobs like completing a basement and eventually building a full home.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The only thing limiting you from achieving your goals/dreams is you and the people you surround yourself with. For most of my life, I surrounded myself with people who had no dreams or ambitions. Though I am still friends with many of them from a distance I was able to find friends that were also working towards similar goals as me and shared the same values such as family and a great work ethic. When I surrounded myself with those friends I gained more confidence and have been able to learn so much from them to start my own business.
The second lesson I have learned is that it is okay to take risks, in fact, it is 100% recommended especially if you are wanting to start your own business. I have been extremely blessed to be able to start the road of entrepreneurship so young (24) but it took a lot of risk for me. I had just been laid off for the winter and could have turned around and found a temporary job through the season but instead, I took that leap and decided it was time to start the business I had been thinking about for some time. My wife was working full-time and was extremely supportive even knowing she may be the only income for a few months. We did it though and we learn new things every day. The risk was worth it.
Lastly, everyone has a sad story (as you have just read mine) but it is what you do with what you have been through that matters. I know there are stories out there far worse than mine but I have heard such truly amazing stories from people who fought like hell to be successful and to be here today. Surround yourself with goodness, take risks, and learn from your past so you can make your future better.
Contact Info:
- Website: Blackinkbuilders.com
- Facebook: Black Ink Builders LLC
