Building New Beginnings: Matt Waltz on Entrepreneurship and Embracing Sobriety

For most, success is built by hard work and smart decisions, but for Matt Waltz it’s been a journey of self discovery, resilience and transformation. As a seasoned entrepreneur Matt built a successful business with Waltz Construction and then turned his focus to making a difference through his work with New Freedom. But beyond the professional achievements Matt’s personal story is one of overcoming deep seated fears, dealing with addiction and creating a new way of being.

Today Matt joins us to share his story of innovation, leadership and personal renewal. He talks about his struggles with alcohol, the turning points that led him to seek recovery and the big aha’s that came along the way. From facing the reality of addiction to trying unconventional healing methods like ayahuasca Matt’s path to sobriety has not been linear. Now, 16 months sober he reflects on the lessons learned, the support systems that kept him going and the mindset shifts that made lasting change possible.

This is about more than just conquering addiction; it's about breaking free from the constraints we impose on ourselves and discovering purpose in the process. Whether you're in recovery, coping with your own challenges, or simply looking for inspiration, Matt's experience demonstrates that perseverance is possible and that the journey is everything.

• [03:47] Matt had a tumultuous childhood. There was always anxiety about money.
• [04:15] He went to college and got an engineering degree. 
• [05:06] After 10 years with a big company, he realized that it wasn't providing the security he had hoped for.
• [06:01] He decided to take control of his destiny, and he opened his own construction company.
• [09:55] When he went to put in his notice, he was allowed to continue working for them while he started his business.
• [10:52] It took a couple years for his company to take off. He first began installing doors and windows for Lowe's.
• [11:38] Capitalize on opportunities when they present themselves.
• [14:22] We learn about the turning point that led Matt into deciding that he wanted to stop drinking. 
• [15:29] He experienced alcohol withdrawals and realized he had to do something different in order to survive.
• [17:33] The first time he tried, he stayed sober for a couple of weeks. 
• [24:38] How Matt realized that fear was a huge driver for him. He went through the process of forgiving himself and loving himself.
• [25:59] How psychedelics like Ayahuasca help you find answers.
• [28:31] He continued managing the social aspect of drinking or at least trying to.
• [29:34] 15 months ago he made a deal with himself not to drink anymore.
• [32:29] Managing stress without alcohol. Matt enjoys conversations with people. 
• [34:45] The calming centering feeling of being nobody.
• [35:52] Letting things go when you don't have control. When you can do things, do it. Sometimes stress helps you know where to focus and what problems to solve.
• [36:57] Sometimes anxiety is a trigger to a call to action.
• [41:49] Matt met his wife in 1999.
• [50:20] Matt's life has changed so much, it's the total inverse of how we used to be.
• [52:53] How you feel inside and financial success are independent of each other. Fulfillment comes from working on yourself and being the best you can be.
• [54:22] How Matt's perspective on business and leadership has changed since he stopped drinking.
• [01:01:23] We learn about his opportunity for New Freedom and how it traces back to Matt's rough roots. 
• [01:04:31] The future of New Freedom. They also opened a women's facility.
• [01:05:23] Matt wants the general public to know that there are good things happening in the world and the impact of helping people leave the self-destructive life of crime behind and successfully reenter society.
• [01:06:48] He would like to open multiple facilities in the coming years.
• [01:08:57] When you're struggling, it's important to find a way to be honest with yourself.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Camelback Recovery
• I Love Being Sober YouTube
• Matt Waltz - LinkedIn
• New Freedom
• New Freedom - Facebook
• Waltz Construction
• [e-mail]
• Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It
• Aubrey Marcus Podcast