Dawon Matthews shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Dawon, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are non-negotiable. I start with the sauna and a shower to wake my body up and clear my head. Then I spend time in the Bible and journaling, which keeps me grounded in faith and gives me clarity on what really matters. After that, I go for a run, it’s where I let my thoughts flow, process new ideas, and push myself physically.
That routine centers me. It puts me in the right mindset before I do anything else. Because I’ve built my businesses to run on automated systems, I don’t have to spend my mornings caught up in putting out fires. Instead, I can use that energy to focus on growth strategies and long-term moves that take everything to the next level.
For me, success isn’t about jumping straight into the grind. It’s about preparing my mind, body, and spirit first — so when I do step into business, I’m showing up sharp, focused, and ready to lead.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dawon Matthews, an entrepreneur with multiple businesses spanning real estate, trucking, junk removal, cleaning, and hospitality. One of my passions is creating experiences that bring people together, which is why I’m so invested in Goodies Soul Kitchen — a brand that combines comfort food, community, and quality service. What makes my approach unique is that I focus on building systems that run efficiently, so I can spend my energy growing businesses and innovating in ways that create real impact.
My story is what drives me. I came from humble beginnings and know firsthand the power of determination, resourcefulness, and smart decision-making. Every business I’ve built, including Goodies, has been fueled by hard work, learning from mistakes, and taking calculated risks, including strategically using loans to scale.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my businesses, elevating the hospitality experience with Goodies, and mentoring others on how to think bigger and build smarter. Beyond business, I’m passionate about creating a legacy that inspires others to overcome obstacles, serve their communities, and reach their full potential.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
For a long time, I operated in survival mode. My days were driven by scarcity, fear, and the constant “just get through this” mentality. Every decision was reactive, every move made from a place of limited resources or worry about what could go wrong. That mindset served a purpose — it kept me alive, it kept me pushing forward when the odds felt stacked against me — but it also kept me trapped in a cycle of stress and limitation.
At some point, I realized that survival alone wasn’t enough. To truly grow, I had to shift my thinking from scarcity to strategy. I began to focus on systems that could automate my businesses, processes that could run without me having to micromanage every detail, and plans that looked beyond the immediate grind to long-term growth.
Shifting to a mindset of abundance didn’t happen overnight. It meant believing there were opportunities to create, expand, and multiply, rather than just protect what little I had. It meant embracing calculated risks, investing in myself and my businesses, and trusting that the right strategies would yield results.
Now, my decisions are intentional. My energy is directed toward building, scaling, and innovating, not just reacting. The survival mode and scarcity mindset taught me resilience and grit, but moving into strategy, abundance, and systems has allowed me to thrive — not just survive.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Something I changed my mind about after failing hard is the importance of trusting myself above all else. The only business failures I’ve experienced came when I ignored my gut and followed someone else’s advice, even when my instincts told me otherwise. Those experiences taught me that believing in yourself and staying true to who you are isn’t just important — it’s essential. When I lead with my own vision and intuition, the results are always stronger, more aligned, and more sustainable.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Smart people are getting it totally wrong when they think they have to have it all figured out before getting started. Entrepreneurship isn’t about having a perfect plan or waiting for the “right” moment — it’s about taking action, learning as you go, and being willing to adapt. The reality is, it’s like jumping out of a plane and building your parachute on the way down. You figure things out in real time, adjust when needed, and grow stronger with every decision you make. Waiting for everything to be perfect only keeps you on the ground while opportunities fly past. True success comes to those who start before they feel ready, trusting themselves to navigate the fall and land safely.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply that most people don’t is the power of forgiveness through God. Forgiveness isn’t just about letting someone off the hook — it’s about obeying God’s call to release anger, bitterness, and resentment. Holding onto grudges keeps your heart heavy and your spirit burdened, but when you forgive as God forgives, you experience true freedom and peace. Forgiveness opens the door for healing, growth, and the ability to walk in the purpose He has for you. It’s a spiritual discipline that transforms your life in ways most people underestimate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dawonmatthews.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_the_elite_entrepreneur/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawon-matthews-44a376109
