From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid: The Story Behind Rock Bottom Recovery & Restoration

Hi, I’m Patrick Workman — co-founder of Rock Bottom Recovery & Restoration.

If you’re reading this, thank you. Whether you’re a potential client, a friend, someone in recovery, or simply searching for hope — I’m grateful you’re here.

I’ve always believed there’s power in being vulnerable. Ever since I broke my neck, I’ve felt called to share my story — not to glorify the pain, but to show what’s possible when you don’t give up.

My hope is that this story opens the door for others to heal, grow, and believe again. I also want every future client to know: at Rock Bottom, we operate from a place of full transparency. People come to us when life is chaotic, painful, or uncertain. The last thing they should have to worry about is whether they can trust us.

I know trust isn’t given — it’s earned. And through every word, every job, and every interaction, I’m here to earn yours.

I Always Wanted to Help People — I Just Didn’t Know How

Most of my adult life, I struggled to figure out what I was meant to do. Therapist? Lawyer? Personal trainer? Open a bar? I explored a lot of ideas, but nothing stuck. Deep down, though, I knew I was meant to help people.

That clarity didn’t come easily. In high school, I felt like a misfit. I went from a small, close-knit private school to a massive public school that swallowed me up. I didn’t feel comfortable in my own skin. So I put on a show. From the outside, I looked fine. On the inside, I was spiritually broken. And I filled that void the only way I knew how: drugs and alcohol.

A Long Road of Lessons

At 18, I discovered painkillers. Not for pain, but for the confidence and clarity, I couldn’t find any other way. For a while, they made me feel whole, like I was finally enough.

By 21, I was still avoiding heavy drinking… until one night changed everything. One sip, one dive into a shallow pool, and I broke my neck. I was told I might never walk again. But four days later, I walked out of the hospital on my own two feet.

What felt like a miracle recovery quickly turned into a trap. I left with an unlimited supply of painkillers and no guidance. The downward spiral that followed was brutal: rehab, relapse, heroin, and a series of short-lived sober stretches that never held.

Then came April 11, 2017. At 3AM, I wrote in my journal: “I’m either going to use a needle or get sober.” That night at 8PM, I was arrested.

Rock Bottom

I was caught stealing, trying to cover up the shame and insecurity I carried every day. I had drugs in my pocket, baggies in my car, and stolen clothes in the trunk. I was sentenced to six years at 50% which meant I had to serve 3 years.

Jail didn’t break me. It woke me up. For the first time in years, I was forced to sit still. No distractions. No substances. Just time to think, to feel, and to finally face the truth.

Inside those walls, I met men with incredible wisdom — people who had been through unimaginable pain but still believed in redemption. We shared stories, strength, and hope. I read like my life depended on it. I worked out every day. I went to every AA meeting I could. And I started to see that recovery isn’t just about not using. It’s about becoming the person you were always meant to be.

That was the beginning of someone new.

Recovery, Redemption, and a New Mission

5-Year surprise sober-versary party! - June 2022

I didn’t get here alone. My family stood by me every step of the way. My mom, who got sober herself. My dad, who visited me weekly. My siblings, who never stopped believing in me. Mom, Dad, Bill, Clare & Grace — thank you. I love you more than words can say.

When I got out, I poured myself into learning a new craft. I started in construction and learned the trades from the studs up. Then I found my stride in sales — not the sleazy kind, but real, problem-solving conversations that helped people.

Eventually, I joined Albi, a restoration software company. I worked with over 100 businesses, helping them grow and thrive. That’s where the spark was lit. I met contractors who gave second chances to people like me. People with pasts. People in recovery. That hit home. I saw what was possible.

Why Rock Bottom Recovery & Restoration

This company is my story, built into a business. Every bit of pain, every breakthrough, every lesson along the way — it lives here. Rock Bottom Recovery & Restoration helps people rebuild after water, fire, mold, and storm damage. But it’s also about more than buildings. It’s about rebuilding lives.

I want our work to stand for something: for second chances, for resilience, for family. When your world falls apart, I want us to be the steady hands that help you put it back together. Because I know what that feels like. And I know it’s possible.

The Latest

Today, I’m married to an incredible woman — Ashley Faith. We met during my work release program, started dating during COVID, and built a life together. She brought two amazing kids into my world, and now we have four: Layton, Brynnleigh, Bellamy, and Ryette. They’re my reason to stay grounded. My reminder of how far I’ve come.

I’m almost eight years sober. One day, I plan to open a recovery center that gives others what I was given: hope, tools, and real support. Until then, I’m pouring that heart into Rock Bottom Recovery & Restoration. Every job we take, every customer we meet, it matters deeply to me.

And I couldn’t do it without the people beside me. My business partner, Josiah Viland, is the most genuine person I know. He brings balance to my fire. He’ll be sharing his story here soon, and trust me — it’s worth the read.

Then there’s Dylan Barrow, a key player in our broader business journey. He’s building something of his own, but his presence in this chapter means the world. His belief in this dream helped make it real.

We’re not trying to change the whole world. But if we can help one person? Make one life a little brighter? That’s everything.

Thank you for being here. For believing in second chances. This is just the beginning. There are so many stories still to tell. Hit subscribe. Stay close. We’re just getting started.

— Patrick Workman