Matthew’s story starts in a small garage, turning wrenches beside his grandfather (the son of a Ukrainian immigrant) who passed down more than mechanical know-how. From him, Matthew learned the value of hard work, patience, and perseverance. That early exposure to small engines sparked something deeper, laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion for building, creating, and innovating.

By the age of 8, Matthew was already running his own mini businesses. He started by fixing up bikes, scooters, and skateboards for friends and neighbors. Eventually, that side hustle evolved into something bigger: his own skateboard company, Becken - a name that still represents his brand today.

Throughout middle school and early high school, Matthew kept the momentum going. His drive and creativity helped him save up and purchase his first car, a Nissan 350Z. That car wasn’t just transportation, it was a gateway into the world of car modification, where he discovered a love for the process of making something truly unique. And hey, he didn’t mind the attention that came with driving a custom ride either.

During his junior year of high school, on an otherwise regular afternoon, Matthew was selling something on Facebook Marketplace when the buyer (a stranger with ties to the film industry) took notice of his car. The man thought Matthew’s car was perfect for an upcoming movie. For a teenager from a small town in Ontario, Canada, it sounded too good to be true, but it wasn’t. Matthew jumped at the opportunity.

Thanks to strong relationships with his high school teachers and a solid academic record, Matthew was able to take time off from school to work on the movie production and also complete his remaining high school credits through online learning. Not only that, he finished with a university-level graduate degree a full year before he was initially even supposed to graduate high school - a rare achievement that reflected both his discipline and drive.

From there, he dove headfirst into the film world.

Still a teenager, Matthew became an independent contractor in the industry, juggling multiple projects at once. He worked insane hours, sometimes clocking in 72+ hour shifts across overlapping productions. He wore many hats, truck driver, picture car wrangler, basecamp supervisor, stunt driver/man, and even producer, all before even turning 19

But while the film industry gave him rare skills, connections and experiences, it also sparked an internal realization:

“If I’m willing to work this hard to make someone else’s dream come true… why not work just as hard for mine?”

That question lit a fire.

Matthew decided it was time for a change. While he still takes the occasional film project, he’s shifted focus toward building his own dream. That began with experimenting on social media not just for fun, but seiing it as a useful tool, as a way to connect and collaborate, build an audience, and lay the foundation for something greater. He became curious about marketing, storytelling, and the power of being his authentic self online.

At the same time, he continued to push himself to learn new skills, everything from tattooing and sewing to knife combat to automotive fabrication. His goal? To become the most versatile and valuable version of himself.

As his passions evolved, so did his brand. What started as a skateboard company is now Becken Automotive Boutique, a space that blends artistry, engineering, and personality. For Matthew, it’s more than a business. It’s a reflection of who he is: a builder, a creator, and someone who refuses to be boxed into one lane.

And he’s just getting started.