From Addiction Hell to 15 Years Sober: A Raw Construction Story | I’m the Gaffer

Welcome to Episode of I'm The Gaffer – a raw, gut-punching episode! Host Gavin Coyle dives deep with James Ford, founder of JT MOTIV, on the double-barrel crisis of addiction and mental health in construction. James bares all: from gambling at 16 to violent benders, rock bottom, and 15 years sober. Hear how pain builds strength, faith flips fate, and recovery rebuilds lives. A must-watch for contractors facing silent battles – with tips to spot signs and get help. TRIGGER WARNING: Addiction, suicide, violence, trauma. If struggling, call Samaritans (116 123 UK/Ireland) or a loved one. Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software for safer sites & faster fixes. Episode Highlights James's addiction started: Gambling at 16 → suicide attempt "Two-fold illness": Physical cravings + mental obsession Rock bottom: Homeless, jaundiced, disowned Recovery miracle: 15 years sober + family rebuilt Faith's role: "Breakdown to breakthrough" Giving back: JT MOTIV speeches + 24/7 support Raw Q: "Better life without addiction?" (No – it shaped him) Timestamps [00:10] Hustro.com – construction's simplest management tool [00:26] Raw Q: "Better life without addiction?" [00:55] "I'd have a better life... but no regrets" [01:25] 15 years addicted = 15 years sober – 2 lives [02:18] Meet James Ford: JT MOTIV founder [03:18] Addiction started: Gambling at 16, suicide attempt [05:09] "Violent drug lead" – dark isolation [07:27] "Choose your hard": Addiction vs recovery [09:07] Family fallout: "Couldn't even look after myself" [10:36] "Masks": Different faces for situations [12:55] "Illness of addiction" – WHO-recognized [15:49] Hustro.com – streamline safety & compliance [17:08] Breakdown to breakthrough: Pain builds strength [18:25] "Recovered, not cured" – daily work [21:36] Faith's role: "Relationship with Christ saved me" [23:05] Miracles: Rebuilt family + grandson [26:59] "Help 1 person/day" – JT MOTIV mission [27:29] Hustro.com – full ad (75% faster inspections) [29:03] Closing: "You're not alone – inbox me" Connect with James Motiv directly: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-ford-jt-motiv-96b38530b/ Website: https://jtmotiv.com/ SPONSOR Hustro.com – 75 % less time on inspections & reports Start free → https://hustro.com/gavin I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer, this podcast is for you. Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes, and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must-have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry. As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry, where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge. I’m The Gaffer, available on Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast Website https://www.imthegaffer.com/ #ImTheGaffer #constructionpodcast #construction #constructionbusiness #safetytips #business #podcast