Rahameen Matthews was born and raised in the Springfield/Belmont neighborhood of Newark, New Jersey, where he was raised by his grandparents. They instilled in Mr. Matthews at an early age the importance of hard work, accountability, and the importance of entrepreneurship. Growing up in poverty led to Mr. Matthews’ introduction to general contracting. On many occasions his family would not be able to afford to hire a plumber or other serviceperson, so Mr. Matthews would often assist his grandfather with repairs around the house. After graduating from Newark’s Malcolm X. Shabazz High School, Mr. Matthews began to lay the foundation for his dreams of becoming a multifaceted businessman. His first job was with a family-owned general contracting company. Often working more than 12 hours a day, he quickly learned and expanded his capabilities. Shortly after, he started his own general contracting business, Real Rekognize Real Contracting Corp. (RRR), undertaking small to medium jobs like flooring, tiling, sheet-rocking, PVC installation, and other home cosmetic jobs. Determined to expand his business, Mr. Matthews often passed up purchasing a new pair of sneakers or attending social events in order to save to invest in new equipment and developing his clothing and entertainment business: Real Rekognize Real Entertainment (RRRE). Established in 2004, RRRE is an entertainment and clothing company that also consists of a music and film division. From film commercials, animation, and music and video production, to quality clothing, RRRE has established a reputation as a respected business in both entertainment and fashion. With the success of the clothing and entertainment businesses, Mr. Matthews expanded RRR Inc. to include a new business called Matthews Enterprises LLC.

With the success of the clothing and entertainment businesses, Mr. Matthews expanded RRR Inc. to include a new business called Matthews Enterprises LLC. Matthews Enterprises built on the principles and successes of RRR Inc. to offer a wide range of entertainment management consulting. Additionally, Matthews Enterprises has provided logistics and distribution to large companies such as the Financial Times, C. H. Robinson, Toys ‘R’ Us, and Sears. The successes of RRR Inc. and Matthews Enterprises has enabled Mr. Matthews to achieve another dream—to be able to give back to his community. Through both companies, Mr. Matthews has sponsored underprivileged, urban youth football teams including Newark’s Brick City Lions. He also supports Operation Teen Titans Youth Academic and Sports Training Organization. The organization provides hands-on mentoring support, which includes homework assistance; football coaching and conditioning; and other programs and initiatives that provide youth with opportunities for success and exposure to all things positive. Further, Mr. Matthews financially supports scholarships for underprivileged youth to receive a quality education at parochial schools through his Teen Titans program. When he is not working, Mr. Matthews enjoys spending time at home, where he is raising his two children, nephew and providing guardianship to a mentee from the Teen Titans program. One lesser-known fact about Mr. Matthews is that he loves NASCAR racing and enjoying fine tequilas and cigars.