Contractor David West Rebuilds His Career -- We Gave Him a New Look

The recession has taken its toll on just about everyone in the United States, but it's hit Boston general contractor and cabinet maker David West harder than most. Over the past three years, his remodeling and construction business has dwindled, he's had to reduce his staff, his marriage fell apart, and his self-esteem took a nose dive.

"Business has dropped almost 75 percent from a few years ago when things were rocking," he says. "I had a staff of seven and large revenues. We have just cut costs and tried to stay lean while all this passes." Can you blame him for letting himself go a little?