STEVENSVILLE, Mont. -- The recession socked a solid punch to the construction industry. But it may have opened other doors for workers.

One worker sees opportunity for independent venture. Matt Northrup figures he can bring in twice as many customers when he's on the street.

The veteran construction worker made more money paving asphalt. But he always loved to cook.

Northrup says, "I'm not upset about having to change professions. I think it's a new opportunity."

Matt's Morning Munchwagon has expanded from breakfast burritos to lunch burritos. He sells produce too.

He cooks the food at a Victor restaurant. He buys potatoes from a Corvallis farmer and beef from a Stevensville cattle rancher.

Rancher Tom Ayres says, "it's a very good outlet for our hamburger."

Northrup says, " good business is conducting business within your community." There hasn't been enough work in construction for Matt to make a living.

He misses the steady paycheck and benefits from an employer. His new hours are brutal. He's up at four a.m. He cooks at night. But he's happy.

City worker Ed Sutherlin says, "it's great to see local guys supporting local people."

Customer Joe Chapman says, "he calls me the spicy burrito guy cause usually when I pull in I say I want spicy."

Northrup says he earns $100 to $150 a day. He says it's not making him rich. But he says it's okay.