Today we’d like to introduce you to D’Paris Alward.
Hi D’Paris, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Exit Strategies began while I was still working full time for Source One Construction, where I spent eight years gaining experience across residential, commercial, and government projects. During the first year of Exit Strategies, I was building the company part time. Because I worked remotely for Source One, I had flexibility in my schedule, which allowed me to take on work for Exit Strategies whenever I could fit it in.
From the beginning, Exit Strategies was not intended to be only a painting company. While painting made up a large portion of the early work, the company handled a wide range of residential and commercial property services as opportunities came up. That first year was about learning, building relationships, and laying a foundation, even though the business did not yet have my full attention.
In January 2025, going into the second year of the company, I made the decision to leave Source One Construction and fully commit to Exit Strategies. That decision allowed the business to finally operate with full focus and clear direction. With my attention fully on the company, Exit Strategies expanded its scope and began operating as a full service residential and commercial construction and property solutions business.
Now in its second year and heading into its third year in 2026, Exit Strategies is built on real experience, practical growth, and a commitment to doing the work correctly from start to finish.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. Like most young companies, Exit Strategies learned some of its hardest lessons through people. Early on, we ran into unreliable painters, poor workmanship, and even situations where individuals we brought on tried to undercut us by going directly to our clients. Finding skilled, dependable labor proved far more difficult than expected, and there were moments when the work did not reflect the standards we set for ourselves. In a few cases, that led to unhappy customers, difficult conversations, and even a lawsuit or two.
Those moments were frustrating, expensive, and humbling. They forced us to tighten our processes, raise expectations, and take full accountability for every outcome, good or bad. At the same time, they made the wins mean more. For every setback, there were successful projects, grateful clients, and proof that the vision was sound.
Building Exit Strategies has been an uphill battle, but one worth fighting. Each challenge sharpened the company, clarified its values, and reinforced the importance of quality, trust, and standing behind the work. The struggles did not slow the business down. They shaped it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work in residential and commercial construction and property services, with a hands on approach to both the work and the business itself. Exit Strategies handles a wide range of services, from painting and finishes to broader construction and property solutions. We are known for stepping into projects that need to be fixed, finished correctly, or managed with accountability when others have fallen short.
What I specialize in is problem solving. Many of our projects come to us because timelines are tight, expectations are high, or previous work did not meet the mark. I am deeply involved in each job, from planning through completion, making sure details are handled and clients are kept informed. That level of involvement is something clients consistently recognize and appreciate.
What I am most proud of is building a company that stands behind its work, even when it is difficult. We take responsibility, correct mistakes, and protect our clients’ interests, even when it costs us time or money. That mindset has shaped our reputation more than any single project.
What sets Exit Strategies apart is experience paired with accountability. The business is young, but it is built on years of real world construction knowledge, hard lessons, and a commitment to doing the work correctly. We do not chase shortcuts. We build trust, one project at a time.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like most about our city is the people. Lansing has a strong working class backbone and a real sense of community. There are a lot of good people here who care about their neighborhoods, take pride in their homes and businesses, and support local companies. It is a city where relationships still matter, and if you show up, work hard, and do what you say you will do, people remember that.
What I like least is that the city is sometimes overlooked or underestimated. There is a lot of potential here that does not always get the attention or investment it deserves. Aging infrastructure, delayed improvements, and short term thinking can slow progress. That said, those same challenges create opportunity for people who are willing to put in the work and be part of rebuilding and improving the city rather than waiting for someone else to do it.
Pricing:
- Interior and exterior painting projects are typically priced based on scope, surface condition, and materials, with most residential jobs starting in the low thousands and scaling based on size and complexity.
- Commercial and multi-unit projects are priced per project, not per hour, and are based on detailed site evaluations, timelines, access requirements, and compliance needs.
- Construction and property solution work is quoted individually, with pricing reflecting labor, materials, project management, and any specialty trades involved.
- All pricing is custom. Every project begins with a walkthrough or consultation to ensure accurate scope, clear expectations, and no surprises.
- Exit Strategies focuses on value, accountability, and long term results rather than being the lowest bid.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.exitstrategiesmi.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ApfnfTrNA/
