Tony LaPrino was standing in a half-finished new build, picking up a check from his builder, when he said the five words that changed everything: "I'd love to learn how to do this." The room went quiet. The builder asked if he was serious. He was — and one year later, North Star Property Solutions is booked solid across the Greater Bangor area.
In this episode of Maine Thrive Voices, host Sandy Smith sits down with Tony to talk about how a college summer job painting houses in Southern Maine turned into a calling he couldn't shake, why the "handyman" label stopped fitting the caliber of work he delivers, and how he found his niche as a Property Preparation Specialist — the skilled professional who takes on the projects contractors won't call you back about, shows up in weeks instead of months, and leaves homeowners saying "it's like a new kitchen."
Tony and Sandy cover:
- Saying yes before you feel ready — and how one yes built a business
- What a typical week looks like: small remodels, drywall, decks, stairs, and interior/exterior painting
- Why people don't hire drywall repair — they hire a home ready to sell, ready to rent, ready to enjoy, ready for the next chapter
- Integrity as a business model: show up, pick up the phone, do what you said you'd do
Tony also shares his vision for the future, including building affordable ADUs to help address Maine's housing needs.]
Connect with Tony LaPrino:
Website: https://northstarpropertysolutionsinc.com
Phone/Text: (207) 745-5304
Email: tony.laprino@northstarpropertysolutionsinc.com
Read the companion Insight on Maine Thrive Insights: https://mainethriveinsights.com/tony-laprino
Maine Thrive Voices is produced by Smith Digital Solutions, LLC in Bangor, Maine. Learn more at: smithdigitalsolutions.com.
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