Community Highlights: Meet Darnell Hawkins of PAINT A ROOM INC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darnell Hawkins.

Hi darnell, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a U.S. Air Force veteran who transitioned into the film and television industry after my military service, joining IATSE Local 479 as a scenic artist and craftsman plasterer. Over the past decade, I have worked on more than 30 film and television productions, as well as music videos and commercials, contributing high-end scenic finishes, plasterwork, and detailed surface treatments under tight production schedules. My credits include television series such as Being Mary Jane, Atlanta, Greenleaf, Black Lightning, Creepshow, Will Trent, and Sweet Magnolias, with Season 5 being my most recent project, along with feature films including Dumplin’, The Front Runner, The Six Triple Eight, About My Father, and Oh What Fun, and music videos for artists such as Missy Elliott and Future.

During the pandemic and subsequent industry strikes, I began applying the same tools, craftsmanship, and problem-solving skills developed in film and television toward building my own veteran-owned business. Today, my company operates day-to-day as a professional property maintenance and finishing service throughout the Atlanta area, supporting residential and commercial properties with interior and exterior painting, drywall and plaster repair, surface preparation, pressure washing, and unit turnover work. We routinely partner with property management platforms to respond to active maintenance needs, address water damage and wear-and-tear, and prepare properties for occupancy under short timelines, all while maintaining clear documentation and professional standards.

As a small business, we continue carrying on with business as usual by remaining adaptable, reliable, and detail-driven. The discipline and efficiency shaped by military service and union production work directly inform how each job is scoped, executed, and completed. Whether working on a film set or a property in active use, the approach remains the same: precision, accountability, and quality workmanship delivered consistently.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The path has not been a smooth one. Like many in the film and television industry, I was directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by labor strikes that brought production work to a halt. These disruptions created financial uncertainty and forced constant adaptation while balancing family responsibilities and long-term career planning.

At the same time, building a small business from the ground up came with its own challenges—securing consistent work, managing operating costs, maintaining equipment, and learning to navigate property management systems while delivering professional results with limited resources. Market fluctuations, scheduling gaps, and the physical demands of hands-on labor were ongoing realities.

Despite these obstacles, each challenge strengthened my ability to problem-solve, stay disciplined, and remain dependable. The same resilience developed through military service and union production work allowed me to push through industry shutdowns, carry on with business as usual, and continue growing steadily through uncertain conditions.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about PAINT A ROOM INC?
Paint A Room Inc. is a veteran-owned painting and property maintenance company based in Atlanta, Georgia. The business specializes in interior and exterior painting, drywall and plaster repair, surface preparation, pressure washing, and unit turnover services for residential and commercial properties. Much of our work supports property management companies and multi-unit properties, where reliability, documentation, and consistency are essential.

What sets Paint A Room Inc. apart is the foundation it is built on. The company is led by a U.S. Air Force veteran and IATSE Local 479 scenic artist, bringing a rare combination of military discipline, union craftsmanship, and production-level efficiency into everyday property maintenance work. Experience gained from working on major film and television productions translates directly into attention to detail, problem-solving under pressure, and delivering clean, high-quality finishes within tight timelines.

Day to day, the business operates hands-on—responding to active maintenance needs such as drywall repairs, water-damaged surfaces, repainting, pressure washing, and preparing units for occupancy. Projects are approached with a practical, solutions-driven mindset, whether the scope involves a single service call or ongoing property support.

Brand-wise, I am most proud of the company’s reputation for professionalism, consistency, and accountability. Paint A Room Inc. is built to carry on with business as usual through changing conditions by staying adaptable, dependable, and detail-focused. At its core, the brand represents craftsmanship, work ethic, and trust—delivering quality results the right way, every time.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
One thing I would add is that my work—both in film and in business—has always been rooted in service and consistency. Whether supporting a production crew, a property management team, or a resident, the goal is the same: show up prepared, do the work correctly, and leave the space better than it was found.

I take pride in building something sustainable that reflects long-term commitment rather than short-term wins. As a veteran, union craftsman, and small business owner, I value discipline, accountability, and craftsmanship, and I believe those values carry forward into everything I do. My focus is not just on growth, but on maintaining integrity in the work and creating a business that continues to operate reliably through changing circumstances.

Pricing:

• Free estimates based on photos submitted by the client
• On-site evaluations available when needed for accurate scope
• Pricing varies based on scope, condition, and turnaround time
• Transparent quotes provided before scheduling any work
• Flexible scheduling for repairs and maintenance services

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.paintaroominc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintaroominc
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@paintaroom-n4u