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Texas rewards people who take action.

We share real-world stories and expert guidance to help you win in Texas — whether you’re choosing where to live, protecting your home, or building a business from the ground up.

Here you’ll learn how to:

  • Pick the right Texas city or town for your goals

  • Maintain and protect your Texas home like a pro

  • Start, grow, and scale a small business — or dominate in the workforce

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We're proud to be your go-to source for real stories, practical tips, and no-nonsense advice about what it truly means to live in the Lone Star State.

Here at Texas Home Living, we cover it all:

  • How to protect your home in Texas
  • What goes into building a new home in Texas
  • Tiny home living
  • Storm and hail damage roof repair
  • Protecting your family from the unexpected
  • Creating an efficient attic space
  • Choosing reliable Texas contractors
  • Gardening and lawn care in the Texas heat
    …and so much more.
  • Pest Control and Wildlife

Let me introduce myself — my name is Aaron McLeod, and I live in the beautiful town of Justin, Texas. I got my start in this field thanks to my father, who passed down not just skills, but a passion for building, fixing, and creating homes that stand the test of time — and Texas weather.

Whether you're a lifelong Texan or just getting settled in, we’re here to help you live better, smarter, and more comfortably in your Texas home.

Aaron McLeod

My Story

I was 12 years old when one morning, my father woke me up to go help him, at one of his rental properties. My father was a real estate investor. Of course, I didn’t understand the value of real estate back then. I had no idea it could be a key asset for building wealth.

Now, at that age, I thought I was going to be a big shot. I imagined myself collecting rent from tenants, maybe even sitting behind a desk like a boss. But when we arrived at the first building, my father turned to me and said, “Wait here.” He went inside and came back out—not with rent money, but with a broom.

“Sweep the porch, the steps, and the sidewalk. Then, when you're done, come inside and sweep the hallways and common areas.”

I couldn’t believe it. I thought I was going to be important, but here I was, cleaning like at home. And not just once. I cleaned that house every week for two years. I also cut the grass.

Eventually, my father began teaching me more. He showed me how to make repairs, do maintenance, hang sheetrock, paint walls—you name it. But I didn’t learn anything about collecting rent until I was about 17.

By the time I was 20, I knew so much about the trades, maintenance, and how to manage properties—all from those early mornings helping my dad with his apartments.

I then pursued a hands-on education through trade schools, where I studied electrical work, plumbing, general maintenance, HVAC, pest control, swimming pool maintenance, and real estate.

By the time I was 24, I had purchased one of my father’s investment properties and started a small pest control business. People often ask me, “Why didn’t your father just give you one of his properties?” The answer is simple: he was teaching me something far more valuable than a handout—he was teaching me independence and financial responsibility.

The most important lesson my father taught me wasn’t just about real estate—it was about people. He showed me how to start, build, and nurture strong relationships, and why integrity and trust matter more than anything else.

By working hard for others, doing the right thing, and treating everyone with respect, my father built a successful real estate business and a solid reputation in our community. Those values stuck with me and continue to guide everything I do today.

In 2002, I started a small pest control company with a mission to protect people’s homes and environments using thoughtful, responsible pest-management practices. Focusing on environmental protection and customer trust helped me attract a diverse and remarkable customer base — from everyday families to celebrated figures like Grammy Award-winning artist Bobby McFerrin and the team at NFL Films, including long-time journalist Ray Didinger.

Over the years I’ve had the privilege to get to know and serve so many wonderful people — an experience that continues to be the most rewarding part of this journey.

In 2008, my company’s commitment to this mission earned recognition in the Wall Street Journal. While the article is broadly about pest control services in homes, it reflects the era and context in which my business was growing and engaging customers across audiences.  

Read the WSJ article — “Evicting the Rodents From Our Home” — here:
👉 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121262029241246579.html

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What began as a small pest control company eventually grew into a successful operation, along with several real estate investments.

Working in the trades and investing in real estate kept me busy and brought in solid income. I renovated the property I bought from my father, and within three years, its value had doubled. I sold it, bought another, and flipped that one too. Each step taught me more and opened new opportunities.

Later, I sold the pest control business and my real estate holdings to focus full-time on a new project here in Texas—bringing with me decades of hands-on experience, hard-earned lessons, and a deep respect for the people and communities I serve.

Today, I bring a broad range of professional certifications and hands-on experience, including:

  • Pest Control
  • Termite Control
  • Lawn Care
  • Pool Operations
  • HVAC
  • Real Estate
  • Apartment Leasing

Along with these certifications, I have decades of real-world experience working with homes, properties, and businesses—allowing me to understand not just systems, but the people who rely on them.

What I have Learned

Over the years, I’ve learned a few key lessons that have shaped my success in life and business:

  1. Relationships Matter – Surround yourself with good people. Building strong relationships will always move you forward.
     
  2. Trades Are Timeless – Being a skilled tradesperson means you’ll never be out of work. Many people don’t have the time, knowledge, or desire to do trade work—and that’s where we come in.
     
  3. Integrity and Hard Work Pay Off – If you work hard and stay honest, you can thrive in the trades—and in life.
     

 "I had the pleasure of working with Aaron, a home service technician who demonstrated exceptional professionalism, technical expertise, and a strong commitment to quality work. Over the course of the maintenance services provided, Aaron consistently exceeded expectations.

He exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding home service technician. His combination of technical skill, professionalism, and strong work ethic make him a valuable asset to any team or organization. I highly recommend Aaron for any maintenance-related needs, as they are sure to deliver high-quality service with a focus on both efficiency and professionalism."

 

Elaine Howell

Elaine Howell

Elaine Howell

Gayle Enterprise

 Today, I work with Gayle Enterprise on several projects alongside our CEO and President, David Gayle. David brings a rare and powerful combination of certifications and real-world experience, including Pest Control, Food & Beverage Management, Warehouse and Distribution, and Attic Restoration.

Backed by this diverse expertise and a dedicated team, we launched TexasHomeLiving.com—a platform built to give Texans reliable, practical guidance for the issues they face in and around their homes.

David Gayle

David Gayle

Why We Do It

We believe in informing people because it’s the right thing to do. We treat others the way we would want to be treated, give back to our neighbors, and help build strong, connected communities.

We help our family, friends, and neighbors take guided, practical actions to improve their living circumstances and quality of life.

There is more happiness in giving. There is lasting satisfaction and true contentment that comes from knowing you helped someone move forward for the better.

This is more than our mission—it’s a responsibility we all share as human beings.

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