About Us

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It was a chilly Saturday morning in November 1988, around 5:30 AM. I was twelve years old and planning to sleep in. Thanksgiving break was just around the corner, and I had visions of rest, cartoons, and hours of playing Nintendo.

But my father had different plans.

Without warning, he yanked the blanket off me and said firmly, “Get up! You’re going to work with me today.”

He was the facilities director of a historic farmers market, and that morning, I became his unofficial apprentice. Bleary-eyed, I followed him to work and was soon immersed in a whole new world. I met the staff, the small business owners, and the market’s regular customers. The place buzzed with life and purpose.

My first assignment was to clean the general manager’s office. Then I moved on to my father’s. He taught me how to clean windows with a squeegee, how to sweep properly, and how to pay attention to detail. I must have done something right, because the general manager asked if I could clean her office every week.

That single day turned into eight years. Over time, I learned the inner workings of the market—from plumbing and electrical systems to recycling and sanitation. I got hands-on experience in trades and maintenance. But the most valuable lessons weren’t just technical.

I learned how critical it is to build relationships. I saw firsthand how opportunities often come from people who believe in you, sometimes even before you believe in yourself. My father was one of those people. Through him, I learned not just the value of hard work, but also the basics of business and leadership.

That one early morning shaped the foundation of my work ethic, my career path, and my understanding of what it means to contribute to something larger than yourself.

I was 14 years old when one morning, my father woke me up—again—to go help him, this time 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—again. Just like I did at the farmers market. 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 at the farmers market and years of helping my dad with his apartments.

I didn’t go to college—and I’ve never regretted that decision. College isn’t the right path for everyone. Instead, I 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.

When I was 17, my father helped me open a bank account at his credit union. Over the next few years, I built a strong credit history. Eventually, that same bank approved me for a mortgage, which I used to buy one of my dad’s properties—not as a gift, but as a real investment. It was the process that mattered. It taught me discipline, planning, and how to navigate the financial system—skills that no one else I knew at 24 had, especially not as a real estate investor.

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.

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.
    

While I never went to college, I invested heavily in myself. I attended multiple trade schools. I also continue to grow through reading, with books like Think and Grow Rich, The Richest Man in Babylon, and Rich Dad Poor Dad helping to sharpen my mindset.

Now, 25 years later, I’ve brought all that knowledge, skill, and experience to Denton County, Texas, where I started Texas County Handyman.

Our approach is simple: if a client reaches out and I can’t personally handle the job, I tap into my trusted network of skilled professionals—people I know and trust—to get it done right. I work closely with other entrepreneurs in the trades to ensure every client is taken care of.

I love people, I love building lasting relationships, and I love working with my hands to solve real problems.

At Texas County Handyman, we don’t just have customers. We have family, friends, and neighbors—the people who build communities. We treat each project and each client with the respect and care they deserve.

We don’t just fix things. We build trust.

I hope to meet you soon.

— Aaron