Family Owned
& Serving Austin, Tx Since 1984
The SALT Story
SALT was formed in 1984. We started out small but strong-minded, performing parking lot lighting maintenance and repair. The McCarthy family acquired this company in 2008. They expanded the company to include electrical contracting services, new construction, remodeling and sign installation before diving into all of the trades.
Our unwavering commitment lies in providing “SALT of the Earth” service to our community. With a steadfast dedication to customer satisfaction and community service, coupled with prompt and professional delivery, we have experienced significant growth in our business. Today, we proudly stand as the premier provider of residential Electrical, Generator, HVAC and Plumbing Home Services in Central Texas.
Why Choose SALT
Our Commitment – Our dedication to “SALT of the Earth” service drives all that we do. From the onset of your interaction with us, you can expect nothing short of excellence. We prioritize your satisfaction above all else, ensuring that every aspect of our service meets and exceeds your expectations. Our commitment extends beyond mere transactions – we aim to forge lasting relationships built on trust, integrity, and reliability.
Excellence in Service – As the foremost provider in Central Texas, we uphold the highest standards of quality and professionalism in all that we do. Our team of skilled professionals brings a wealth of experience and expertise to every project, guaranteeing meticulous attention to detail and unparalleled craftsmanship. Whether it’s electrical work, generator maintenance, HVAC services, or plumbing solutions, you can trust us to deliver results that stand the test of time.
Family Owned & Operated – As a local, family-owned, and operated business, we understand the importance of trust and reliability in every interaction. We are deeply invested in the well being of our neighbors and take pride in contributing to the growth and prosperity of our local community. Our team is not just a workforce – we’re a tight-knit family dedicated to delivering the highest quality service to our valued customers.
Giving Back – Beyond our business pursuits, we are deeply invested in giving back to the community that has entrusted us with their needs. Through various community service initiatives via SALTcares, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us. We believe that by serving our community, we not only enrich the lives of others but also inspire others to lend a helping hand whenever they can.
The Story Behind the SALT Name
How did we come up with the name SALT? The name has a connection with our mission statement – To serve our team members and community with love and integrity. SALT was founded with a deep-rooted love for people and a genuine desire to make a difference in their lives. We strive to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world to those around us. This aligns with our belief in Christian Values.
Meet Our Family Ownership Team
John McCarthy
John McCarthy’s entrepreneurial spirit was shaped early by a childhood spent overseas while his father served in the U.S. State Department. A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he met his wife Kathleen while working at Boeing in Seattle before making the move to Texas with their four children. After raising their family on 30 acres in Lockhart, where neighbors taught them the joys of farm life (and how to handle snakes!), John became part owner of Blue Whale Moving Company before he and Kathleen acquired RSM Lighting in 2007. Today, he is proud to see the company thrive as a family-owned business, now led by two of their children and spouses. John and Kathleen are active members of their church in Burnet, Texas, where faith continues to be the foundation of everything they do. In his spare time, you’ll find John sailing on Inks Lake.
Kathleen McCarthy
Kathleen McCarthy grew up in Chicago and Snohomish, Washington, with a proud Marine father who instilled strong values of service and dedication. After meeting John at Boeing, they quickly made Texas home and raised their four children while building a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. When they purchased RSM Lighting in 2007, Kathleen proudly held majority ownership, making it a woman-owned business. Starting with just five employees, she has helped guide the company’s growth to more than 130 team members. She and John are active members of their church in Burnet, Texas, where their faith remains the cornerstone of their lives. Her greatest joy is her family, especially her ten grandchildren, and hosting the annual “Cousin Camp” is one of her favorite traditions.
Brendan McCarthy
Raised in Lockhart, the BBQ Capital of Texas, Brendan McCarthy developed a lifelong love for great barbecue and community. He graduated from Texas State University while working as an electrician at SALT, the family business his parents founded, before briefly working in oilfield training and returning in 2016 to launch the residential electrical division. Brendan and his high school sweetheart, Laura, now live in Round Rock and are proud parents of two daughters, including a Cedar Ridge High School student and a University of Texas at Austin student. Hook ’em! When he’s not leading teams at SALT, you’ll find him at every Austin FC home game shouting “Listos!”, competing with the SALTY Dogs BBQ Team, or serving as a greeter at Fellowship Hutto.
Justin Garza
Justin Garza grew up in Rockdale, Texas, and met his wife, Melina, while attending Sam Houston State University. Eat ‘Em Up, Kats! After moving to Pflugerville and working in homebuilding, he joined the family business in 2012 and later earned his Master Electrician license. Justin successfully led SALT’s commercial division and now oversees the daily logistics of the company’s fleet and facilities operations. He is a proud father of three children, including a Weiss High School football player, an elementary student, and a Baylor University student. Outside of work, Justin enjoys football season, cheering on the Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys, perfecting his BBQ skills, and attending his church men’s group at Central Baptist in Round Rock.
Melina Garza
Melina Garza grew up in Lockhart, Texas, as the oldest of four children and met her husband, Justin, at Sam Houston State University. After moving to Pflugerville, she spent years raising their family and teaching preschool before joining SALT full-time in 2019. She founded SALTcares, helping SALT use its time, talents, and resources to serve the community. Melina also serves as Advocacy Chair for the Coalition to Cure Calpain 3, passionately advocating for those affected by Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type R1 (LGMDR1), including her daughter Brooklyn. Whether she’s speaking on Capitol Hill, supporting the Round Rock Chamber, or cheering on her children’s activities, her greatest pride is being a mom. Melina and Justin are active members of Central Baptist in Round Rock, where faith and community go hand in hand.
Laura McCarthy
Laura McCarthy grew up in Bastrop, Texas, and married her high school sweetheart, Brendan. After raising their two daughters and teaching preschool, the family returned to Round Rock following a brief time in Houston. Laura faithfully serves in the children’s ministry at Fellowship Hutto and enjoys running, working out, reading, and cheering on her youngest daughter at volleyball games. She also loves having her oldest daughter nearby while attending The University of Texas at Austin. Laura completed the SALT family ownership team when she joined the company in 2023 as Permit Coordinator, where her exceptional organization and attention to detail have become invaluable assets to the business.
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- (512) 956-7842
- Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday 8am - 8pm
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