Some of the most successful partnerships are built on shared values, complementary backgrounds, and a willingness to evolve, and that’s exactly what brought Heather and Rylie together.

Heather’s journey began in California, where she grew up from 1975 to 2000 as the oldest of six siblings. After her parents relocated to Arizona with her younger brothers and sisters, Heather followed them shortly after graduating from Point Loma Nazarene University. Arizona has been home ever since. Today, family remains central to her life. Heather is the proud mom of three grown children: Nikelas, a project manager with Empower Energy Solutions based in Connecticut; Madison, who lives in Nashville and works as a nanny for her aunt’s two young children; and Isabela, who co-owns and operates a social media marketing company here in the Valley with her two best friends.

A true serial entrepreneur, Heather’s professional path has been anything but linear. Over the years, she has built experience across a wide range of service-based industries, including hospitality, interior design, event planning, solar contracting, and now pest control. At every stop along the way, her focus has remained the same: finding ways to elevate customer experience and improve how service businesses operate.

Rylie’s story is deeply rooted in Arizona. A second-generation Arizonian, she was born and raised in the Valley alongside her older and younger brothers, who still live nearby today. Athletics played a defining role in her early years. Rylie pursued an elite soccer career throughout high school and college, earning a full Division I scholarship to a university in South Carolina. After college, she continued in the sport as a coach, spending time at Palm Beach Atlantic before returning to Arizona in 2020.

Following her coaching career, Rylie transitioned into fitness training, where her passion for discipline, performance, and personal growth continued to shine. It was through the solar industry, where Heather and Rylie’s brother were already working together, that the two first crossed paths. What began as a professional connection quickly turned into something more.

Recognizing their shared drive and complementary skill sets, Heather and Rylie decided to build something together with the goal of rethinking and improving an industry they knew well. Drawing on Heather’s entrepreneurial experience and Rylie’s performance-driven mindset, the partnership represents a blend of innovation, energy, and a commitment to doing business better.

Together, they’re proving that the right mix of background, experience, and vision can lead to powerful new beginnings.

Peppermint Pest Control was built on the belief that pest control should feel thoughtful, thorough, and trustworthy; not rushed or transactional. In fact, the company was born out of personal experience. After searching for a pest control service that felt detail-oriented, health-conscious, and genuinely attentive, we realized it simply didn’t exist in the way we envisioned. So we decided to create it ourselves.

As a locally owned, woman-owned company, Peppermint brings a distinctly personal approach to an industry often known for speed over service. Every home is treated as if it were our own, with a strong emphasis on communication, follow-through, and long-term solutions rather than quick fixes.

What truly sets Peppermint apart is the level of care invested in each property. Instead of a one-size-fits-all treatment, the team spends more time inspecting, identifying patterns, and addressing the root causes of pest activity. This detail-oriented approach allows for more effective, customized service that prevents recurring problems rather than temporarily masking them.

Peppermint Pest Control also prioritizes health-conscious practices. The company uses highly effective, plant-derived products selected intentionally for both performance and environmental consideration. Homeowners can feel confident knowing their pest issues are being handled with solutions designed to be tough on pests while remaining mindful of families, pets, and the surrounding ecosystem.

Equally important is responsiveness. Clients don’t have to chase down technicians or wonder if their concerns will be addressed. Communication is direct, timely, and personal; because when you work with Peppermint, you’re working with owners who live in the community and stand behind their service.

1. Prevention is always easier than reaction.

Don’t wait until you see a major infestation. Pests are usually active long before they’re visible. Routine inspections and preventative treatments save homeowners time, stress, and money in the long run.

2. Pay attention to patterns, not just sightings.

One ant may not seem like much, but repeated activity in the same area tells a story. Notice where pests appear, what time of year, and after what weather conditions. Those patterns help identify root causes.

3. Seal and eliminate entry points.

Tiny gaps around doors, windows, and utility lines are open invitations. Weather stripping, door sweeps, and sealing cracks can dramatically reduce pest entry.

4. Manage moisture.

Standing water, overwatered landscaping, clogged gutters, and leaking irrigation systems attract mosquitoes, termites, and other insects. Keeping areas dry is one of the most powerful prevention tools.

5. Be intentional with what you use.

Not all pest control products are created equal. Homeowners should look for solutions that are both effective and thoughtfully selected with health and environmental considerations in mind.

6. Choose a company that takes time.

If a technician is in and out in minutes, important details may be missed. A thorough inspection and customized approach make all the difference in long-term results.