Leigh Ellis is a principal with AQUILA Commercial and the leader of the firm’s industrial team. He has a deep understanding of the Austin industrial market, including knowledge of the market history, current status, and future development plans.
Leigh specializes in both leasing and tenant representation, as well as acquisitions and dispositions. He represents national and local companies in industrial, flex and office transactions throughout Central Texas, including Goodwill, Stonelake Capital Partners, Protect America, and more.
Family is everything to Leigh. He married his wife Lauren in 2013, and the two became parents to their son Harrison in 2016. (They’re also expecting a baby girl due September 2019!)
An avid golfer, you’ll catch Leigh on the course at all times of the year, with either his son, his clients, or his coworkers by his side. And come football season, you’ll catch the Ellis family at the AQUILA tailgates ready to cheer on the Longhorns!
Leigh with his wife Lauren and son Harrison.
I sat down for a Q&A with Leigh to learn more about him. Read his answers below to get to know him a little better!
Let’s Start With the Basics:
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Houston, Texas.
Q: Where did you go to college?
A: The University of Texas.
Leigh is a proud Texas Longhorn; here at a UT game with his wife Lauren.
Q: How long have you been in Austin?
A: I’ve been in Austin off and on since 1998; I briefly lived in Montana, then moved back to Houston, and eventually back to Austin in 2007.
Q: What is it about Austin that has made you stay?
A: My wife loves it here. I like to be outside and there are so many outdoor activities here like hiking the greenbelt, going out on the lake, and hitting the trail. I also love live music and love the music scene here. I basically love everything that everyone loves about Austin. I have some really close friends here. I love all the things Austin brings, and it is such a great place to live: it’s safe, comfortable, has a great vibe, and great restaurants – Austin has all the things!
Q: What is your favorite part about working for AQUILA?
A: Obviously it’s the people! That’s an easy answer. If it’s not the people, it’s the cookies (laughs). We get Tiff’s Treats here all the time. I love the culture and the events – we do some really fun things here. And we all get along – we hire people who share a lot of the same commonalities and have the same mindset.
Leigh with AQUILA colleagues at dinner in San Francisco.
Q: What makes AQUILA different?
A: It’s a family. There’s more opportunity here and a great structure in place. Before working at AQUILA I was at a company with only 4 to 5 people.
Q: What would you say is your key differentiator? Why would I want to work with you?
A: I understand the market and know how to leverage certain situations. I have a photographic memory and market knowledge is something I pride myself on. I work hard, I’m dedicated and I’ll stay late to get the job done. I want what is best for my clients, and I put them at the front of every deal.
Leigh with fellow AQUILA principal Todd Tebbe and clients Michael Hanley and Scott Dean (SteelSentry) at a client event at Franklin Barbecue.
Now For a Little Fun:
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: Playing Augusta National (where the Masters is held).
Leigh loves to golf; pictured above on the golf course with his son Harrison.
Q: What’s your go-to karaoke song?
A: (Laughs) It’s been a while since I’ve karaoked – If I had to get up and sing I would do some sort of 60s song that was short and popular.
Q: If you won $50 million in the lottery, what would you do with it?
A: I’d take care of my family and enjoy the rest of my life. I’d love to travel more. I think I would still come to work, take care of investments and plan for a good future for my family.
Q: If you could live anywhere in the world and money didn’t matter, where would you live?
A: Carmel, CA (where Pebble Beach is located). I’d live on the 17th-mile drive and play golf every day. I’d have a jet and travel wherever I wanted to go!
Leigh with his dad Leigh and brothers John and Nelson on the 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Q: What’s something most people may not know about you?
A: I’m left-handed.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Austin?
Q: What’s your favorite show to binge-watch?
A: The PGA Tour – I love the Golf Channel. I don’t really have a favorite show.
For more on Leigh, check out his bio page on our website.
