Starting with Strong Roots
Every lasting business has a beginning rooted in hard work and purpose. For our family, that beginning goes back generations, long before I ever stepped into a leadership role. Today, as Justin Knox of Columbus, GA, I have the responsibility of carrying forward a legacy that started with one simple idea: serve people well and the rest will follow.
What began as a small operation built on personal relationships has grown into a regional pest management company. That growth did not happen overnight, and it did not happen by chance. It happened because each generation stayed committed to the same core values while adapting to a changing world.
Learning the Business from the Ground Up
I did not grow up watching the business from the sidelines. I started working summers at Knox Pest Control when I was twelve years old. My early responsibilities included helping on termite jobs and keeping the office grounds in good shape. At the time, I did not see it as training for leadership. I saw it as work that needed to be done.
Those early experiences taught me responsibility, respect for hard work, and the importance of doing a job right the first time. I learned how every role in a business matters. From the technician in the field to the person answering the phone, each interaction shapes the customer’s experience.
When I joined the company full time after graduating from Troy University in 1997, I already understood the value of learning by doing. That foundation helped prepare me for the leadership responsibilities that would come later.
Growing Beyond Columbus, GA
Columbus, GA has always been home for our family and our business. It is where we built trust, developed relationships, and earned our reputation. As the company grew, we saw opportunities to expand beyond our home market while maintaining the same level of service our local customers expected.
Expanding regionally required careful planning and discipline. Growth can be exciting, but it can also stretch a company too thin if it is not handled thoughtfully. We focused on growing at a pace that allowed us to maintain quality, train our people properly, and preserve our culture.
Staying connected to our roots in Columbus helped guide those decisions. It reminded us that our success depended on how well we served people, not how fast we expanded.
The Role of Family in Long Term Success
Running a family business comes with both rewards and challenges. Working alongside family members requires clear communication, mutual respect, and shared goals. It also creates a level of accountability that is hard to match in any other setting.
In our family, leadership has always been about example. Each generation worked hard, treated employees fairly, and put customers first. That example set the tone for the entire organization. When people see consistency in leadership, it builds trust both inside and outside the company.
Family involvement also brings a long-term perspective. We are not focused on short-term gains. We are focused on building something that will last for future generations. That mindset influences every decision we make.
Adapting Without Losing Our Identity
One of the biggest challenges in growing a family business is adapting to change without losing what makes you unique. The pest control industry has evolved significantly over the years. Technology, customer expectations, and regulations continue to shift.
We have embraced new tools and processes that improve efficiency and service. Digital scheduling, better reporting systems, and advanced treatment methods allow us to serve customers more effectively. But we never let technology replace personal connection.
Our identity is built on relationships. No matter how much we grow, we want customers to feel known and valued. That commitment has helped us expand while maintaining the trust that started in Columbus, GA.
Building a Team That Shares the Vision
A business only grows as strong as the people behind it. One of my priorities as a leader is building a team that shares our values and vision. We look for people who care about their work, take pride in serving customers, and want to grow professionally.
Training and support are essential. We invest in our team so they feel confident in their roles and connected to the company’s mission. When employees feel respected and supported, they are more engaged and committed. That commitment shows in the service they provide.
Lessons in Leadership
Leading a family business taught me that leadership is not about control. It is about guidance, communication, and trust. It means listening to your team, learning from mistakes, and staying focused on long-term goals.
Some of the best lessons I have learned came from challenges. Growth brings complexity, and not every decision is easy. But staying true to our values has helped us navigate change and continue moving forward.
Looking Toward the Future
As I look ahead, I am proud of what our family has built and excited about what is to come. From Columbus, GA to a growing regional presence, our journey has been guided by the same principles that started it all. Hard work, honesty, and service still define who we are.
Building a family business that lasts is not about size or speed. It is about consistency, character, and care for people. If we stay true to those values, I believe our business will continue to serve families and communities for generations to come.