By Justin Knox, Owner of Knox Pest Control
When people ask me how I got to where I am today, I often tell them my story starts not in a boardroom, but on a lawn with a lawnmower and a bucket of termite treatment. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the pest control business, I began working in the company at the age of 12. Summer school breaks weren’t just for fun—they were spent helping my family’s business, whether that meant assisting on termite treatments, tidying the office grounds, or learning the ins and outs of customer service firsthand.
Little did I know that those early experiences would shape not only my work ethic but also the foundation of my leadership philosophy. Today, as the owner of Knox Pest Control and a fourth-generation member of this family business, I often reflect on the lessons I learned in those formative years.
Learning from the Ground Up
Starting at the bottom has its advantages. Being a termite helper taught me patience, attention to detail, and the value of hard work. I learned that every role in a company matters, no matter how small it may seem. When you’ve done the jobs that others might overlook, you gain perspective on how each piece fits into the bigger picture.
Working in our family business also taught me the importance of humility. No task is beneath a leader. Whether I was on the ladder treating a termite infestation or mowing the office lawn, every task reinforced the lesson that leadership is earned through action, not title alone.
The Power of Mentorship
Family businesses are unique in that they often pass knowledge from one generation to the next. I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by mentors—my father, my grandfather, and even my great-grandfather’s stories of hard work and dedication. They taught me that the heart of any successful business lies in its people, and that a company’s reputation is built one interaction at a time.
I’ve carried this lesson into my own leadership style. I make it a priority to mentor my team, invest in their growth, and create a culture where people feel valued. Leadership isn’t about giving orders—it’s about inspiring and guiding others so they can perform at their best.
Embracing a Customer-First Philosophy
Our family business has always been guided by a simple yet powerful philosophy: “It’s not who you get as a customer, it’s who you keep as a customer.” This principle was instilled in me from the beginning, and it remains at the core of how we operate today. Every decision I make as CEO considers how it will impact our customers, employees, and community.
In an era of rapid technological change and increasing competition, it’s easy to focus on growth metrics and expansion. But the lesson I learned as a kid helping with termite treatments has stayed with me: genuine, consistent service is the foundation of any lasting business.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
Leading a fourth-generation family business comes with a unique challenge: respecting tradition while embracing change. Our business has evolved over nearly a century, incorporating new technologies, strategies, and processes. But even as we innovate, the core values—integrity, diligence, and respect for our customers—remain unchanged.
I’ve learned that leadership requires both vision and adaptability. It means knowing when to hold onto what has worked for decades and when to push for improvements that will prepare the business for the next generation.
Lessons Beyond the Office
My life outside of Knox Pest Control has also shaped the leader I am today. I enjoy hunting, shooting days, working with cattle, tending to my farm, and spending time with my family. These activities teach patience, observation, and discipline—skills that translate directly to managing a business. They also serve as a reminder of what matters most: relationships, integrity, and balance.
Being married to my wife, Jackie, for 15 years and raising three children has given me insight into the importance of nurturing those around you. Leadership isn’t just about business—it’s about fostering trust, respect, and growth in all areas of life.
Passing the Torch
As a fourth-generation leader, I am constantly aware that I am not just managing a business; I am stewarding a legacy. One of my greatest responsibilities is ensuring that the values and lessons passed down through generations continue to thrive. I want my children, and the generations to come, to understand that success is built on hard work, integrity, and dedication—not shortcuts or shortcuts or quick wins.
Final Thoughts
From mowing lawns and helping with termite treatments as a child to leading Knox Pest Control as CEO, my journey has been one of growth, learning, and deep appreciation for the lessons of those who came before me. Leadership is about more than strategy or profit—it’s about people, legacy, and the impact you leave on your team and your community.
I hope my story can inspire others—especially those involved in family businesses—to embrace every lesson, honor every mentor, and never underestimate the value of starting from the ground up.