Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the pest control industry, I learned early on that business is about more than products or profits. It is about people, integrity, and values that guide decisions every day. My first experiences with Knox Pest Control were not in a boardroom. They were on summer mornings when I was twelve, helping with termite treatments, mowing the office lawn, or running small errands. These experiences taught me lessons that shaped the way I lead today.
Being part of a fourth-generation family business has given me a unique perspective on leadership. I have seen how decisions made with core values in mind not only strengthen the business but also build trust with employees, customers, and the community. Legacy leadership is about carrying forward lessons from those who came before us while making thoughtful choices for the future.
The Foundation of Family Values
Our family has always believed that how you conduct business matters as much as what you do. My great-grandfather, Forrest H. Knox, started the business by walking the streets of Atlanta carrying roach powder and mice bait in a leather satchel. His focus was never just on making a sale but on building relationships and earning trust. This principle guided my grandfather, my father, and now me.
Family values like honesty, respect, and dedication form the foundation of every decision we make at Knox Pest Control. When I am faced with a choice, whether it is about a new technology, a business partnership, or a service policy, I ask myself how it aligns with the values that have sustained our company for nearly a century. These principles provide a compass that keeps our business grounded even as the industry evolves.
Decision-Making with Integrity
Leadership is often about making difficult decisions. Legacy leadership teaches that those decisions should not be driven solely by short-term gain. Instead, they should reflect long-term thinking and integrity.
For example, when considering new services or expanding into new territories, we evaluate not just the financial opportunity but also how it impacts our customers and employees. Will it strengthen relationships? Will it uphold our commitment to quality service? Will it contribute to the sustainability of the business for future generations? These are the questions that family values help answer.
Leading by Example
One of the most powerful lessons I learned from growing up in a family business is that leadership is not just about words. It is about action. Doing the work alongside your team, being present, and demonstrating the values you expect from others creates a culture of accountability and respect.
Even today, I make it a point to be involved in day-to-day operations. Whether it is walking a property with a technician, checking in with a customer, or helping solve a problem in the office, I try to model the work ethic and integrity that are central to our family values. Leadership is contagious, and when your team sees you living the principles you preach, it strengthens the company from the inside out.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
Family values do not mean resisting change. In fact, the ability to evolve while maintaining a strong foundation is one of the key lessons of legacy leadership. Our industry has changed dramatically since my great-grandfather’s time. Modern technology, environmental regulations, and customer expectations have transformed how we operate.
The challenge is integrating innovation without losing the principles that define the business. Digital tools, new treatment methods, and customer service platforms can make operations more efficient, but they must be used in a way that reflects our values. A tool that makes a process faster is valuable only if it enhances the experience for our team and our customers. Legacy leadership is about ensuring that progress never comes at the cost of integrity.
Teaching the Next Generation
Another essential part of legacy leadership is preparing the next generation. I have three children, and while they may choose different paths in life, I want them to understand the importance of values in guiding decisions. It is not enough to inherit a business. They must also inherit the principles that allow the business to thrive and make a positive impact.
Sharing stories from the company’s history, involving them in conversations about decision-making, and demonstrating how values inform daily choices are all ways to pass on this knowledge. Leadership is not just learned in a classroom or an office. It is learned through observation, experience, and example.
The Impact of Values on Business Success
Family values have a measurable impact on the success of a business. They build trust with customers, create loyalty among employees, and foster a culture where people want to work and stay. In our case, generations of employees and clients have been drawn to Knox Pest Control because they see our commitment to honesty, reliability, and service. These values are our differentiators in a competitive market.
For entrepreneurs today, the lesson is clear. Businesses that prioritize ethics, integrity, and respect do not just survive—they thrive. Customers remember how they are treated, employees remember how they are valued, and communities remember companies that act with purpose. Legacy leadership ensures that your impact extends beyond the bottom line.
Final Thoughts
Legacy leadership is more than a family tradition. It is a mindset that shapes how decisions are made, how people are treated, and how businesses grow. By anchoring leadership in family values, we are able to balance innovation with integrity, growth with responsibility, and business success with meaningful relationships.
At Knox Pest Control, our history has taught me that values are not just guiding principles—they are the business itself. They are what allow a fourth-generation company to thrive in a modern world. For any entrepreneur or leader, the lesson is the same: build your decisions on a foundation of integrity, respect, and care. That is how you lead today while creating a lasting legacy for tomorrow.