Learning from the Past
When I think about what makes our family business strong, it always comes back to one thing: the lessons passed down through generations. Knox Pest Control has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up watching my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather work hard, treat customers like family, and take pride in every job. What started with my great-grandfather walking the streets of Atlanta with a leather satchel full of roach powder and mouse bait has turned into a company that now serves customers across the Southeast.
That kind of growth does not happen by accident. It comes from a foundation built on values that never go out of style: honesty, integrity, hard work, and service. Those are the principles that shaped me as a young man sweeping the floors and helping on termite jobs during summer breaks. They are the same principles that guide me now as I lead our team into a new era of pest management.
Honoring Tradition While Embracing Change
One of the biggest challenges of running a fourth-generation business is balancing the old with the new. My family taught me that tradition matters, but so does progress. We cannot lead with yesterday’s methods alone, but we also cannot forget the lessons that got us here.
When I first started working full-time after graduating from Troy University in 1997, I was eager to modernize everything. Technology was advancing, customer expectations were changing, and the industry was evolving fast. Over time, I learned that the best way to grow is not to replace our traditions but to build on them. The personal relationships, the focus on quality, and the dedication to doing things right the first time are what keep customers coming back. Technology just helps us do it better and faster.
At Knox Pest Control, we have invested in tools that make our operations more efficient and our services more precise. But no piece of software can replace a handshake, a smile, or a genuine thank-you. Our customers stay with us because they trust us, and that trust comes from generations of consistent care.
Family Lessons that Still Matter
Growing up in a family business means your lessons start early. I was twelve when I first joined the summer crew, helping with termite treatments and mowing the office lawn. At the time, I did not realize I was being taught leadership. My father and grandfather believed that every job, no matter how small, deserved effort and respect.
Those early years taught me responsibility, humility, and teamwork. I learned to show up on time, to listen more than I spoke, and to always finish what I started. These values shape how I lead today. I expect the same commitment from our team that my family expected from me.
My parents also showed me what it means to treat employees like family. Many of our team members have been with us for decades. We celebrate their successes, support them through challenges, and value their input. A strong company culture starts with respect, and that lesson is as relevant today as it was a hundred years ago.
Passing the Torch
Another part of running a multigenerational business is preparing the next generation to lead. My wife and I have three children, and while they are still young, I already see the importance of teaching them the same principles I was taught. Whether or not they choose to join the family business one day, they will benefit from learning the value of hard work and integrity.
Leadership is not just about managing people or making decisions. It is about setting an example. When the next generation sees that you take pride in your work and care deeply about the people you serve, they begin to understand what leadership really means. My hope is that they will carry those lessons with them in whatever they do.
Adapting Without Losing Identity
Every family business faces the pressure to adapt. Markets shift, customers evolve, and technology changes how we operate. The key is to stay flexible without losing your identity. For us, that means continuing to provide reliable pest control services while finding new ways to meet customer needs.
Whether it is using environmentally friendly products, offering online scheduling, or investing in better training for our technicians, every improvement we make builds on the legacy of quality that has defined our business since day one. Our name stands for something, and I take that seriously.
Building a Legacy That Lasts
Being part of a fourth-generation family business is both a privilege and a responsibility. Each generation before me worked hard to build something meaningful, and it is my job to protect and grow that legacy. But a legacy is not about buildings, trucks, or numbers. It is about people.
It is about the customers who trust us to protect their homes. It is about the employees who give their best every day. And it is about the families who continue to believe in what we stand for. The greatest lesson my family taught me is that success is not measured by how much you grow, but by how well you serve.
As I look ahead, I know that our company will continue to evolve. But no matter how much things change, the foundation will always be the same: strong values, honest work, and a commitment to people. That is the true blueprint for lasting success.