When people ask me what it’s like to run a family business, my answer is always the same: it’s both a privilege and a responsibility. Being part of a multi-generational business isn’t just about continuing a name—it’s about preserving values, serving your community, and building something that can outlast any one person. At Knox Pest Control, I’ve had the opportunity to experience firsthand how a family legacy can shape modern entrepreneurship, guiding decisions, culture, and long-term growth.
The Roots of Our Business
Our story begins with my great-grandfather, Forrest Knox, who started his pest control business in the 1920s. Armed with a leather satchel full of roach powder and mice bait, he went door to door, not just selling a service but earning the trust of every family he worked with. Forrest and his brother Roy built their business on the principle that it’s not just about who you get as a customer—it’s about who you keep. That mindset of relationship-driven business has echoed through every generation.
My grandfather, Jim Knox, joined the business as a teenager, helping with termite jobs and sitting night watches on fumigation sites. My father, John Knox, grew up in the business and later relaunched it in 1995 alongside my brother and me. Each generation has carried the same core philosophy: success isn’t measured by the bottom line alone, but by the integrity, service, and relationships you build along the way.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Growing up in a family business, I quickly realized that running a company is about more than numbers or growth charts. It’s about culture. It’s about creating an environment where your team feels valued, where your customers feel heard, and where every decision reflects your values. These lessons weren’t learned overnight—they were observed, absorbed, and refined over decades of family experience.
Education also played a role in shaping how I view business. I earned my BBA from Georgia Southern University, completed my MBA at Baylor University, and studied public policy at Regent University. Regent’s mission, “Christian Leadership to Change the World,” particularly resonated with me. It taught me that entrepreneurship is most successful when it’s paired with purpose, integrity, and a commitment to service—not just profit.
Growing with Purpose
With those principles in mind, Knox Pest Control has grown from a single office to 18 locations across the Southeast. Today, we employ over 225 team members and serve more than 90,000 customers. While growth is exciting, it has never been our primary focus. Our goal has always been to build a business that lasts—not just in terms of revenue, but in terms of legacy. That means investing in our employees, prioritizing customer relationships, and ensuring that our company culture reflects the values instilled by generations before me.
Being part of a family business also means thinking long-term. In today’s world, it’s easy to chase the latest trends or prioritize short-term gains. But sustaining a business for decades requires patience, strategic thinking, and a commitment to principles that don’t change with the market. For us, those principles have been consistent: quality service, integrity, and servant leadership.
Legacy Beyond the Office
Building a business that lasts isn’t limited to the workplace—it extends into the community. Our family has always believed in giving back. I serve on boards with the Boys & Girls Club and the Rotary Club, and I support my alma mater, Regent University, to help raise up the next generation of ethical, purpose-driven leaders. Leadership and entrepreneurship aren’t just about what happens in the office—they’re about the influence you have on the people and communities around you.
The Power of Family Legacy
For me, one of the most powerful aspects of family business is the continuity it provides. Each generation learns from the previous one, not just in terms of operations, but in the values that guide every decision. That continuity creates a foundation that modern entrepreneurs can’t always replicate—one rooted in history, experience, and a shared sense of purpose.
As I reflect on our journey, I’m proud of the legacy we continue to build at Knox Pest Control. It’s a legacy of service, integrity, and long-term thinking—a legacy that isn’t just about surviving today but thriving tomorrow. And it’s a reminder that family businesses, when guided by principles and purpose, have the power to influence communities, shape industries, and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs.
At the end of the day, building a business that lasts isn’t about avoiding mistakes or taking shortcuts—it’s about committing to values, investing in people, and keeping sight of a mission greater than yourself. For me, that mission is simple: to honor the generations before me, serve our customers and communities well, and create a business that can continue to thrive for generations to come.