When people think about leadership, they often imagine authority, decision-making, and directing others. While those elements are important, the concept of servant leadership has been central to my experience as an entrepreneur. Servant leadership is about putting others first, empowering employees, and creating a culture of service that extends from the team to the customers and the community. At Knox Pest Control, this approach has shaped how we grow, manage our business, and sustain a multi-generational family enterprise.

Understanding Servant Leadership

Servant leadership is a philosophy that prioritizes the needs of others above personal gain. It encourages leaders to serve their employees, customers, and community while guiding the business toward success. This approach is particularly powerful in modern entrepreneurship, where the focus is often on speed, technology, and short-term results. By leading with service, entrepreneurs can build lasting trust, loyalty, and engagement.

For our family business, servant leadership is not just a management style. It is a guiding principle that has been passed down through four generations. My great-grandfather, Forrest Knox, led by example, personally servicing customers and treating employees with respect. This legacy continues to influence how we operate today.

Empowering Employees

One of the most important aspects of servant leadership is empowering employees. Leaders who invest in their team’s growth and development create a workforce that is motivated, skilled, and engaged. At Knox Pest Control, we provide training, mentorship, and opportunities for advancement. We focus on creating an environment where employees feel valued and confident in their abilities.

Empowered employees are more likely to take ownership of their work, provide exceptional service, and contribute ideas that improve the business. This empowerment builds loyalty, strengthens culture, and supports sustainable growth. When team members know they are trusted and supported, they become advocates for the company and the customers we serve.

Serving Customers as a Priority

Servant leadership also means putting customers first. In a service-based business, trust and satisfaction are built through consistent care and attention. At Knox Pest Control, we train our team to listen to customers, understand their concerns, and provide solutions that meet their specific needs.

Serving customers effectively requires empathy, patience, and clear communication. It is about going beyond completing a task to creating an experience that leaves customers confident and satisfied. This approach strengthens loyalty, encourages referrals, and ensures that the company’s reputation remains strong.

Leading by Example

A servant leader demonstrates the values they wish to see in others. Leadership at Knox Pest Control is hands-on, visible, and accountable. My brother and I make it a priority to model integrity, humility, and dedication. Employees notice when leadership actively participates, supports the team, and prioritizes service.

Leading by example sets the tone for the entire organization. It reinforces the culture of service, promotes collaboration, and inspires employees to follow the same principles in their interactions with customers and colleagues.

Community Engagement and Servant Leadership

Modern entrepreneurship is not just about business performance. It is also about impact. Servant leadership extends into the community, where businesses can make a meaningful difference. Knox Pest Control participates in local initiatives, supports charitable programs, and volunteers through organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and the Rotary Club.

Community engagement reflects the values of servant leadership. It demonstrates that a business is invested in more than profit. By actively contributing to the community, entrepreneurs can build goodwill, strengthen relationships, and enhance the reputation of the company.

Balancing Growth and Service

Many entrepreneurs struggle with balancing growth and service. Expanding a business quickly can sometimes compromise quality, culture, or employee engagement. Servant leadership offers a framework to grow responsibly by keeping people and values at the center of every decision.

At Knox Pest Control, every new location, service, or initiative is evaluated not only for its financial potential but also for its alignment with our mission to serve employees, customers, and the community. This approach ensures that growth strengthens the business rather than diluting its culture or purpose.

Lessons for Modern Entrepreneurs

For modern entrepreneurs, the principles of servant leadership offer a roadmap to sustainable success. Putting employees first, serving customers with care, and contributing to the community creates trust, loyalty, and long-term growth. Servant leaders build businesses that are resilient, ethical, and respected.

Entrepreneurship is often measured by profits or expansion, but the most enduring businesses are those that prioritize people. When leaders serve others, they create an environment where employees thrive, customers remain loyal, and the company can grow without losing its core values.

The Takeaway

Servant leadership is not just a management approach. It is a mindset that places service at the center of every decision. At Knox Pest Control, this philosophy has guided four generations of family leadership, helping us grow responsibly, maintain culture, and make a positive impact in our community.

Modern entrepreneurship can be fast-paced and competitive, but businesses that lead with service will always have an advantage. Investing in employees, prioritizing customer needs, and engaging with the community are strategies that build trust, loyalty, and a lasting legacy.

For any entrepreneur, the lesson is clear. Lead with service, put others first, and make your business a force for positive impact. Success will follow, and the company you build will endure across generations.