Justin Knox is a fourth-generation pest control professional based in Columbus, Georgia. He is President of Knox Pest Control, which serves homes and businesses across Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and South Carolina.
A Twelve-Year-Old with a Job
It started with a mower. Justin Knox was just twelve years old when he began helping out at the family business. His job: mow the office lawn and assist with termite treatments during summer breaks. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was real work. And it taught him what mattered most in the service business: show up, work hard, take care of people.
He kept showing up. After graduating from Troy University in 1997, Justin joined Knox Pest Control full time. What followed was a steady climb through every part of the company’s operations. He didn’t just inherit a role—he earned it, one crawlspace and customer call at a time.
A Business That Spans Generations
Knox Pest Control isn’t just a company. It’s a living legacy.
The story begins nearly 100 years ago with Justin’s great-grandfather, Forrest H. Knox. In the 1920s, Forrest sold roach powder and mouse bait door to door in Atlanta. He carried a leather satchel and built trust one conversation at a time. With his brother Roy, he founded a pest control business on the idea that success isn’t about who you get as a customer, but who you keep.
That idea stuck.
Forrest’s son Jim helped expand operations into Columbus, Georgia in the 1950s. Jim’s son, John, entered the business as a teenager and returned after law school to help lead the growing company. Then came Justin. His younger brother Sean joined in 2000. Together, they represent one of the rare fourth-generation families in the pest control industry.
Servant Leadership in Action
Justin isn’t the kind of president who stays in the office.
He works closely with the leadership team to make sure the company runs smoothly and the teams in the field are supported. Technicians rely on strong training and reliable tools. Customers rely on quick, respectful service. And Justin relies on a principle passed down through generations: the customer is always right.
That principle goes beyond slogans. Knox Pest Control guarantees 100% satisfaction and offers same- or next-day service whenever possible. It also means investing in the team. Justin views his role as supporting the people who do the day-to-day work—removing roadblocks, solving problems, and helping employees grow.
Pest Control as Public Safety
On the surface, pest control might seem simple. But under the hood, it’s a crucial part of public health. Termites damage structures. Rodents carry disease. Mosquitoes spread serious illness.
In the warm, humid climate of the Southeast, those risks never go away. Families need reliable help. Justin takes that seriously. To him, every job is about more than just pests. It’s about making sure someone feels safe at home again.
According to IBISWorld, the U.S. pest control market is worth over $26 billion in 2025, with nearly 33,000 active businesses. But what sets companies apart isn’t size. It’s trust.
Holding Tight to Values
Knox Pest Control now offers full-service solutions across five states. That includes general pest control, termite treatments, lawn care, and wildlife control. But the values have stayed consistent: honesty, service, and faith.
The company mission says it clearly: “To glorify the Lord by providing exceptional service to our customers, a positive environment for our team members, and a commitment to the communities we serve.”
That mission shows up in the way Justin leads. He puts people first. He trusts the team. And he believes that a strong company is built from the inside out.
Family, Farm, and Faith
Outside of work, Justin is a husband and a father of three. He and his wife Jackie have been married for over 15 years. Most weekends, you’ll find him outdoors—hunting, working with cattle, or fixing something on the family farm.
He says the farm keeps him grounded. It’s where he finds time to think. It’s also where his kids learn some of the same lessons he did: show up, work hard, respect the land, and take care of what you’ve been given.
For Justin, leadership isn’t about power. It’s about stewardship. He inherited a legacy built on trust, and he plans to leave it stronger than he found it.
Interview with Justin Knox
You started working in pest control at age 12. What stuck with you from those early days?
I remember being told to keep the lawn sharp and follow termite crews. I didn’t think of it as work—it was just what our family did. But it taught me something early: nothing is beneath you. If the job needs doing, you do it. Whether it’s mowing grass or handling a customer complaint, you show up and take pride in it. That mindset has stayed with me through every role I’ve taken on here.
What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned running a multi-state service company?
That growth doesn’t mean giving up your values. As we’ve expanded into five states, the biggest challenge has been keeping our culture consistent. The easy route would be to centralize everything or focus on volume, but that’s not who we are. We built this business on long-term relationships, not transactions. Holding onto that while scaling is hard, but it’s what keeps us different.
Have you ever made a mistake that changed how you lead?
Absolutely. Early on, I underestimated how important communication is—especially with field teams. I was focused on operations and assumed people would just keep pace. But I learned that when leaders aren’t clear and present, even good teams struggle. I had to become more intentional about being visible, checking in, and listening. Now I try to lead by showing up and staying accessible.
What’s something most people misunderstand about the pest control industry?
People assume it’s all chemicals and critters. But really, it’s a trust business. Customers let our team into their homes, around their kids and pets. That’s a big deal. You have to earn that trust and protect it. Our technicians are more like problem-solvers and protectors than exterminators. We’re helping families feel safe again. That’s what we actually sell—peace of mind.
How do you balance leadership with family and your life on the farm?
I keep things simple. When I’m with my family or working on the farm, I try to be fully present. The farm helps me slow down and reset. Fixing fences or feeding cattle is a different kind of work—it grounds me. I’ve also learned to say no more often. I used to try and be everywhere for everyone. Now I focus on what matters most: my family, my faith, and the people I lead.
What advice would you give someone joining a family business?
Don’t rely on your last name. Earn it. Work every role, understand what people go through, and listen more than you talk. Also, honor the past but don’t be afraid to do things differently. Just because your grandfather did it one way doesn’t mean it can’t be improved. The goal is to preserve the values, not the routines. If you do that, you’ll build something worth passing on.
