Justin Knox, pest control expert, has spent his life immersed in the world of pest management, carrying forward a family tradition that now spans four generations.
His first experience came at the age of 12, when he spent school holidays working in the family business. From helping with termite treatments to maintaining the office grounds, he quickly learnt the value of discipline, detail, and responsibility.
After graduating from Troy University in 1997, Justin joined Knox Pest Control full-time. Over the years, he has taken on a wide range of roles, gaining practical knowledge of both field operations and the demands of a growing company. This hands-on experience shaped his leadership style and prepared him for his current role guiding the business alongside the senior management team.
The Knox family story began in the 1920s with Justin’s great-grandfather, Forrest H. Knox, who started by selling roach powder and mice bait door-to-door in Atlanta. That venture grew into a respected company built on the belief that success comes not from the customers you gain, but from the ones you keep. Each generation has carried that principle forward, and today Justin and his brother Sean represent one of the very few fourth-generation families in the industry.
Away from the business, Justin Knox is devoted to his wife Jackie and their three children. He enjoys farming, hunting, shooting, and time outdoors. For Justin, Knox Pest Control is more than work—it is a legacy of service, integrity, and loyalty that he is proud to continue.
Q&A:
Q: Justin, can you take us back to your earliest memories of the family business?
A: My introduction came very early. I was 12 when I first started spending summers at Knox Pest Control. My jobs were a mix of whatever needed doing—helping with termite treatments, mowing the office grounds, tidying equipment. At the time, I didn’t realise how much those small tasks mattered. They taught me discipline, attention to detail, and that nothing in a business is beneath you if it keeps the operation running.
Q: Your family history in pest management is quite rare. Can you share more about those roots?
A: The business goes back almost a century. My great-grandfather, Forrest H. Knox, started in the 1920s. He would walk the streets of Atlanta with a leather satchel, selling roach powder and mice bait. His brother Roy joined him, and together they built a small but steady business. Their philosophy was simple but powerful: success comes not from the customers you gain, but from the ones you keep. That idea has guided every generation since.
My grandfather Jim expanded in 1945 by opening an office in Columbus, Georgia, which later became our headquarters. Then my father, John, came on board in the 1970s after his studies. When I joined full-time in 1997, I was continuing not just a business, but a family tradition.
Q: What was it like stepping into the company officially after university?
A: After graduating from Troy University, I joined full-time and quickly realised how much I still had to learn. I rotated through different roles—field work, customer service, management support. It gave me a real understanding of how the business worked day to day. I learnt that pest management isn’t only about solving problems; it’s about building trust and maintaining relationships year after year.
Q: You and your brother Sean represent the fourth generation. How does that feel?
A: It’s a privilege, really. There are very few fourth-generation families in the pest control industry. Sean joined in 2000, and having him alongside me has been important. It means we can share responsibility while keeping the family legacy intact. There’s a sense of duty to honour what came before us while also preparing the business for the future.
Q: Pest management is often seen as a very traditional industry. How do you balance heritage with change?
A: That’s a good question. For us, the values never change—hard work, integrity, and loyalty to customers. But how we deliver service does evolve. When my great-grandfather started, it was a satchel and powders. Today, we’re using more advanced techniques and technology. The challenge is to innovate without losing the personal touch that has kept us in business for nearly 100 years.
Q: What lessons have you carried forward from the earlier generations?
A: One that stands out is that long-term relationships matter more than quick wins. My great-grandfather believed in keeping customers, not just chasing new ones. My father reinforced that by showing me how consistency builds reputation. Another lesson is humility. I started by mowing grass and cleaning up, and I think that perspective has kept me grounded as a leader.
Q: Outside of the business, what keeps you balanced?
A: Family is at the centre of everything. My wife Jackie and I have three children, and being present with them is a priority. I also enjoy the outdoors—hunting, shooting, working with cattle, and spending time on the farm. Being outdoors grounds me. It’s where I recharge and where I spend the best time with family and friends.
Q: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of your business and industry?
A: I think the opportunity lies in blending tradition with innovation. Customers today expect both reliability and efficiency, and I believe we’re well-placed to deliver that. Personally, I’m excited to continue leading with the same dedication that’s been passed down through the generations. The business is more than a livelihood—it’s a legacy, and I take pride in keeping that legacy alive.
Q: Finally, if you could share one piece of advice for people thinking about family businesses, what would it be?
A: Respect the work that came before you, but don’t be afraid to put your own stamp on things. Carry the values forward, because those don’t go out of date. For us, integrity and service have been the backbone of everything, and I think that applies to any family business.
