When I reflect on our family business, one thing becomes clear. Family businesses are unique. They are built not just on strategies or products, but on values, traditions, and relationships that span generations. At Knox Pest Control, our story stretches back to the 1920s, when my great-grandfather, Forrest Knox, started walking the streets of Atlanta with a leather satchel filled with pest control products. What he carried was more than tools for the job. It was a commitment to service, trust, and integrity. That commitment has guided our business for four generations, and it continues to shape how we navigate change today.
Honoring the Past While Embracing the Future
One of the greatest challenges in a family business is balancing tradition with progress. Change is inevitable. Markets evolve, customer expectations shift, and technology advances. Yet, the values and culture that define a family business cannot be lost in the process. For us, the guiding principle has always been simple. Before adopting any new practice or expanding into a new market, we ask ourselves, “Does this align with who we are as a family and as a company?”
This approach has helped us grow responsibly. From a single office in the 1990s, Knox Pest Control now operates 18 locations across the Southeast. We have embraced new technologies, improved our training programs, and expanded our services, but the core of what makes Knox special has never changed. We still prioritize building lasting relationships with customers and empowering our employees to thrive.
Learning From Every Generation
Family businesses have a unique advantage when it comes to navigating change. Each generation brings its own perspective, experience, and ideas. My great-grandfather taught the importance of personal connections and customer trust. My grandfather and father demonstrated the value of diligence, persistence, and integrity. And as the newest generation, my brother and I have learned to combine those lessons with modern business practices, technology, and leadership strategies.
The key is collaboration and communication. In a family business, leadership is not about one person dictating the future. It is about listening to one another, respecting experience, and blending it with fresh ideas. That collaboration ensures that when we adapt or grow, we do so in a way that honors our roots while positioning the business for long-term success.
Maintaining a Strong Culture
One of the most important aspects of staying true to your roots is maintaining a strong company culture. Culture is what connects employees to the mission and ensures that your values are reflected in every interaction. At Knox, our culture is built on servant leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. When we open a new location, we focus on hiring people who share our values and training them to carry our mission forward. Growth does not come at the expense of culture. In fact, culture is what allows us to scale while maintaining consistency and quality.
Adapting With Purpose
Change is not just about survival. It is about growth and improvement. Over the years, we have adapted our processes, embraced new technologies, and explored new service offerings. But every decision is rooted in our core values. Adapting with purpose means that change is not random or reactive. It is intentional and aligned with the legacy we want to leave. It ensures that customers continue to receive the same care and quality service that has defined our family for generations.
Community and Responsibility
Another way family businesses navigate change while honoring their roots is through community involvement. Our family has always believed in giving back. I serve on boards with the Boys and Girls Club and the Rotary Club, and we support programs that help develop future leaders. These efforts are not separate from our business; they are a reflection of our values. By investing in the community, we strengthen the very foundation that supports our company. Change becomes not just a business decision, but a way to better serve people in meaningful ways.
The Power of Legacy
Ultimately, the strength of a family business lies in its legacy. A legacy is more than a name on a building or a history on paper. It is a set of principles that guide decisions, a culture that shapes behavior, and a mission that inspires both employees and customers. Navigating change while staying true to your roots requires intentionality, humility, and a willingness to learn from every generation. It requires respecting the past while looking forward with vision and purpose.
As I look ahead, I am proud to lead a company that has embraced change without losing its soul. Knox Pest Control continues to grow and adapt, but the lessons of my great-grandfather, grandfather, and father remain at the heart of everything we do. Family businesses have the unique opportunity to blend history with innovation, and when done correctly, that combination creates resilience, trust, and lasting success.
For anyone running a family business, my advice is simple. Honor your past, invest in your people, and embrace change thoughtfully. Your roots give you strength, but your willingness to adapt ensures you will thrive for generations to come.