When Justin Knox of Columbus, GA, talks about his career, he doesn’t frame it as a rise to leadership. He frames it as a continuation. A responsibility. One that started long before he had a job title or a desk.
“I didn’t grow up dreaming about being in pest control,” Justin says. “I grew up learning how to work.”
That work ethic, formed early and reinforced often, has shaped his career at Knox Pest Control—a family-owned business with nearly a century of history and four generations of leadership. Today, Justin is part of the leadership team guiding the company’s growth across the Southeast, while staying grounded in values that haven’t changed since the 1920s.
Early Lessons From the Ground Up
Justin’s first exposure to the business came as a kid. At 12 years old, his summers were spent doing whatever needed to be done. Mowing lawns. Cleaning equipment. Helping on termite jobs.
“There wasn’t a shortcut,” he says. “You learned by doing. And you learned that every job mattered, no matter how small.”
That hands-on start gave him a clear view of how the business really worked. Not just the services, but the people. Customers trusted Knox Pest Control with their homes. Technicians relied on one another in the field. Reputation traveled fast in local communities.
Those lessons stayed with him as he moved on to Troy University, where he graduated in 1997. That same year, he joined the company full time.
Stepping Into a Family Legacy
By the time Justin came on board, Knox Pest Control already carried decades of history. His great-grandfather, Forrest H. Knox, started the business in the 1920s by walking the streets of Atlanta with a leather satchel, selling roach powder and mice bait.
“Forrest believed success wasn’t about how many customers you signed up,” Justin says. “It was about how many stayed with you.”
That belief became the foundation of the company. Forrest’s son Jim expanded operations after World War II, helping establish Columbus, Georgia as the company’s headquarters. Justin’s father, John Knox, later brought legal training and strategic thinking to the business when he rejoined in 1975.
“When you grow up in it, you don’t take the history lightly,” Justin says. “You feel a responsibility to protect what was built before you.”
Learning Before Leading
Justin didn’t step into leadership overnight. He spent years working across different parts of the company. Field operations. Customer service. Internal processes.
“I needed to understand how decisions affected people on the ground,” he says. “If something doesn’t work for the technician or the customer, it doesn’t work at all.”
That perspective shaped his approach to leadership. Rather than chasing fast expansion, Justin focused on strengthening systems and improving consistency. Digital scheduling tools were introduced. Training programs were refined. Service standards became clearer.
“Growth only works when the foundation is solid,” he says. “Otherwise, you’re just creating problems faster.”
Bringing Big Ideas to Everyday Work
Under Justin’s leadership, Justin Knox Pest Control evolved without losing its identity. The company expanded its services and territory while staying rooted in customer care. Same-day and next-day service became a priority, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee reinforced accountability.
“We sell peace of mind,” Justin says. “People call us because something’s wrong. Our job is to fix it and stand behind it.”
For Justin, innovation isn’t about flash. It’s about practicality. Technology is adopted when it helps customers or team members do their jobs better.
“If an idea doesn’t make life easier for the customer or the technician, it’s probably not worth doing,” he says.
Leadership Built on Faith and Service
At the center of Justin’s leadership style is servant leadership. The company’s mission—to glorify the Lord through exceptional service, a positive work environment, and community commitment—is something he takes seriously.
“Leadership isn’t about having all the answers,” he says. “It’s about serving your team so they can do their best work.”
That mindset shows up in how he treats employees and customers alike. Transparency matters. So does accountability.
“I’ve learned that people respond when you’re honest with them,” Justin says. “Trust is everything in this business.”
Life Beyond the Office
Outside of work, Justin’s life reflects the same grounded values. He’s been married to his wife, Jackie, for 15 years, and together they’re raising three children. Family time isn’t optional—it’s essential.
“When work gets busy, family keeps me balanced,” he says.
Much of that time is spent outdoors. Hunting. Working with cattle. Maintaining his farm.
“Being outside clears my head,” Justin says. “It reminds me where I started and what matters most.”
Looking Ahead With Intention
As Knox Pest Control continues to grow across Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, Justin remains focused on longevity over speed.
“We’re not building for the next quarter,” he says. “We’re building for the next generation.”
That long view shapes every decision he makes. Protect the reputation. Serve customers well. Take care of the team.
“If we do those things,” Justin says, “the rest takes care of itself.”
In an era where businesses often chase trends, Justin Knox stands out for something simpler. Consistency. Integrity. And the quiet confidence that comes from doing things the right way, year after year.
