A Century of Experience Shapes How You Lead

When you grow up inside a business that has served the same community for nearly one hundred years, leadership stops being a theory. It becomes something you live every day. As Justin Knox in Columbus, GA, I have had the unique opportunity to learn leadership lessons passed down through four generations of our family pest control business.

Those lessons were not taught in classrooms or boardrooms. They were taught in crawl spaces, customer living rooms, and long conversations at the office after the workday ended. Over time, I have learned that strong leadership is built on responsibility, humility, and a deep respect for people.

Leadership Starts with Responsibility

One of the earliest lessons I learned was that leadership begins with responsibility. In a family business, you do not just represent yourself. You represent everyone who came before you and everyone who will come after you.

From a young age, I understood that our family name was attached to every service call. If a job was rushed or done poorly, it reflected on all of us. That awareness creates a strong sense of accountability. You learn quickly that cutting corners is never worth the cost.

True leaders accept responsibility even when it is uncomfortable. They own mistakes, fix problems, and make sure customers feel heard. That mindset has guided every decision I make today.

Respect Is Earned Through Action

Respect is not automatic just because you have a title or last name. It is earned through consistent action. Working my way up in the business taught me that leadership requires showing up and doing the work alongside your team.

I spent years learning every part of the operation. I listened more than I talked. I paid attention to how customers responded and how employees felt supported. Over time, those experiences shaped my leadership style.

People respect leaders who understand their challenges and value their contributions. That respect creates trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful organization.

Customer Trust Is Built One Visit at a Time

In pest control, trust is everything. Customers invite us into their homes and businesses, often when they are stressed or uncomfortable. That level of trust cannot be taken lightly.

For nearly one hundred years, our company has grown because we treated every customer with care and honesty. We never promised what we could not deliver. We explained problems clearly and offered solutions that made sense.

Leadership means setting that standard and making sure it is followed every day. When leaders prioritize customer trust, it becomes part of the company culture. Over time, that trust turns into loyalty that spans generations.

Consistency Beats Flashy Ideas

Trends come and go in business, but consistency always wins. One lesson passed down through generations is that steady, reliable service matters more than flashy ideas or shortcuts.

Leadership requires patience. It means sticking to proven values even when new approaches seem tempting. Innovation is important, but it should never come at the expense of quality or integrity.

In Columbus, GA, people remember who shows up year after year and who stands behind their work. That consistency has allowed our business to weather economic changes, industry shifts, and competition.

Strong Teams Create Strong Leaders

No leader succeeds alone. One of the most important lessons I have learned is the value of building a strong team. Leadership is about creating an environment where people feel respected, trained, and empowered to do their best work.

I believe in clear communication and mutual accountability. When expectations are clear and support is present, people take pride in their roles. That pride shows in the quality of service we provide.

Great leaders invest in their people. They listen, coach, and lead by example. When employees grow, the business grows with them.

Humility Keeps You Grounded

A business with a long history can easily fall into complacency. Humility prevents that. No matter how many years of experience you have, there is always more to learn.

I remind myself often that leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about asking the right questions and being open to improvement. Feedback from customers and employees is a gift when you are willing to listen.

Staying humble keeps leadership focused on progress rather than ego.

Legacy Is Built Through Daily Choices

Leadership is not defined by one big moment. It is shaped by daily choices. How you treat people. How you respond to challenges. How you protect the values that built the business.

As Justin Knox in Columbus, GA, I feel a deep responsibility to honor the legacy that was entrusted to me. That legacy is not just about longevity. It is about doing business the right way and leaving something stronger for the next generation.

Final Thoughts

Nearly one hundred years of pest control experience has taught me that leadership is rooted in service, consistency, and respect. Titles fade, trends change, but values endure.

The best leaders focus on people first. They earn trust through action and lead with integrity. That approach has guided our family business for generations, and it continues to shape how I lead today.

Leadership is not about being remembered. It is about building something that lasts.