Sean Knox grew up surrounded by stories of hard work, faith, and family. His great-grandfather started the original Knox Pest Control in the 1920s, walking the streets of Atlanta with a leather satchel full of roach powder and grit. Generations later, that same spirit drives Sean, who now leads one of the Southeast’s largest and most trusted pest control companies.
After earning his BBA from Georgia Southern University, Sean joined the family business in 2000, working alongside his brother Justin. He didn’t just step into a role—he stepped into a legacy. Years later, Sean returned to school, completing his MBA at Baylor University and studying public policy at Regent University, where the idea of “Christian leadership to change the world” left a lasting impression.
Under Sean’s leadership, Knox Pest Control grew to 18 offices serving more than 90,000 customers across Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Mississippi. But Sean doesn’t measure success in numbers. For him, it’s about people—his team, his customers, and the communities he serves.
He sits on local boards like the Boys & Girls Club and Rotary, believing leadership starts with service. When he talks about Knox Pest Control, his focus isn’t on bugs—it’s on building trust, protecting families, and creating something that lasts. Sean’s story isn’t just about business growth; it’s about carrying forward a family mission with purpose, humility, and heart
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My days start early—before sunrise, usually with coffee and quiet time. I read a bit of Scripture and review my goals for the day. I’ve learned that clarity in the morning sets the tone for everything that follows. I spend part of each day visiting our branches or calling managers. I like hearing firsthand what’s happening in the field—what’s working, what’s not, and how our people are feeling. Productivity for me isn’t about doing more—it’s about staying connected to the right things.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Most ideas come from conversations—with team members, customers, or community partners. We’ve built a culture where anyone can suggest improvements. When someone proposes an idea, we test it small first. For example, when one of our technicians suggested digital route tracking to cut down travel time, we piloted it in one region. Within months, we rolled it out company-wide.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Sustainable pest management. We’re exploring eco-friendly treatment options that protect both homes and the environment. It’s where science, responsibility, and innovation meet.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Writing things down. I carry a small notebook everywhere. When you run a multi-state business, thoughts come at random times. Writing helps me process and prioritize.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be patient with progress. In your twenties, you think success happens fast. Real growth—personally and professionally—takes seasons of learning, listening, and sometimes failing.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
That slow growth can be stronger than fast growth. In business, everyone celebrates speed. But I’ve learned that what lasts is built slowly, with consistency and care.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Take time to mentor someone. I’ve been blessed with great mentors—from my father to community leaders. Investing in others keeps you grounded and gives meaning to the daily grind.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step outside. Sometimes just walking our property or driving through a neighborhood reminds me of why we do this—to protect families, homes, and communities. Perspective changes everything.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Listening more than speaking. Early on, I thought leadership meant having answers. Now I know it’s about asking better questions. Our biggest improvements came when we empowered employees to speak up and share what they see every day.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Years ago, I overextended our resources opening a new office too quickly. The numbers didn’t line up, but I pushed ahead anyway. It taught me humility and the importance of pacing. We regrouped, focused on strengthening our team first, and later reopened the branch with better results.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Local partnerships between small businesses and schools. We’ve worked with local high schools to create “career days” for students interested in trades. It helps kids see opportunity right in their backyard—and builds future workforce pipelines.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Microsoft Teams. It keeps our branches connected across five states. From scheduling to sharing updates, it’s our digital town square.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Good to Great by Jim Collins. It reminded me that discipline and purpose—not luck—separate great companies from good ones.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Crown. I’m drawn to stories about leadership under pressure, and how values guide decisions when the world is watching.
Key learnings
- Leadership begins with service and listening—not control.
- Growth that lasts is built through patience, purpose, and steady improvement.
- Staying close to your team creates the best ideas and solutions.
- True success isn’t measured in numbers but in trust and relationships.
- Mentorship keeps leaders grounded and communities strong.