Charleston
The desire to control his own destiny leads to successful companies
In 1969, Bud Knight started Knight’s Septic Tank Inc. with just one pumping truck. As his customer base grew, customers began asking Bud for help with installing new septic tanks, not simply servicing existing ones. This meant he had to buy precast septic tanks from another company, which often resulted in a delay while the tank was made. To meet customer demand, Bud decided to manufacture his own concrete septic tanks, which required the delivery of sand, cement, and rock.
Over time, the business evolved to include the manufacture of a wide variety of precast concrete products, such as storm drains, electrical utility vaults, and water meters. Jim Grant, CFO of Knight’s Companies, explains that Bud soon realized his operations were limited by the amount of concrete he could purchase. “Always one to control his own destiny, Bud then started his own Redi-Mix company to supply his precast business, and to take advantage of the commercial expansion happening in the area," Jim explains.
“When we see an opportunity, we want to move fast. Synovus has helped ensure we can with business loans and a revolving line of credit.”
Another piece of the Knight’s Companies puzzle was added in 2002 when its Trucking Division was established to better manage their operations’ materials inventory supply, and to control the on-time delivery of its products to end-customers.
Almost 50 years later, while Bud is still active in the businesses, his two sons, Michael and Pete, now run the daily operations, which includes 320 employees at 13 facilities throughout South Carolina and Georgia. Like their father, they know it’s important to have access to capital so they can move fast if they see a business opportunity.
“We began banking with Synovus in 2014, after the bank we had been using for years just became too difficult to work with,” says Jim. “We’ve been very satisfied with our Synovus banker; he’s easy to work with, and he knows when we call we need him fast!”
If you’re looking for a bank that responds with solutions to help you grow your business, Synovus is here for you. Give us a call at 1-888-SYNOVUS (1-888-796-6887).
Loans and lines of credit are subject to credit approval.