By Natalia Rodriguez
Warren Knox’s entrepreneurial spirit came early in life. By the time most teens are getting their driver’s license, Knox had a patented invention. It all began when he was 16. He was gardening with his grandfather and noticed him having trouble kneeling and tending to the low garden box.
His grandfather had a homemade garden box built from railroad ties — “I knew I could make something better for him,” Knox explained.
Knox clocks.
From this inspiration came Knox garden boxes. They’re redwood elevated garden boxes. Throughout high school, he pursued his idea and 56 years later the boxes have proved true with the same model as the early days.
These boxes solve many problems that those with green thumbs are well aware of.
The garden boxes keep gophers out of your crops, meaning your garden is protected from their constant digging. They’re built from rot-resistant redwood. Redwoods are an abundant resource in the Santa Cruz Mountains area. They have excellent drainage, which ensures the soil is properly aerated and prevents nutrient loss through runoff. These garden boxes have changed what gardening looks like for the better.
They also provide increased accessibility to the garden to those who may have trouble bending over for extended periods or have limited space as these boxes keep all the necessities contained. They can also be great learning resources for youth, with increased visibility to early sprouting plants.
Warren Knox is also known for his 45-year career in roofing, and his store in Scotts Valley.
Knox Roofing was founded in 1994 by Warren after he obtained his roofing license in 1985. The company employs almost 50 individuals, a considerable number to oversee. The company is known for its great quality, and was recognized as Business of the Year in 2018 by the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Why Scotts Valley?
It’s All About Wood: find even more at this gift shop owned by Warren Knox.
Warren says he was fortunate to find a commercial property close to his home and said this was the ideal location for his business. This was a great region for his trade, given the landscape and the home repairs that come with dense forests.
Knox Roofing provides residential and commercial repairs to the Santa Cruz and Monterey area. The business recently made repairs at the Ano Nuevo research center and re-roofed 8 Santa Cruz fire stations. The company offers skylights, insulation, and an assortment of roofing materials from wood to tile.
Listeners of local radio have most likely heard Warren in one of his humorous ads. The company has 162 radio ads and 71 for television — all self-written by the way.
Knox said his business was not affected by the pandemic and sales went up during the time. Roofing is an essential business, he explained. “People need roofs over their heads.”
Thus the federal government allowed them to keep operating. While home-based activities increased in popularity during the pandemic, so did the Knox Garden Box. People were spending more time at home and many sought to clean up their outdoor spaces, leading them to invest in a box.
Awards adorn the office at Knox Roofing.
The Scotts Valley location sells boxes as large as 4’ x 8’ feet and as small as 8” x 24.” Wheels and handles may be added and all boxes can be customized to fit everyone’s gardening needs.
Warren is passionate about his business and is not ready to retire. The passion he felt when helping his grandfather is very much still alive. He explained that there is still high demand for his products and roofing expertise which keeps him going.
He even wakes up to start his day at 3 a.m.
“I like to work hard,” he said.
Santa Cruz and Monterey County are fortunate to have Warren Knox and Knox Roofing as a local resource. He is a self-made man who has provided incredible support to homes, businesses, and gardens.
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Visit Knox Roofing, 46 El Pueblo Road, Scotts Valley. 831-461-0634. • www.knoxroofing.com
TOP PHOTO: Warren Knox with a collection of Knox Garden Boxes in Scotts Valley.