From his modest start in the business, Knowles worked 24/7 to educate himself, and to learn everything he possibly could about the bail bond industry. He took every course available, and then joined the State Association of which he was a two term president. In 1981, along with a hand full of bondsmen throughout the United States, he helped found the Professional Bail Agents of the United States.
One of Knowles' greatest achievements was being named top bondsman of the 20th Century by a national recognized magazine. This recognition is for devoting a great deal of his life to the enhancement of the bail bond industry. Knowles is a professional with firm grip on the wheel, steering his industry into the 21st century. This recognition is not for his financial success, his company's worth, or the extensive geographical area his company serves; but for the status in his community, his professional integrity, and the respect he has earned from his peers and the courts. "How Texas goes is of much importance to our industry and the state is in good hands with an honorable man like Ken Knowles," Kelly McClelland, editor of Bail Bond Chronicles, said.
After all of Knowles' achievements, he still continues to fight his health obstacles. In 1994 he was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, rare inherited type emphysema. In 2002 Knowles had a heart attack with resulted in heart catheterization. Then in Mach of 2003, he discovered he had another rare condition, Carcinoid Syndrome, a malignant type of tumor which occurs in less than ten percent of the population. On June 2, 2003, he had major surgery to remove this tumor, even thought Knowles has been taking time to get a handle on his health, he keeps pushing to better his company and make sure the state's bail bondsmen's business continues.
Knowles's winning ways can be linked to his days as an athlete; as seen in old newspaper articles written about Knowles while he was a student-athlete at Holliday High School and Texas Tech University. These articles show that his athletic achievements are nothing short than amazing. He was named All-State and All-American in football, basketball and track. In the 1957 and 1958 football campaigns, he gained an astonishing 6000 yards rushing and passing while scoring 63 touchdowns. All this was accomplished in just 21 games. In track, he set records in both the high and low hurdles. His broad jump record stood for 13 years. Some of the descriptions used by reporters to describe Knowles' performances include "a do everything performer," "superlative," "fantastic," "stupendous," and "hard-driving."
Family oriented Knowles has three grown children: Angela Burgher, who is working with her father in the business, has three children and one grandchild; Kent Knowles, who also works with his father and has three children and Kristy Knowles, who is a dental hygienist and has one child. Knowles has seven grandchildren and one great grandson. Recently Mr. Knowles first grandson has also joined the staff this year, Chase Burgher.
Knowles' membership and financial support, as well as his personal effort, greatly benefit community organizations and projects such as: the Better Business Bureau, Wichita Falls Board of Commerce and Industry, Crime Stoppers, McGruff, The Boys and Girls Club, The Big Brothers and Big Sisters of North Texas, Hospice of Wichita Falls, United Regional Health Care Center, Beacon Lighthouse for the Blind, The Humane Society of Wichita Falls, Midwestern State University, the FFA and 4Hclubs, and The American Cancer Society. Knowles is a member of the Thornberry Baptist Church.
His achievements have earned him inductions into the Who's Who in Leading American Executives in the United States. This professionalism and drive has given Kenneth Knowles and Central Bail Bonds the competitive edge to be the biggest and best bail bond company in the industry.
You can reach any of our offices by calling 1-800-999-4484 or visit the website at www.centralbailbond.com.