If there are two things these influential men of Wilson County can agree on, it’s their love of this small-town Hallmark movie kind of life, and feeling blessed to raise their family here. These five men impact our community daily with their work, businesses, volunteering and their commitment to paving the way for future leaders to maintain and continue to improve the lifestyle and culture of Lebanon. They are role models, stewards, coaches, husbands, entrepreneurs, and are all passionate about making a difference in the region they’ve spent most of their life in.
William Travis Riggins
President, Riggins Construction
Riggins Construction is a custom home builder based in Lebanon, specializing in quality in and around the Wilson County area for more than 15 years.
How long have you lived in Wilson County?
Lived in Wilson County since 2003, came here on a football scholarship for Cumberland University and my wife and I decided to stay and start our family here after college.
What is your favorite thing about doing business in our community?
The people. The leadership, locals, small business owners, and growth of this county is what makes it so special
What are two things you consider unique about Lebanon/Wilson County that you enjoy and what is your WHY for considering it your hometown?
We love the small-town feel and its proximity to so many outdoor activities and other cities we enjoy visiting
Words to live by?
You don't have to be perfect, just present.
Jeff Gannon
State Farm Insurance Agent
Jeff was born and raised in Wilson County and says he enjoys owning a business in a community he has lived in his entire life. Helping families recover from the unexpected and realizing their dreams is the perfect passion for an insurance agent, and with new offices in Lebanon and Mount Juliet, Jeff continues to expand his footprint in the region.
What are two things you consider unique about Lebanon/Wilson County that you enjoy and what is your WHY for considering it your hometown?
I enjoy the proximity to a larger city with the feel of a smaller town. My wife Felicia and I both grew up in the community and honestly gave little thought to ever moving away after our return home from school at the University of Tennessee. It’s hard to explain to people not from the area… It just feels right.
Words to live by?
If Plan A doesn’t work the alphabet has 25 more letters! Stay Cool. And of course, also, "Like a Good Neighbor…"
Anything else you'd like to share?
We are a multiple office State Farm Agency with locations on both sides of Highway 109 in both Lebanon and Mt Juliet.
Jason Johnson
Director of Tourism for the Wilson County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)
Jason has called Wilson County home for overs 20 years, and says he's proud and lucky to have a beautiful wife of almost 11 years, Kristy, and amazing 9-year-old twins, Aiden and Elijah. As the director of tourism, Jason takes pride in showcasing all that Lebanon and the rest of Wilson County offers, leading the support team for businesses throughout. The CVB says, here you will find friendly faces, historic places, and authentic southern hospitality. With boutique shopping, diverse dining experiences, lakes, caves, horse-back riding, drive-in movies, a state-of-the art expo center, and so much more - you are sure to discover what makes Wilson County near Nashville, but far from ordinary.
What is your favorite thing about doing business in our community?
The hospitality of the people. As someone whose job is marketing and selling Wilson County to visitors and tourists, a welcoming and friendly Wilson County is a much easier sell!
What are two things you consider unique about Lebanon/Wilson County that you enjoy and what is your WHY for considering it your hometown?
It's very hard to nail down just two things. Wilson County is like that perfect recipe. There's just enough shopping and events and movement, yet just enough lake life and hiking and peacefulness that keeps everything balanced. It's like we live in the backdrop of a Morgan Wallen song!
Words to live by?
Better. Be better, do better, treat everyone better, better my community. With "best", you spend so much time comparing yourself with others, with "better", it's easier to compare with who you were yesterday and hopefully be...better.
Scott Walker
CEO & President of Action Restoration
Action Restoration takes pride in providing outstanding customer service to those in need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Fire and water damage can disrupt your home or business at any hour of the day or night and their Disaster Recovery Team is always ready to help those in need.
How long have you lived in Wilson County?
My entire life other than my 4 years in college at UT.
What is your favorite thing about doing business in our community?
Being able to get involved and give back. We enjoy sponsoring kid's teams and activities, non-profits, and different community events. Being able to make a difference where we work and live has always been important.
What are two things you consider unique about Lebanon/Wilson County that you enjoy and what is your WHY for considering it your hometown?
Lebanon/Wilson Co is great because it still has that small-town feel in which you can get to know people, be involved, and build relationships. However, it is still large enough that you don't have to travel outside of our community for most things and if you do, it is such a short drive to Nashville. You get the best of both worlds.
Words to live by?
My Dad told me early on in business "Do good work, treat people right, charge a fair price, and the rest will follow". I have always remembered that and have continued to communicate that with our work team and with my family. Running your own company is hard, but if you can get the simple things right, it helps tremendously.
Daniel Wolfenbarger
BlackBeard Barbershop
Daniel has called Wilson County home for 36 years, now with his wife Lindsey and three beautiful little girls, Paityn, Lyla, and Ellys. He is a long-time member of The Journey Church and owner of one of Lebanon's most loved barber shops. Since founding in 2019, BlackBeard Barbershop has built a reputation for quality with 350 Google reviews all raving a nearly perfect 4.9/5 stars for clean cuts, hot shaves, and good times! BlackBeard Barbershop offers all of the following: Fades, skin fades, bald fades, straight razor cuts, straight razor shaves, beard line-ups, beard trims, hot lather, hot towel, shampoo, hard parts, kids haircuts, first haircuts, appointments, and multi person appointments.
What is your favorite thing about doing business in our community?
Strengthening the community. By supporting each other we are continuously adding value to our community. The “small town” "family" feel where “everybody knows everybody” deepens every single time we do business within our community.
What are two things you consider unique about Lebanon/Wilson County that you enjoy and what is your WHY for considering it your hometown?
I have always loved the Wilson County Fair! There is nothing quite like it. Another local love of mine is the historic Mill at Lebanon. I am fortunate enough to operate my barbershop within the walls of this local piece of history. I don’t just consider this my hometown it is my hometown. I have lived all of my life, aside from 9 months in Kentucky, here in Wilson County. I’m a Lebanon High school alum, I have built my home here, and I am raising my family here. This is my hometown.
Words to live by?
“Let er’ rip tater chip"