Abigail Wilson
Abigail Wilson is the co owner and flow coordinator at Friendly Neighborhood Plumber, a family run, community focused plumbing company based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Since launching the business in 2023, Abigail has played a key role in growing a trusted local brand by combining a heart for service with strong operational and organizational leadership.
She oversees the behind the scenes work that keeps the business running smoothly, including marketing and brand development, scheduling, customer communication, administrative operations, and building systems and processes that support both the team and the overall customer experience. Her background in wellness, small business operations, and massage therapy brings a unique balance of empathy, structure, and grit to her role.
Abigail thrives in the fast paced world of small business ownership, where she balances day to day operations with long term planning, team coordination, and leadership development. She believes that clear systems, consistent communication, and strong relationships are essential to building a business that is both sustainable and people centered.
Deeply rooted in her local community, Abigail is passionate about building businesses that prioritize trust, integrity, and long term relationships. She leads with humor and heart, making customer service feel approachable and authentic. Outside of work, she enjoys connecting with other entrepreneurs, sharing small business insights, and supporting initiatives that strengthen local businesses and community growth.
• Roane State Community College - AS General Studies
• Nextdoor’s 2024 Top Neighbor and Top Plumber
• Nextdoor’s 2025 Top Neighbor and Top Plumber
• Knoxville Professional Women's Network
• West Knox and Farragut Chamber of Commerce,
• Neighbors Helping Neighbors
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong partnership I share with my husband. We hold each other accountable, support one another, and truly work as a team in both business and life. I also credit my mom and the values she instilled in me growing up, especially the importance of hard work, integrity, and perseverance. Those relationships and lessons have shaped who I am and continue to guide how I show up personally and professionally.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay consistent and keep showing up, even on the days when it feels hard or unmotivated. I’ve learned that small, steady actions add up over time. You don’t always see the results right away, but dedication and persistence compound, and that’s what truly moves the needle.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be confident in who you are and what you know. Trust your skills, own your experience, and don’t be afraid to speak up or step into leadership when the opportunity comes. You do not have to have everything figured out to belong in the room. Growth happens by showing up, staying curious, and being willing to learn along the way. Give yourself grace as you build confidence over time, and remember that your perspective matters. When you believe in yourself, it creates space for others to believe in you too.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in our field right now is standing out in a crowded market while still doing really solid work. Customers have more options than ever and expect a lot, which can be tough. But that also creates an opportunity for businesses that are honest, transparent, and willing to educate. Showing up online, sharing real jobs, and letting people see how we work before they ever call has become one of the best ways to grow.
For us, though, growth isn’t about scaling as fast as possible. Our focus has been on building something sustainable. Our word this year is rooted. We are rooted in putting the right systems and organization in place, learning how to lead well, and growing at a pace that actually supports the business long-term. That’s been especially important for me personally, stepping into leadership in a male-dominated industry and learning how to be confident in that role while building something that lasts.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me, both in work and in my personal life, are service, integrity, and community. I care deeply about helping people and doing things the right way, whether that’s in business, at home, or in everyday interactions.
In our business, those values show up in very real ways. We created our Neighbors Helping Neighbors initiative to provide discounted or free plumbing services to neighbors who truly cannot afford needed repairs. Beyond that, one of my goals this year is to have our team volunteer their time on a quarterly basis to support and strengthen the communities we serve.
On a personal level, those same values guide how I show up for my family, friends, and community. I believe consistency, kindness, and showing up when people need you are what build trust and lasting relationships. For me, success isn’t just about growth, it’s about making a positive impact along the way.