In this episode, I sit down with Adam O’Hare, the owner and general manager at Luxury Auto Company in Cornelius. Adam shares the story of his entrepreneurial journey and how he’s living the car guy dream. Luxury Auto Company IG: @luxuryautocompany & @luxuryautoco_adam Shoutouts to these local businesses: Suds N’ Shine Car Wash - Cornelius Auto Arsenal Vehicle Wraps - Cornelius Sign up for The Best of LKN Email Newsletter HERE ! Partner with The Best of LKN and Grow Your Business! Click HERE ...
Sep 29, 2022•34 min
In this episode, I sit down with Jamie McNeilis, the owner of Centerpiece Home Staging in Cornelius. Jamie shares the story of her small business journey and how she became the founder of one of the premier home staging companies in our area. Also joining us is Tina Crockett. Tina joined Centerpiece Home Staging last year after a 25-year career in the finance industry. Tina shares the story of what inspired her to leave corporate America and join forces with a successful local small business. Ja...
Sep 22, 2022•38 min
In this episode, I sit down with Leslie Murphy, the owner, and practitioner at Balanced Health Acupuncture in Cornelius. Leslie has helped hundreds of patients reclaim their health with acupuncture. In this conversation, Leslie shares the story of how she was introduced to acupuncture years ago, and why she decided to open her own practice here in the Lake Norman area. Balanced Health Acupuncture Address: 20605 N Main St, Cornelius, NC 28031 (980) 349-8947 Shoutouts to these local businesses: Th...
Sep 15, 2022•32 min
In this episode, I sit down with Bob Schwinn, the principal at Schwinn CPA (PLLC), an accounting firm in Cornelius that specialized in assisting small businesses with their accounting, bookkeeping, and tax preparation needs. Bob shares a checklist to help guide you in the formation for starting a business in North Carolina, as well as some information on potentially lucrative tax incentives for small businesses in 2022. Schwinn CPA PLLC Download the Small Business Start-Up Checklist HERE . Infor...
Sep 13, 2022•40 min
In this episode, I sit down with Matt and Britt Sarver, the leaders at The Sarver Group powered by Keller Williams Realty Lake Norman. Matt and Britt share the story of their careers in real estate and the inspiration behind forming their amazing team of real estate professionals. They are at the top of the Lake Norman real estate market and tracking over $100-million in real estate transactions for 2022. Stay tuned until the end of the episode where Matt and Britt share some sage advice for any...
Sep 08, 2022•46 min
In this episode of The Best of LKN podcast, I sit down with Anna Braksick, the owner of the FIT4MOM Lake Norman affiliate. FIT4MOM is a fitness concept that provides prenatal and postnatal fitness programming and connects members with a network of moms to support every stage of motherhood. FIT4MOM Lake Norman Shoutouts: Cara Cremeans - Northwestern Mutual Lake Norman AR Workshop - Davidson Movement Matters Physical Therapy We are Mom Friends Michal Bay - Merino Mill Club Buckets Clean Eatz Cafe ...
Sep 01, 2022•28 min
Joining us for this episode is the Executive Director for Girls on the Run Greater Piedmont, Alison Ahrens. Listen in as Alison shares the great work she and her team are doing for girls in the Lake Norman area and beyond. Girls on the Run Greater Piedmont Girls on the Run Upcoming events: The 5th Annual Sneaker Soiree Lakefront Hops Fest Girls on the Run Fall Season Celebratory 5k Shoutouts to these local businesses: The Kilted Buffalo Novant Health Sign up for The Best of LKN Email Newsletter ...
Aug 29, 2022•28 min
The founders of Activ Fitness in Huntersville join The Best of LKN podcast in this episode. It goes without saying that the two most competitive small business categories (that aren’t technically professional services) are food and fitness. Whether strictly digital, brick & mortar, or a combination of the two, competition in these two categories is fierce. They also happen to be two of our favorite categories to cover. So, when there’s a new restaurant concept in town, you better believe we’...
Aug 25, 2022•1 hr
In this episode, I sit down with Andrea Gravina, the owner of King Canary Brewing Company in Mooresville. Andrea shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind the brewing company. Also joining us is Joe Hillard, the head brewer at King Canary. Joe shares his background and the inspiration behind pursuing a career in craft beer. This episode is all about craft beer, community, friendships, kindness, and the joys of our work families. Thanks so much for joining us, enj...
Aug 18, 2022•31 min
Regular listeners will know by now that we do local here on The Best of LKN podcast. And what could be more local than “LKN Local” - a boutique clothing brand started by two friends who are on a mission to share their love for the Lake Norman area? In this episode, I’ll introduce you to Mooresville residents Larisa Kamp and Anne McGraw, the founders of LKN Local. Let’s talk about starting a local apparel company, and the joys of growing a small business and partnering with your best friend. Enjo...
Aug 11, 2022•38 min
In this episode, we’re featuring The Mill Cyclery, the newest full-service bicycle shop in Mooresville. Owners Lou and Laura Gregori join me to share the story of their small business journey. I was able to record this episode on location at the bike shop with Lou and Laura, which was fun. Kathleen Martin with LKN Images also joined us to snap a few candid photos and photos of the space, which I really appreciate. Lou and Laura give shoutouts to several local small businesses, including all of t...
Aug 04, 2022•47 min
In this episode, I sit down with Charles Morrow. He’s the Musical Director of The Community Singers of Lake Norman, a nonprofit organization that brings together members of the Lake Norman community to form one of the area’s largest singing groups. Charles shares the story of how the Comunity Singers of Lake Norman got its start and their plans for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He also shares how you can get involved with the group. Community Singers of Lake Norman Watch the TED Talk by Sir Ken Rob...
Jul 28, 2022•37 min
Before beginning my Whole30 reset, I had my Whole30 Coach, Andrea Sharp, join me for an episode on the podcast. I wanted to share the process with our listeners here on the podcast, but I also wanted to hold myself accountable by announcing the goal publicly. Openly committing to the process gave me a lot of needed motivation. That was episode 103 , released back in April. If you’re interested in the Whole 30 process, and you haven’t had a listen to that episode, I recommend circling back and ch...
Jul 26, 2022•40 min
In this episode, we’re featuring a local small business that’s on a mission to make a positive impact on families facing an autism diagnosis and individuals with special needs. Suzzie, Erik, and Mary Ellen Luhrs are the founders of Luhrs Wicked Wicks, a craft candle company based in Huntersville. Their slogan is “candles with a cause.” A percentage of the proceeds from their candle sales is donated to the Autism Strong Foundation. Luhrs Wicked Wicks Shoutouts to local businesses and organization...
Jul 21, 2022•33 min
In this episode I’m featuring another great local nonprofit that’s working hard at supporting families that are fighting childhood cancer. Melissa Scott is the Managing Director at Cool Kids Clubhouse in Huntersville, and she joins us to share the story behind Cool Kids Clubhouse. Their mission is devoted to improving the quality of life for pediatric oncology patients, survivors, and their families by focusing on the academic, social, and emotional needs brought on by a cancer diagnosis. Also j...
Jul 14, 2022•30 min
In this episode, I sit down with Lara Ingram. She is the Executive Director at FeedNC - a local area nonprofit organization that is helping feed those in need through our local communities. In addition to providing hot meals, FeedNC has developed several initiatives to help those in need, including: Culinary Job Training Programs Community Cooking Demonstrations A Grocery Store Mobile Pantries Catering And More! Lara shares the story of FeedNC and the exciting news for the future of the organiza...
Jul 07, 2022•54 min
In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with Chris Boukedes to talk about his amazing Mooresville property, The Venues at Langtree. Chris shares how he was inspired by the property years ago, and how he was able to acquire the property in 2021. Chris shares all The Venues have to offer currently, as well as a little insight into the vision he has for the future of the property. I enjoyed meeting with Chris in person at The Venues to record this episode, and many thanks to LKN Images with Kath...
Jun 30, 2022•33 min
In this episode, I sit down with the owner of Carolina cruising Charters, Captain Matt. Carolina Cruising Charters is an all-inclusive boat charter service serving Lake Norman. Carolina Cruising Charters takes the stress and worry out of boating on the lake. Gone are the days of renting a boat and drawing straws to see who’s going to drive it, or flipping a coin to see who’s going to pay the fuel bill at the end of the day. Carolina Cruising Charters is the choice for boaters who want to relax a...
Jun 23, 2022•35 min
In this episode, I sit down with one of Lake Norman’s most successful interior designers, Michelle McKoy - the owner of Michelle McKoy Designs. Michelle shares the story of her small business journey, which like most small business journeys, began in an unexpected way. Michelle McKoy Designs (Houzz) IG: @michellemckoydesigns Shoutouts to these local businesses: SoundVision EMI Master Finishers Tiffany Ringwald Serena Apostal Sara Brennan Interiors Ally Whalen Design Starr Miller Design Kelly Cru...
Jun 16, 2022•51 min
In this episode, I sit down with the co-founder of Crown Town Compost, a Charlotte-based startup in the sustainability space that’s serving quite a few businesses and residents right here in the Lake Norman area. Crown Town Compost is making composting accessible, affordable, and convenient for customers throughout the Charlotte metro area that want to reduce waste. David Valder joins me to share the story of his entrepreneurial journey, and the inspiration behind the work he and the team are do...
Jun 09, 2022•45 min
In this episode, I sit down with Chef Steve Jordan, the Executive Chef, and co-founder of On the Nines Bistro in Mooresville. On the Nines is one of Lake Norman’s premier dining destinations. During our conversation, Chef Steve shares the story of his culinary and entrepreneurial journey. We talk about the Chef-driven experience diners can look forward to at On the Nines, and Steve also shares some ways the team was able to weather the ups and downs of doing business during the pandemic. We talk...
Jun 02, 2022•37 min
In this episode, digital content and influencer marketing expert Jenny Melrose joins us to share the story of her entrepreneurial journey. Jenny is the founder of jennymelrose.com, a business that combines her passion for teaching with her extensive experience in creating strategic content for online business owners. I have to warn you: I do a lot more talking in this episode than usual. Jenny is a subject matter expert in topics that I find fascinating and many of the concepts we discuss are ve...
May 26, 2022•44 min
In this episode, I sit down with the newest sponsor for The Best of LKN - John Hassell with Farm Bureau Insurance of North Mecklenburg located in Huntersville. John and I began discussing sponsorship opportunities a few months ago, and during that time I found John to be a highly knowledgable insurance professional with an exceptional work ethic. Great qualities for an insurance agent, for sure. But, what really caught my attention was John’s deep commitment to providing personalized service for...
May 19, 2022•53 min
Katelyn Stromolo and Kelley Tovias sit down with me to share the design and marketing philosophies that are the driving forces behind their company, The Molo Group. Regular listeners of this podcast will recognize several of the names we bring up during our conversation. Names like Simon Sinek, Seth Godin, and Jenna Kutcher. Katelyn and Kelley share the story of the Molo Group, as well as some advice for founders to consider when developing their brand strategies. This advice revolves around one...
May 12, 2022•40 min
Hey Lake Norman, welcome back to the podcast. In this episode, we’re going to introduce you to a local startup that’s helping to make yoga a little more accessible to us mere mortals. Rosie Schepisi sits down with me to share the story behind her startup, Soul Strap. Soul Strap is a Yoga accessory that assists users who struggle with balance and mobility to achieve those impossible yoga stretches. The Soul Strap was inspired by Rosie’s own Yoga journey and she designed and developed the prototyp...
May 05, 2022•32 min
You know, if there’s anything I love more than an intentional business that starts in a garage, it’s an unintentional business that starts in a garage. How about an idea so innovative that it hardly requires a sales and marketing department. That’s exactly what happened at Huck Cycles, a local small business founded right at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. A story of grassroots entrepreneurship in every possible way, and a business that has exceeded all expectations - even those of Brett...
Apr 28, 2022•37 min
In this episode, I’m shining a spotlight on Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center in Statesville. Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center is a fully accredited 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports the investigation, prosecution, and therapy and follow-up of reported child sexual abuse and assault cases in Iredell and Alexander counties - all from their safe and child-friendly facility. Beth McKiethan, the executive director at Dove House, joins me to share the story of her child advocacy jou...
Apr 21, 2022•28 min
In this episode, Andrea Sharp the co-founder of Mbrace Studio returns to discuss Whole30 with me. Whole30 is a 30-day lifestyle makeover that revolves around changing our relationship with food. Andrea is a Whole30 coach and has completed 13 Whole30 resets herself over the years, as well as guided many students through their own Whole30 reset. Andrea is coaching me and my wife through our first Whole30 reset, and we’re beginning our reset today - the day this episode releases. I look forward to ...
Apr 18, 2022•45 min
Hoptown Brewing Company in Mooresville, NC was founded by a local couple that were crazy about craft beer. I call them reluctant entrepreneurs because honestly, it sounds to me like they were really content with retirement. But, as is often the case, the best small businesses are the ones that were founded by individuals that have a passion and love for their craft, not just for the chase of the almighty dollar. The founders of Hoptown Brewing Company, Scott and Sandy Plemmons, join me to share ...
Apr 14, 2022•51 min
Hey everyone, welcome back to The Best of LKN - Lake Norman’s #1 small business podcast and online resource. I’m super excited to be bringing you episode 101 of the podcast and setting the bar for the next 100 episodes with one of the most iconic brands to ever launch right here in the Lake Norman area. Burn Boot Camp began in a parking lot in Huntersville just 10 years ago and quickly grew to one of the most popular fitness concepts in the area. They are now a national brand, with franchised lo...
Apr 07, 2022•39 min
