In this week’s episode, I sit down with Martin Conway, the owner of Homewatch CareGivers of Mooresville and Charlotte. Just a few years ago, Martin left a successful corporate career in management to begin an entrepreneurial journey. During our conversation, Martin shares the powerful and inspirational “why” behind making this monumental decision. If you’ve only just stumbled upon The Best of LKN podcast, I’d say you’ve landed on a pretty amazing episode. I launched this podcast nearly four year...
Dec 21, 2023•44 min
In this episode, I get the real honor of sitting down with Justin Dionne at the Cain Center for the Arts. Justin is the Executive Director at the Cain Center, and he shares the story of his journey AND the story behind the magnificent center in downtown Cornelius. We discuss the inspiration for the Cain Center and the multi-year process of turning such a grand vision into a reality. Justin also shares thoughts on how a nonprofit like the Cain Center balances self-sufficiency while maintaining ac...
Dec 14, 2023•1 hr 20 min
In this episode, I sit down with Liz Fackelman. Liz is the owner of Davidson Organizing, a local service business that creates order from chaos in your home or office. Liz shares the story of how she began her journey as a professional organizer after a career in engineering. She also shares details about the various services she offers. Here’s a hint: she offers some really interesting services! Davidson Organizing | Click Here for free resources! Bonus links: Download the FREE 2024 Lake Norman...
Dec 07, 2023•42 min
In this episode, I sit down with Wes and Faith Choplin, the owners of Choplin's restaurant in Cornelius. Choplin’s is an amazing restaurant that offers a premium dining experience. When it comes to entrepreneurial journeys, I think the stories behind some of our great local restaurants are my favorites. Lean in with me and listen to Wes and Faith as they share the story behind Choplin’s Restaurant in Cornelius. Choplin’s Restaurant Bonus links: Download the FREE 2024 Lake Norman Visitors Guide !...
Nov 30, 2023•48 min
In this episode, I sit down with Sydney Miller, the owner of The Nomadic Jeweler. The Nomadic Jeweler is a traveling boutique that specializes in permanent jewelry. During our conversation, Sydney shares the inspiration behind her business, and she gives a bunch of shoutouts to supportive local small businesses. The Nomadic Jeweler | Instagram Local business shoutouts: Birkdale Village Nina’s Boutique Lemonade Boutique Thigs Cocktail Bar Davidson Wine Co. Click Here for our 2023 Small Business S...
Nov 22, 2023•23 min
In this episode, I sit down with Ayden Daubigne, the owner of Postmarked in Cornelius. Ayden shares the story of how he began his entrepreneurial journey in 2020, and how it led him to Cornelius, North Carolina. Postmarked is a truly special retail store in Cornelius. It’s well-known as a place to package and ship, as well as rent a mailbox. But, Postmarked is so much more - an amazing boutique shop with a curated selection of gifts that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in the Lake Norman a...
Nov 16, 2023•26 min
In this episode, I sit down with Cristina Grossu to discuss her new book, Learning to Earn with Romanza Madge. Learning to Earn is the perfect book for the young reader that mixes earning money with funny life experiences. The book also illustrates money management skills easily and effortlessly through the fun and whimsical storyline. Cristina shares the inspiration behind writing the book and some details about the publishing process. You can also find this episode on our YouTube channel. Cris...
Nov 14, 2023•25 min
Subscribe to Lake Norman’s #1 Weekly Email Newsletter - it’s free, and it’s good! In this episode, I sit down with Brett Junvik. Brett’s the founder of Anthem Film and is based in Mooresville, North Carolina. During our conversation, Brett shares the story of his journey in filmmaking and the inspiration behind Anthem Film. We also talk about Anthem Film Studio, an innovative space that Brett has built with small business owners and content creators in mind. Anthem Film Studio is a professional-...
Nov 09, 2023•41 min
Subscribe to Lake Norman’s #1 Weekly Email Newsletter - it’s free, and it’s good! In this episode, I sit down with Chef Bobby Davis, the owner of Osito’s Tacos & Tortas in Cornelius. Chef Bobby shares his background and the inspiration for Osito’s. We talk about what sets Osito’s apart from other local Mexican-inspired restaurants, and how he and the team survived opening the restaurant in the Spring of 2020. As per usual, we give shoutouts and high-fives to several local small businesses, s...
Nov 02, 2023•28 min
Subscribe to Lake Norman’s #1 Weekly Email Newsletter - it’s free, and it’s good. In this episode, I sit down with McKenzie Graham. McKenzie is the owner of Mooresville Oil & Propane, and also (and more importantly ) the head coach of the Lake Norman High School varsity girls basketball team. During our conversation, McKenzie shared the story of how her career brought her full circle to take over the reins for the family business. We also talked about what it meant for her to lead the Lake N...
Oct 26, 2023•31 min
Subscribe to Lake Norman’s #1 Weekly Email Newsletter - it’s free, and it’s good. In this episode, I sit down with the owners of the Brawley Market and Car Wash, Steve Cochrane and Taylor Cochrane. Brawley Market and Car Wash was founded by Steve and Taylor’s Mom and Dad over a decade ago, and since then it has become the epitome of a family business. During our conversation, Steve and Taylor share a little bit about their backgrounds and the inspiration behind Brawley Market and Car Wash. The B...
Oct 19, 2023•53 min
In this episode, I sit down with the founders of Wise Pest Solutions. Wise is a startup pest control company that serves the Lake Norman area and beyond. The founders of the company bring decades of experience to the business and a sincere commitment to providing the very best customer service in the industry. Wise Pest Solutions Special thanks to our sponsors! Support the show...
Oct 12, 2023•28 min
Subscribe to Lake Norman’s #1 Weekly Email Newsletter - it’s free, and it’s good. In this episode, I sit down with the founders of Girl Tribe Co. Sarah Baucom and Carrie Barker. The duo launched their highly successful women's boutique concept in Southend Charlotte in 2017 and recently expanded to Birkdale Village. Carrie and Sarah share the story behind their own entrepreneurial journeys and how their own personal brands aligned to form Girl Tribe. Be sure to stay tuned until the end of the epi...
Oct 05, 2023•53 min
In this episode, I have the real honor of featuring an enormously respected local organization that is doing work that really matters in the Lake Norman and great Charlotte communities. WDAV is a non-commercial public radio station that broadcasts classical music and fine arts programming 24 hours a day. WDAV is a nonprofit that is licensed to Davidson College and is an NPR member station. Frank Dominguez is the General Manager at WDAV, and he joins me to share the story of his journey in broadc...
Sep 28, 2023•44 min
In this episode, I sit down with the founder of iShine Yoga & Wellness in Huntersville, Genevieve Boulanger. Genevieve shares the inspiration for opening her own yoga studio and how the practice of yoga has really transformed her life and the lives of her students. For those who don’t know a lot about yoga, Genevieve helps demystify the art. She explains how anyone, literally anyone with just some basic physical ability, can practice yoga and benefit from its power. I found this conversation...
Sep 21, 2023•31 min
Subscribe to Lake Norman’s #1 Weekly Email Newsletter - it’s free! In this episode, Jeff sits down with Julie Wilkinson in downtown Davidson. Julie is the owner of Table & Board in Davidson along with her Mom, Mary Lou. Table & Board is Lake Norman’s premier source for custom charcuterie boards, grazing tables, desserts, and light catering. Table & Board also offers unique workshops where attendees learn and practice the art of charcuterie. Julie gives a bunch of shoutouts to local b...
Sep 14, 2023•29 min
Subscribe to Lake Norman’s #1 Weekly Email Newsletter - it’s free! In this episode, I sit down with the owner of Red’s Scratch Made bakery located in downtown Mooresville. Robin Goodrich shares the story behind her lovely and wildly popular bakery. She also talks about the future of the bakery and some plans for expansion. Be sure to stick around until the end of the episode when Robin shares some really thoughtful advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. As always, there will be some shoutouts to oth...
Sep 07, 2023•34 min
Subscribe to Lake Norman’s #1 Weekly Email Newsletter - it’s free, and it’s good. In this episode, I sit down with the owners of one of the coolest and most innovative businesses I’ve seen in a long time. Carter Watkins and Matt Latino join me to share the story behind The Snack Barge - a floating food truck serving Lake Norman on the water and on land. Launched just this year, Carter and Matt have been busy dialing in their business. As is the case for every small business owner, they’ve learne...
Sep 05, 2023•50 min
In this episode, I sit down with Rachel and Andy Lee to talk about Madelyn’s Fund Madelyn’s Fund is a Charlotte-based nonprofit organization that provides financial support for NICU families. September is NICU awareness and childhood cancer awareness month. It is such an honor for me to highlight organizations like Madelyn’s Fund and I hope that, after listening to this story, you’ll reach out and lend some support to this worthy organization. We cover a lot of upcoming events and important fund...
Aug 31, 2023•39 min
In this episode, I sit down with Brad Kalmikoff to talk about his awesome shop in downtown Mooresville. Crazy Cool Collectibles is the culmination of a lifetime love for collecting memorabilia, toys, games, and everything else that reminds Brad of his youth. Crazy Cool Collectibles has to be the most unique shop I’ve visited since producing this podcast, and I highly recommend you visit this place soon. Just stop in and browse - it’s really hard to describe, you just need to see it. For now, let...
Aug 24, 2023•44 min
This is one of those special episodes where I have the opportunity to highlight a really thoughtful local nonprofit organization that’s doing amazing work in our community. In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Nydish and Nicole Fiehler to talk about Bags of Hope. Bags of Hope is a local nonprofit that seeks to bring hope to the greater Lake Norman and Charlotte area by supplying free weekend food provisions to school children who experience food insecurity. Ashley shares the story of how Bags...
Aug 15, 2023•33 min
In this episode, I sit down with Keela Johnson and Brooke Eagle, the team behind LKN Magazine and Forsyth Mags Publications. Keela shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind LKN Magazine - Lake Norman’s hottest new magazine. Brooke shares her background as well, and we dive into the WHY behind LKN Magazine and how this publication is spreading light and positivity and helping local businesses connect with their Lake Norman community. Be sure to stay with us until ...
Aug 10, 2023•46 min
Chris Beeman is the man behind bman.com and The B-Man’s Guide to Golf in Charlotte, North Carolina. I connected with Chris earlier this year after seeing an article he had written for Axios.com about the best Golf Courses in the Charlotte area. I knew a similar article featuring Lake Norman golf courses would be a great addition to our blog at thebestoflkn.com, and it would be a great resource for our email newsletter subscribers. I also knew that I wasn't the guy to write that article. I haven’...
Aug 03, 2023•46 min
Thanks to this week’s sponsor: www.DiscoverLKN.com Also, subscribe to Lake Norman’s #1 Weekly Email Newsletter - it’s free, and it’s good. (We promise.) In this episode, I join Eric Powell, the owner of Renew Physical Therapy in Mooresville. Eric shares the story & inspiration behind his practice and some of the ways physical therapy can help us get ahead of nagging injuries and live life pain-free. As per usual, we give shoutouts to several local small businesses, and Eric shares reading re...
Jul 27, 2023•37 min
Thanks to this week’s sponsor: www.DiscoverLKN.com Subscribe to Lake Norman’s #1 Weekly Email Newsletter - it’s free, and it’s good. (We promise.) In this episode, I sit down with the owners of Inspired at Lake Norman. Inspired is a beautiful boutique gift shop located in historic Old Town Cornelius. Owners Mark and Georgia Ferguson join me to share the story of their small business journey and the inspiration behind Inspired. My friends, thanks as always for joining us. Enjoy getting to know Ma...
Jul 20, 2023•38 min
This episode is sponsored by Discover Lake Norman . Subscribe to Lake Norman’s #1 Weekly Email Newsletter - it’s FREE! In this episode, I sit down with Daniel Gleason. Daniel is the owner of Charlotte Efoil - the area’s premier Efoil instruction classes. Daniel shares all the details about the Efoil experience and the story behind his small business journey. Efoil is a revolutionary watersport that has absolutely exploded in popularity in recent years. It’s surfing, but on the lake, and not behi...
Jul 13, 2023•39 min
In this episode, I sit down with the cofounders of Meadows Italiano - an amazing establishment in Mooresville that specializes in wood-fired pizzas and handmade subs. Chef David Cavalier is the culinary genius behind this concept, bringing years of experience in fine dining kitchens and applying his creative talents to launching Meadows Italiano - one of Lake Norman’s very best pizza spots. Co-founder Jayson Poluka brings the construction and project management expertise to the enterprise. Toget...
Jul 06, 2023•55 min
This episode features a returning guest who has founded her own financial services firm in Huntersville. Lynn Bowser joins me to share the inspiration behind her new venture. Lynn first joined us back in episode 64 of the podcast. In that show, we talked about her work and leadership role with Northwestern Mutual. Lynn has now launched her own financial firm with plans to better service her clients with flexible, customized financial planning solutions. Thrive Financial Partners is now open for ...
Jun 29, 2023•23 min
In this episode, I join the owners of Sugar + Ice in Birkdale Village to talk about their new venture. Ryan and Natalia Schooley join me to share the story behind their new retail location in Birkdale Village. Sugar + Ice is a fun new concept stemming from their parent company, State Fair Mini Donuts. Sugar + Ice specializes in gourmet mini donuts, shaved ice & a wide variety of specialty drinks. They truly have something for just about everyone. Ryan and Natalia are extremely excited about ...
Jun 22, 2023•28 min
In this episode, I sit down with Tim Mascara, the co-founder along with his two brothers of Mascara Bros. Coffee Co. Mascara Brothers Coffee is based in Davidson and promises to deliver the freshest coffee to its customers through an innovation subscription plan. During our conversation, Tim will explain how the program works and why Mascara Bros. Coffee is so special. Mascara Bros. Coffee Company invites you to delight in their small-batch, incredibly fresh, farm-to-cup coffee that’s sure to da...
Jun 15, 2023•35 min
