Jenny Pippin is an award-winning home designer and the founder of Pippin Home Designs. Jenny has designed thousands of custom homes around the Lake Norman area, as well as in other parts of the country. Jenny specializes in designing fully supportive custom homes, and she has an eye for maximizing the views for each property. In this episode, Jenny shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey, and the innovative ways she’s delivering custom and fully supportive home designs to clients across ...
May 21, 2024•39 min
KS Audio Video is a high end home and office technology company based in Cornelius, North Carolina. They specialize in high-end audio/video systems installations for both residential homes and commercial buildings. In this episode, Nathan Ziegler and Quincy Hamilton join me to share the story behind KS Audio Video and details about the amazing technology their teams are bringing to homes around the lake. KS Audio Video Special thanks to The Carolina Factory Produced by Epic Journey Media Support...
May 16, 2024•31 min
The team at Safe Harbor Peninsula Yacht Club returns to share all the amenities offered within their marina. Harry Smith is the marina manager at SHPYC, and he tells me all about his journey with the club and the ways that their members enjoy the marina. Nikole Maust, the Assistant General Manager at Safe Harbor Peninsula Yacht Club, also joins us to answer more of my questions about the Social Membership program at the club. Safe Harbor Peninsula Yacht Club 18501 Harbor Light Blvd Cornelius, NC...
May 14, 2024•30 min
Joining me for this podcast episode is the founder and executive director of UrbanPromise Charlotte, Jimmy McQuilkin. UrbanPromise Charlotte is an organization that’s on a mission to provide Charlotte’s children and youth with the spiritual, academic, and social development necessary to become Christian leaders determined to restore their communities. During our conversation, Jimmy shares the inspiration behind founding UrbanPromise Charlotte and the 20-year journey he leads young people on towa...
May 09, 2024•33 min
Anita Sabates and Dixie Dean are two highly successful real estate brokers who reside in Cornelius and have become pillars of the Lake Norman community. Anita, Dixie, and their team specialize in luxury properties and have built a solid reputation in the area for integrity and high sales performance. They’ve long been included in our “10 Best Lake Norman Real Estate Agents” list that is updated each year. In this episode, Anita and Dixie share the story of their journey in real estate, along wit...
May 07, 2024•43 min
Erin Santos is the founder and Executive Director of the Isabelle Santos Foundation - a Charlotte-based nonprofit that is dedicated to improving rare pediatric cancer treatment options in an effort to increase survival rates of kids with cancer. Over the course of fifteen years, ISF has funded nearly $7 million toward expanding the scope of research and treatment and supporting families dealing with cancer in a variety of ways. In this episode, Erin shares details about an upcoming event in part...
May 02, 2024•23 min
Janelly Rosales joins me to share the details about an exciting event coming to Cornelius next week. Janelly is the Economic Development Specialist with the Mecklenburg Office of Economic Development, and she has spearheaded the creation of a special engagement for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The event is called Township Connections, and it’s an opportunity for small businesses to learn about FREE resources from Mecklenburg County that can help their business thrive. I plan on being ther...
Apr 30, 2024•34 min
Captain Matt, the owner of Carolina Cruising Charters, joins the podcast this week to share details about some exciting additions to his company for 2024. Matt also shares what the journey has been like so far for his business which has seen exponential growth in just a few years. Carolina Cruising Charters Support the show...
Apr 26, 2024•37 min
Kayla Logue joins the podcast this week to share details about her upcoming book, “Always Squeezing Lemons” and her nonprofit, Move Into Words. Stick around for details about the next in-erpson event for Move Into Words, being held in Huntersville at Rock Box Fitness on Saturday, April 27th at 11AM. I’ll have a link in the show notes with more information. Thanks for subscribing and following The Best of LKN podcast - enjoy getting to know author and entrepreneur, Kayla Logue. KaylaLogue.com Mov...
Apr 23, 2024•47 min
Joining me in this episode are the owners of ISI Elite Training in Cornelius. Jason and Denette share the story behind their entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind bringing the ISI fitness concept to Cornelius. I recently joined ISI Elite Training in Cornelius, and I’m currently in my third week. I’ll share my thoughts so far on the other side of my conversation with Jason and Denette. ISI Elite Training - Cornelius 19732 One Norman Blvd #340 Cornelius, NC 28031 (704) 796-3294 Instag...
Apr 18, 2024•35 min
Gaby Abad joins the podcast to share some great tips for anyone considering a home purchase this year. Gaby is a senior loan advisor with Mutual of Omaha Mortgage and Keller Home Loans. During our conversation, Gaby shares the story of how her career led her to the mortgage industry and how rewarding it is to help families navigate the purchase one of the biggest investments they’ll ever make. Gaby also shares some great insights for first time home buyers and real estate brokers. Gaby Abad | Se...
Apr 16, 2024•26 min
Lauren Crafton joins me for this episode to talk about her startup company, Roth ID Tag. Lauren shares the story of Roth ID Tag including the heartbreaking inspiration behind the company. Lauren and her team are on a mission to save lives and bring comfort and security to families who are met with tragic circumstances. I’m looking forward to introducing you to Lauren and sharing her story with you. Roth ID Tag Subscribe to Lake Norman's #1 Email Newsletter: www.thebestoflkn.com Support the show...
Apr 11, 2024•26 min
This episode is all about bartaco at Birkdale Village. General Manager Zach Guathier joins me to share some information about bartaco and details about their upcoming Grand Opening Party - a fun soiree that will benefit Cool Kids Clubhouse. Zach will share more details about the Grand Opening Party during our conversation. Tickets are on sale now, so check the show notes or our email newsletter for that link. I’ll be there, and I hope you will, too! bartaco | Birkdale Village 16916 Birkdale Comm...
Apr 04, 2024•18 min
Jon Dressler joins me for this episode to talk about the opening of the Fin and Fino restaurant concept at Birkdale Village. Jon was one of my first guests way back in episode 12 where we talked about his entrepreneurial journey. This episode is all about Fin and Fino, though, and I’m really excited to share our conversation with you. Fin & Fino - Birkdale Village 8630 Lindholm Dr #1a Huntersville, NC 28078 (704) 987-1779 Special thanks to North American Properties and Birkdale Village Photo...
Apr 02, 2024•28 min
In this episode I sit down with the team at Ride Wake & Surf Company to talk about their business and their expansion into another hot market in the Southeast. Wakesurfing is the hottest activity on Lake Norman, and nothing exemplifies lake life more than cruising on a Mastercraft boat, surfing on big wakes, and anchoring at cocktail cove. Ride Wake & Surf Co. provides one of the most unique experiences available on the lake. This is a fun podcast episode that I think you’ll really enjoy...
Mar 28, 2024•41 min
In this episode I sit down with Tiffany Webber, the principal attorney at Thomas & Webber Law Firm. Thomas and Webber is a law practice that specializes in real estate law with offices in Mooresville and Huntersville. Tiffany has processed thousands of real estate transaction closings and is one of the most recognized real estate law experts in the Lake Norman area. I have more real estate related content on the way for The Best of LKN blog and YouTube channel, so this podcast recording was ...
Mar 26, 2024•35 min
In this episode I sit down with Brittany Bukauskas, the owner of Proof Mens Grooming in Huntersville.. Proof Mens Grooming is a styling salon that caters to gentlemen who want a higher quality haircut experience. During our conversation, Brittany shares the story of her career in hair styling and the inspiration behind opening her own boutique grooming lounge for men. Proof Mens Grooming 16623 Birkdale Commons Pkwy #130a Huntersville, NC 28078 (704) 775-0074 Photography by: LKN Images by Kathlee...
Mar 21, 2024•28 min
In this episode I connect with Sasha Campbell, the owner of Organized Sunshine. Organized Sunshine is a professional organizing company based in Huntersville that serves the entire Lake Norman area. Personalized organizing services include home organization, kids spaces including coaching, and healthy home services that streamline living spaces. One service that I found really interesting is Sasha’s unpacking and house set up services that help families settle into their new home quickly and set...
Mar 19, 2024•32 min
The email newsletter is totally free and the best way to stay up to date with all of our new content. You can find the form to sign up right on our homepage at thebestoflkn.com. That’s www.thebestoflkn.com All right my friends, that’s going to do it for this episode. I hope you enjoyed it. I’ll be back next week with another episode featuring another one of Lake Norman’s best and brightest, and I sincerely hope you’ll join me again for a listen. Show notes In this episode I connect with Jasmine ...
Mar 14, 2024•33 min
In this episode I connect with Barry Kipp, the owner of Wrap It Today in Mooresville. Wrap It Today is a mobile shrink wrapping service that specializes in protecting valuable assets like boats, patio furniture, power equipment, and more. During our conversation, Barry shares how he came up with the idea for his business by chance while visiting family in New Jersey. Wrap It Today Special thanks to: LKN Images by Kathleen Martin & The Brawley Market and Car Wash Local businesses mentioned in...
Mar 12, 2024•32 min
Spring is nearly here, and that means wedding season for a lot of local couples. In this episode, I sit down with the event planning team at Safe Harbor Peninsula Yacht Club to talk about what makes their venue such a special and unique spot for a wedding and reception. Safe Harbor Peninsula Yacht Club Call or Email Kayla: 704-892-9858 ext.6010 KTharrington@shmarinas.com Meet the Safe Harbor Peninsula Yacht Club team at the North Carolina Bridal & Wedding Expo on March 24th! Click here to su...
Mar 07, 2024•22 min
In this episode, I sit down with Jim Vannelle, the owner of The Carolina Factory in Cornelius. The Carolina Factory is the Charlotte area’s premier athletic performance facility. It’s a first of its kind facility that develops customized training plans to take athletes to the next level of their sport. The Carolina Factory’s team of trainers and coaches have decades of experience working with athletes on levels. Their programs enable athletes to reach their full potential and become the best ver...
Feb 29, 2024•55 min
In this episode, I sit down with Brandon Glover, the founder of Ivy Creek Landscapes - a landscape and outdoor living design firm based in Charlotte. Brandon and his team help homeowners spend more time outdoors with amazing yardscapes, pools, patios, and outdoor living spaces. Brandon shares the story of his entrepreneurial journey - a true starter story and a business that grew from very humble beginnings. One thing is for sure - Ivy Creek Landscapes has grown quickly into one of the area’s mo...
Feb 22, 2024•35 min
In this episode, I sit down with Rick Allen, one of the owners of The 500 Club - Lake Norman’s newest golf club and sports entertainment complex. The 500 Club features a renovated golf course and an enormous new clubhouse with all sorts of dining and entertainment options. The 500 Club 175 Club House Dr Statesville, NC 28677 (704) 872-9990 Click here to check out The 500 Club on our YouTube channel! The 2024 Lake Norman Visitors Guide, produced by The Best of LKN, is available now. Download your...
Feb 15, 2024•28 min
In this episode, Jeff sits down with Ellen Loncz, the owner of Hunter House & Gardens in Huntersville. Hunter House is a unique destination near the heart of downtown Huntersville. Hunter House features a fine dining experience, two distinctive bars with superb cocktail programs, and an event venue that caters to discerning guests. Ellen shares the story behind her acquisition of the property, and the development of the dining, bar, and event experiences at Hunter House. Hunter House & G...
Feb 08, 2024•58 min
Today I’m talking with Stacey Simms. Stacey is the founder of Diabetes Connections and the host of the Diabetes Connections Podcast. Stacey launched her diabetes podcast back in 2015 and has since launched a second podcast, Diabetes Type 2. She’s a published author, renowned speaker, and the organizer of Mom’s Night Out - an overnight conference for moms of children with diabetes. In this episode, Stacey shares her podcasting journey and the impact the medium has had on her career. She also shar...
Jan 30, 2024•45 min
Today I’m talking with the owner of G-Marketing, Gabrielle Chester. G-Marketing is a local digital marketing agency that specializes in social media marketing and other digital marketing and event planning services. In this episode, Gabrielle shares the inspiration behind forming her own agency and ways in which she and her team help small businesses with their social media. Stay with us until the end of the episode where Gabrielle also shares some savvy business tips for small business owners. ...
Jan 25, 2024•34 min
Today I’m talking with the owner of Drybar in Birkdale Village, Jackie Paynter. From Drybar.com: “Named one of the top “100 Brilliant Ideas of 2010” by Entrepreneur Magazine and New York Magazine’s Boom Brands of 2013, Drybar is based on the simple concept of focusing on one thing and being the best at it. And the one thing that Drybar focuses on is Blowouts. The concept was founded by Alli Webb, a longtime professional stylist, who constantly found herself overpaying for blowouts at traditional...
Jan 18, 2024•29 min
In this episode, I’m talking to the founder of Epic Sports Marketing, a local company that specializes in organizing awesome local running races and triathlons. Zahid Buttar joins me to share the story behind his entrepreneurial journey, and the inspiration behind Epic Sports Marketing. Z’s journey is similar to that of many small business owners… a long and winding road, full of twists and turns, and the result turned out quite a bit different than what he had envisioned his career would be 25 ...
Jan 11, 2024•51 min
It’s my pleasure to introduce you to Kristen Phillips, the owner of Soul Wellness. Soul Wellness is a holistic center and a co-working space for holistic, medical, beauty, and therapeutic providers. The center is located in the Merino Mill complex and very close to downtown Mooresville. During our conversation, Kristen shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind leaving her perfectly successful corporate career behind her to bring the vision of Soul Wellness to lif...
Jan 04, 2024•34 min
