Luke Vass is the Assistant Director of Training at The Carolina Factory in Cornelius. Luke played college basketball, and upon graduating last May he moved to the Lake Norman area and joined the team at TCF. In this episode, Luke shares the story of his athletic journey and what it means to be able to coach kids in the sport of basketball. We also discuss more details about The Carolina Factory and the work they’re doing for youth athletes in the Lake Norman region (and beyond). The Carolina Fac...
Oct 18, 2024•35 min
Soul to Soul Outreach is a local nonprofit organization that strives to address the needs of the homeless and indigent by providing advocacy, connecting individuals to essential resources, and offering spiritual guidance. Founders Lynne Hoey and Jen Taksa join me in this episode to share the inspiration for Soul to Soul Outreach and the work they’re doing in the community. Enjoy this special episode, and please consider giving to Soul to Soul Outreach. Soul to Soul Outreach Upcoming event: Hustl...
Oct 16, 2024•48 min
The co-owner of Sabores Bakery, Daniele Amaral, joins the podcast this week! Sabores Bakery is located in the Food Truck Village in Old Town Cornelius. Daniele shares the inspiration behind launching her food truck business along with her Mom earlier this year. Sabores is a scratch bakery that specializes in Venezuelan bread, baguettes, sandwiches, and sweet treats like pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls, and so much more! Sabores Bakery 20833 Catawba Ave Cornelius, NC 28031 Special thanks to: Brooke ...
Oct 11, 2024•21 min
Kenzie Harkey is the founder and CEO of Simply Dare, a home organization company serving the Charlotte and Atlanta markets. During our conversation, Kenzie shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey and an overview of the services her company provides. For our real estate agent listeners, you’ll love the ways an organizing company like Simply Dare can bring unique value to your business. Simply Dare’s “Moving Concierge” and “Home Sale Prep” services are just a few of the exciting and innova...
Oct 04, 2024•38 min
Freshwater Interior Designs and Freshwater Custom Homes are a design-build partnership in Mooresville, North Carolina. Owners Karen and Alan Schmidt join the podcast to share the stories behind their businesses. They also provide details about the scope of their work and the areas of their expertise. Freshwater Interior Design Freshwater Custom Homes —---------------------------------------------- The Best of LKN Podcast Hosted by: Jeff Hamm Allen Tate Realtors® Charlotte & Lake Norman LKNre...
Sep 25, 2024•37 min
Megan Miller rejoins the podcast to share the story of “Luke and the Lost Bell.” “Luke and the Lost Bell” is a heartfelt children’s book written to help guide young cancer patients and their families. With vivid storytelling and enchanting illustrations, it highlights the power of love, support, and the indescribable joy of ringing the bell after being declared cancer-free. Listen in as Megan shares the inspiration and the mission behind the book. Luke and the Lost Bell Megan Miller Marketing Sp...
Sep 23, 2024•27 min
Jon Beyerle is a small business owner and photographer. He resides in Davidson, North Carolina. Jon has produced some of the finest photos of the Lake Norman area for local publications, businesses, and individuals. He’s also the owner of Soccer Shots - a highly regarded and interactive soccer program designed for kids aged 2 to 8. Join skilled coaches on Soccer Island, where young players can develop soccer techniques, build character, and enjoy a fun, engaging experience! In this conversation,...
Sep 19, 2024•47 min
Jay Brown is the Events Chair with the Tarheel Trailblazers organization. Jay joins the podcast to share details about the upcoming Fisher Fest 2024 event. Fisher Fest is an event held at Fisher Farm park in Davidson, North Carolina. This is an outdoor festival that invites local cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts to come together with members of the Davidson community. Tarheel Trailblazers is a non-profit organization that exists to establish, preserve, and safeguard access to a diverse ra...
Sep 17, 2024•24 min
In this episode I sit down with Marty Lee, the new owner of Lake Norman’s “Glass Mansion.” 8776 Harbor Circle in Terrell, NC, also known as the Glass Mansion, is Lake Norman’s newest and most spectacular vacation rental property! Marty shares the story of his entrepreneurial journey, which began at a young age when he immigrated to the U.S. from Ireland. Marty has built an impressive portfolio of investment properties over the years, and this latest acquisition promises to be one of the greatest...
Sep 11, 2024•22 min
Next Level Disaster Relief is a nonprofit founded right here in the Lake Norman area that provides short and long term response and recovery services to communities impacted in the Mid-Atlantic and SouthEastern United States, before, during and after any tragic disaster. Next Level’s founder, Andre Gagne, joins me in this episode to share the story and inspiration behind Next Level Disaster Relief. He also shares some examples of disaster relief missions that he and his team have carried out in ...
Sep 05, 2024•41 min
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month, and it’s an honor to kick it off this year with Cool Kids Clubhouse in Huntersville. Cool Kids Clubhouse in Honor of Dan Jansen is a local nonprofit on a mission to improve their quality of life and reduce the social isolation, sadness, and academic loss kids experience with a cancer diagnosis. Cool Kids Clubhouse hosts a variety of FREE programs that directly benefit the child with cancer, their siblings, and their parents and provide much needed e...
Sep 03, 2024•29 min
Tom Planishek is the founder of Planishek Properties, a custom home builder in the Lake Norman area. In this episode, Tom shares the story of his entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind his company. Tom also shares some great advice for anyone considering a custom home as an alternative to a production home. Planishek Properties (704) 880-8110 Additional links: Visual Comfort & Co. —---------------------------------------------- The Best of LKN Podcast Hosted by: Jeff Hamm Allen T...
Aug 30, 2024•31 min
This is a very special episode for the podcast. We’re meeting Tina Carusillo, and opening up about mental illness and addiction. During our conversation, Tina shares the story of her son’s battle with bipolar disorder and drug addiction. Tina is open and honest about the family’s struggle with her son’s condition. We hope that by sharing Nick’s story we might be able to help other families who are experiencing similar struggles. Note: This episode involves a discussion about mental illness and d...
Aug 28, 2024•42 min
Branch Wealth Partners is an organization that helps individuals build generational wealth through real estate investing. Founder Greg Lafferty and client relationship manager Christina Wright join the podcast to share the story behind the company and the programs they offer for real estate investing. Want to learn more about real estate investing? Listen to this episode, and then contact Branch Wealth Partners to get started. Branch Wealth Partners https://www.branchwealthpartners.com/ Special ...
Aug 21, 2024•55 min
Charlie Hurst is the founder of Automated Shades Plus, based in Huntersville and serving the entire Lake Norman region. Automated Shades Plus is a premier provider of automated window treatment solutions. Charlie has specialized in motorized window coverings for nearly 20 years and provides skillful custom installations for clients. In this episode, Charlie shares the story of his entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind his business. Automated Shades Plus —----------------------------...
Aug 14, 2024•44 min
Mike and Jennifer Puncochar are the founders of East Bay Woodworks in Mooresville, North Carolina. East Bay Woodworks is Lake Norman’s premier woodworking destination. The team specializes in crafting the highest quality bespoke woodwork creations for home and office decor. During our conversation, Mike and Jennifer share the story behind East Bay Woodworks and the inspiration for their business. They also share some great advice for aspiring business owners. East Bay Woodworks | Instagram: @eas...
Aug 09, 2024•49 min
Rachael and Mike Ryan join the podcast to share the story behind Aria’s Pride, a nonprofit they founded in honor of their daughter. Aria’s Pride is on a mission to make a difference in the lives of families facing childhood cancer. The team organizes several programs and projects throughout the year that help lift spirits during a very difficult time. Programs include holiday cheer packages, financial support, support groups, and a library that gives free books to families. The team also organiz...
Aug 06, 2024•39 min
Lancaster Docks notes In this episode of The Best of LKN podcast, Jeff travels to Troutman and sits down with Mark Lancaster. Mark is the owner of Lancaster Custom Dock & Lift Systems - a company that has been serving Lake Norman homeowners and businesses for nearly 40 years. Mark shares the story of his entrepreneurial journey and the principles upon which his company was founded. Lancaster Custom Dock & Lift Systems, Inc. 1156 Perth Rd Troutman, NC 28166 (704) 528-7400 —---------------...
Jul 31, 2024•37 min
Mike Calinoff is the founder of Doglogics, a dog training company based in Mooresville, North Carolina and serving the entire Lake Norman region. Mike is known as one of the most effective dog trainers in the area. He likes to say that he’s actually in the dog evaluation business, and he trains humans. In this episode, Mike addresses some common questions dog owners have about training their dogs. He lays out advice and practical tips for training your canine family members. Dog parents - this o...
Jul 25, 2024•31 min
Traci Shaffner is the owner of The Cabin Pub - a lovely little waterfront bar in Davidson at the North Harbor cove. In this podcast episode, Traci shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration for buying The Cabin Pub in 2023. Listen in as Traci shares details about their cocktail program, live entertainment, as well as the products she’s curating for her guests from veteran-owned brands. The Cabin 400 N Harbor Pl Dr A Davidson, NC 28036 (980) 483-1529 Special thanks to: Fr...
Jul 04, 2024•26 min
Carolina Farm Trust is a nonprofit organization on a mission to strengthen local food systems. Their vision: A region in which food systems promote social, environmental, and economic resilience. Zack Wyatt is the President and CEO of Carolina Farm Trust. Zack first joined The Best of LKN podcast back in 2021 on episode 45. Since then, Carolina Farm Trust has grown from a team of two to more than twenty. In this episode, Zack brings us up to date on CFT’s progress with their urban farm developme...
Jun 27, 2024•35 min
Brown Bag Seafood Co. is a fast-casual seafood restaurant located in the heart of Birkdale Village. Founder Donna Lee joins the podcast to share the story of her entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind the Brown Bag Seafood concept. We wrote about Brown Bag Seafood Co. on the blog last year - click here to read the article. Brown Bag Seafood Co. | Birkdale Village 16915 Birkdale Commons Pkwy Suite C Huntersville, NC 28078 Recommended: Know What Matters by Ron Shaich Brene Brown Unlock...
Jun 25, 2024•44 min
Remedy is a fashion boutique in Cornelius featuring fine clothing for men and women along with fabulous accessories. Owner Ashley Marsh sits down with Jeff in this episode and shares the story behind Remedy, from the buildout of the shop in early 2020, to the evolution of the brand in 2023 and beyond. Enjoy getting to know the owner of one of Lake Norman’s best fashion boutiques! Remedy 19911 N Cove Rd Suite B Cornelius, NC 28031 Instagram: @shopremedylooks Special thanks to Proof Mens Grooming ...
Jun 21, 2024•32 min
Magnify Marketing is an agency based in Davidson, North Carolina that specializes in producing thumb-stopping content, creative media production, and applying next-level brand strategies for small businesses. Founder Amery Glenn joins the podcast to share the inspiration for launching her own agency. She also shares some great digital marketing tips and and advice for small business owners. As per usual, there is marketing G-O-L-D dropping from the ceiling over here at The Best of LKN. Enjoy the...
Jun 18, 2024•33 min
Ascend Health and Wellness is a premier sports, HRT, and medical weight loss practice in Mooresville, North Carolina. Founder Brandon Valent joins the podcast to share the inspiration behind Ascend Health and Wellness. Brandon has years of experience in the medical field including emergency, psychiatry, medical weight loss, and hormone therapy. Ascend Health & Wellness 136 Stutts Rd #4 Mooresville, NC 28117 (980) 250-0738 Books mentioned: Spark by Dr John J. Ratey Atomic Habits by James Clea...
Jun 14, 2024•33 min
Alair Lake Norman is a custom home builder and remodeling company based in Davidson, NC. Business partners David Bengston and Susan Violette join the podcast to share the inspiration behind the company and details about the scope of their home building and remodeling expertise. Before we close, David and Susan share some excellent advice for homeowners who are considering taking on a major home remodel in the future. Alair Homes Lake Norman Special thanks to Six Work Coworking The Best of LKN Po...
Jun 11, 2024•38 min
Robert Burns II is a highly acclaimed wedding & event photographer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. In this episode, Robert joins the podcast to share details about his journey in professional wedding photography. He also shares some great advice for couples planning their big day. Robert also shares the exciting announcement of his new publication: BRIDE Magazine! This E-zine was thoughtfully created for future brides and planning couples as a resource to help guide them on their journey...
Jun 07, 2024•48 min
Six Work Coworking is Lake Norman’s hottest new place to call your “work home.” Six Work offers numerous membership options, including private offices, social suites, dedicated desks, and affordable “flex” membership plans. Jeanette Crump is the Operations Director at Six Work, and she sits down with me in this episode to share the story behind Lake Norman’s most innovative coworking office. Six Work Coworking 17039 Kenton Dr Suite 200 Cornelius, NC 28031 (704) 703-2069 Produced by Epic Journey ...
Jun 04, 2024•29 min
Mattress Express is a locally owned mattress store serving the Lake Norman area with stores in Mooresville and Cornelius. Co-owner Neal Jackson joins the podcast to share the story behind the business. Listen in as Neal shares some great stories about his local business making a difference in the community. Neal also explains some of the important advantages consumers have when shopping for a new mattress locally. Mattress Express Mooresville: 973 River Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28817 Cornelius: 1960...
May 31, 2024•27 min
Mark Kale is the owner and President of Lake Norman Marina, the area’s largest family-owned marina on Lake Norman, North Carolina. In this episode, I sit down with Mark at Lake Norman Marina as he shares the history of one of Lake Norman’s oldest businesses. Established in 1974, Lake Norman Marina is Charlotte’s largest volume boat dealer. They carry Bennington Pontoons, Cobalt Boats, Malibu Wake Boats, and Axis Wake Research tow boats. In addition, the marina boasts a full service parts and ser...
May 23, 2024•32 min
