The Best of LKN
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Top 10 The Best of LKN Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Best of LKN episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Best of LKN for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Best of LKN episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
03/03/22 • 69 min
In this episode, I sit down with Adam Bratton, the founder of MJ Bratton - a strategic business and marketing agency - and Human Powered Movement, an organization with a mission to facilitate greater human-powered experiences in all of us.
Adam and I talk at length about his entrepreneurial journey and the path that led to opening his own marketing & consulting agency in 2019. Adam shares his thoughts on the value of longer-term plays in marketing, as well as the importance of consistent and authentic branding.
We talk a lot about local environmental initiatives that Adam is very passionate about, much of which revolves around the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation. There will be references to several local brands that you’ll surely recognize, and be sure to stay to the end as we wrap up with some shoutouts to some of Adam’s favorite local small businesses and nonprofits.
We cover so much in this episode, so let’s go ahead and get stuck right into my conversation with the founder of Human Powered Movement and MJ Bratton consulting, Adam Bratton.
Local businesses discussed in this episode:
Summit Coffee | Davidson, NC
Davidson Provision Company | Davidson, NC
Boomerang Water | Davidson, NC
Jon Beyerle | On Camber Creative
Blackberry Ridge Farm | Huntersville, NC
Nonprofits recognized in this episode:
U.S. National Whitewater Center | Charlotte, NC
Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation | Charlotte, NC
Advertise with The Best of LKN! Click Here for info.
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Special thanks to our sponsors:
Sodoma Law North
Blumengärten Florist
Clean Eatz Cafes - Lake Norman
Juelerye Fine Gifts & Art
12/09/21 • 44 min
In this episode, we’re featuring a conversation with one of our favorite non-profit organizations - Lake Norman Humane.
Lake Norman Humane rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes companion animals. Their vision is of a community where pets are safe and healthy in loving homes. Lake Norman Humane works to keep families and their beloved pets together whenever possible through an array of programs and services. They facilitate the adoption of nearly 800 pets every year into loving, forever homes. To help reduce the pet overpopulation problem, they partner with clinics and area veterinarians to offer affordable and accessible spay/neuter services.
The Executive Director for Lake Norman Humane, Jason Hayes, joins me for this episode. Jason shares the story of how he became involved with animal welfare organizations after the adoption of a puppy some years ago. That adoption and a volunteering experience that followed would set Jason’s career on a totally new path working with nonprofits whose missions are to make sure healthy, adoptable dogs and cats are given the chance to live meaningful lives with loving families.
Jason and I both recognize several friends of Lake Norman Humane during this conversation. Stay with us until the end of the episode where I’ll summarize for you those friends and local businesses that are helping Lake Norman Humane and providing much-needed support for the work they’re doing there. I’ll also have all the links in the show notes for this episode on our website at: www.thebestoflkn.com.
For now, lean in and get to know Jason Hayes, Executive Director at Lake Norman Humane.
Lake Norman Humane
2106 Charlotte Hwy.
Mooresville, NC 28117
704-663-3330
Lake Norman Humane - Amazon Wishlist
Local businesses recognized in this episode:
Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
(meet owner Robin Smith Salzman in Episode 55 of the podcast)
Hoptown Brewing
Lake Norman Transportation
Mooresville Ford
On Tap Pub - Mooresville
Special thanks to:
Brawley Animal Hospital
Denver Animal Hospital
Troutman Animal Hospital
Carolina Veterinary Specialists - Huntersville
Nonprofits mentioned in this episode:
The Humane Society of Charlotte
Charleston Animal Society
Pilots & Paws
073: LKN Images - Meet Kathleen and Ed Martin
The Best of LKN
09/16/21 • 47 min
In this episode, I’m really excited to bring you a conversation with the owners of LKN Images, Kathleen and Ed Martin. Kathleen is a top photographer in the Lake Norman and Charlotte metro areas. Her areas of expertise include high school senior photos, as well as family, sports, dance, and business photography. Her husband Ed joined the small business a few years back after selling his company to support Kathleen on the tech side and manage the back end of the business.
Kathleen and Ed share the windy road of their entrepreneurial journey, and the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the photography business. They also share details about their participation in the “Front Step Project,” a photographic initiative that raised money for food banks. Their participation in the project alone raised $55,000 for the nonprofit Feed NC.
Finally, Kathleen and Ed give a few shoutouts to a few of their favorite local Lake Norman small businesses and offer some great advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
It’s a very photogenic episode 73 of Lake Norman’s #1 small business podcast. Thanks for joining us, enjoy getting to know Kathleen and Ed Martin, owners of LKN Images.
Mooresville, North Carolina
Lake Norman small businesses recognized in this episode:
Four Corners Framing and Gallery
Metrographics Printing Charlotte
Other resources:
070: Eyes Up Lake Norman - Meet Founder and Coach Chad Macy
The Best of LKN
08/24/21 • 30 min
In this episode we’re featuring an organization that was started during the pandemic, and has been recognized by several of our esteemed guests here on the podcast. Chad Macy has merged his lifetime love for sports and fitness with a deep passion for helping kids work toward a life that is balanced. “Let’s get moving!” is the motto for Chad and his team, and Chad’s concept has grown exponentially over the past 12 months, reaching kids from all walks of life and fitness abilities.
Chad was first recommended to me by Katy Kindred, co-owner of Kindred Restaurant and Hello Sailor, back in episode 31 of the podcast. More recently in episode 39, Andrea and Diana, the co-founders of Mbrace Studio recognized Chad and Eyes Up as a great partner in the local fitness community.
And now, in episode 70, it’s my honor to be joined by Chad Macy to share the story of Eyes Up Lake Norman. Thanks for joining us friends, enjoy the episode.
Shoutouts to these local businesses and organizations:
Kindred Restaurant - Davidson - Featured in Episode 31 of the podcast!
Mbrace Studio - Featured in Episode 39 of the podcast!
Burn Boot Camp - Mooresville
Lowe's YMCA - Mooresville
Wade Associates
Lost Worlds Brewing Co. - Featured in Episode 48 of the podcast!
CrossFit Cornelius - Featured in the very first episode back in May 2020!
Podcast recommended:
048: Lost Worlds Brewing Co. - Meet Founder Dave Hamme
The Best of LKN
03/10/21 • 50 min
Long time listeners of the podcast will be familiar with my fondness for craft beer, so it will come as no surprise that I’m featuring another great local craft brewery in this episode. Dave Hamme, the founder of Lost Worlds Crewing Company in Cornelius joins me to share the story behind the brewery.
We actually cover a lot of territory in this conversation - the inspiration behind the Lost Worlds brand, the experience of opening a new brewery in March of 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic here in the U.S., how Dave and his team were able to adapt and thrive in their first year - that part Dave sums up with one of the best Matthew McConaughey quotes of all time. We also discuss the partnerships Lost Worlds has forged with some of our favorite local nonprofit organizations, as well as working with local businesses to better serve the guests at the brewery.
Speaking of working with local businesses, Dave highlights the generosity and camaraderie shared with other local craft breweries - favoring collaboration over competition, an amazing mindset that seems to be unique to the craft beer industry.
Lost Worlds Brewing Company
https://www.lostworldsbeer.com/
19700-D One Norman Blvd.
Cornelius, NC 28031
Local businesses mentioned in this episode:
Matt’s Chicago Dog
Nonprofits:
Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center
Carolina Big Hearts Big Barks Rescue
American Foreign Academic Research
Books:
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
The Complete Joy of Homebrewing
The Art of Winning by Dennis Conner
07/07/20 • 28 min
Welcome to episode 10! Jen Brule joins us this week for an interview. She owns Davidson Ice House in Davidson, North Carolina. Jen shares a bit about her entrepreneurial journey and details about her lovely restaurant in beautiful Davidson.
Enjoy!
From the Davidson Ice House website:
OUR FOOD
We use classic French techniques mixed with a bit of southern flair to elicit the best flavors from our fresh, healthy and delicious ingredients. SALAD, RICE AND GRAIN BOWLS, BURGERS, SANDWICHES, FRIED AND BUFFALO CHICKEN BOXES. There is something for everyone at the Davidson Ice House, including GF and Vegan options-WE GOT YOU!
And don’t forget the BEER and WINE!
OUR SPACE
At Davidson Ice House, we're combining old and new. Our family owned and operated restaurant is located in the quaint college town of Davidson, NC, in what was once the town's ice house. Built in 1922, the building is packed full of historic charm, from exposed brick walls, to steel girder beams, to the original wide pine floors. We celebrate the history of this gracious property!
CHEF JEN BRULÉ
I’m a classically trained chef spending the first half of my career developing recipes for national magazines, like Cooking Light, Shape, Fitness and lots of newspapers (remember those?) About ten years ago, when my family repatriated to the US, I became the on-air chef for the Carolina's largest NBC affiliate, WCNC. I’ve written two cookbooks, Learn to Cook 25 Southern Classics 3 Ways and The New Vegetarian South, both published by UNC Press. In the fall of 2019, I was one of only six chefs chosen from around the country to compete on Food Network’s Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge— that was a thrill!
Helpful links:
Web: https://www.davidsonicehouse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidsonicehouse/
Instagram: @davidsonicehouse
Location:
416 South Main Street
Davidson, NC 28036
12/23/21 • 35 min
Welcome back to the podcast. I really do feel lucky to have had so many really great guests on the podcast over the past year and a half, all of our guests are special. Now, having said that, let me just say that I have a real treat for you in this episode. Our guest first joined us back in the Fall of 2020 for The Best of Charlotte podcast - our sister production featuring conversations with founders, CEO’s, influencers, and nonprofits based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
I recently invited her to join us here on The Best of LKN because, well, as you’ll soon learn, she has worked with some of the most recognizable and influential names in the Lake Norman area. She is a wonderful guest, so much fun, supremely talented, and we are so lucky to feature her here on the podcast.
Now, who’s our guest in this episode? Well, her name is Ivy Robinson, and she is Charlotte’s superstar wedding planner! Talented, dynamic, energetic - Ivy is an event planning genius that has been commissioned by some of the most discerning Charlotte and Lake Norman area couples, families, and companies to bring their most important events to life.
During our conversation, Ivy shares how she landed in the event planning industry accidentally while pursuing a career in broadcast communications. We talk a bit about the challenges of planning events during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how 2021 has become a fast and furious year for the industry.
Ivy gives a few local small business shoutouts, and of course, I inquire about some of those big local Lake Norman names for whom she’s planned weddings. You’re going to recognize those names, along with one really beautiful nonprofit charity event held in an airplane hangar in Statesville.
Welcome to episode 86. Enjoy getting to know Charlotte and Lake Norman’s superstar wedding planner, Ivy Robinson!
Ivy Robinson Events
Charlotte and Lake Norman Wedding Planner
Have a listen to Ivy's 2020 interview over at The Best of Charlotte podcast!
Local small businesses and organizations mentioned in this episode:
Sherry Pollex
Martin Truex, Jr.
Birkdale Village
Idolize Spa Huntersville
Jami Svay
Thanks to our sponsors:
Sodoma Law North
Blumengärten
133: Buttercup Bride in Mooresville - Meet Cassandra Wood
The Best of LKN
10/13/22 • 34 min
In this episode, I sit down with Cassandra Wood. She is the owner and creator of Buttercup Bride in Mooresville - one of Lake Norman’s premier bridal boutiques. Cassandra shares the story of her small business journey and the inspiration behind her beautiful small business. Cassandra also shares some advice for future brides when it comes to selecting their special gowns, and she also shares a little bit of advice for aspiring small business owners.
Buttercup Bride
Businesses mentioned in this episode:
Blumengarten Florist
Jones Sow and Sew
The Passion Pour
The Rafters at Historic St. Mark’s
Special thanks to Jillian Mason
Buttercup Bride was featured in our Best Bridal Boutiques article.
Find the Best Wedding Venues around Lake Norman HERE
Sign up for The Best of LKN Email Newsletter HERE!
Partner with The Best of LKN and Grow Your Business! Click HERE to learn more!
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Sodoma Law North
Blumengärten Florist
Clean Eatz Cafes - Lake Norman
Juelerye Fine Gifts & Art
Refresh Medical Spa
Eleven Lakes Brewing Co.
SoundVision
John Hassell - Farm Bureau Insurance
Hoffman Lending Team
The Sarver Group - Keller Williams Realty
LKN Images
Schwinn CPA PLLC
04/01/21 • 57 min
In this episode, we’re featuring Davidson Lands Conservancy - a local nonprofit that focuses on preserving the area’s most important natural assets for future generations. The organization’s executive director, Dave Cable, joins us to share the story of what he describes as a calling to pursue a career in the preservation of natural resources. From the stewardship of important natural resources in and around Davidson, to promoting community engagement through such programs as urban forestry and tree-planting initiatives, the Davidson Lands Conservancy is committed to helping balance Davidson’s precious ecosystems.
Special thanks to:
Bartlett Tree Experts - Davidson
Charlotte Ear Nose and Throat Associates
Total Bond Veterinary Hospitals
Books recommended:
The Hidden Life of Trees
By Peter Wohlleben
A Natural History of North American Trees
By Donald C. Peattie
10/18/24 • 34 min
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 Factory
Join the team for these special events:
Sunday, Oct. 27th - Pickleball Tournament benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Saturday, Nov. 9th - Middle School Mayhem 3v3 Tourney 5th-8th Grade
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The Best of LKN
https://thebestoflkn.com/
Hosted by:
Jeff Hamm
Allen Tate Realtors®
Charlotte & Lake Norman (NC)
Produced by Epic Journey Media
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Best of LKN have?
The Best of LKN currently has 252 episodes available.
What topics does The Best of LKN cover?
The podcast is about Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Marketing, Real Estate, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Podcasts, Small Business, Business and Nascar.
What is the most popular episode on The Best of LKN?
The episode title '198: Ivy Creek Landscapes - Meet Brandon Glover' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Best of LKN?
The average episode length on The Best of LKN is 39 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Best of LKN released?
Episodes of The Best of LKN are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of The Best of LKN?
The first episode of The Best of LKN was released on May 2, 2020.
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