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The Best of LKN

The Best of LKN

Epic Journey Media

Welcome to The Best of LKN podcast! Here you’ll find a collection of interviews with the owners of Lake Norman’s favorite businesses. Small business is the heart and soul of a community, and The Best of LKN is here to shine a spotlight on the small businesses that are making the biggest impact here in the Lake Norman region of North Carolina.In addition to featuring exceptional small business owners, we’ll also be interviewing the most influential professionals that serve the LKN community. From bankers and realtors, to teachers and coaches, we look forward to introducing you to the best Lake Norman has to offer!We hope you enjoy these episodes. Thank you for following 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.

In this episode, the hosts explore the journey of designing and constructing a luxurious waterfront home on Lake Norman:

“Pointe Place” - 8228 Bay Pointe Dr, Denver, NC 28037

They discuss the collaborative efforts of the design team, the challenges faced during the construction process, and the meticulous planning that went into creating a family-friendly and entertaining space.

The conversation highlights the importance of vision, detail, and adaptability in custom home building.

The guests also discuss the intricacies of designing a custom home, focusing on outdoor living spaces, kitchen technology, HVAC systems, material selection, and lessons learned from the building process.

They highlight the importance of thoughtful design and collaboration with various vendors to create a stunning and functional home.

Guests:

Jenny Pippin
Pippin Home Designs

Tracie Johnson
PTI Design

Brian McManus
Spivey Construction

Special thanks to:

Matt Sarver @ The Sarver Group
Keller Williams Realty Lake Norman

Watch a video tour of the Bay Pointe home! Click Here

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The Best of LKN
https://thebestoflkn.com/

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Real Estate Broker

Charlotte & Lake Norman (NC)

https://lknreal.com/

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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

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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.

Eyes Up - Lake Norman

Shoutouts to these local businesses and organizations:

Red Clay Athletics

Kindred Restaurant - Davidson - Featured in Episode 31 of the podcast!

Hello Sailor - Cornelius

Mbrace Studio - Featured in Episode 39 of the podcast!

Town of Davidson

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:

Typology Podcast

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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

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The Best of LKN - 241: Next Level Disaster Relief - Meet Andre Gagne
play

09/05/24 • 41 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 recent years.

Next Level Disaster Relief

Helpful links:

Donate and/or Volunteer
FEMA.gov

NC Dept. of Emergency Management

Legal Aid of NC

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The Best of LKN Podcast

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm
Allen Tate Realtors®
Charlotte & Lake Norman

LKNreal.com

Produced by:

Epic Journey Media

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In this episode, Jeff reconnects with Jenny Melrose to discuss how small business owners can stop trading their time for money by creating scalable digital products.

They explore the challenges of solopreneurship, the importance of repurposing content, and the tools available for creating digital products. Jenny shares her insights on lead magnets, building an email list, and the power of AI in content creation.

The conversation emphasizes the potential for small business owners to leverage their expertise and create income streams that work for them.

Jenny Melrose

Tools mentioned:

https://www.podia.com/

https://www.canva.com/

https://kit.com/

https://chatgpt.com/

www.claude.ai

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The Best of LKN
https://thebestoflkn.com/

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Real Estate Broker

Charlotte & Lake Norman (NC)

https://lknreal.com/

Support the show

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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

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"We love building spaces within our community that families can enjoy." ~Zack Whitt
Welcome Good Drip Coffee and owner Zack Whitt to the podcast! Husband, Dad, Pastor, Serial Entrepreneur, CrossFit coach - we have a lot to discuss in this interview! Zach shares some really valuable insights into what makes an entrepreneur successful. Beginning with his Why, and then the Who, followed by the What. Here are just a few of the topics we touch on: entrepreneurship, self care, spiritual health, mental health, diet and fitness, and a little insight into what a purpose-driven life looks like. This episode might be a mini masterclass, so take notes and enjoy!
From the Good Drip Coffee Facebook page:
"Good Drip Coffee is an ethically conscious coffee company featuring delicious kyoto-style cold brew and a pop-up bar on 108 S. Main Street in Davidson, NC. Good Drip strives to provide sustainably sourced coffees from a variety of roasters, converging the quality-driven values of third wave coffee with the casual coffee drinker. Good Coffee, No Excuses."
Location:
Good Drip Coffee Davidson
108 S. Main St. Suite C
Davidson, NC 28036
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gooddripcoffee/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gooddripcoffee/ @gooddripcoffee
Zack also serves as a pastor at CFA Church in Davidson: https://www.cfachurch.com/davidson
More about Zack's wife Jenna Whitt's business, Wander & Whisk Bakery:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wander-Whisk-256371411597653/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderandwhisknc/
More about Clean Eatz Lake Norman:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleaneatzlakenormannc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlakenorman/
Zack is also a member of CrossFit Cornelius, they were featured in episode 001 of this podcast:
https://crossfitcornelius.com/
Zack's Bonus Businesses - local small businesses he recognized in this interview:
Whit's Frozen Custard http://whitsdavidson.com/
Raeford's Barber Shop http://www.raefordbarbershop.com/
The Pickled Peach https://thepickledpeach.com/
Osito's Tacos & Tortas https://ositostacostortas.com/
Barrel & Fork Cornelius https://barrelandfork.com/
Zack's Reading Recommendations:
Getting to Yes, by Roger Fisher
Platform Revolution, by Parker, Van Alstyne, Choudary
The Rise and Fall of Movements, by Steve Addison
Extreme Ownership, by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, by Mark Manson
The Sabbath, by Abraham Joshua Heschel
And David Perceived He Was King, by Dale L. Mast
Follow The Best of LKN:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebestoflkn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_best_of_lkn/
www.thebestoflkn.com

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Simply2Moms is a highly successful website and blog that features DIY articles for home decor, travel, healthy food, entertaining at home, and of course Mom life. Anne and AnneMarie share the inspiration behind simply2moms.com and some really helpful tips for starting your own successful blog.

Simply2Moms.com
Shoutouts to these local businesses:

LKN Images
Jenny Melrose
Mi Amiche Italian Restaurant
Brawley School Ace Hardware
Aqua B Boutique
Josh’s Farmers Market
Hampton’s Mens Clothing
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

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The Best of LKN - 293: Morgan+Co Beauty Lounge - Meet Jodi Morgan
play

05/12/25 • 25 min

In this conversation, Jodi Morgan, owner of Morgan+Co Beauty Lounge, shares her journey from a passionate young girl in Ohio to a successful salon owner in Cornelius, North Carolina.

She discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of creating a unique client experience, and her commitment to fostering a positive team environment.

Jodi also highlights the significance of community engagement and her aspirations for future growth, including the potential to open a hair school.

morgan+co
18509 Statesville Rd Ste. B-01
Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 981-6770

Special mentions:

Andrew Morgan
Grow Real Estate

Ultimate Athlete

The Pink Boutique

Recommended Reading:

The E-Myth

by Michael Gerber

The Energy Bus
by Jon Gordon

EntreLeadership
by Dave Ramsey

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The Best of LKN
https://thebestoflkn.com/

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Real Estate Broker

Charlotte & Lake Norman (NC)

https://lknreal.com/

Support the show

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

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FAQ

How many episodes does The Best of LKN have?

The Best of LKN currently has 297 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 38 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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