The Best of LKN

In this episode of the Best of LKN podcast, Dr. Sophia Dalabakis shares her journey as a physical therapist specializing in Parkinson's care. She discusses her background, education, and the importance of quality patient care.  Sophia highlights her work with the nonprofit Up Ending Parkinson's, which focuses on rock climbing as a therapeutic activity for patients. She expresses her pass...

In this episode of The Best of LKN podcast, Jeff interviews Lauren Hopkins, founder of Your Italian Passport.  Lauren shares her unique journey from being a prosecutor to starting her own business helping individuals obtain Italian dual citizenship. She discusses the challenges she faced in navigating the complex citizenship process, the importance of referrals in her business, and the recent chan...

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Erica Tetuan, the owner of SugaringLA - Lake Norman! SugaringLA is an innovative hair removal salon. The products at sugaringLA are plant-based, free of harmful chemicals, and packed with benefits such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. The team selects products with individually listed ingredients, ensuring clients know exactly what...

In this episode of the Best of LKN podcast, Jeff interviews Julia Kramer, founder of Kangaroo Cozies, a business dedicated to providing comfortable and well-fitting clothing for NICU babies.  Julia shares her personal journey, including her family's experience in the NICU and how it inspired her to create a line of clothing that meets the unique needs of premature infants. The conversation al...

In this engaging conversation, Kayla Logue and Benjamin Knight, the owners of JETSET Pilates, share their personal journeys and the unique offerings of their Pilates studio. They discuss the transformative power of Pilates and the importance of community.  The conversation highlights the quality and differentiation of JETSET Pilates in the competitive fitness market, emphasizing the benefits of Pi...

In this episode, Kathleen O'Day, founder and principal attorney of O'Day Law, shares her journey from a finance background to becoming an estate planning attorney. She discusses the importance of comprehensive estate planning, including special needs trusts and pet trusts, and emphasizes the need for families to prepare for the unexpected.  Kathleen also highlights her commitment to prov...

In this conversation, Jeff interviews MK Holmes, the campaign development manager for the Light the Night campaign with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). They discuss MK's background, her journey to LLS, and the impactful work the organization does in the community, particularly through events like Light the Night and the Pickleball for a Purpose tournament.  MK shares insights into...

In this episode, Robert McCrary, owner of The Egg Cafe in Davidson, shares his journey from acting to entrepreneurship, detailing the challenges and triumphs of running a restaurant.  He discusses the concept behind The Egg, the recent relocation due to lease issues, and the importance of community engagement.  Rob also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for pa...

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 c...

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...

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 communit...

In this episode, Jeff welcomes back TJ Todd, founder of Studio490, to discuss the critical aspects of digital marketing, particularly focusing on local SEO. They explore the importance of maintaining a Google Business Profile, effective on-page SEO strategies, the challenges of content creation, and the emerging trend of zero-click searches.  The conversation emphasizes the need for consistency in...

In this episode of The Best of LKN, Jeff interviews Danyell Suter, owner of Groomed Salons and The Bar at Groomed.  Danyell shares her unique journey from a legal career to the world of hairdressing, highlighting the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.  She discusses the elevated experience offered at Groomed And their unique bar concept. GROOMED - Mooresville 294 W Plaza Dr A1 Mooresville...

In this episode of The Best of LKN podcast, Jeff interviews Dr. Kenesha Kirkland and Dr. Christopher Messitt from Atrium Health Concierge Care in Cornelius. They discuss the innovative concierge care model, which allows for a more personalized and accessible healthcare experience.  The conversation covers the inspiration behind the practice and the holistic approach to patient care that emphasizes...

In this episode of The Best of LKN, Tiffany Roberts discusses her new business, Walk Thru Plans Charlotte, which offers innovative visualization technology for home building and renovation.  Tiffany shares her journey from Michigan to Lake Norman, her passion for boating, and how she discovered the potential of walkthrough technology.  The conversation explores the benefits of this technology for...

In this episode, Jenn Bass, the executive director of Girls on the Run Greater Piedmont, shares her journey and the mission of the organization.  Girls on the Run aims to inspire girls to be healthy, confident, and joyful through a fun, evidence-based curriculum that integrates running and physical activity.  The conversation highlights the importance of community involvement, volunteer opportunit...

In this episode of The Best of LKN, we meet Erin Clark, the owner of The Garden Room in Mooresville. Erin shares her journey from various cities across the U.S. to settling in Mooresville, where she opened her outdoor furniture store.  She discusses the inspiration behind The Garden Room, the types of products they offer, and the community events they host.  Erin also reflects on the challenges of...

In this episode of The Best of LKN podcast, host Jeff Hamm interviews Jason Sanford, the founder of Float Apps, which helps users navigate lakes across the United States.  Jason shares his background, the inspiration behind Float Apps, its features, community feedback, and future plans for expansion.  The conversation also touches on the challenges of app development and the importance of business...

In this conversation, Dr. Anthony Frasca, the Founder and CEO of Zen Psychiatric, shares his journey into psychiatry and the establishment of his practice. He discusses his background, the importance of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), and the challenges he faced in building Zen Psychiatric, which aims to provide innovative mental health care. Dr. Frasca also highlights the challenges he faced...

Hasan Ahad is the Director of Player Development at the Carolina Factory, and he’s the founder of Hasan’s Hoops.  In this episode, Hasan and I talk about his journey from playing basketball to coaching. We explore Hasan's training philosophy, the various programs offered at Hasan's Hoops, and the impact of sports on youth development.  The conversation highlights the importance of mentor...

In this podcast episode, Brooke Dolen shares her journey from West Virginia to the North Carolina High Country, discussing her real estate career and the opportunities available in the area.  The conversation explores the High Country community, including Banner Elk, Boone, and more. Brooke also discusses the area’s investment potential, and the importance of supporting local businesses.  We also...

In this episode, Danielle Benham shares her journey into health and wellness, highlighting her experiences that led her to start her practice in functional nutrition and thermography.  She discusses the importance of thermography as a non-invasive tool for monitoring health, its applications beyond breast health, and how nutrition plays a crucial role in managing inflammation and overall well-bein...

This podcast episode features Kara Perrault, General Manager of Snooze Mattress Company in Cornelius, discussing the family-owned business that her parents recently opened.  Kara, who grew up in Concord and studied Criminal Justice at Liberty University, explains that Snooze differentiates itself in the "tired" mattress industry by focusing on educating customers about deep restorative s...

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Kas Matos, owner of The Coffee Shop and Twiggs in downtown Cornelius, NC. Kas shares his journey from growing up in Georgia to becoming a serial entrepreneur, creating unique spaces that serve and energize the community. We explore the evolution of his original concept, Thigs, a cozy cocktail bar that transformed into The Coffee Shop, a beautifully designed, mo...

In this episode, Jeff heads to the heart of Troutman, North Carolina for a visit to Davesté Vineyards, the closest vineyard to Charlotte and a beloved destination for wine lovers and casual sippers alike.  He sits down with Meg Tipton, Winemaker, and Kevin Toomajian, General Manager, to explore the story behind this hidden gem, from its humble beginnings to its exciting future. Meg shares her jour...