The Best of LKN

In this episode, Jeff interviews Tracy Frazier and Melea Lemon, co-founders of Ignite School of Real Estate. They discuss their backgrounds, inspirations for starting the school, and their commitment to providing a student-centric learning experience.  The conversation covers the importance of mentorship, the diverse backgrounds of their students, and the various courses offered at Ignite.  They a...

In this episode of The Best of LKN Podcast , Jeff sits down with Dr. Erin Wilbanks, a holistic dentist at Holistic Dental Centers in Cornelius, North Carolina. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Erin shares her journey from LSU to Lake Norman, how she discovered her passion for dentistry, and why she chose a holistic approach to oral health. Dr. Wilbanks explains what sets holistic dentistry...

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Stacy Hernandez, co-owner and project coordinator of Lake Norman Lawn Services, to talk about what it takes to build a thriving local landscaping company - and a life rooted in community. Stacy shares how she and her husband turned a side hustle into one of the Lake Norman area’s go-to names for lawn care, outdoor living, and hardscape design. From mowing and m...

Melissa and Eric Sanchez share their cross-country journey from California to New Jersey to North Carolina - and how hospitality and retail backgrounds shaped a real estate practice built on service, clear communication, and steady guidance.  They break down what relocation buyers really need, how to “level-set” expectations, and why Lake Norman’s lifestyle (boating, golf, pickleball, greenways, a...

Pat Helmandollar didn't plan to own a salon for three decades in Cornelius. After running successful salons in West Virginia for 15 years, she moved to Lake Norman to be closer to family. A serendipitous opportunity arose when Haircuttery wanted out of a Lake Norman location. That was October 1995. Savvy Salon and Day Spa became the area's first full-service day spa, offering hair, nails...

In this episode, Jeff sits down in an “undisclosed location” in Cornelius, NC - surrounded by Jaguar E-Types, a classic Mercedes cabriolet, an air-cooled Porsche 911 Targa, and… a rogue Ford Fairlane - to talk with Marc Corea, owner of MotorcarTrader.com.  They cover the emotional pull of classic cars, transparent selling, Lake Norman’s car culture, and why the E-Type might be the most rewarding (...

Skip the gas station, keep your boat full, and stop wasting man-hours on fuel runs.  In this episode, Pumped Up Fuel founder Dave Jacobus shares how his subscription fuel delivery service is changing daily life for Lake Norman homeowners, boaters, and commercial crews. We dig into the founder story, marine fueling logistics (hello, 300-ft hose), commercial ROI, and why convenience wins. Pumped Up...

In this episode of The Best of LKN Podcast , Jeff sits down with Roger Ketchum, owner-partner of Alair Homes Charlotte, and Jennifer Shaw, business developer for the company. Together, they share decades of experience in custom home building and renovations, offering practical insights for homeowners across the Lake Norman and Charlotte region. Alair Homes Charlotte -------------------------------...

Kathleen O’Day returns to the podcast—this time joined by her husband and business partner, Daniel—to share the story behind Orangetheory Fitness in Mooresville and Cornelius. Daniel talks about his journey from professional soccer to entrepreneurship, and how a simple gift led the couple to discover the Orangetheory concept. Together, they discuss what makes the workouts unique, how the studios s...

Courtney Nilsen, founder of Carolina Roots Marketing, shares how her journey from UNC journalism and sports marketing eventually led her back home to Lake Norman. Along the way she worked in the NBA, NASCAR, and even ran an online boutique before deciding to start her own agency. She talks about the struggle many small business owners face—trying to do everything themselves—and how handing off mar...

Case Warnemunde shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur in Cornelius, discussing his various ventures and the origins of the ‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival.  He highlights the festival's growth, community involvement, and the exciting plans for this year's event, emphasizing the importance of local support and partnerships in making it a success. 2025 ‘Tawba Walk Arts & Mu...

In this conversation, AJ Taddonio, founder of Accelerated Deliveries, shares his entrepreneurial journey, detailing the evolution of his business from furniture delivery to a nonprofit initiative called Deliver Purpose.  He discusses the challenges and rewards of running a small business in the Lake Norman area, the importance of community engagement, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrep...

In this episode of The Best of LKN , Jeff sits down with Ryan from CR3 American Exteriors to discuss his journey from Pittsburgh to Lake Norman, his career in construction and home building, and his leap into entrepreneurship.  Ryan shares why he chose to partner with CR3, the importance of strong processes, and how his team serves homeowners across the Lake Norman area. CR3 American Exteriors  In...

In this podcast episode, Jeff interviews Mike Wolf, the Recreation Superintendent of the Town of Cornelius Parks and Recreation Department.  They discuss various upcoming community events, including the 25th All-American Dog Show, fall activities, and new developments such as pickleball and tennis courts.  Mike shares insights into the importance of community engagement and local partnerships, hig...

Natalie and Ken Wood, founders of Natalie Wood Designs, share their journey of relocating to Mooresville, North Carolina, and the inspiration behind their jewelry and boutique business.  They discuss their commitment to quality, community, and the unique shopping experience they aim to create with their new flagship store, which will offer a range of products including jewelry, apparel, and home d...

In this episode of The Best of LKN, Jeff sits down with Brandi Jones, Executive Director of Angels and Sparrows, a nonprofit serving families in the Lake Norman area. Brandi shares her journey from juvenile justice work and YMCA community impact programs to leading Angels and Sparrows, where her passion for justice and helping families in need continues to shine. Angels & Sparrows 15016 N Old...

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In this episode of The Best of LKN Podcast, Jeff sits down with Stacy, co-founder of OptiHealth Lake Norman. Stacy shares her journey from Wyoming to North Carolina, raising nine children—six through adoption—and how personal experiences with autoimmune disease and childhood trauma inspired the creation of OptiHealth. She explains how the practice integrates therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen, ne...

In this episode of The Best of LKN, Jeff sits down with Amy from The Christian Mission to spotlight the nonprofit’s 85 years of service in southern Iredell County. Amy shares her journey from ministry and development roles to leading impactful programs at the Mission.  Listeners will learn about the organization’s wide range of services—from crisis assistance, food pantry, and resource store to li...

In this episode of the Best of LKN podcast, Jeff interviews Mike Yarbrough, the founder of Rustic & Main, a unique jewelry business specializing in handmade rings.  Mike shares his journey from being a software developer to becoming an entrepreneur, detailing the inspiration behind Rustic & Main, the growth of the business, and the importance of community connections.  He also discusses th...

In this episode of The Best of LKN podcast, Jeff welcomes Ellen from Vine by Viridien, a new concept store focused on outdoor living spaces.  They discuss the importance of outdoor living, the products and services offered, and the design consultation process.  Ellen shares insights about community engagement through events and the unique lifestyle in the Lake Norman area.  The conversation also t...

In this episode of The Best of LKN, Jeff sits down with Ty Martin, a recent transplant to the Lake Norman area who has quickly immersed himself in the local community. Ty shares his background in commercial real estate, his move from the Northeast to Mooresville, and how he’s building a thriving career with Keller Williams Commercial. Beyond real estate, Ty introduces his passion project: Nightclu...

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Laura and John Tice, the husband-and-wife duo behind TICE Studios, a Lake Norman–based video, photography, and audio production company. They share their journey from musicianship and agency work to launching a full-service production studio that helps small businesses and nonprofits tell compelling stories. Tice Studios Books mentioned: Start With Why  by Simo...

In this episode of The Best of LKN , Jeff welcomes Katelyn Graham, founder and CEO of The Admin Effect, a Cornelius-based firm serving independent financial advisors nationwide. Katelyn shares her journey from broadcasting to financial services, and how a life-changing experience inspired her to launch her own agency. She explains how The Admin Effect supports advisors with virtual operations, tea...

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