The Best of Charlotte

In this episode, I sit down with the founders of Precision Office Solutions, Haris Delic and Chris Gonzalez.  Haris and Chris share the story of how they risked everything to launch their company during the pandemic, and how they’ve since grown that company to over 100 employees in 3 markets - with more markets on the way. Precision Office Solutions Shoutouts to these local businesses: H & H D...

In this episode, I sit down with Samantha Ward, the owner and Executive Pastry Chef at Wentworth & Fenn. Wentworth & Fenn is an all-scratch bakery specializing in custom cakes, pastries, and artisan bread. I joined Samantha at her Camp North End location and asked her to share the story behind her beautiful bakery. Sam takes us through her career in baking, which included some time at The...

In this episode, I sit down with Kristy Kuhl - she’s the co-owner of Ladies Lifestyle Network - a social organization that brings together women in business for nights out and networking. The Ladies Lifestyle Network is empowerment, entrepreneurial spirit, and entertainment all rolled into one. Kristy shares her own career journey and how she was inspired to ditch the corporate lifestyle for a cus...

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Taylor Calamese - she’s the founder of Charlotte FIT. Charlotte FIT is a local fitness company with locations in North Charlotte and South Charlotte. Charlotte FIT is a fitness company catering to the individual who desires a customized workout routine, an intimate environment, and community support to help them reach their health goals. Taylor shares the story...

In this episode, I’m going to be talking with Lauren Deese - the executive director of Charlotte Wine and Food week presented by Truist. Lauren shares the story of this annual event that brings together fine wine and dining experiences to benefit some very deserving local charities. Charlotte Wine & Food Week 2023 beneficiaries: The Learning Collaborative Augustine Literacy Project - Charlotte...

Heather Ison is the founder and principal at Heather Ison Photography, an interior design photographer that specializes in working with talented interior designers to showcase the passion and hard work that goes into each one of their designs. Heather Ison Photography Resources mentioned: The Grove Stephen Karlisch Photography Local small business shoutouts: Kendra Surface Kelly Brock Co. Local no...

I’m honored to be joined in this episode by Keva Walton, the Chief Executive Officer of the Mecklenburg County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Mr. Walton brings decades of leadership experience to the Mecklenburg ABC Board, including leadership roles with organizations like the City of Charlotte, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, Goodwill Industries, the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, and the Charl...

I’m honored to be joined in this episode by Brittney Bogues, the founder of Bogues Group, a Charlotte-based consulting agency specializing in PR and strategic communications, marketing, branding, and event planning for businesses and companies of all sizes, as well as nonprofits. Brittney shares with us the story of her entrepreneurial journey, and how some early challenges in her career gave her...

I’m really honored to be joined by Cristina Rojas-Agurcia in this episode. Cristina is known as The Batchmaker and she’s the owner of one of the most adored small businesses in the Queen City.  I met with Cristina at the Batch House, the home of her bakery on the West Side of Charlotte in Station West. We talked about her journey in baking and the story behind building her first brick-and-mortar b...

Welcome to the 2023 season of The Best of Charlotte Podcast!  I’m thrilled to be joined in this episode by Michelle Jones, the founder, and principal at Michelle Jones Creative.  Michelle Jones Creative is a Charlotte, NC web design studio specializing in smart & stylish website design tailor-made for businesses just like yours. M|J Creative partners with clients to develop an extremely effect...

In this episode, I’m featuring a team that could arguably be the greatest collection of talent I’ve had on the podcast in a single episode. Hot Sakē was introduced to me by a previous guest on the podcast, Jamie Boiter - CEO of Boltgroup - a highly successful design innovation firm based right here in Charlotte. Founded in 2004 by composer/sound designer Jason Hausman, Hot Sakē is an award-winning...

In this episode of The Best of Charlotte podcast, we’re featuring a conversation with the founders of one of the most significant nonprofit organizations in the Queen City.  The founders of Charlotte is Creative, Tim Miner and Matt Olin, have been championing Charlotte’s creativity since 2015. Tim and Matt share with me the story of the early days with Creative Mornings, the current creative cultu...

We have a great conversation lined up for you in this episode. Charlotte Star Room is a music development studio that offers programs for singers, songwriters, and producers who are interested in exploring their talents and maximizing their exposure.  Charlotte Star Room is also a full-service video production company. The team provides professional video production services for all types of comme...

Kimmery Martin is an emergency medicine doctor-turned novelist whose works of medical fiction have been praised by The Harvard Crimson, Southern Living, The New York Times, and People magazine, among others. A lifelong literary nerd, she promotes reading, interviews authors, and teaches writing seminars, speaking frequently at libraries, conferences, and bookstores around the United States. Kimmer...

Hello friends, and welcome back to The Best of Charlotte podcast. I’m really excited to bring you this episode. As you know by now, we do love to feature local nonprofits here on the podcast, and one of my all-time favorites is the Humane Society of Charlotte.  The Humane Society of Charlotte believes in working to improve our community by creating new, loving families, and building a world where...

Jossie Lukacik is the founder of Sweet Spot Studio in Charlotte, one of the craftiest and most creative concepts we’ve had the pleasure of featuring on the podcast. Jossie was introduced to me by a real friend of this podcast, who will be named in the episode, and I’m so glad she was.  As per usual, we spend much of our time in this episode sharing the story of Jossie’s entrepreneurial journey. Bu...

Hello friends, welcome back to The Best of Charlotte podcast. I have to say that I’m really honored to be featuring the U.S. Women’s National Field Hockey Team on the podcast. The team recently relocated their headquarters to Charlotte and will be training here full-time for their upcoming international competitions.  Queens University Sports Complex is the home for U.S. Women’s Field Hockey. The...

In this episode, I sit down with Jamey Boiter, the Principle and CEO at BOLTGROUP - a design innovation firm that has been helping companies build better brands for 35 years. Jamey shares the story of his journey as a Graphic Designer and Brand Strategist, and how a company’s brand means so much more than a logo. Much of our discussion revolves around what Jamey refers to as a “brand ecosystem.” H...

It’s episode 36 and we’re featuring Around the Crown 10K and a conversation with the co-founder and race director Brian Mister.  Brian shares how the inspiration for the annual running event came to him a few years back. We talk a lot about the running community in Charlotte and the volunteers and sponsors that so generously contribute their time and resources to the event. We also discuss how sev...

In this episode, I head back to Southend Charlotte to sit down with the co-founder and head brewer at Wooden Robot Brewery, Dan Wade. Dan shares a bit about his background and the inspiration for launching a career in craft beer. We talk about his engineering background, and his travels to Scotland to receive a masters degree in brewing and distilling. Dan also details the commitment that he and h...

The guests in this episode are founders of one of the hottest fitness studios in Charlotte. Sweat Method is Charlotte’s first 30-minute group fitness studio. Their mission is simple: grow the fitness community through music, and a well-rounded approach to strength, cardio, and core training. Founders Halle Hillman and Justin Gordon join me to share the Sweat Method story, and their own entrepreneu...

Hey friends, welcome back to The Best of Charlotte podcast. Before I roll this interview, I just have to say once again how great it has been to finally be able to get back to connecting with our guests in person. This is the third in-person interview for the Charlotte podcast since spending 14 months recording via Zoom meetings. It’s a great feeling to be able to visit our guests at their offices...

In this episode, we ‘re featuring a conversation with the team behind Recess - a company that’s building a flexible workspace community here in Charlotte, NC. Recess aims to help local restaurants and breweries utilize their dining and tap rooms during off business hours by creating unique co-working spaces for their members.  The startup began with Wooden Robot Brewery in Spring of 2021, and has...

In episode 31,  I have lined up for you a conversation with two executives at Luquire - a highly successful digital advertising and PR firm based here in Charlotte. Senior Vice President and Director of Client Service, Brooks Luquire, and Chief Creative Officer Glen Hilzinger join me to discuss Luquire’s recent rebranding process, (which by the way, involved a little help from Luke Kuechly). We al...

In this episode of the Best of Charlotte, I’m finally featuring a local Charlotte craft brewery. The founders of Resident Culture Brewing Company in Plaza Midwood join me to share the story of their company, as well as some exciting future plans that are currently in the works. Before I roll the recording, I want to let you know that we did have some minor audio difficulties. The owners were joini...