The Best of LKN

In this episode I connect with Barry Kipp, the owner of Wrap It Today in Mooresville. Wrap It Today is a mobile shrink wrapping service that specializes in protecting valuable assets like boats, patio furniture, power equipment, and more. During our conversation, Barry shares how he came up with the idea for his business by chance while visiting family in New Jersey. Wrap It Today Special thanks t...

Spring is nearly here, and that means wedding season for a lot of local couples. In this episode, I sit down with the event planning team at Safe Harbor Peninsula Yacht Club to talk about what makes their venue such a special and unique spot for a wedding and reception. Safe Harbor Peninsula Yacht Club Call or Email Kayla: 704-892-9858 ext.6010 KTharrington@shmarinas.com Meet the Safe Harbor Penin...

In this episode, I sit down with Jim Vannelle, the owner of The Carolina Factory in Cornelius. The Carolina Factory is the Charlotte area’s premier athletic performance facility. It’s a first of its kind facility that develops customized training plans to take athletes to the next level of their sport. The Carolina Factory’s team of trainers and coaches have decades of experience working with athl...

In this episode, I sit down with Brandon Glover, the founder of Ivy Creek Landscapes - a landscape and outdoor living design firm based in Charlotte. Brandon and his team help homeowners spend more time outdoors with amazing yardscapes, pools, patios, and outdoor living spaces. Brandon shares the story of his entrepreneurial journey - a true starter story and a business that grew from very humble...

In this episode, I sit down with Rick Allen, one of the owners of The 500 Club - Lake Norman’s newest golf club and sports entertainment complex.  The 500 Club features a renovated golf course and an enormous new clubhouse with all sorts of dining and entertainment options.  The 500 Club 175 Club House Dr Statesville, NC 28677 (704) 872-9990 Click here to check out The 500 Club on our YouTube chan...

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Ellen Loncz, the owner of Hunter House & Gardens in Huntersville. Hunter House is a unique destination near the heart of downtown Huntersville. Hunter House features a fine dining experience, two distinctive bars with superb cocktail programs, and an event venue that caters to discerning guests. Ellen shares the story behind her acquisition of the property,...

Today I’m talking with Stacey Simms. Stacey is the founder of Diabetes Connections and the host of the Diabetes Connections Podcast. Stacey launched her diabetes podcast back in 2015 and has since launched a second podcast, Diabetes Type 2. She’s a published author, renowned speaker, and the organizer of Mom’s Night Out - an overnight conference for moms of children with diabetes. In this episode,...

Today I’m talking with the owner of G-Marketing, Gabrielle Chester. G-Marketing is a local digital marketing agency that specializes in social media marketing and other digital marketing and event planning services. In this episode, Gabrielle shares the inspiration behind forming her own agency and ways in which she and her team help small businesses with their social media. Stay with us until the...

Today I’m talking with the owner of Drybar in Birkdale Village, Jackie Paynter. From Drybar.com: “Named one of the top “100 Brilliant Ideas of 2010” by Entrepreneur Magazine and New York Magazine’s Boom Brands of 2013, Drybar is based on the simple concept of focusing on one thing and being the best at it. And the one thing that Drybar focuses on is Blowouts. The concept was founded by Alli Webb,...

In this episode, I’m talking to the founder of Epic Sports Marketing, a local company that specializes in organizing awesome local running races and triathlons. Zahid Buttar joins me to share the story behind his entrepreneurial journey, and the inspiration behind Epic Sports Marketing. Z’s journey is similar to that of many small business owners… a long and winding road, full of twists and turns,...

It’s my pleasure to introduce you to Kristen Phillips, the owner of Soul Wellness. Soul Wellness is a holistic center and a co-working space for holistic, medical, beauty, and therapeutic providers. The center is located in the Merino Mill complex and very close to downtown Mooresville. During our conversation, Kristen shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind leav...

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Martin Conway, the owner of Homewatch CareGivers of Mooresville and Charlotte. Just a few years ago, Martin left a successful corporate career in management to begin an entrepreneurial journey. During our conversation, Martin shares the powerful and inspirational “why” behind making this monumental decision. If you’ve only just stumbled upon The Best of LKN...

In this episode, I get the real honor of sitting down with Justin Dionne at the Cain Center for the Arts. Justin is the Executive Director at the Cain Center, and he shares the story of his journey AND the story behind the magnificent center in downtown Cornelius. We discuss the inspiration for the Cain Center and the multi-year process of turning such a grand vision into a reality. Justin also sh...

In this episode, I sit down with Liz Fackelman. Liz is the owner of Davidson Organizing, a local service business that creates order from chaos in your home or office. Liz shares the story of how she began her journey as a professional organizer after a career in engineering. She also shares details about the various services she offers. Here’s a hint: she offers some really interesting services!...

In this episode, I sit down with Wes and Faith Choplin, the owners of Choplin's restaurant in Cornelius. Choplin’s is an amazing restaurant that offers a premium dining experience. When it comes to entrepreneurial journeys, I think the stories behind some of our great local restaurants are my favorites. Lean in with me and listen to Wes and Faith as they share the story behind Choplin’s Resta...

In this episode, I sit down with Sydney Miller, the owner of The Nomadic Jeweler. The Nomadic Jeweler is a traveling boutique that specializes in permanent jewelry. During our conversation, Sydney shares the inspiration behind her business, and she gives a bunch of shoutouts to supportive local small businesses. The Nomadic Jeweler | Instagram Local business shoutouts: Birkdale Village Nina’s Bout...

In this episode, I sit down with Ayden Daubigne, the owner of Postmarked in Cornelius. Ayden shares the story of how he began his entrepreneurial journey in 2020, and how it led him to Cornelius, North Carolina. Postmarked is a truly special retail store in Cornelius. It’s well-known as a place to package and ship, as well as rent a mailbox. But, Postmarked is so much more - an amazing boutique sh...

In this episode, I sit down with Cristina Grossu to discuss her new book, Learning to Earn with Romanza Madge. Learning to Earn is the perfect book for the young reader that mixes earning money with funny life experiences. The book also illustrates money management skills easily and effortlessly through the fun and whimsical storyline. Cristina shares the inspiration behind writing the book and so...

Subscribe to Lake Norman’s #1 Weekly Email Newsletter - it’s free, and it’s good! In this episode, I sit down with Brett Junvik. Brett’s the founder of Anthem Film and is based in Mooresville, North Carolina. During our conversation, Brett shares the story of his journey in filmmaking and the inspiration behind Anthem Film. We also talk about Anthem Film Studio, an innovative space that Brett has...

Subscribe to Lake Norman’s #1 Weekly Email Newsletter - it’s free, and it’s good! In this episode, I sit down with Chef Bobby Davis, the owner of Osito’s Tacos & Tortas in Cornelius. Chef Bobby shares his background and the inspiration for Osito’s. We talk about what sets Osito’s apart from other local Mexican-inspired restaurants, and how he and the team survived opening the restaurant in the...

Subscribe to Lake Norman’s #1 Weekly Email Newsletter - it’s free, and it’s good. In this episode, I sit down with McKenzie Graham. McKenzie is the owner of Mooresville Oil & Propane, and also (and more importantly ) the head coach of the Lake Norman High School varsity girls basketball team. During our conversation, McKenzie shared the story of how her career brought her full circle to take o...

Subscribe to Lake Norman’s #1 Weekly Email Newsletter - it’s free, and it’s good. In this episode, I sit down with the owners of the Brawley Market and Car Wash, Steve Cochrane and Taylor Cochrane. Brawley Market and Car Wash was founded by Steve and Taylor’s Mom and Dad over a decade ago, and since then it has become the epitome of a family business. During our conversation, Steve and Taylor shar...

In this episode, I sit down with the founders of Wise Pest Solutions. Wise is a startup pest control company that serves the Lake Norman area and beyond.  The founders of the company bring decades of experience to the business and a sincere commitment to providing the very best customer service in the industry. Wise Pest Solutions Special thanks to our sponsors! Support the show

Subscribe to Lake Norman’s #1 Weekly Email Newsletter - it’s free, and it’s good. In this episode, I sit down with the founders of Girl Tribe Co. Sarah Baucom and Carrie Barker. The duo launched their highly successful women's boutique concept in Southend Charlotte in 2017 and recently expanded to Birkdale Village. Carrie and Sarah share the story behind their own entrepreneurial journeys and...

In this episode, I have the real honor of featuring an enormously respected local organization that is doing work that really matters in the Lake Norman and great Charlotte communities. WDAV is a non-commercial public radio station that broadcasts classical music and fine arts programming 24 hours a day. WDAV is a nonprofit that is licensed to Davidson College and is an NPR member station. Frank D...