The Best of LKN

In this episode, I sit down with Elliot Mabe, the General Manager at Clutch Studios. Clutch Studios is Charlotte’s premier studio for video, film, photography, and events. Elliot shares the story of how Clutch Studios was formed and the important role a creative production studio can play in the growth of any sized business. Clutch Studios Other organizations mentioned in this episode: Joey Logano...

In this episode, I get together with the marketing team at North American properties to discuss Birkdale Village. Cayley Mullen, VP of Marketing with North American Properties, and Maureen Smith, the Marketing Manager at Birkdale Village, join me to share the details of how North American Properties has reimagined the Birkdale Village experience.  Birkdale Village | 8712 Lindholm Dr #202, Huntersv...

In this episode, I sit down with Adam O’Hare, the owner and general manager at Luxury Auto Company in Cornelius. Adam shares the story of his entrepreneurial journey and how he’s living the car guy dream.  Luxury Auto Company IG: @luxuryautocompany & @luxuryautoco_adam     Shoutouts to these local businesses: Suds N’ Shine Car Wash - Cornelius Auto Arsenal Vehicle Wraps - Cornelius Sign up for...

In this episode, I sit down with Jamie McNeilis, the owner of Centerpiece Home Staging in Cornelius. Jamie shares the story of her small business journey and how she became the founder of one of the premier home staging companies in our area.  Also joining us is Tina Crockett. Tina joined Centerpiece Home Staging last year after a 25-year career in the finance industry. Tina shares the story of wh...

In this episode, I sit down with Leslie Murphy, the owner, and practitioner at Balanced Health Acupuncture in Cornelius. Leslie has helped hundreds of patients reclaim their health with acupuncture. In this conversation, Leslie shares the story of how she was introduced to acupuncture years ago, and why she decided to open her own practice here in the Lake Norman area. Balanced Health Acupuncture...

In this episode, I sit down with Bob Schwinn, the principal at Schwinn CPA (PLLC), an accounting firm in Cornelius that specialized in assisting small businesses with their accounting, bookkeeping, and tax preparation needs. Bob shares a checklist to help guide you in the formation for starting a business in North Carolina, as well as some information on potentially lucrative tax incentives for sm...

In this episode, I sit down with Matt and Britt Sarver, the leaders at The Sarver Group powered by Keller Williams Realty Lake Norman. Matt and Britt share the story of their careers in real estate and the inspiration behind forming their amazing team of real estate professionals. They are at the top of the Lake Norman real estate market and tracking over $100-million in real estate transactions f...

In this episode of The Best of LKN podcast, I sit down with Anna Braksick, the owner of the FIT4MOM Lake Norman affiliate. FIT4MOM is a fitness concept that provides prenatal and postnatal fitness programming and connects members with a network of moms to support every stage of motherhood. FIT4MOM Lake Norman Shoutouts: Cara Cremeans - Northwestern Mutual Lake Norman AR Workshop - Davidson Movemen...

Joining us for this episode is the Executive Director for Girls on the Run Greater Piedmont, Alison Ahrens. Listen in as Alison shares the great work she and her team are doing for girls in the Lake Norman area and beyond. Girls on the Run Greater Piedmont Girls on the Run Upcoming events: The 5th Annual Sneaker Soiree Lakefront Hops Fest Girls on the Run Fall Season Celebratory 5k Shoutouts to th...

The founders of Activ Fitness in Huntersville join The Best of LKN podcast in this episode. It goes without saying that the two most competitive small business categories (that aren’t technically professional services) are food and fitness. Whether strictly digital, brick & mortar, or a combination of the two, competition in these two categories is fierce. They also happen to be two of our fav...

In this episode, I sit down with Andrea Gravina, the owner of King Canary Brewing Company in Mooresville. Andrea shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind the brewing company. Also joining us is Joe Hillard, the head brewer at King Canary. Joe shares his background and the inspiration behind pursuing a career in craft beer. This episode is all about craft beer, com...

Regular listeners will know by now that we do local here on The Best of LKN podcast. And what could be more local than “LKN Local” - a boutique clothing brand started by two friends who are on a mission to share their love for the Lake Norman area? In this episode, I’ll introduce you to Mooresville residents Larisa Kamp and Anne McGraw, the founders of LKN Local. Let’s talk about starting a local...

In this episode, we’re featuring The Mill Cyclery, the newest full-service bicycle shop in Mooresville. Owners Lou and Laura Gregori join me to share the story of their small business journey. I was able to record this episode on location at the bike shop with Lou and Laura, which was fun. Kathleen Martin with LKN Images also joined us to snap a few candid photos and photos of the space, which I r...

In this episode, I sit down with Charles Morrow. He’s the Musical Director of The Community Singers of Lake Norman, a nonprofit organization that brings together members of the Lake Norman community to form one of the area’s largest singing groups. Charles shares the story of how the Comunity Singers of Lake Norman got its start and their plans for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He also shares how you...

Before beginning my Whole30 reset, I had my Whole30 Coach, Andrea Sharp, join me for an episode on the podcast. I wanted to share the process with our listeners here on the podcast, but I also wanted to hold myself accountable by announcing the goal publicly. Openly committing to the process gave me a lot of needed motivation. That was episode 103 , released back in April. If you’re interested in...

In this episode, we’re featuring a local small business that’s on a mission to make a positive impact on families facing an autism diagnosis and individuals with special needs. Suzzie, Erik, and Mary Ellen Luhrs are the founders of Luhrs Wicked Wicks, a craft candle company based in Huntersville. Their slogan is “candles with a cause.” A percentage of the proceeds from their candle sales is donate...

In this episode I’m featuring another great local nonprofit that’s working hard at supporting families that are fighting childhood cancer. Melissa Scott is the Managing Director at Cool Kids Clubhouse in Huntersville, and she joins us to share the story behind Cool Kids Clubhouse. Their mission is devoted to improving the quality of life for pediatric oncology patients, survivors, and their famili...

In this episode, I sit down with Lara Ingram. She is the Executive Director at FeedNC - a local area nonprofit organization that is helping feed those in need through our local communities. In addition to providing hot meals, FeedNC has developed several initiatives to help those in need, including: Culinary Job Training Programs Community Cooking Demonstrations A Grocery Store Mobile Pantries Cat...

In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with Chris Boukedes to talk about his amazing Mooresville property, The Venues at Langtree. Chris shares how he was inspired by the property years ago, and how he was able to acquire the property in 2021. Chris shares all The Venues have to offer currently, as well as a little insight into the vision he has for the future of the property.  I enjoyed meeti...

In this episode, I sit down with the owner of Carolina cruising Charters, Captain Matt. Carolina Cruising Charters is an all-inclusive boat charter service serving Lake Norman. Carolina Cruising Charters takes the stress and worry out of boating on the lake. Gone are the days of renting a boat and drawing straws to see who’s going to drive it, or flipping a coin to see who’s going to pay the fuel...

In this episode, I sit down with one of Lake Norman’s most successful interior designers, Michelle McKoy - the owner of Michelle McKoy Designs. Michelle shares the story of her small business journey, which like most small business journeys, began in an unexpected way.  Michelle McKoy Designs (Houzz) IG: @michellemckoydesigns     Shoutouts to these local businesses: SoundVision EMI Master Finisher...

In this episode, I sit down with the co-founder of Crown Town Compost, a Charlotte-based startup in the sustainability space that’s serving quite a few businesses and residents right here in the Lake Norman area.  Crown Town Compost is making composting accessible, affordable, and convenient for customers throughout the Charlotte metro area that want to reduce waste.  David Valder joins me to shar...

In this episode, I sit down with Chef Steve Jordan, the Executive Chef, and co-founder of On the Nines Bistro in Mooresville.  On the Nines is one of Lake Norman’s premier dining destinations. During our conversation, Chef Steve shares the story of his culinary and entrepreneurial journey. We talk about the Chef-driven experience diners can look forward to at On the Nines, and Steve also shares so...

In this episode, digital content and influencer marketing expert Jenny Melrose joins us to share the story of her entrepreneurial journey. Jenny is the founder of  jennymelrose.com, a business that combines her passion for teaching with her extensive experience in creating strategic content for online business owners. I have to warn you: I do a lot more talking in this episode than usual. Jenny is...

In this episode, I sit down with the newest sponsor for The Best of LKN - John Hassell with Farm Bureau Insurance of North Mecklenburg located in Huntersville.  John and I began discussing sponsorship opportunities a few months ago, and during that time I found John to be a highly knowledgable insurance professional with an exceptional work ethic. Great qualities for an insurance agent, for sure. ...