The Best of LKN

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...

Julie Fagan is the creative force behind Peanut Butter Fingers, a popular lifestyle blog she launched in 2009. The blog's quirky name stems from Julie's habit of dipping her fingers in peanut butter - a simple pleasure that reflects her approachable and authentic online persona. Prior to becoming a full-time blogger, Julie worked in jobs in the public relations and marketing industry bef...

Dixon Handshaw is the Chairman of the Board at Mooresville Arts, an important nonprofit located in the heart of downtown Mooresville, NC. Mooresville Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the Lake Norman region's cultural landscape by promoting the visual arts. Celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2025, the organization serves as a vibrant community for artists and art enthus...

In this episode, Lauren Spagnoletti, founder of Little Men Roaring, shares her journey from the entertainment industry to establishing a boutique marketing agency.  She emphasizes the importance of identifying your target audience as the foundation of effective marketing strategies. Lauren discusses the benefits of repurposing content to maximize reach and reinforce brand authority.  Additionally,...

In this conversation, Taylor Judge, a licensed loan originator, shares her journey into the mortgage industry, discussing the appeal of her profession, current trends in mortgage rates, and valuable tips for first-time home buyers.  She emphasizes the importance of building strong partnerships with realtors and leveraging social media for networking and professional growth.  Taylor also highlights...

Dobson Interiors is a boutique design firm located in Lake Norman, North Carolina. The company focuses on creating aesthetically pleasing and functional living spaces tailored to each client's lifestyle and needs for every stage of life.  Founded by Stephanie Dobson, a Charlotte native with a decade of experience in corporate finance, Dobson Interiors brings a unique blend of creativity and m...

Joining the podcast is Mark Mahoney, the CEO & Co-Founder of Jackrabbit Technologies. Jackrabbit Technologies is a leading provider of cloud-based class management software designed for youth activity centers, including gymnastics, dance, swim, and music schools. Founded with a mission to streamline operations for business owners, the company offers robust tools for scheduling, billing, studen...

Paige Richardson is a wardrobe stylist, fashion/image consultant, and the owner of Paige Richardson Styling. After spending nearly two decades in the corporate retail world as a merchandising executive in Manhattan and Charlotte, Paige decided to focus on what she loves the most—making women feel confident and like the best version of themselves when they walk out the door. During our conversation...

In this special podcast episode, Jeff sits down with board members from the Tarheel Trailblazers - a nonprofit organization that has been creating, maintaining, and protecting mountain bike trails throughout the greater Charlotte area since 1990. Tarheel Trailblazers @tarheel_trailblazers --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Best of LKN https:...

In this episode of The Best of LKN Podcast, host Jeff Hamm interviews Nicole Leininger, a highly successful real estate broker in the Lake Norman area.  They discuss Nicole's journey in real estate, her innovative marketing strategies, particularly the use of video, and the vibrant lifestyle of the Lake Norman community.  Nicole shares insights on the current real estate market, including rec...

Lauren Rorie is the owner of The Local Salon & Parlor in Cornelius, and she joins the podcast this week. During our conversation, Lauren shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration for owning her own salon. She shares a lot of the learnings experienced along the way, and some great advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. The Local Salon & Parlor is a community-focused ha...

Stacy Jarrett is the new Managing Owner of Overflow in Mooresville. Overflow is a wildly popular and innovative self-pour tap room located in the Langtree area of Lake Norman. During our conversation, Stacy shares a little of her background and how she became the operational owner of Overflow in recent months.  We talk about all that Overflow has to offer their guests. Plus, Stacy shares new ways...

Todd Ritter, the General Manager of MarineMax Lake Norman, joins the podcast! Is there any better way to enjoy Lake Norman than by boat? I don’t think so. Todd and I talk about some of the amazing brands available at MarineMax and the services they offer their customers. We also talk about the upcoming Mid-Atlantic Boat Show and how customers can land a great deal on their dream boat.  The show is...

The co-founders of Kunu Coffee Company, Terence and Debi Kidd, join the podcast to share the inspirational story behind their coffee company. The duo, along with co-founder Anthony Nugnes, formed Kunu Coffee in 2024 with a vision for a comfortable community gathering place with exceptional craft coffee drinks.  Kunu Coffee Co. Cornelius: 18644 W Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031 Huntersville: 8519...

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Justin Orders joins the podcast to share the story behind Queens Orders Honey - an apiary located in Huntersville. In early 2018, Justin found himself unsure of his life's direction. He began beekeeping that same year and quickly discovered his passion for saving honeybees. What began as a single hive has now grown to over 40 hives. In addition to producing amazing local honey for consumers,...

Ariel Leone joins The Best of LKN and shares the story of her journey in wellness, pageantry, and real estate.  Ariel has a proven track record of enhancing communities through strategic community relations and health initiatives. Known for building strong partnerships and supporting high-impact programs, Ariel empowers individuals and advances community well-being. Links: Genevieve Boulanger &amp...

In this episode, Jeff Hamm interviews Ben Bowen, a successful Lake Norman real estate broker from Premier Sotheby's International Realty.  Ben shares his journey into real estate, his experiences in the luxury market, and the strategic marketing approaches that have contributed to his success. He emphasizes the importance of professionalism, understanding client needs, and the dynamics of the...

Sarah Browning and Becky Huff join the podcast to share details about Kids Camp - a new fitness concept by Burn Boot Camp! Kids Camp by Burn Boot Camp Kids Camp on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidscamplakenorman/ Blog post mentioned: 10-Best Hiking Trails Around Lake Norman --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Best of LKN https://thebe...

Bill Saint is the founder of Classica Homes, a Charlotte-based home builder that blends the high-end quality of custom building with the value and consistency of proven systems. In this episode, Bill shares the story behind Classica Homes. He tells how his team’s background in custom home building inspired them to form a company that can deliver custom homes in a timely and cost-efficient experien...