The Best of LKN

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm Allen Tate Realtors® Charlotte & Lake Norman (NC) www. LKNreal.com Produced by Epic Journey Media  https://epicjourneymedia.com/ Support the show

Luke Vass is the Assistant Director of Training at The Carolina Factory in Cornelius. Luke played college basketball, and upon graduating last May he moved to the Lake Norman area and joined the team at TCF. In this episode, Luke shares the story of his athletic journey and what it means to be able to coach kids in the sport of basketball. We also discuss more details about The Carolina Factory an...

Soul to Soul Outreach is a local nonprofit organization that strives to address the needs of the homeless and indigent by providing advocacy, connecting individuals to essential resources, and offering spiritual guidance. Founders Lynne Hoey and Jen Taksa join me in this episode to share the inspiration for Soul to Soul Outreach and the work they’re doing in the community. Enjoy this special episo...

The co-owner of Sabores Bakery, Daniele Amaral, joins the podcast this week! Sabores Bakery is located in the Food Truck Village in Old Town Cornelius.  Daniele shares the inspiration behind launching her food truck business along with her Mom earlier this year. Sabores is a scratch bakery that specializes in Venezuelan bread, baguettes, sandwiches, and sweet treats like pumpkin spice cinnamon rol...

Kenzie Harkey is the founder and CEO of Simply Dare, a home organization company serving the Charlotte and Atlanta markets. During our conversation, Kenzie shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey and an overview of the services her company provides. For our real estate agent listeners, you’ll love the ways an organizing company like Simply Dare can bring unique value to your business.  Sim...

Freshwater Interior Designs and Freshwater Custom Homes are a design-build partnership in Mooresville, North Carolina.  Owners Karen and Alan Schmidt join the podcast to share the stories behind their businesses. They also provide details about the scope of their work and the areas of their expertise. Freshwater Interior Design Freshwater Custom Homes —---------------------------------------------...

Megan Miller rejoins the podcast to share the story of “Luke and the Lost Bell.” “Luke and the Lost Bell” is a heartfelt children’s book written to help guide young cancer patients and their families. With vivid storytelling and enchanting illustrations, it highlights the power of love, support, and the indescribable joy of ringing the bell after being declared cancer-free. Listen in as Megan shar...

Jon Beyerle is a small business owner and photographer. He resides in Davidson, North Carolina. Jon has produced some of the finest photos of the Lake Norman area for local publications, businesses, and individuals. He’s also the owner of Soccer Shots - a highly regarded and interactive soccer program designed for kids aged 2 to 8. Join skilled coaches on Soccer Island, where young players can dev...

Jay Brown is the Events Chair with the Tarheel Trailblazers organization. Jay joins the podcast to share details about the upcoming Fisher Fest 2024 event. Fisher Fest is an event held at Fisher Farm park in Davidson, North Carolina. This is an outdoor festival that invites local cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts to come together with members of the Davidson community. Tarheel Trailblazers i...

In this episode I sit down with Marty Lee, the new owner of Lake Norman’s “Glass Mansion.” 8776 Harbor Circle in Terrell, NC, also known as the Glass Mansion, is Lake Norman’s newest and most spectacular vacation rental property! Marty shares the story of his entrepreneurial journey, which began at a young age when he immigrated to the U.S. from Ireland. Marty has built an impressive portfolio of...

Next Level Disaster Relief is a nonprofit founded right here in the Lake Norman area that provides short and long term response and recovery services to communities impacted in the Mid-Atlantic and SouthEastern United States, before, during and after any tragic disaster. Next Level’s founder, Andre Gagne, joins me in this episode to share the story and inspiration behind Next Level Disaster Relief...

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month, and it’s an honor to kick it off this year with Cool Kids Clubhouse in Huntersville.  Cool Kids Clubhouse in Honor of Dan Jansen is a local nonprofit on a mission to improve their quality of life and reduce the social isolation, sadness, and academic loss kids experience with a cancer diagnosis. Cool Kids Clubhouse hosts a variety of FREE programs tha...

Tom Planishek is the founder of Planishek Properties, a custom home builder in the Lake Norman area. In this episode, Tom shares the story of his entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind his company. Tom also shares some great advice for anyone considering a custom home as an alternative to a production home.  Planishek Properties (704) 880-8110 Additional links: Visual Comfort & Co....

This is a very special episode for the podcast. We’re meeting Tina Carusillo, and opening up about mental illness and addiction. During our conversation, Tina shares the story of her son’s battle with bipolar disorder and drug addiction. Tina is open and honest about the family’s struggle with her son’s condition.  We hope that by sharing Nick’s story we might be able to help other families who ar...

Branch Wealth Partners is an organization that helps individuals build generational wealth through real estate investing. Founder Greg Lafferty and client relationship manager Christina Wright join the podcast to share the story behind the company and the programs they offer for real estate investing. Want to learn more about real estate investing? Listen to this episode, and then contact Branch W...

Charlie Hurst is the founder of Automated Shades Plus, based in Huntersville and serving the entire Lake Norman region. Automated Shades Plus is a premier provider of automated window treatment solutions. Charlie has specialized in motorized window coverings for nearly 20 years and provides skillful custom installations for clients. In this episode, Charlie shares the story of his entrepreneurial...

Mike and Jennifer Puncochar are the founders of East Bay Woodworks in Mooresville, North Carolina.  East Bay Woodworks is Lake Norman’s premier woodworking destination. The team specializes in crafting the highest quality bespoke woodwork creations for home and office decor. During our conversation, Mike and Jennifer share the story behind East Bay Woodworks and the inspiration for their business....

Rachael and Mike Ryan join the podcast to share the story behind Aria’s Pride, a nonprofit they founded in honor of their daughter. Aria’s Pride is on a mission to make a difference in the lives of families facing childhood cancer. The team organizes several programs and projects throughout the year that help lift spirits during a very difficult time.  Programs include holiday cheer packages, fina...

Lancaster Docks notes In this episode of The Best of LKN podcast, Jeff travels to Troutman and sits down with Mark Lancaster. Mark is the owner of Lancaster Custom Dock & Lift Systems - a company that has been serving Lake Norman homeowners and businesses for nearly 40 years. Mark shares the story of his entrepreneurial journey and the principles upon which his company was founded. Lancaster C...

Mike Calinoff is the founder of Doglogics, a dog training company based in Mooresville, North Carolina and serving the entire Lake Norman region. Mike is known as one of the most effective dog trainers in the area. He likes to say that he’s actually in the dog evaluation business, and he trains humans. In this episode, Mike addresses some common questions dog owners have about training their dogs....

Traci Shaffner is the owner of The Cabin Pub - a lovely little waterfront bar in Davidson at the North Harbor cove.  In this podcast episode, Traci shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration for buying The Cabin Pub in 2023. Listen in as Traci shares details about their cocktail program, live entertainment, as well as the products she’s curating for her guests from veteran...

Carolina Farm Trust is a nonprofit organization on a mission to strengthen local food systems. Their vision: A region in which food systems promote social, environmental, and economic resilience. Zack Wyatt is the President and CEO of Carolina Farm Trust. Zack first joined The Best of LKN podcast back in 2021 on episode 45. Since then, Carolina Farm Trust has grown from a team of two to more than...

Brown Bag Seafood Co. is a fast-casual seafood restaurant located in the heart of Birkdale Village. Founder Donna Lee joins the podcast to share the story of her entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind the Brown Bag Seafood concept. We wrote about Brown Bag Seafood Co. on the blog last year - click here to read the article. Brown Bag Seafood Co. | Birkdale Village 16915 Birkdale Commons...

Remedy is a fashion boutique in Cornelius featuring fine clothing for men and women along with fabulous accessories. Owner Ashley Marsh sits down with Jeff in this episode and shares the story behind Remedy, from the buildout of the shop in early 2020, to the evolution of the brand in 2023 and beyond. Enjoy getting to know the owner of one of Lake Norman’s best fashion boutiques! Remedy 19911 N Co...

Magnify Marketing is an agency based in Davidson, North Carolina that specializes in producing thumb-stopping content, creative media production, and applying next-level brand strategies for small businesses. Founder Amery Glenn joins the podcast to share the inspiration for launching her own agency. She also shares some great digital marketing tips and and advice for small business owners. As per...