The Best of LKN

Jon Dressler joins me for this episode to talk about the opening of the Fin and Fino restaurant concept at Birkdale Village. Jon was one of my first guests way back in episode 12 where we talked about his entrepreneurial journey.  This episode is all about Fin and Fino, though, and I’m really excited to share our conversation with you. Fin & Fino - Birkdale Village 8630 Lindholm Dr #1a Hunters...

In this episode I sit down with the team at Ride Wake & Surf Company to talk about their business and their expansion into another hot market in the Southeast. Wakesurfing is the hottest activity on Lake Norman, and nothing exemplifies lake life more than cruising on a Mastercraft boat, surfing on big wakes, and anchoring at cocktail cove. Ride Wake & Surf Co. provides one of the most uniq...

In this episode I sit down with Tiffany Webber, the principal attorney at Thomas & Webber Law Firm. Thomas and Webber is a law practice that specializes in real estate law with offices in Mooresville and Huntersville. Tiffany has processed thousands of real estate transaction closings and is one of the most recognized real estate law experts in the Lake Norman area. I have more real estate rel...

In this episode I sit down with Brittany Bukauskas, the owner of Proof Mens Grooming in Huntersville.. Proof Mens Grooming is a styling salon that caters to gentlemen who want a higher quality haircut experience. During our conversation, Brittany shares the story of her career in hair styling and the inspiration behind opening her own boutique grooming lounge for men. Proof Mens Grooming 16623 Bir...

In this episode I connect with Sasha Campbell, the owner of Organized Sunshine. Organized Sunshine is a professional organizing company based in Huntersville that serves the entire Lake Norman area. Personalized organizing services include home organization, kids spaces including coaching, and healthy home services that streamline living spaces. One service that I found really interesting is Sasha...

The email newsletter is totally free and the best way to stay up to date with all of our new content. You can find the form to sign up right on our homepage at thebestoflkn.com. That’s www.thebestoflkn.com All right my friends, that’s going to do it for this episode. I hope you enjoyed it. I’ll be back next week with another episode featuring another one of Lake Norman’s best and brightest, and I...

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...