Podcasts by The Best of LKN

125: FIT4MOM Lake Norman - Meet Anna Braksick from 2022-09-01T05:00

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 fitne...

124: Girls on the Run Greater Piedmont - Meet Executive Director Alison Ahrens from 2022-08-29T05:00

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 ...

123: Activ Fitness in Huntersville - Meet Carson and Michael Rutledge from 2022-08-25T05:00

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 technicall...

122: King Canary Brewing Company - Meet Andrea Gravina and Joe Hillard from 2022-08-18T05:00

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 br...

121: LKN Local - Meet Larisa Kamp and Anne McGraw from 2022-08-11T05:00

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...

120: The Mill Cyclery - Meet Lou and Laura Gregori from 2022-08-04T05:00

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...

119: Community Singers of Lake Norman with Charles Morrow from 2022-07-28T05:00

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 commu...

118: Whole30 Recap with Coach Andrea Sharp from 2022-07-26T05:00

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 w...

117: Luhrs Wicked Wicks - Candles with a Cause from 2022-07-21T05:00

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...

116: Cool Kids Clubhouse - Meet Melissa Scott and Liz Mills from 2022-07-14T05:00

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 Clu...

115: FeedNC - Meet Executive Director Lara Ingram from 2022-07-07T05:00

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 a...

114: The Venues at Langtree with Chris Boukedes from 2022-06-30T05:00

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,...

113: Carolina Cruising Charters - Meet Captain Matt from 2022-06-23T05:00

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...

112: Meet Michelle McKoy - Interior Designer and Founder of Michelle McKoy Designs from 2022-06-16T05:00

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 jo...

111: Crown Town Compost - Meet Co-Founder David Valder from 2022-06-09T05:00

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...

110: On the Nines Bistro - Meet Chef Steve Jordan from 2022-06-02T05:00

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 destinati...

109: Jenny Melrose - Digital Content and Influencer Marketing Expert from 2022-05-26T05:00

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 t...

108: John Hassell - Farm Bureau Insurance (Lake Norman) from 2022-05-19T05:00

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...

107: The Molo Group - Meet Katelyn Strumolo and Kelley Tovias from 2022-05-12T05:00

Katelyn Stromolo and Kelley Tovias sit down with me to share the design and marketing philosophies that are the driving forces behind their company, The Molo Group. 

Regular listeners of t...

106: Soul Strap - Meet the Founder and Inventor Rosie Schepisi from 2022-05-05T05:00

Hey Lake Norman, welcome back to the podcast. In this episode, we’re going to introduce you to a local startup that’s helping to make yoga a little more accessible to us mere mortals.

Rosi...

105: Huck Cycles - Meet Brett McCoy from 2022-04-28T05:00

You know, if there’s anything I love more than an intentional business that starts in a garage, it’s an unintentional business that starts in a garage. How about an idea so innovative that it ha...

104: Dove House Children's Advocacy Center - Meet Beth McKeithan from 2022-04-21T05:00

In this episode, I’m shining a spotlight on Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center in Statesville. Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center is a fully accredited 501c3 nonprofit organization that su...

103: Whole30 with Coach Andrea Sharp at Mbrace Studio from 2022-04-18T05:00

In this episode, Andrea Sharp the co-founder of Mbrace Studio returns to discuss Whole30 with me. Whole30 is a 30-day lifestyle makeover that revolves around changing our relationship with food....

102: Hoptown Brewing Company - Meet Founders Scott and Sandy Plemmons from 2022-04-14T05:00

Hoptown Brewing Company in Mooresville, NC was founded by a local couple that were crazy about craft beer. I call them reluctant entrepreneurs because honestly, it sounds to me like they were re...

101: Burn Boot Camp Lake Norman - Meet Head Trainers Ashley Beasley and Ashley Hearn from 2022-04-07T05:00

Hey everyone, welcome back to The Best of LKN - Lake Norman’s #1 small business podcast and online resource. I’m super excited to be bringing you episode 101 of the podcast and setting the bar f...

100: Celebrating the 100th Episode of Lake Norman's Best Small Business Podcast from 2022-03-31T05:00

We made it to episode 100 of the podcast! Listen in as we share news about our sponsors, the story of how and why we launched The Best of LKN back in May of 2020, and some of our plans for the c...

099: SoundVision in Mooresville - Simplifying Life Through Technology from 2022-03-17T05:00

We’re featuring SoundVision in Mooresville - a technology, automation, and networking company. SoundVision is simplifying life through technology in homes and businesses across the Lake Norman a...

096: Jami Svay - Celebrity Makeup Artist and Entrepreneur from 2022-02-25T05:00

In this episode, I sit down with Jami Svay, a super talented and highly sought-after celebrity makeup artist based right here in the Lake Norman area. Jami was referred to me by our mutual frien...

095: ANSWER Scholarship - Meet Mentors for Mom Program Director Martha Honeycutt from 2022-02-22T05:00

In this special episode, I sit down with Martha Honeycutt, she is the Mentors for Mom Program Director at the ANSWER Scholarship nonprofit organization based in Charlotte. ANSWER Scholarship’s m...

094: Bluebird Bridal in Huntersville - Meet Erin Connair from 2022-02-17T05:00

In this episode, I sit down with the owner of Bluebird Bridal in Huntersville, Erin Connair.

Erin shares with me the inspiration behind her bridal shop, which she opened back in 2016, and ...

093: The Bungalow Market in Cornelius - Meet Greta McCoy from 2022-02-10T05:00

In this episode, I sit down with the owner of The Bungalow Market in Cornelius. Owner Greta McCoy shares the story of her small business journey, and how she was inspired to bring a boutique hom...

092: Laurel Belle Photography and Branding - Meet Laura Tompkins from 2022-02-03T05:00

In this episode, I sit down with the founder and principal at Laurel Belle Photography and Brand Design, Laura Tompkins. Laura shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey, as well as some gr...

091: Launch LKN - The Story Behind Lake Norman's Technology Startup Ecosystem from 2022-01-27T05:00

In this episode, we’re featuring Launch LKN. This is an organization that I’ve been really hoping to feature on the podcast for a long time. I think the best way to describe Launch LKN is to sim...

090: Lake Norman Welcomes United Community Bank from 2022-01-20T05:00

In this episode, I sit down with Charlie Curtis, the Lake Norman Metro President for United Community Bank. Charlie shares of few of the details behind UCB’s recent acquisition of Aquesta Bank. ...

089: Fifty Fifty Marketing and Brand Development - Meet Laura McGuire and Jason Clewell from 2022-01-13T05:00

Joining me are the founders of Fifty Fifty Marketing & Creative - a brand development and marketing agency based right here in the Lake Norman area. Laura McGuire and Jason Clewell founded t...

088: Tara Allmendinger - Mrs. North Carolina America 2021 from 2022-01-06T05:00

Joining me for this episode is the reigning Mrs. North Carolina America, Tara Allmendinger. If you’ve been following the podcast for a while, you may remember last year we featured a conversatio...

087: Aguilar Design Studio - Meet Founders Laura and Aaron Aguilar from 2021-12-30T05:00

Cornelius residents Laura and Aaron Aguilar join me to share the story of their entrepreneurial journeys and the formation of their own business partnership: Aguilar Design Studio.

Laura s...

086: Ivy Robinson - Superstar Charlotte and Lake Norman Wedding Planner from 2021-12-23T05:00

Welcome back to the podcast. I really do feel lucky to have had so many really great guests on the podcast over the past year and a half, all of our guests are special. Now, having said that, le...

085: First Turn Innovations - Meet Co-Founders Kevin Mahl and Jeff Schultz from 2021-12-16T05:00

Joining us for this episode are two of the founders of First Turn Innovations in Cornelius. First Turn Innovations is an engineering and prototype lab made up of the best and brightest in their ...

084: Lake Norman Humane - Meet Executive Director Jason Hayes from 2021-12-09T05:00

In this episode, we’re featuring a conversation with one of our favorite non-profit organizations - Lake Norman Humane. 

Lake Norman Humane rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes companion an...

083: Pedego Electric Bike Shop Lake Norman - Meet Owner Grace Kennedy from 2021-12-03T05:00

Hello everyone and welcome back to The Best of LKN podcast. I have a great conversation lined up for you with the owner of Pedego Electric Bikes of Lake Norman, a new boutique electric bicycle s...

082: Vinny Giglio - Real Estate Investor and Developer of Mill One Mooresville from 2021-11-19T05:00

Joining me in this episode is Vinny Giglio, an owner and partner at MV2 Investments - a privately held boutique real estate and development firm headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina. MV2...

081: Jenean Fornges - Huntersville Living Magazine from 2021-11-11T05:00

Hello friends, welcome back to The Best of LKN podcast. As always, I’m glad you’re joining me. I’m excited about this episode because I think it highlights a great opportunity for small business...

080: Pop Up Holiday House with Tracy Pray Bradshaw and Brenda Speece from 2021-11-03T05:00

Hello friends, and welcome back to The Best of LKN podcast. I have a really special episode for you today. If you’ve been following The Best of LKN for a while, you may recall an article we wrot...

079: Brian Helfrich - CEO at Summit Coffee Company from 2021-10-29T05:00

Here we are at episode 79 and I have a great guest for you. Brian Helfrich is the CEO at Summit Coffee Company based in Davidson. Summit Coffee just celebrated its 23rd year in business. In addi...

078: REFRESH Medical Spa and Wellness - Meet Josette Giuffrida from 2021-10-21T05:00

In this episode, I sit down with Josette Giuffrida, the owner of REFRESH Medical Spa & Wellness in Cornelius. Josette shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey, as well as some great a...

077: Christine Rinkert - Owner of Luna's Lifestyle Boutique in Cornelius from 2021-10-14T05:00

In this episode, I sit down with Christine Rinkert - she is the owner of Luna’s Lifestyle, a women’s clothing boutique in Cornelius - formerly known as Luna’s at the Lake. Christine has been rec...

076: Michal Bay - The Inspiration Behind Alino Pizzeria at Merino Mill from 2021-10-07T05:00

In this episode, I sit down again with Michal Bay at Merino Mill to learn the inspiration behind Alino Pizzeria. Michal shares the story of how he realized a need for high-quality casual family ...

075: Dog Training by Hazel - Meet Hazel Jillian Pacion from 2021-09-30T05:00

I have a great conversation lined up for you with Hazel Jillian Pacion. She’s the owner of Dog Training By Hazel, a small business based in Huntersville that has actually grown and prospered dur...

074: Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop - Meet Birkdale Co-Owner Gabby Sillyman from 2021-09-23T05:00

In this episode, I sit down with Gabby Sillyman. She is the co-owner along with her sister, Savannah, of the Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop in Birkdale Village. We’ve been buying pies there since their...

073: LKN Images - Meet Kathleen and Ed Martin from 2021-09-16T05:00

In this episode, I’m really excited to bring you a conversation with the owners of LKN Images, Kathleen and Ed Martin. Kathleen is a top photographer in the Lake Norman and Charlotte metro areas...

072: Abby Kircher - Founder and CEO of Abby's Better, Inc. from 2021-09-09T05:00

Here we are at episode 72 of The Best of LKN podcast, and we have an amazing guest for you to meet. Abby Kircher began her entrepreneurial journey at just 15 years old. She was inspired to begin...

071: Renee Roberson - Editor of Lake Norman Currents Magazine from 2021-09-02T05:00

If you’ve been following this production for a while, you’ll remember back in the Spring of this year Lake Norman Currents magazine wrote a piece about this podcast. The article appeared in the ...

070: Eyes Up Lake Norman - Meet Founder and Coach Chad Macy from 2021-08-24T05:00

In this episode we’re featuring an organization that was started during the pandemic, and has been recognized by several of our esteemed guests here on the podcast. Chad Macy has merged his life...

069: Carolina Gourmet (formerly 55 Prime) - Meet Chef Peter Olsacher from 2021-08-17T05:00

In this episode, we’re featuring a new small business in Mooresville that is delivering a chef-driven fine dining experience to your door. 55 Prime was founded by Chef Peter Olsacher in 2021 to ...

068: Davidson Provision Company - Meet Owner Matt Santos from 2021-08-13T05:00

I finally have the opportunity to feature one of the coolest small businesses in the Lake Norman area - in fact, one of the coolest small businesses anywhere! Davidson Provision Company is locat...

067: Liz Brigham - Director of The Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Davidson College from 2021-08-10T05:00

In this episode, we’re featuring The Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Davidson College. The Director of the Jay Hurt Hub, Liz Brigham, joins me to share her background and the...

066: Suds N Shine Car Wash - Meet Owners Dan and Ben Schiermeyer from 2021-08-05T05:00

In this episode I sit down with Dan & Ben Schiermeyer, the owners of Suds & Shine Car Wash in Cornelius, and Affordable Mini-Storage of Statesville. What interests me most about their st...

065: Brittany Pomeroy - Founder of Flourish Together from 2021-07-30T05:00

Brittany Pomeroy is the founder of Flourish Together. Brittany founded Flourish Together in the middle of the pandemic as a commitment to helping organizations make a lasting, meaningful impact ...

064: LKN Financial Advisors - Meet Lynn Bowser and Cara Cremeans with Northwestern Mutual Lake Norman from 2021-07-22T05:00

In this episode, we’re featuring the Northwestern Mutual Lake Norman office. The office is led by Lynn Bowser, who joins us along with her associate Cara Cremeans. Lynn shares the story of her e...

063: Donna Dunlap - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas from 2021-07-16T05:00

We’ve had the real honor of featuring several local and nationally recognized nonprofit organizations on the podcast. We especially love the nonprofits whose missions are to improve the lives of...

062: Michal Bay - Owner and Developer of Merino Mill in Mooresville from 2021-07-09T05:00

In this episode, I sit down with Michal Bay, the owner of the amazing Merino Mill in Mooresville. This is a conversation that I’ve really been looking forward to sharing, because Michal has such...

061: Phil Puma - A Talk With One Of Lake Norman's Top Real Estate Producers from 2021-07-01T05:00

As you know by now, we feature the best and brightest Lake Norman entrepreneurs, small business owners, freelancers, and nonprofit organizations on this podcast. In this episode, we're feat...

060: Deborah Young Studio - Meet the Owner and Photographer Deborah Young from 2021-06-25T05:00

In this episode, we’re really pleased to be featuring a conversation with Deborah Young, owner of The Deborah Young Studio in Cornelius. Deborah is a professional photographer that has been in t...

059: Robert Maynard - Founder and CEO of Famous Toastery from 2021-05-25T05:00

I have a really great episode lined up for you. I’m finally able to feature one of my favorite restaurant brands, Famous Toastery. The founder and CEO of the company, Robert Maynard, joins me to...

058: MINE by sandy - Meet Boutique Owner Sandy Bowers from 2021-05-18T05:00

A few weeks ago we published a blog article featuring some really amazing local boutiques to procure some beautiful gifts for Mother’s Day. I was really proud of the businesses we were able to f...

057: Freedom Boat Club Lake Norman - Meet Owner Jeff Weir from 2021-05-11T05:00

The weather is warming up and that means boating season is here! Hey friends, welcome back to the podcast. In this episode we’re talking about boating with the owner of Freedom Boat Club Lake No...

056: Atomic Habits - A Book Review with the Mbrace Studio Team from 2021-05-04T05:00

In this episode, the team at Mbrace Studio joins me to share their thoughts on the wildly popular book: Atomic Habits, by James Clear. If you listened to the special 50th episode on the podcast,...

055: Robin Smith Salzman - Owner, Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram from 2021-04-27T05:00

In this episode, I’m sharing with you a conversation I had with the owner of Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Robin Smith Salzman. Robin and her husband Jack have built one of the premier au...

054: Sodoma Law North - Meet Nicole Sodoma and Sarah Bennett from 2021-04-08T12:00

I noticed back in January of this year that one of Charlotte’s most prominent law firms had expanded into the Lake Norman area with the opening of a new office in Cornelius. Sodoma Law specia...