The Best of LKN

Epic Journey Media
  • 4.9 (22)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Welcome to The Best of LKN podcast! Here you’ll find a collection of interviews with the owners of Lake Norman’s favorite businesses. Small business is the heart and soul of a community, and The Best of LKN is here to shine a spotlight on the small businesses that are making the biggest impact here in the Lake Norman region of North Carolina.In addition to featuring exceptional small business owners, we’ll also be interviewing the most influential professionals that serve the LKN community. From bankers and realtors, to teachers and coaches, we look forward to introducing you to the best Lake Norman has to offer!We hope you enjoy these episodes. Thank you for following The Best of LKN!

  1. 3D AGO

    380: Garrett Tichy - Seemingly Overzealous Ice Cream

    Garrett joins The Best of LKN podcast to talk entrepreneurship, community, and how Seemingly Overzealous Ice Cream grew from a pandemic-era experiment into one of Charlotte’s most distinctive food brands. He shares his early days in SEO and agency life, what pulled him into coworking with Hygge, and why proximity to other builders was always the secret sauce—being close enough to ask questions, share ideas, and solve problems in real time. The conversation also digs into modern small-business marketing, especially the shift toward PR and relationships over shiny, overpromised tactics. Garrett makes the case for simple visibility: sending the email, sharing the update, and refusing to let good work quietly disappear. It’s a practical reminder that many businesses don’t struggle because they lack quality — but because they hesitate to talk about what they’re doing. From there, the focus turns to Seemingly Overzealous Ice Cream — how a shared love of ice cream became pop-ups, then a first shop at Camp North End, followed by Plaza Midwood, and now an expansion into Lake Norman. What sets the brand apart is intention: a joyful, experience-driven shop paired with ice cream that’s dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free across the board, without sacrificing texture or flavor. The goal isn’t an “alternative” — it’s ice cream anyone would choose. For Lake Norman listeners, the headline is clear: Seemingly Overzealous is coming to Davidson, with a target opening in May near Main Street. Expect the same playful energy, a neighborhood-specific mural, and a space designed to feel local from day one.  Seemingly Overzealous @seeminglyoverzealous --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm www.aidawerks.com www.lknreal.com Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support! Support the show

    1h 1m

  2. FEB 12

    379: Mackenzie Murphy - Eternal Elegance Salon (Cornelius, NC)

    Meet Mackenzie Murphy of Eternal Elegance Salon in Cornelius, NC. Learn about her personalized salon experience, entrepreneurship journey, and upcoming Lake Norman events. In this episode, Jeff sits down with Mackenzie Murphy, owner of Eternal Elegance Salon in Cornelius, to talk about entrepreneurship, intentional beauty services, and building a client experience that goes beyond hair. Mackenzie shares how growing up in a family of entrepreneurs shaped her work ethic and inspired her to launch her own salon in 2023. Rather than creating a rushed, high-volume environment, Eternal Elegance focuses on personalized consultations, face and color analysis, and a custom “prescription” approach designed to deliver healthy, long-lasting results. The conversation explores: • Mackenzie’s journey into cosmetology and early business ownership • Why intentional client experience is the foundation of her salon • The partnership with Groomed and the elevated salon environment • Marketing, networking, and collaborating with local businesses • Launching Divine Links — her luxury hair extension brand • The importance of relationships and creating a safe, welcoming space • Future plans to expand spa-style services and salon experiences Mackenzie also talks about the personal side of entrepreneurship — balancing work with travel, fitness, and downtime — and why connection and care remain central to her vision. Listeners receive a special bonus: mention this episode when booking your first appointment to receive a complimentary treatment. And don;t miss the special event at Overflow! Thursday, 2/12 @ 4-8pm Learn more or book a consultation: Website: eternalelegance-salon.com Instagram/TikTok: @eternal.elegance.salon Phone: 704-928-7454 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm www.lknreal.com Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support! Support the show

    24 min

  3. FEB 5

    378: Stephen Chuilli - Lagniappe Homes

    There's something special about meeting a builder who actually lives next door to his clients — and means it when he says, "We build it like we own it." In this episode, Jeff sits down with Stephen Chuilli, founder of Lagniappe Homes, to talk about his family's stunning mountain-style residence on Schooner Drive in Cornelius, the story behind the company name (it's a New Orleans thing — and yes, everyone mispronounces it), and what's trending in custom home design heading into 2026. What we cover: The story behind Stephen's personal home on Schooner Drive — built on a rare seven-acre property in Cornelius, complete with timber trusses from Blowing Rock, a wood-burning fireplace in the kitchen, and a pickleball court with a Saints logo (we'll allow it)How a 1928 home renovation in downtown Concord planted the seed for what's now a portfolio of nearly 200 projects over 11 yearsThe gap Stephen saw in the building industry — and how his background in consulting and industrial engineering shaped Lagniappe’s client-first approach2026 design trends worth watching: bold color saturation, personalized specialty spaces, walk-in residential refrigeration (yes, really), and the split between modern and cottage-style exteriorsLagniappe Homes 19440 Zion Ave Cornelius, NC 28031 (704) 750-0540 lagniappe-homes.com Video tour of a Lagniappe Home last year by Jeff: https://youtu.be/B-73UGSiyx0?si=XEupj4TTxeXWDVLa --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm www.lknreal.com Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support! Support the show

    45 min

  4. JAN 30

    377: Living in Lake Norman - Cayce Blackley on Community, Small Business & Local Impact

    Some people grow an audience. Others grow a community. In this episode, Jeff sits down with Cayce Blackley—the creator behind the wildly popular Instagram account Living in Lake Norman—for a warm, honest, and genuinely fun conversation about what it really means to share local life with heart, consistency, and purpose. Cayce opens up about how the account started (spoiler: her husband secretly created it), how it grew organically to nearly 8,000 followers, and why championing small businesses has always been the heart of the page. What began as casual local sharing turned into a full-scale community platform—without losing its authenticity. They also share the now-legendary “worlds colliding” story of how Cayce recognized Jeff’s voice while he was bartending at Hop Town, long before the two officially met. It’s one of those Lake Norman moments that perfectly captures the spirit of this region—connected, unexpected, and a little magical. Beyond social media, Cayce talks about her full-time role in national wellness and accountability work, her passion for rescue animals, and why volunteering is a non-negotiable part of her life. From Lake Norman Humane to The Christian Mission, Rescue Ranch, and Deepwell Athletics, this episode celebrates the people and nonprofits quietly holding our community together. They wrap with a heartfelt reflection on what makes Lake Norman special in 2026—from its growing social scene to the relationships that make this place feel like home. This episode is about more than Instagram. It’s about showing up, sharing stories, and choosing to invest in the place we call home. Shout-Outs & Local Love Living in Lake Norman (Instagram)Hoptown Brewing CompanyLake Norman HumaneThe Christian Mission (Mooresville)Rescue Ranch (Statesville)Deep Well AthleticsIf you’ve ever discovered a favorite restaurant, nonprofit, or hidden gem through Living in Lake Norman—this episode will feel like home. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm www.lknreal.com Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support! Support the show

    29 min

  5. JAN 22

    376: Brooklyn South Pizzeria - A Lake Norman Staple

    In this episode of The Best of LKN, Jeff sits down with Craig and Lucy, the owners behind Brooklyn South, one of Cornelius’ most beloved local restaurants and a longtime staple of the Lake Norman food scene. Craig and Lucy share their journey from Long Island, New York, to Lake Norman, and the story behind opening Brooklyn South in 1998—long before Cornelius became what it is today. They reflect on the early days of the restaurant, the challenges of building a business in a growing community, and the importance of consistency, community, and customer experience. The conversation explores what’s made Brooklyn South a repeat winner of Lake Norman’s Best Pizza, the role of long-tenured staff, and why word-of-mouth has always been their most powerful form of marketing. Craig and Lucy also discuss their other local concepts, Brooklyn Boys and Novanta Pizzeria Napoletana, including the inspiration behind each and the lessons learned from expanding—and later refocusing—close to home. They close by reflecting on nearly three decades in business, the strength of the Cornelius community, and what longevity really means as local restaurateurs. Brooklyn South Pizzeria 19400 Jetton Rd # 201 Cornelius, NC 28031 (704) 896-2928 https://www.brooklynsouthpizzeria.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm www.lknreal.com Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support! Support the show

    42 min

  6. JAN 13

    375: Lake Norman Golf Club - Meet Gavin Arsenault and Kyle Cerminara

    In this episode, Jeff sits down with Kyle Cerminara, owner of Lake Norman Golf Club, and Gavin Arsenault, the club’s general manager, for a wide-ranging conversation about the rebirth of one of Lake Norman’s most talked-about golf properties. Kyle shares his journey to Lake Norman, his background in asset management, and why preserving and elevating the course—rather than developing it—was central to his vision. Gavin brings decades of experience turning around country clubs, including Rock Barn, Trump National, and elite coastal clubs, and explains how that long-term, steady approach is shaping Lake Norman Golf Club’s future. Together, they outline a clear philosophy for the club: affordable, casual, and elegant. The conversation covers planned course improvements, a village-style clubhouse, public dining options, membership strategy, and the broader impact the club will have on the Brawley Peninsula and surrounding communities. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how thoughtful ownership, experienced leadership, and a people-first mindset can transform a local landmark into a thriving, family-friendly community asset. Lake Norman Golf Club 185 Mallard Way Mooresville, NC 28117 (704) 664-7031 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm www.lknreal.com Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support! Support the show

    43 min

  7. JAN 6

    374: Jen Campbell Boles - Lake Norman Luxury Travel Expo

    In this episode, Jeff sits down with Jen Campbell Boles, founder of Explore More Travel Co., for a wide-ranging conversation about intentional travel, customization, and building a relationship-driven business. Based in the Lake Norman area, Jen shares how her agency designs highly personalized trips—from Europe and Asia to safaris, cruises, and luxury resorts—by truly understanding how her clients like to travel. The conversation dives into river cruising, bucket-list destinations like Iceland and Japan, and why slowing down often leads to a better travel experience. Jen also pulls back the curtain on scaling a service business, delegating with intention, and what most people misunderstand about working in the travel industry. The episode wraps with details on the first-ever Lake Norman Luxury Travel Expo, happening Wednesday, January 14, from 5:30–7:30 PM at the Cain Center. The free, community-focused event brings together luxury travel brands, cruise lines, and destination experts—all designed to inspire people to explore more. Learn more and register at LKNLuxuryTravelExpo.com or visit ExploreMoreTravelCo.com to follow Jen’s work and weekly travel inspiration. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm www.lknreal.com Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support! Support the show

    35 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    373: Dr. Henry Wilson, MD - Lake Norman Plastic Surgery

    In this episode of The Best of LKN, Jeff sits down with Dr. Henry Wilson, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Lake Norman Plastic Surgery, to talk about his journey, his new practice, and why Lake Norman felt like the right place to put down roots. Dr. Wilson shares his path from Arkansas to Harvard and Vanderbilt, extensive surgical training along the East Coast, and leadership experience within large healthcare systems—before ultimately launching his own private practice in Huntersville. He explains why personalized care, direct physician involvement, and a patient-first experience were the driving forces behind opening Lake Norman Plastic Surgery. The conversation covers the full scope of services offered—from facial aesthetics and body contouring to breast reconstruction, skin cancer reconstruction, and non-surgical treatments like fillers and Botox—all performed directly by Dr. Wilson. He also discusses emerging trends in plastic surgery, including more natural results, fat grafting, advanced 3D imaging, and minimally invasive options. Dr. Wilson opens up about the realities of starting a medical practice, the unexpected administrative challenges, and the rewards of building something intentionally from the ground up. The episode wraps with a thoughtful discussion on what makes the Lake Norman region such a special place to live, work, and serve the community. Learn more about Lake Norman Plastic Surgery: 🌐 lknplasticsurgery.com 📍 Huntersville, NC (Kinsley Ave, near Novant Huntersville Hospital) If you’re interested in personalized, private aesthetic and reconstructive care—or simply enjoy hearing from professionals shaping the Lake Norman community—this episode is worth a listen. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm www.lknreal.com Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support! Support the show

    31 min
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4.9
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Best of LKN podcast! Here you’ll find a collection of interviews with the owners of Lake Norman’s favorite businesses. Small business is the heart and soul of a community, and The Best of LKN is here to shine a spotlight on the small businesses that are making the biggest impact here in the Lake Norman region of North Carolina.In addition to featuring exceptional small business owners, we’ll also be interviewing the most influential professionals that serve the LKN community. From bankers and realtors, to teachers and coaches, we look forward to introducing you to the best Lake Norman has to offer!We hope you enjoy these episodes. Thank you for following The Best of LKN!

Information

  • Creator
    Epic Journey Media
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    378
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Best of LKN
  • Show Website
    The Best of LKN