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. 6h ago

    400: Dr. Jonathan Leake - Hydrate Medical Lake Norman

    In this episode, Jeff sits down with Dr. Jonathan Leake, board-certified emergency medicine physician and co-founder of Hydrate Medical, an IV hydration and wellness practice with eight locations across the Carolinas, including Mooresville and Huntersville.  Dr. Leake shares how his ER background and a memorable stomach-bug outbreak inspired him and business partner Keith to create a physician-owned alternative to pricey hospital visits – delivering safe, evidence-based IV treatments in a comfortable, relaxing setting.  The conversation covers what really drives clients to Hydrate Medical (hint: it's mostly wellness, not hangovers), the science behind hydration and vitamin infusions, common misconceptions about IV therapy, how to choose a reputable provider, and the practice's new Performance & Longevity program featuring NAD+, ALA, and NAC.  Whether you're battling fatigue and burnout or chasing peak athletic recovery, this episode is a thoughtful primer on how strategic hydration can become part of your health routine. Hydrate Medical The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm https://lknreal.com/ Powered by: https://aidawerks.com/ Support the show

    26 min

  2. 2d ago

    399: Lake Norman Real Estate: Denver & Sherrills Ford Market Report May 2026

    Jeff sits down with Mike Feeley of Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties to talk about the west side of Lake Norman — specifically Denver, Sherrills Ford, and Terrell. They dig into why this part of the lake has long been considered the region’s best-kept secret, what’s changing in the luxury market (including an $18.5 million listing and a $6 million home that went under contract on day one), and how the numbers compare year over year. Mike shares current stats — 295 closings through mid-May, days on market up slightly to 88, and sale-to-list ratios still holding at 98–99% — while making the case that buyers get significantly more home for the money on the west side. They also discuss favorite luxury neighborhoods like Pebble Bay and Northview Harbor, the appeal of being 20 minutes from Charlotte Douglas Airport, and a teaser for a brand-new luxury community coming soon to Denver. Mike Feehley | Ivester Jackson Christie's International Real Estate 350 Morrison Plantation Pkwy Suite C1 Mooresville, NC 28117 (704) 799-5233 https://mikefeehley.com/  Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm https://lknreal.com/ Powered by: https://aidawerks.com/ Support the show

    17 min

  3. May 15

    398: Cliff Kinchen - Kinchen Martial Arts Academy in Cornelius

    Cliff Kinchen, founder of Kinchen Martial Arts in Cornelius, joins the podcast to share his remarkable journey from a tough upbringing in Detroit to 20 years in the Air Force, and eventually to building a thriving martial arts school on Bailey Road. With black belts in multiple disciplines, a background as a professional kickboxer, and experience on the Air Force Taekwondo team, Cliff brings a holistic, self-defense-focused approach that blends physical training with character development and leadership. In this conversation, Cliff talks about the humble beginnings of his dojo, the mental side of martial arts ("90% mental, 10% physical"), and why it's never too late to start, whether you're 7 or 63. He also shares the story behind his newly released book, Resilient Warrior: Be the Standard, his leadership consulting work with organizations like the Davidson Police Department, and the lifelong confidence martial arts can build both on and off the mat. The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm https://lknreal.com/ Powered by: https://aidawerks.com/ Support the show

    35 min

  4. May 6

    397: The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen - Meet Robin & Jack Salzman

    In this episode of The Best of LKN, we welcome back Robin and Jack Salzman to talk about their latest venture, The Serve Pickleball & Kitchen in Cornelius – a one-of-a-kind entertainment complex featuring 10 indoor courts, 6 outdoor courts, 4 Top Golf swing suites, a full-service restaurant, café, bar, and an event space that seats up to 80.  Robin and Jack share the story behind the build, the experience guests can expect, and the community-focused programming that's already bringing locals together – from music bingo and live jazz brunch to corporate events and milestone celebrations. We also catch up on the incredible work of the Giving with Grace Foundation, which has now distributed over $3 million in grants to local nonprofits, with Robin's grandchildren actively involved in selecting recipients each year.  Plus, Robin shares details about Serve for a Cause, a quarterly tournament series that raised nearly $30,000 for three local nonprofits in its very first event.  Whether you're a foodie, a pickleball enthusiast, or a community supporter, this episode has something for you. The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen 20220 Chartown Dr Cornelius, NC 28031 (704) 851-1800 https://www.theservepickleball.com/ The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm https://lknreal.com/ Powered by: https://aidawerks.com/ Support the show

    41 min

  5. Apr 29

    396: goGLOW Mooresville - Meet Jeremie & Briana Evans

    Jeremie and Briana Evans join the podcast to introduce goGLOW Mooresville, a new non-toxic spray tanning salon opening May 1st in Langtree Village. The husband-and-wife team share how they met in Charlotte's mortgage industry, settled in Mooresville in 2018, and were drawn to goGLOW’s wellness-focused approach after exploring the franchise path. Briana walks through what makes the experience different — a patented half-moon booth, sun-mimicking solution, one specialist from start to finish, and full pre-care and post-care education designed to make the glow last seven to ten days. Jeremie and Briana also break down pricing and how to get in on the ground floor: $25 tans throughout the month of May, founding memberships starting at $40 for one session per month or $70 for two sessions per month (roughly 30% off standard rates), and no long-term contracts. They also talk about goGLOW’s retail line, including the Hydrate product with hyaluronic acid and the exfoliating mitt that preps skin for a flawless application. goGLOW Mooresville 106 Langtree Village Dr  suite 101 Mooresville, NC 28117 (704) 703-5544 The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm https://lknreal.com/ Powered by: https://aidawerks.com/ Support the show

    30 min

  6. Apr 24

    395: Jenny Curran - My Gym Lake Norman

    Meet Jenny Curran, the brand-new owner of My Gym Lake Norman — the children's fitness center tucked into the plaza by the Harris Teeter on Sam Furr Road (yes, right by Birkdale, and yes, the parking is actually easy).  Jenny shares the wild full-circle story of how she went from My Gym South Park director in her early twenties to buying the Lake Norman location when her baby daughter was literally five days old.  We chat about everything the gym offers — parent-child classes starting at three months, ninja and gymnastics programs, sibling dual classes, the new Preschool Prep program, summer camps, those Friday Parents Night Outs we all desperately need, and birthday parties where the staff handles literally everything (cake service included).  Plus, Jenny drops some serious wisdom from her five summers selling educational books door-to-door — a job that, it turns out, is excellent preparation for basically anything life throws at you. My Gym Lake Norman 16610 W Catawba Ave Huntersville, NC 28078 (980) 689-4470 Book mentioned: Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success  by Rory Vaden Support the show

    34 min

  7. Apr 23

    394: Jim Gordon - Inside Peninsula Prime

    In this episode, Jim Gordon, owner of Peninsula Prime in Cornelius, joins the podcast to share how 2025 became a pivotal turnaround year for the upscale steakhouse. After taking full operational control in January 2025, Jim and his wife Robin rebuilt the restaurant from the ground up — starting with aesthetics, modernizing systems and processes, and redefining the brand's identity. Jim opens up about the three pillars now guiding Peninsula Prime: hospitality, quality, and community. He shares how the book Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara shaped his approach, why he spent six months listening to guest feedback before rewriting the menu, and how new GM Dawn Serens is helping elevate the entire team. Whether you're a longtime Peninsula Prime guest or new to Lake Norman, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to turn around a beloved restaurant — and do it with heart. Visit Peninsula Prime: 18665 Harborside Dr, Cornelius, NC https://www.peninsulaprimelkn.com/ The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm https://lknreal.com/ Powered by: https://aidawerks.com/ Support the show

    45 min

  8. Apr 15

    393: Mike Feehley - Lake Norman Luxury Real Estate

    Mike Feehley is a luxury real estate broker with Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties, a Christie's International Realty affiliate, and a career firefighter and chief with the Charlotte Fire Department. In this episode, Mike shares how a spontaneous road trip to Charlotte at age 20 launched a dual career that now spans over two decades – 22 years on the fire department and 21 years in real estate, where he currently ranks in the top 250 agents out of 17,000 in the Charlotte area.  He opens up about reverse-engineering his career around the lifestyle he wanted, surviving the brutal 2008–2010 housing crash, and the decade-long grind it took to land his first million-dollar transaction. Mike also talks about his move to Ivester Jackson five years ago and how the Christie's global network has opened doors to off-market luxury deals and out-of-state buyers relocating to Lake Norman.  He makes a compelling case for the west side of the lake  – particularly the Denver and Sherrills Ford areas – and shares his thoughts on what the northward expansion of Charlotte's light rail could mean for local home values.  MIke Feehley |  Ivester Jackson Christie's International Real Estate 350 Morrison Plantation Pkwy Suite C1 Mooresville, NC 28117 (704) 799-5233 https://mikefeehley.com/ Mike’s interview on the Epic Agents Podcast: https://epicagentspodcast.com/002-mike-feehley-real-estate/ The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm https://lknreal.com/ Powered by: https://aidawerks.com/ Support the show

    36 min
See All (398)

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
    398
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Best of LKN
  • Show Website
    The Best of LKN

You Might Also Like