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

    389: Joe Meehan - Optima Vita Consulting

    Jeff sits down with Joe Meehan, founder of Optima Vita Consulting, whose path to wellness coaching wound through pre-med studies, a professional basketball career in Switzerland, nine years coaching Division I ball at Bucknell University, and ultimately a master's degree in medical physiology and aging from the University of Florida School of Medicine. Joe shares how all of those experiences converged into a one-on-one wellness coaching practice built around four pillars – nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management – and why neglecting even one of them tends to unravel the others. The conversation quickly becomes a candid, practical deep-dive into sleep, as Jeff opens up about his own struggles and Joe walks through the science behind why late-night meals, sugar, alcohol, and blue light are quietly sabotaging recovery for so many busy professionals. Beyond the science, Joe outlines how Optima Vita's six-month programs work – combining personalized meal plans, tailored exercise protocols, and daily coaching support through a dedicated app – and why accountability and consistency matter just as much as having the right plan. He also shares quick-win nutrition tips, breaks down intermittent fasting, and touches on 2026 goals including helping 100 individuals transform their health and expanding corporate wellness partnerships. Joe will also be joining Jeff's monthly real estate luncheon as a guest speaker, bringing his peak performance insights to a room full of high-achieving professionals. Optima Vita Consulting Special thanks to: Ashley Richardson | Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm https://lknreal.com/ Powered by: https://aidawerks.com/ Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support! Support the show

    39 min

  2. MAR 27

    388: Stephen Grotz - Architecture, Renovation & Timeless Design

    Stephen Grotz, founder of Stephen Grotz Architecture PLLC, joins the podcast to talk about his path from Culpeper, Virginia to building a multi-state residential architecture firm. Stephen shares how his love of home design started early — sketching houses as a young child — and traces his career through firms in Chicago and Charlotte before launching his own practice two years ago. The conversation centers on a stunning full-home renovation on the south end of Lake Norman in Huntersville, a project Stephen led while serving as in-house architect at Simonini Homes. He walks through how the team reimagined the home's floor plan — transforming a dysfunctional P-shaped layout into a linear great room connecting the kitchen, dining, and living spaces with sweeping lake views and a long deck. Stephen details the creative and structural challenges involved, from navigating tight setback lines to marrying old and new construction seamlessly. Stephen also discusses the value of early collaboration between architects, interior designers, and builders; his in-house interior design division led by Kristin Stevens; and his philosophy of designing timeless homes that age gracefully rather than becoming dated. Stephen Grotz Architecture, PLLC Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter: The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm https://lknreal.com/ Powered by: https://aidawerks.com/ Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support! Support the show

    51 min

  3. MAR 25

    387: Alongside Families - Meet Meghan Macy & Mary Kay Portaro

    In this episode, Jeff welcomes Meghan Macy, COO of Alongside Families, and Mary Kay Portaro, board member and former staff volunteer, to share the story behind this Charlotte-based nonprofit.  Founded in 2017 by Emily Kemmann, Alongside Families works to prevent unnecessary foster care placements by providing temporary child hosting and wraparound support for families in crisis — with a track record of 100% family reunification across 350 child hostings and nearly 5,000 nights of care. Meghan and Mary Kay walk through the real-life situations the organization steps into — from single moms facing medical emergencies to families experiencing homelessness — and explain how anyone in the Lake Norman area can get involved, whether by hosting, volunteering, championing through financial support, or connecting their church as a partner.  To learn more or attend a free online interest meeting, visit alongsidefamilies.org. Special thanks to: Mary Kay Portaro Ivester Jackson | Christie’s Real Estate https://marykayportaro.com/ Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter: The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support! Support the show

    28 min

  4. MAR 20

    386: Real Massage LKN - Therapeutic Massage in Denver/Sherrills Ford

    Cindy and Eric are the husband-and-wife team behind Real Massage LKN, a new therapeutic massage studio located at 5206 Slanting Bridge Road in the Denver/Sherrills Ford area of Lake Norman.  Cindy brings over two decades of experience as a massage therapist, having built and grown a successful practice in Myrtle Beach from 2007 to 2020 before relocating to the area and coming out of a brief retirement. Eric draws on a lifelong career in hotel management and hospitality to handle the business and operations side of the studio.  Together, they've built a space from the ground up that prioritizes a calm, personalized experience — complete with a relaxation area overlooking a neighboring horse farm. Real Massage LKN sets itself apart by offering full hands-on time for every session, customized treatments designed by experienced therapists, and a membership model starting at $85/month that includes add-ons like cupping, hot stones, and assisted stretching.  Cindy discusses the wide-ranging benefits of therapeutic massage — from improving range of motion and posture to calming the nervous system and managing overuse injuries — and shares her vision of building lasting relationships with clients in the community.  Real Massage LKN 5206 Slanting Bridge Rd Denver, NC 28037 (704) 966-0303 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

  5. MAR 18

    385: Carol White - Impeccable Closets

    Carol White's road to owning Impeccable Closets wound through a corporate PR career at GTE/Verizon, a stint as a stay-at-home mom, and seven years managing sales and training at a big box organization retailer — where she discovered a passion for closet design. A chance conversation at a BNI meeting eventually led to a business partnership, and Impeccable Closets was born two weeks before COVID. She bought out her partner in 2022, opened her first showroom in Huntersville about a year ago, and is now celebrating six years in business alongside her husband Brian. The company designs and installs custom closets, pantries, laundry rooms, home offices, craft rooms, bars, and just about anything else you can dream up in a home — including, most recently, a two-story primary closet with 16-foot ceilings and a floor-to-ceiling sneaker gallery for a Charlotte-area pro athlete housing 265 pairs of shoes. Carol's approach is rooted in solution selling: she gets into the details of how clients actually use their spaces before a single shelf goes up. In 2026, the focus is on growth — expanding the showroom, adding designers and installers, and building systems that allow the business to scale beyond Carol being at the center of it all. Impeccable Closets 330 Seagle St Suite 22 Huntersville, NC 28078 (704) 742-6046 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    38 min

  6. MAR 13

    384: Sarah Conrad - Growth, Running & Women of Strength

    Sarah Conrad, owner of Clean Eatz Lake Norman, returns to The Best of LKN podcast to share updates on the brand's expansion to five Charlotte-area locations — Cornelius, Mooresville, Charlotte, and Concord — and what's new on the menu, from turkey burnt ends to lobster mac & cheese and a fan-favorite ramen dish.  She also opens up about the risks of opening the Concord location post-COVID, how Clean Eatz serves the local NASCAR community through catering, and why stepping away from her phone during her daily runs has become one of her most important habits as a business owner. The conversation centers on Sarah's newest community initiative, Women of Strength — a 26-week campaign running January 4 through July 4, 2026, in which Clean Eatz gives away 26 free meals each week to a nominator and their nominee. By the end of the campaign, Sarah will have logged 676 miles and Clean Eatz will have given away 676 free meals.  To nominate an inspiring woman in your community, email sarah@cleaneats.com or visit Clean Eatz on social media for the text submission line. The halfway point celebration lands on March 8 — International Women's Day. https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlakenorman/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    37 min

  7. MAR 6

    383: Executive Women of Lake Norman - with Joanie Baker and Kellie Grutko

    Jeff sits down with Joanie Baker, President of Executive Women of Lake Norman, and Kellie Grutko, the organization's Director of Communications. Together they share the story of a group that's been connecting Lake Norman's women in business since 2010 — built not around leads and referrals, but around genuine education, mentorship, and community.  With monthly socials and luncheons featuring guest speakers, a growing membership back in the 30s after COVID, and a flexible (not cutthroat) seat structure, Executive Women of Lake Norman is the kind of organization you actually look forward to showing up for. If you're a woman entrepreneur, founder, or professional in the Lake Norman area, this episode is worth your time. The group is actively welcoming new members and offers sponsorship opportunities as well. Find them at executivewomenoflkn.com, on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or reach out directly at executivewomenoflkn@gmail.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

    26 min

  8. FEB 27

    382: Charlene Ferrell White, DVM - Homeward Vet

    Jeff sits down with Charlene Ferrell White, a veterinarian with Homeward Vet, to discuss the growing demand for mobile, in-home veterinary care across Lake Norman and the greater Charlotte area. Charlene shares her path from Northern Virginia to NC State Vet School, followed by experience in emergency and general practices in Colorado and California, before discovering her passion for house-call medicine.  The conversation highlights how mobile care creates a calmer, more personal experience for pets and owners alike—especially for busy professionals, work-from-home households, anxious dogs, and cats that struggle with traditional clinic visits. They also explore what sets Homeward Vet apart, including longer appointment times, concierge-level service, and comprehensive offerings such as wellness care, vaccinations, acupuncture, hospice, and end-of-life support.  Charlene explains how pricing compares to brick-and-mortar practices, the convenience for multi-pet households, and Homeward Vet’s local partnerships, including referrals to Main Street Veterinary Hospital when advanced diagnostics or surgery are needed.  The episode wraps with upcoming community events, service areas throughout Lake Norman and Charlotte, and how listeners can easily book appointments or follow Homeward Vet on social media. Homeward Vet @homewardvet_charlottenc | https://www.facebook.com/HomewardVetCharlotteNC Events mentioned: https://humanesocietyofcharlotte.org/pet-palooza/ https://www.tawbawalk.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

    25 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
    387
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Best of LKN
  • Show Website
    The Best of LKN

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