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. 20H AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. FEB 25

    381: Logan Sandate - The Carolina Factory

    Logan Sandate rejoins the podcast to share what's happened since her first appearance last summer. Girl Power Carolinas Flag Football launched its inaugural season in Mooresville with over 80 girls, wrapped up an eight-week fall run complete with Super Bowl rings and weekly core value awards, and has already expanded into Fort Mill, South Carolina. A Banner Elk league is on the way this summer through a partnership with Lees-McRae College coach Mike Brown.  Logan has also taken on a new role as Director of Development at The Carolina Factory in Cornelius, where she's helping connect the facility's growing lineup of offerings including a brand-new girls AAU basketball team. Across everything she's building, Logan's focus remains the same: creating environments where girls can fall in love with sport without the pressure and burnout that come with early-age competitive pipelines. In 2026, she's prioritizing depth over expansion — doubling down on her Lake Norman and Fort Mill families to make sure the quality of the experience stays high.  You can find Logan on Instagram at @CoachLoganSandate or through The Carolina Factory. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    30 min

  4. FEB 18

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    381
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Best of LKN
  • Show Website
    The Best of LKN