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. 1d ago

    410: Jaime Lane on Building Community with Link Lake Norman

    Jaime Lane is Lake Norman through and through — she's been coming to the lake since 1983 and has called Huntersville home for more than two decades. On this episode, she sits down with Jeff to trace her path from interior designer and nonprofit founder to workforce and cultural strategist, including her formative years at the Lake Norman Economic Development Corporation. When the EDC closed its doors, Jaime didn't wait around for the perfect job to appear — she built it herself, launching Link Lake Norman that very day. The conversation digs into what Link Lake Norman actually does: connecting local businesses to a vetted vendor network, championing student internships, and rethinking how companies invest in their teams and their community. Jaime makes a passionate case for keeping talent, volunteering, and dollars local instead of exporting them to Charlotte — building an intergenerational ecosystem where nonprofits, industries, and workers all lift each other up. If you're a business owner curious about workforce retention, culture-building, or making a real community impact, this one's for you. Reach Jaime at jaime@linklakenorman.com or book a free 30-minute discovery call at linklakenorman.com. The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by Lake Norman's best real estate agent: Jeff Hamm Elevate Land & Realty Lake Norman, NC https://lknreal.com/ Support the show

    33 min

  2. 4d ago

    409: Krystal Bajkor - Bee Organized Lake Norman

    In this episode, Jeff sits down with Krystal Bajkor, founder of Bee Organized Lake Norman, a professional organizing service that helps busy families and professionals reclaim their homes. Krystal shares her path from a career in corporate banking at Citibank to an eight-month, 17-country "mini retirement" that ended with her family settling in the Lake Norman area. She explains why motherhood sparked her passion for organizing, and why she chose the Bee Organized franchise model, drawn to its 2015 roots, 50+ locations, and core values of compassion, confidentiality, and judgment-free service. Krystal walks through what makes her team's approach different: coming in with a larger crew to deliver a full "fresh reset" in a day or less, then leaving clients with sustainable, customized systems built around how each household actually lives. She shares memorable transformations, including an 1,100-square-foot closet project that took nearly eight days and 244 team hours, plus tips for anyone feeling frozen by clutter and unsure where to start. Learn more: https://beeorganized.com/pages/lake-norman-nc The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm https://lknreal.com/ Support the show

    31 min

  3. Jul 6

    408: Andrea Sharp - Building Good Gaines Fitness

    Andrea Sharp returns for her fourth appearance to talk about a dream years in the making: her own brick-and-mortar gym. She walks Jeff through the Good Gaines Fitness journey – from training clients in her garage, to renting space at a baseball facility, to finally opening a place that's all her own on the corner of Bailey and Old Statesville. Along the way she gets honest about the entrepreneur's tug-of-war between working in your business and on it, and why saying the right "no" is just as important as saying yes. The conversation then digs into what strength really means. For Andrea, it's less about aesthetics and more about capability – being strong enough to show up for the people you love, a point she brings home with a moving story about her son Richie. She breaks down what Good Gaines offers (daily classes for every level, personal training, Whole30 rounds, her Unstoppable Midlife course, and a summer camp for kids that blends fitness, reading, and community service) and shares the mantra behind it all: strong looks good on you. Good Gaines Fitness 18515 Old Statesville Rd Unit C Cornelius, NC 28031 https://goodgaines.com/ The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm https://lknreal.com/ Support the show

    31 min

  4. Jul 2

    407: Wes Priddy - Higher Ground Outdoor Living

    If you've ever stepped into a backyard and thought, this is the best room in the house, you already understand what Wes Priddy is going for. Wes is the owner of Higher Ground Outdoor Living and a founding member of our Best of LKN Business Network, and he took a winding road to get here – from a plumbing, heating, and electrical background up in Boone, to HVAC and interior remodeling around Charlotte, to a stint as a Mecklenburg County building inspector, before landing on the thing he loves most: building backyards. He started the company during the height of the pandemic with just himself and a helper, and four years later he's grown a crew he trusts to turn a plain concrete pad into a place people never want to leave. In this episode we get into what actually makes an outdoor space work around here – why turf keeps winning out over red-clay sod, how premium composite and PVC decks are framed completely differently than a house floor, and why outdoor kitchens, motorized louvered pergolas, and a good fire pit can add serious value (and square footage you don't have to build). Wes also shares the story behind his backyard tailgate tradition, the case for a solid sound system, and a little hard-won humility about letting clients' design ideas surprise him. Stick around for a plug for his own podcast, Outdoor Living Lounge, and the best ways to get in touch. https://lakenorman.highergroundoutdoorliving.com/ Join The Best of LKN Business Network: https://thebestoflkn.com/lake-norman-business-network/ The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm https://lknreal.com/ Support the show

    41 min

  5. Jun 22

    406: CTR Custom Homes - Connor Ruckman & Sara Brennan

    In this episode, recorded on the veranda at Safe Harbor Peninsula Yacht Club, Jeff sits down with interior designer Sara Brennan of Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors and builder Connor Ruckman of CTR Custom Homes to talk about a spectacular new construction home on Tinker Place in Troutman.  Connor shares CTR's story, from its 2015 father-and-son start in Grand Junction, Colorado to its move to Lake Norman, and what drew the company to the area's lifestyle, climate, and waterfront living. A mutual introduction from broker Nicole Leininger of Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties helped bring the partnership together. The conversation digs into what makes this home special: roughly 500 feet of shoreline, a private beach, wide-open water views from nearly every room, and a modern transitional design in soft white stucco oriented so the sunset lands between the dining room windows.  Sara walks through the interior, natural-stone countertops, a scullery, unexpected architectural details, and family-first touches like a true drop zone and a bottle-fill station, while Connor covers the outdoor kitchen, lake bath, pool, and a new covered dock with a lift and subtle lighting.  Both reflect on the trust and craftsmanship behind the build and tease what's next for CTR on Lake Norman. CTR Custom Homes https://www.ctrcustomhomes.com/ Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors https://saralynnbrennan.com/ Special thanks to: Nicole Leininger https://nicoleleininger.com/ Safe Harbor Peninsula Yacht Club https://www.peninsulayacht.com/ The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm https://lknreal.com/ Support the show

    32 min

  6. Jun 16

    405: Lake Norman Fondo - 8 Years of Cycling for a Cause with John Finney

    John Finney joins the podcast to talk about the Lake Norman Fondo, now heading into its eighth year. What started as a community ride of fewer than 100 cyclists on the Town Green in Davidson has grown into a 500-plus rider event drawing participants from 14 - 15 states and ranging in age from 12 to 80-something. John shares the history behind the fondo, why all proceeds go back to local charities (including a couple of "secret" charities revealed at the finish), and what riders can expect from the three route options of 35, 50, and 75 miles. This year's event rolls out from downtown Davidson on Sunday, August 16, 2026, with the first route launching at 7:30 a.m. John offers advice for first-timers (it's not a race – pick a comfortable distance, hit the rest stops, and finish safe), talks about the local breweries and sponsors that make it special, and explains why the cycling community is such a loyal, local-minded group worth connecting with.  Registration stays open right up to the morning of the event. Learn more at LakeNormanFondo.com. The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm https://lknreal.com/ Support the show

    15 min

  7. Jun 11

    404: Jessica Lundgren - Inside Classica Homes

    In this episode, Jeff sits down with Jessica, a sales manager at Classica Homes, at the Napa model in Stevens Farm, Huntersville. They talk about what sets Classica apart as a locally owned, design-based builder: a custom-home experience and quality without the typical custom-home drama or cost. With 850 homes built to date but only around 40 a year, the small team gives each home and each buyer a level of care, customization, and attention that's hard to find. Jessica also shares the leadership update with Brian Hall now at the helm as owner and CEO, continuing the company's original principles since 2010. The conversation covers Classica's newest community, Davidson Retreat — six one-acre home sites just seven minutes from Davidson College, with the first home (the ~4,400 sq ft Solana plan) completing in May. Jessica breaks down the Build on Your Lot program (with $150,000 toward site development already built into the starting price), fixed-price contracts, a fast 7–8 month build time, and elevated ranch-style options like the Santa Fe Ranch. She also highlights projects across Greater Charlotte — Belmont, Lake Wylie waterfront, Plaza Midwood, Piper Glen, and the Weddington/Waxhaw area — plus why Classica values its real estate broker partnerships. Learn more at classicahomes.com. Meet the co-founder of Classica Homes, Bill Saint, in episode 260! The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm https://lknreal.com/ Support the show

    22 min

  8. Jun 9

    403: Elisa Gillespie - Proactive Motion Physical Therapy

    Elisa Gillespie returns to the Best of LKN for the first time since November 2022 — and a lot has changed. After years operating as Gillespie Physical Therapy and then Movement Matters, Elisa launched Proactive Motion Physical Therapy in July 2025. With 17 years as a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist and 11 years of dry needling experience, she's built a practice focused on catching aches, pains, and injuries before they become chronic. She's also grown the team, welcoming Dr. Lauren Craig to lead a new pelvic floor and women's health service line. In this conversation, Elisa shares what Proactive treats beyond the usual post-surgical cases — including neck pain, tension headaches and migraines, jaw pain, and a recent wave of pickleball-related tennis elbow. She talks about her community involvement with Fit for Mom Lake Norman, her plans to expand pelvic floor therapy through 2026, and why reaching out to a trusted PT early can save you weeks of pain. Proactive Motion is located just off North Cross Drive near Birkdale Village. Proactive Motion Physical Therapy 15905 Brookway Dr #4206 Huntersville, NC 28078 (704) 794-8012 proactivemotionpt.com The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm https://lknreal.com/ Support the show

    23 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
    408
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Best of LKN
  • Show Website
    The Best of LKN