Getting to Know Hendo

Vickie
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship

Our podcast shines a spotlight on small businesses, events, and opportunities in Hendersonville County, NC. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly residents, this area is full of warmth and charm. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this podcast is your guide to discovering local businesses and leaders who make the area so special. Each episode features interviews with passionate business owners, event organizers, and community leaders who are making a real impact. We explore their challenges, triumphs, and the lessons they've learned, offering inspiration and practical advice for entrepreneurs and community members alike. Tune in to uncover hidden gems, learn about upcoming events, and connect with the vibrant culture of Hendersonville and beyond. Join us as we celebrate the creativity, resilience, and the genuinely kind people who make these communities thrive! 

  1. Jun 23

    Where Stories Take Root: Getting to Know Nick Lucey

    On this episode of Getting to Know Hendo, we sit down with local storyteller, marketer, veteran, and entrepreneur Nick Lucey, founder and creative director of Lucey Agency and host of the popular Kudzu Project podcast. Nick's journey has taken him from serving as a Marine Corps photojournalist to working as a newspaper editor, travel writer, television host, photographer, and business owner. Along the way, he has traveled the world collecting stories, experiences, and perspectives that now shape the work he does right here in Hendersonville.  As founder of Lucey Agency, Nick helps businesses and organizations tell their stories through branding, web design, photography, video production, and strategic marketing. His passion for authentic storytelling extends beyond marketing through the Kudzu Project, a podcast dedicated to capturing the voices, history, and unique stories of Western North Carolina and Appalachia.  During our conversation, Nick shares how storytelling can strengthen communities, why preserving local history matters, and what inspired him to create a platform that highlights the people, businesses, veterans, artists, and community leaders who make our region special. We also discuss entrepreneurship, creativity, community engagement, and the power of listening to the stories happening all around us.  Whether you're interested in local history, marketing, business development, podcasting, or simply hearing from someone passionate about our community, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Join us as we get to know Nick Lucey and learn how one person's commitment to storytelling is helping preserve and celebrate the voices of Hendersonville and beyond. Be sure to check out the Kudzu Project wherever you listen to podcasts and learn more about Lucey Agency's work throughout Western North Carolina. https://luceyagency.com/ kudzuproject.com A special thank you to The Big Hungry for providing the music featured in our podcast. Their original song Carolina serves as the intro and outro music for Getting to Know Hendo, helping us celebrate the spirit, culture, and community of Western North Carolina with every episode. The Big Hungry is a Western North Carolina-based band known for their unique blend of rock, blues, funk, soul, and Americana influences. We are grateful for their support and proud to feature local musicians whose passion and creativity help showcase what makes our region so special. To learn more about the band, upcoming performances, and their music, visit TheBigHungryBand.com. You can also follow them on social media to stay up to date on new releases and live shows. Be sure to support local music and the talented artists who help make Western North Carolina such a vibrant community. You can reach out to your host at vdills@stormphysicaltherapy.com

    21 min

  2. May 7

    Elizabeth Estrada and Rule Your World Marketing: Building Strategy That Fits Every Business

    🎙️ In this episode of Getting to Know Hendo, we’re joined by Elizabeth Estrada of Rule Your World Marketing. “The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.” That philosophy sits at the center of Elizabeth’s approach to marketing and business consulting. She believes the same advice does not work for every client in every situation, and that each individual needs a unique strategy in order to capture their goals. Elizabeth describes herself as a matchmaker and problem solver—helping business owners navigate real-world challenges tied to time, money, and resources. Through Rule Your World Marketing, she works to identify both goals and pain points in order to create action-oriented, customized plans for each project. Her focus is on giving businesses the material, information, and strategies needed to grow, while recognizing that no two businesses—or strategies—should ever be the same. Rule Your World Marketing is a small marketing and consulting company designed to help businesses grow from anywhere in the world. Their work spans social media creation and management, Facebook and Instagram integration, Facebook ads and events, LinkedIn marketing, email campaigns, branding and re-branding consultation, video utilization, and practical self-marketing strategies. Elizabeth is also actively involved in the local business community as a Henderson County Chamber Ambassador, the 2023 and 2024 FABA Events Chair, and a Henderson County YP Board Member. Her background includes international relations, languages, and real estate, and she brings that broad experience into how she approaches strategy and problem-solving. At its core, her work is about one thing: building strategies that actually fit the people and businesses they’re designed for. www.ruleyourworldmarketing.com  🎻  🥁  🎶  🌿 We’re featuring the music of Tuatha Dea with their track Kilts and Corsets as our intro and outro. Tuatha Dea is a progressive Americana band with a rock edge, rooted in Celtic and Appalachian influence and known for pushing the boundaries of modern roots music. Their sound blends driving percussion, electric instrumentation, and traditional instruments like fiddle, penny whistle, bagpipes, Native American flute, and didgeridoo—creating a style that is truly hard to categorize, but instantly recognizable. The band’s name comes from the Old Irish phrase associated with the Tuatha Dé Danann, meaning “Children of the Gods.” That sense of heritage and storytelling carries through their music, which is known for its energy, rhythm, and ability to pull audiences directly into the experience. Born out of a family drum circle and built around a tight-knit group of musicians and family members, Tuatha Dea has developed a reputation for high-energy performances that encourage audience participation and connection rather than passive listening. They’ve been recognized nationally, including being named among the top Celtic bands in the U.S., and have performed at major festivals and events across the country.  I saw this group live, and not only was the music fantastic, but the engagement and interaction was magic—the kind of performance where the crowd isn’t just watching, they’re part of it. So stick around, and enjoy Kilts and Corsets by Tuatha Dea. www.thuathadea.net  You can reach out to your host at vdills@stormphysicaltherapy.com

    24 min

  3. Apr 14

    Katrina McGuire – Hendersonville YMCA

    Katrina McGuire – Hendersonville YMCA The YMCA in Hendersonville is one of those places that’s woven into the fabric of the community—fitness, youth programs, family activities, and a steady flow of people all working toward something better every day. Today on Getting to Know Hendo, we’re highlighting Katrina McGuire, Executive Director of the Hendersonville Family YMCA. Katrina is part of the team helping make that happen at the Hendersonville YMCA on 6th Avenue. Her work supports the programs and day-to-day operations that keep the Y running as more than just a fitness center—it’s a community hub. And that’s really the bigger picture with the YMCA. It’s not just about physical health. It’s about supporting mind, body, and spirit. From youth development programs to group fitness, wellness support, and community outreach, everything is built around helping people feel stronger and more connected in all aspects of life. Katrina is part of that mission of service—helping maintain a space where people in Hendersonville can show up, improve their health, build relationships, and stay engaged with their community. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes work that keeps a place like the YMCA active, consistent, and meaningful to the people it serves. Music Spotlight: 2 Bags Full Bagpipe Brothers Today’s music spotlight is on the 2 Bags Full Bagpipe Brothers out of Hendersonville. They’re a young piping duo in their fourth year on full bagpipes, after starting on chanter and building their foundation through early exposure at Highland Games and a broader background in music at home. What started as curiosity turned into structured training under instruction in Asheville. They currently perform with the Grandfather Mountain Highlanders Pipe Band in Linville, taking that training into both community events and Highland Games competition across the region. What stands out is their consistency for their level of experience—the sound is clean, controlled, and continuing to develop as they gain more time on the instrument and more exposure to performance settings. It’s a good example of traditional music staying active and growing right here in Western North Carolina. You can reach out to your host at vdills@stormphysicaltherapy.com

    29 min

  4. Mar 8

    Arnold Ward — Sparking Change in Hendersonville - Award Electric

    If you’ve ever wondered who keeps Hendersonville’s lights on—literally—meet Arnold Ward, the hands-on electrician and founder of Award Electric LLC. Arnold isn’t just about wires and circuits; he’s about building trust, serving his community, and turning everyday challenges into solutions. On this episode of Getting to Know Hendo, Arnold shares the story of how he started his own business, what it takes to run a local company with integrity, and the lessons he’s learned about community connection. Whether you’re a homeowner, entrepreneur, or just curious about the people who make Hendersonville tick, tune in to hear stories that are shocking—in a good way!  Connect with Arnold and Award Electric: • Website: awardelectricnc.com  • Facebook: facebook.com/AwardElectric • Instagram: instagram.com/awardelectric 🎶 Music Credit — Chord on Blue For this episode of Getting to Know Hendo, our intro and outro music is brought to you by Chord on Blue, a Hendersonville‑area band that embodies the soul of our local sound. Whether they’re laying down bluesy grooves, rocking with roots energy, or lighting up a live stage, Chord on Blue represents the vibrant and eclectic spirit of music in Western North Carolina. Their vibe fits this podcast perfectly — familiar, heartfelt, and full of the personality that makes Hendersonville’s music scene so special. Stay tuned at the start and finish of the episode to catch their sound  You can reach out to your host at vdills@stormphysicaltherapy.com

    38 min

  5. Mar 1

    Insights from The Forged Leader: A Conversation with Jono Brake

    Jonathan “Jono” Brake is a seasoned business leader, strategist, and coach with over 25 years of experience across six continents. From startups to multi-billion-dollar companies, Jono brings deep expertise in strategy, leadership, team communication, marketing, and customer experience. A Certified Predictive Index Practitioner and DISC expert, he helps leaders leverage people-focused tools to grow their teams and businesses. When he’s not coaching, Jono can be found traveling the globe, hiking, mountain biking, playing rugby, or exploring new cultures with his wife Rebecca and their children, Charlie and Hannah. Based in Western North Carolina, Jono shares practical leadership insights and real-world strategies designed to help business owners and leaders break through challenges, build thriving teams, and lead with confidence. Learn more at theforgedleader.com North Carolina–based singer-songwriter Jason Michael Merritt blends folk, Americana, and acoustic pop into warm, story-driven songs that feel both laid-back and deeply personal. His sound carries an easy, coastal-meets-mountain vibe — the kind you’d throw on for a late-night drive or a slow Sunday morning. His track Sailor Girl captures that feeling perfectly, pairing mellow melodies with heartfelt lyrics that stick with you. 🎧 Check out more of his music and discover the full track at his website: jasonmichaelmerritt.com . You can reach out to your host at vdills@stormphysicaltherapy.com

    26 min

  6. Feb 20

    Growing Stronger Communities Through Horticulture with Steve Pettis

    In this episode, we sit down with Steve Pettis, a Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Extension Agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension serving Henderson County through North Carolina State University. Steve brings decades of hands-on experience in the green industry and is known for delivering practical, research-based solutions that help both home gardeners and commercial growers succeed. From plant health and sustainable landscapes to supporting local nurseries, greenhouses, and Master Gardener volunteers, Steve’s work focuses on strengthening both gardens and the communities around them. He also connects with the public through workshops, speaking engagements, and media outreach—making horticulture approachable, actionable, and impactful for everyone. Whether you’re growing tomatoes in your backyard or managing acres of production, Steve shares insights that help you grow smarter and cultivate healthier, more resilient landscapes. https://www.facebook.com/PlantDocHendo/ 100 Jackson Park Road, Hendersonville, NC gardeninginthemountains@gmail.com Music Credit / Band Bio Today’s intro and outro music is brought to you by Apple Country String Band, a Western North Carolina favorite known for their high-energy blend of old-time, bluegrass, folk, and Americana. With driving fiddle, banjo, guitar, and rich harmonies, they deliver toe-tapping, front-porch-style string music that captures the spirit of the mountains and keeps every crowd smiling. https://www.facebook.com/AppleCountryStringBand/ You can reach out to your host at vdills@stormphysicaltherapy.com

    38 min

  7. Jan 5

    Beyond the Gates: Giving WNC the Password to Kenmure Country Club with Samantha Spain

    🎙️ Guest: Samantha Spain, Marketing Director at Kenmure Country Club In this episode of Getting to Know Hendo, we sit down with Samantha Spain, Marketing Director at Kenmure Country Club, to pull back the gates—literally and figuratively—on one of Western North Carolina’s most talked-about communities. A Western North Carolina native, Spain began her career in the golf and country club industry in 2022 at Kenmure, where she quickly discovered a passion for creating access, connection, and community in a space she once believed was out of reach. Now, she’s on a mission to give locals the “password” into a lifestyle and venue that’s far more open and welcoming than many realize. During the conversation, Spain shares how Kenmure Country Club is more than a private club—it’s a full-service community destination offering: Event rentals for meetings, birthdays, fundraisers, and weddingsReal estate opportunitiesMultiple categories of membershipPublic access during major holidays such as Easter, Mother’s Day, and ThanksgivingFree Learn With beginner series in Golf and Pickleball, taught by their professional staffWe also dive into broader industry trends, including the challenge many mountain communities face with short-term residency and aging demographics—and how Kenmure is working to attract a more diverse, long-term, and younger professional membership. Spain highlights one of Kenmure’s most exciting recent additions: the Toptracer Range, introduced in summer 2024. Using the same technology as Topgolf, this interactive system offers real-time shot tracking, games, and performance data for golfers of all skill levels. The bays are available to rent for parties, events, and outings—and have quickly become a favorite among young professionals and families alike. On a more personal note, Spain shares a surprising fact about herself: she holds a specialized degree in Japonic Languages, studying Japanese language and culture at Western Carolina University—and can still speak a little Japanese (even if it doesn’t come up often in WNC). Her favorite professional advice comes straight from Kenmure’s General Manager: “If you have an idea, try it. If it fails, adjust.” That mindset has empowered her to embrace creativity, respect failure, and grow professionally without fear. 🔗 Learn more about Kenmure Country Club: Website: www.kenmure.com Instagram: @kenmure_wnc Facebook: Kenmure Country Club  🎶🌵 This episode of Getting to Know Hendo opens and closes with music from Cactus Kate and the Pricks, a bold, unapologetic band known for their raw sound and fearless creative energy. Their music sets the tone for the episode—gritty, authentic, and impossible to ignore—making them the perfect fit for the intro and outro. Cactus Kate and the Pricks represent the kind of independent artistry that thrives on honesty and edge. Whether you’re already a fan or hearing them for the first time, their tracks leave a lasting impression and elevate the entire listening experience. 🎧 Check them out  Website: https://cactuskateandthepricks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cactuskateandthepricks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Cactus-Kate-and-the-Pricks/61558086909491/    You can reach out to your host at vdills@stormphysicaltherapy.com

    17 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    Making Your Brand Unforgettable with Steven Lalla/Dynamic Image Marketing Systems, Inc.

    Meet Today’s Guest: Stephen Lalla Our guest on this episode is Stephen Lalla, CEO and President of Dynamic Image Marketing Systems, Inc., a Hendersonville, North Carolina-based company specializing in promotional products, custom printing, and branded marketing solutions. Since founding Dynamic Image in 1994, Stephen has guided the company in helping businesses elevate their brand presence through high-quality products including apparel, signage, printed collateral, and full-color marketing materials. With a focus on creativity, quality, and client-centered service, Stephen has built long-standing relationships with businesses across Western North Carolina and beyond, ensuring that every project reflects both the client’s vision and strategic marketing goals. His leadership blends business acumen with hands-on expertise in marketing, production, and customer experience, making him a trusted resource for companies looking to make a lasting impression. 🌐 Website: dynamicimage.biz 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/DynamicImageMarketing 🎧 In this podcast, we’re proud to feature music by The Pisgah Jazztet, a talented jazz ensemble rooted in the Flat Rock and Brevard, North Carolina music scene. Known for their rich blend of styles—including vocal jazz, bossa nova, blues, bebop, and swing—the six‑piece group brings timeless jazz standards and irresistible grooves to life with seasoned musicianship and soulful expression.  Their performances capture both the sophistication of classic jazz and the warmth of live music-whether interpreting beloved standards like “On Green Dolphin Street” or exploring bossa rhythms and swing arrangements that connect deeply with listeners.  Learn more about the Pisgah Jazztet and stay up to date with their music, shows, and community events at their official pages:  • Website / Band profile: Pisgah Jazztet on BandMix — bandmix.com/pisgah‑jazztet • Facebook: facebook.com/PisgahJazztet  Check out their soulful sound and support local jazz as we bring you great music to enhance every episode. You can reach out to your host at vdills@stormphysicaltherapy.com

    22 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Our podcast shines a spotlight on small businesses, events, and opportunities in Hendersonville County, NC. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly residents, this area is full of warmth and charm. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this podcast is your guide to discovering local businesses and leaders who make the area so special. Each episode features interviews with passionate business owners, event organizers, and community leaders who are making a real impact. We explore their challenges, triumphs, and the lessons they've learned, offering inspiration and practical advice for entrepreneurs and community members alike. Tune in to uncover hidden gems, learn about upcoming events, and connect with the vibrant culture of Hendersonville and beyond. Join us as we celebrate the creativity, resilience, and the genuinely kind people who make these communities thrive! 

Information

  • Creator
    Vickie
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Getting to Know Hendo
  • Show Website
    Getting to Know Hendo