In this episode of The Best of LKN, we meet Erin Clark, the owner of The Garden Room in Mooresville. Erin shares her journey from various cities across the U.S. to settling in Mooresville, where she opened her outdoor furniture store. She discusses the inspiration behind The Garden Room, the types of products they offer, and the community events they host. Erin also reflects on the challenges of running a retail business and her plans for the future, including expanding produc...

In this episode of The Best of LKN podcast, host Jeff Hamm interviews Jason Sanford, the founder of Float Apps, which helps users navigate lakes across the United States. Jason shares his background, the inspiration behind Float Apps, its features, community feedback, and future plans for expansion. The conversation also touches on the challenges of app development and the importance of business structure for small business owners. FloatLKN Special mentions: Lake Effects...

In this conversation, Dr. Anthony Frasca, the Founder and CEO of Zen Psychiatric, shares his journey into psychiatry and the establishment of his practice. He discusses his background, the importance of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), and the challenges he faced in building Zen Psychiatric, which aims to provide innovative mental health care. Dr. Frasca also highlights the challenges he faced in business management, the growth of his practice, and the importance of building a supportiv...

Hasan Ahad is the Director of Player Development at the Carolina Factory, and he’s the founder of Hasan’s Hoops. In this episode, Hasan and I talk about his journey from playing basketball to coaching. We explore Hasan's training philosophy, the various programs offered at Hasan's Hoops, and the impact of sports on youth development. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, personal growth, and the keys to success for competitive athletes. Hasan’s Hoops Th...

In this podcast episode, Brooke Dolen shares her journey from West Virginia to the North Carolina High Country, discussing her real estate career and the opportunities available in the area. The conversation explores the High Country community, including Banner Elk, Boone, and more. Brooke also discusses the area’s investment potential, and the importance of supporting local businesses. We also highlight upcoming projects and initiatives aimed at promoting the High Country, e...

In this episode, Danielle Benham shares her journey into health and wellness, highlighting her experiences that led her to start her practice in functional nutrition and thermography. She discusses the importance of thermography as a non-invasive tool for monitoring health, its applications beyond breast health, and how nutrition plays a crucial role in managing inflammation and overall well-being. Danielle emphasizes the need for preventive care and the significance of unders...

This podcast episode features Kara Perrault, General Manager of Snooze Mattress Company in Cornelius, discussing the family-owned business that her parents recently opened. Kara, who grew up in Concord and studied Criminal Justice at Liberty University, explains that Snooze differentiates itself in the "tired" mattress industry by focusing on educating customers about deep restorative sleep rather than just selling products. The store features innovative "Dream Mapping Technology" tha...

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Kas Matos, owner of The Coffee Shop and Twiggs in downtown Cornelius, NC. Kas shares his journey from growing up in Georgia to becoming a serial entrepreneur, creating unique spaces that serve and energize the community. We explore the evolution of his original concept, Thigs, a cozy cocktail bar that transformed into The Coffee Shop, a beautifully designed, moody-yet-welcoming coffee space serving up craft espresso, hemp-infused beverages, and yes—still...

In this episode, Jeff heads to the heart of Troutman, North Carolina for a visit to Davesté Vineyards, the closest vineyard to Charlotte and a beloved destination for wine lovers and casual sippers alike. He sits down with Meg Tipton, Winemaker, and Kevin Toomajian, General Manager, to explore the story behind this hidden gem, from its humble beginnings to its exciting future. Meg shares her journey from the corporate world to the winemaking scene, the science and art of crafting wine, ...

Julie Fagan is the creative force behind Peanut Butter Fingers, a popular lifestyle blog she launched in 2009. The blog's quirky name stems from Julie's habit of dipping her fingers in peanut butter - a simple pleasure that reflects her approachable and authentic online persona. Prior to becoming a full-time blogger, Julie worked in jobs in the public relations and marketing industry before realizing her affinity for writing and accepting a job as a content team manager for a large website....

Dixon Handshaw is the Chairman of the Board at Mooresville Arts, an important nonprofit located in the heart of downtown Mooresville, NC. Mooresville Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the Lake Norman region's cultural landscape by promoting the visual arts. Celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2025, the organization serves as a vibrant community for artists and art enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. It offers high-quality art education and provides venues for art...

In this episode, Lauren Spagnoletti, founder of Little Men Roaring, shares her journey from the entertainment industry to establishing a boutique marketing agency. She emphasizes the importance of identifying your target audience as the foundation of effective marketing strategies. Lauren discusses the benefits of repurposing content to maximize reach and reinforce brand authority. Additionally, she highlights the risks of relying solely on social media followers and the need ...

In this conversation, Taylor Judge, a licensed loan originator, shares her journey into the mortgage industry, discussing the appeal of her profession, current trends in mortgage rates, and valuable tips for first-time home buyers. She emphasizes the importance of building strong partnerships with realtors and leveraging social media for networking and professional growth. Taylor also highlights the significance of communication and trust in the mortgage process, especially fo...

Dobson Interiors is a boutique design firm located in Lake Norman, North Carolina. The company focuses on creating aesthetically pleasing and functional living spaces tailored to each client's lifestyle and needs for every stage of life. Founded by Stephanie Dobson, a Charlotte native with a decade of experience in corporate finance, Dobson Interiors brings a unique blend of creativity and meticulous attention to detail to every project. Her background in corporate finance gives her a...

Joining the podcast is Mark Mahoney, the CEO & Co-Founder of Jackrabbit Technologies. Jackrabbit Technologies is a leading provider of cloud-based class management software designed for youth activity centers, including gymnastics, dance, swim, and music schools. Founded with a mission to streamline operations for business owners, the company offers robust tools for scheduling, billing, student enrollment, and communication. With a customer-centric approach, Jackrabbit Technologies cont...

Paige Richardson is a wardrobe stylist, fashion/image consultant, and the owner of Paige Richardson Styling. After spending nearly two decades in the corporate retail world as a merchandising executive in Manhattan and Charlotte, Paige decided to focus on what she loves the most—making women feel confident and like the best version of themselves when they walk out the door. During our conversation, Paige shares the story behind her career in fashion and her journey as an entrepreneur. She...

In this special podcast episode, Jeff sits down with board members from the Tarheel Trailblazers - a nonprofit organization that has been creating, maintaining, and protecting mountain bike trails throughout the greater Charlotte area since 1990. Tarheel Trailblazers @tarheel_trailblazers --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Best of LKN https://thebestoflkn.com/ Hosted by: Jeff Hamm Allen Tate Realtors® Charlotte & Lake Norm...

In this episode of The Best of LKN Podcast, host Jeff Hamm interviews Nicole Leininger, a highly successful real estate broker in the Lake Norman area. They discuss Nicole's journey in real estate, her innovative marketing strategies, particularly the use of video, and the vibrant lifestyle of the Lake Norman community. Nicole shares insights on the current real estate market, including record-setting sales, and offers valuable advice for aspiring brokers looking to succeed in...

Lauren Rorie is the owner of The Local Salon & Parlor in Cornelius, and she joins the podcast this week. During our conversation, Lauren shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration for owning her own salon. She shares a lot of the learnings experienced along the way, and some great advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. The Local Salon & Parlor is a community-focused hair salon that prides itself on delivering top-notch customer service. Specializing in haircut...

Stacy Jarrett is the new Managing Owner of Overflow in Mooresville. Overflow is a wildly popular and innovative self-pour tap room located in the Langtree area of Lake Norman. During our conversation, Stacy shares a little of her background and how she became the operational owner of Overflow in recent months. We talk about all that Overflow has to offer their guests. Plus, Stacy shares new ways locals can enjoy the space for private events and parties. Overflow 137 Mecklynn Rd Mo...