Episode 078 REFRESH Medical Spa and Wellness Meet Josette Giuffrida Show Notes: In this episode, I sit down with Josette Giuffrida, the owner of REFRESH Medical Spa & Wellness in Cornelius. Josette shares the story of her entrepreneurial journey, as well as some...

Episode 077 Christine RinkertOwner of Luna's Lifestyle Boutique in CorneliusShow Notes: In this episode, I sit down with Christine Rinkert - she is the owner of Luna’s Lifestyle, a women’s clothing boutique in Cornelius - formerly known as Luna’s at the Lake....

Episode 076 Michal BayThe Inspiration Behind Alino Pizzeria at Merino MillShow Notes: In this episode, I sit down again with Michal Bay at Merino Mill to learn the inspiration behind Alino Pizzeria. Michal shares the story of how he realized a need for high-quality...

Episode 075 Dog Training by HazelMeet Hazel Jillian PacionShow Notes: I have a great conversation lined up for you with Hazel Jillian Pacion. She’s the owner of Dog Training By Hazel, a small business based in Huntersville that has actually grown and prospered during...

Episode 074 Buttermilk Sky Pie ShopMeet Birkdale Co-Owner Gabby SillymanShow Notes: In this episode, I sit down with Gabby Sillyman. She is the co-owner along with her sister, Savannah, of the Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop in Birkdale Village. We’ve been buying pies there...

Episode 073 LKN ImagesMeet Kathleen and Ed MartinShow Notes: In this episode, I’m really excited to bring you a conversation with the owners of LKN Images, Kathleen and Ed Martin. Kathleen is a top photographer in the Lake Norman and Charlotte metro areas. Her areas...

Episode 072 Abby KircherFounder and CEO of Abby's Better, Inc.Show Notes: Here we are at episode 72 of The Best of LKN podcast, and we have an amazing guest for you to meet. Abby Kircher began her entrepreneurial journey at just 15 years old. She was inspired to begin...

Episode 071 Renee RobersonEditor of Lake Norman Currents MagazineShow Notes: If you’ve been following this production for a while, you’ll remember back in the Spring of this year Lake Norman Currents magazine wrote a piece about this podcast. The article appeared in...

Episode 070 Eyes Up Lake NormanMeet Founder and Coach Chad MacyShow Notes: In this episode we’re featuring an organization that was started during the pandemic, and has been recognized by several of our esteemed guests here on the podcast. Chad Macy has merged his...

Episode 069 55 Prime MooresvilleMeet Chef Peter OlsacherShow Notes: In this episode, we’re featuring a new small business in Mooresville that is delivering a chef-driven fine dining experience to your door. 55 Prime was founded by Chef Peter Olsacher in 2021 to...

Episode 068 Davidson Provision CompanyMeet Owner Matt SantosShow Notes: I finally have the opportunity to feature one of the coolest small businesses in the Lake Norman area - in fact, one of the coolest small businesses anywhere! Davidson Provision Company is located...

Episode 067 Liz BrighamDirector of The Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Davidson CollegeShow Notes: In this episode, we’re featuring The Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Davidson College. The Director of the Jay Hurt Hub, Liz...

Episode 066 Suds N' Shine Car WashMeet Owners Dan and Ben SchiermeyerShow Notes: In this episode I sit down with Dan & Ben Schiermeyer, the owners of Suds & Shine Car Wash in Cornelius, and Affordable Mini-Storage of Statesville. What interests me most about...

Episode 065 Brittany PomeroyFounder of Flourish TogetherShow Notes: Brittany Pomeroy is the founder of Flourish Together. Brittany founded Flourish Together in the middle of the pandemic as a commitment to helping organizations make a lasting, meaningful impact on...

Episode 064 LKN Financial AdvisorsMeet Lynn Bowser and Cara Cremeans with Northwestern Mutual Lake NormanShow Notes: In this episode, we’re featuring the Northwestern Mutual Lake Norman office. The office is led by Lynn Bowser, who joins us along with her associate...

Episode 063 Donna DunlapBig Brothers Big Sisters of Central CarolinasShow Notes: We’ve had the real honor of featuring several local and nationally recognized nonprofit organizations on the podcast. We especially love the nonprofits whose missions are to improve the...

Episode 062 Michal BayOwner and Developer of Merino Mill in MooresvilleShow Notes: In this episode, I sit down with Michal Bay, the owner of the amazing Merino Mill in Mooresville. This is a conversation that I’ve really been looking forward to sharing, because Michal...

Episode 061 Phil PumaA Talk With One Of Lake Norman's Top Real Estate ProducersShow Notes: As you know by now, we feature the best and brightest Lake Norman entrepreneurs, small business owners, freelancers, and nonprofit organizations on this podcast. In this...

Episode 060 Deborah Young StudioMeet the Owner and Photographer Deborah YoungShow Notes: In this episode, we’re really pleased to be featuring a conversation with Deborah Young, owner of The Deborah Young Studio in Cornelius. Deborah is a professional photographer...

Episode 059 Robert MaynardFounder and CEO of Famous ToasteryShow Notes: I have a really great episode lined up for you. I’m finally able to feature one of my favorite restaurant brands, Famous Toastery. The founder and CEO of the company, Robert Maynard, joins me to...

Episode 058 MINE by sandyMeet Boutique Owner Sandy BowersShow Notes: A few weeks ago we published a blog article featuring some really amazing local boutiques to procure some beautiful gifts for Mother’s Day. I was really proud of the businesses we were able to...

Episode 057 Freedom Boat Club Lake NormanMeet Owner Jeff WeirShow Notes: The weather is warming up and that means boating season is here! Hey friends, welcome back to the podcast. In this episode we’re talking about boating with the owner of Freedom Boat Club Lake...

Episode 056 Atomic HabitsA Book Review with the Mbrace Studio TeamShow Notes: In this episode, the team at Mbrace Studio joins me to share their thoughts on the wildly popular book: Atomic Habits, by James Clear. If you listened to the special 50th episode on the...

Episode 055 Robin Smith SalzmanOwner, Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep RamShow Notes: In this episode, I’m sharing with you a conversation I had with the owner of Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Robin Smith Salzman. Robin and her husband Jack have built one of the...

Episode 054 Sodoma Law NorthMeet Nicole Sodoma and Sarah BennettShow Notes: I noticed back in January of this year that one of Charlotte’s most prominent law firms had expanded into the Lake Norman area with the opening of a new office in Cornelius. Sodoma Law...

Episode 053 Davidson Lands ConservancyMeet Executive Director Dave CableShow Notes: In this episode, we’re featuring Davidson Lands Conservancy - a local nonprofit that focuses on preserving the area’s most important natural assets for future generations. The...

Episode 052 The Addison Hutchison FoundationMeet Shane HutchisonShow Notes: As you know by now, we do love to feature thoughtful nonprofit organizations on the podcast, in addition to the best small businesses in the area. I have the honor of sharing the story of the...

Episode 051 Defined CoffeeMeet Founders Anthony Nugnes and Keifer MoskalukShow Notes: Hello friends, welcome back to the podcast. This is episode 51 and we’re featuring a local coffee company that’s on the move with some really cool expansion plans in the works....

Episode 050 Our 50th Episode!The Journey So Far!Show Notes: Here we are: The 50th Episode! We thought it would be a good idea to mark the occasion with a special episode - our first solo episode with just the host of the podcast. Sounds boring... I know, right? Here...

Episode 049 BoatYard Lake NormanMeet Owner Chris BoukedesShow Notes: We have sort of a bonus episode for you this week. Here’s a little back story: We began working on an article for our blog about two weeks ago - an article that would highlight a few great spots...

Episode 048 Lost Worlds Brewing Co.Meet Founder Dave HammeShow Notes: Long time listeners of the podcast will be familiar with my fondness for craft beer, so it will come as no surprise that I’m featuring another great local craft brewery in this episode. Dave Hamme,...

Episode 047 Daniel San Sushi and Asian FusionMeet Owner Paolo JoseShow Notes: In this episode, we’re featuring Daniel San Sushi and Asian Fusion restaurant in Cornelius. Listeners of this podcast will know how fond I am of Sushi and Asian Fusion Cuisine - last year we...

Episode 046 Jamie PerrineFounder of the Body Lantern Torch for RunnersShow Notes: In this episode, I’m featuring a conversation with the inventive founder of a Mooresville-based startup that is helping runners see and be seen in the dark. Body Lantern is a Veteran...

Episode 045 Zack WyattExecutive Director at Carolina Farm TrustShow Notes: Carolina Farm Trust is a nonprofit organization that manages a network of urban farms in the Charlotte Metro area, including one in Huntersville. Their goal is to make the area a global leader...

Episode 044 Brenna MorganCreating Livable Luxury with Brenna Morgan Interior DesignShow Notes: Welcome to episode 44 of Lake Norman’s #1 small business podcast. You may recall back in episode 22 I featured a conversation with Tiffany Ringwald, a highly talented and...

Episode 043 Meet Sue RatcliffAll-Star Engagement Manager with Pinky Swear FoundationShow Notes: In this episode , I’m very honored to be featuring a beautiful nonprofit organization that’s doing work in an area that is near and dear to our hearts here at the podcast....

Episode 042 Masala Mastee A New Indian Street Food Concept in Downtown DavidsonShow Notes: In this episode, we’re featuring a new Indian street food concept in downtown Davidson. I’d first like to say thanks to our listeners that have signed up for our email...

Episode 041 Lake Norman Real Estate SpotlightJonathan Evans with Keller Williams RealtyShow Notes: Welcome to episode 41 of the podcast! In this Real Estate Spotlight episode, we’re featuring real estate broker Jonathan Evans with Keller Williams. Jonathan brings a...

Episode 040 Main Street Veterinary Hospital CorneliusMeet Dr. Lori HoeShow Notes: Dr. Lori Hoe at the Main Street Veterinary Hospital in Cornelius joins us for episode 40 of the podcast! Lori shares what inspired her to open her own veterinary practice with the help...

Episode 039 Mbrace StudioMaking Fitness a Habit with Founders Andrea and DianaShow Notes: Happy New Year Lake Norman! Let’s begin 2021 with some goal setting and healthier habits. The founders of Mbrace Studio join the podcast for the first episode of the new year to...

Episode 038 Ashley GeorgeMrs. North Carolina 2020 Joins the PodcastShow Notes: It’s Episode 38, and our last episode for 2020! I’ve had such a great time producing this podcast for you, and really looking forward to more great conversations in the new year!  In this...

Episode 037 Elisabeth RoseCreating Art and Beauty in Everyday Life with Elisabeth ConnellyShow Notes: In this episode, I am extremely honored to feature a conversation with one of the most thoughtful, talented, and adored small business owners in the Lake Norman...

Episode 036 Real Estate Spotlight Mortgages Made Simple with Mark Scarrow at NewRezShow Notes: Recently, I began reaching out to professional services firms in the area to feature their work on the podcast, such as financial advisors, real estate brokers, insurance...

Episode 035 eeZ Fusion & Sushi Birkdale Village A Conversation with Owner Alan Springate Show Notes: In this episode, I have a conversation with Alan Springate. Alan is the owner of one of my favorite area restaurants, eeZ Fusion & Sushi located in Birkdale...

Episode 034 Boomerang Water CompanySustainable Bottled Water Startup Launches in DavidsonShow Notes: 50-billion plastic water bottles are thrown away each year in the U.S. alone. Only a small percentage of those are actually recycled. The rest end up in landfills,...

Episode 033 Clean Eatz Cafe Lake NormanA Conversation with Owner Sarah ConradShow Notes: Welcome back Sarah Conrad to the podcast! Sarah and her husband Jason joined me recently in episode 30 to feature their amazing restaurant Barrel & Fork. In this episode,...

Episode 032 Your Mom's BazaarCelebrating the Goods and Good People of Lake Norman with Courtney BuckleyShow Notes: Many of my guests have echoed the same sentiment that 2020, despite its challenges, has brought us many gifts. In this episode of The Best of LKN...

Episode 031 Joe and Katy KindredA Conversation in Culinary and Hospitality ExcellenceShow Notes: In this episode, I have a great conversation with Joe and Katy Kindred, the owners of Kindred restaurant in Davidson, and Hello, Sailor in Cornelius. To say that Joe and...

Episode 030 Barrel and ForkFine Dining and Exceptional Cocktails with Owners Jason Tuton and Sarah ConradShow Notes: I am so pleased to bring you his episode featuring Barrel and Fork, a lovely and unique fine dining establishment located near the heart of Cornelius....

Episode 029 HempLilyA Conversation About CBD and Wellness with Owner Terri LongShow Notes: Welcome HempLily owner Terri Long to the podcast! HempLily is an upscale boutique CBD oil store in Cornelius that is helping their customers find balanced wellness. In this...

Episode 028 Race City Flight OperationsLake Norman Airport's FBO and Flight Training HeadquartersShow Notes: Welcome Race City Flight Operations to the podcast! Race City Flight Ops is the fixed base operator (FBO) and flight school at Lake Norman Airport in...

Episode 027 Ed Watkins MarineMeet Owner and NASCAR Team Member Ed WatkinsShow Notes: In this episode, I sit down with Ed Watkins to talk about his 24-year career as a NASCAR  pit crew team member and his highly successful boat dealership on Lake Norman. Ed shares the...

Episode 026 Hearts On Fiber DavidsonMeet Owner Kim ClarkShow Notes: Welcome Hearts on Fiber owner Kim Clark to the podcast! Hearts on fiber has been recognized as a favorite local business by a few of my guests, so I was really pleased to have this chat with Kim. She...

Episode 025 Royal Bliss Brewing CompanyMeet Owners Larry and Ginger GriffinShow Notes: Welcome Larry and Ginger Griffin to the podcast! Larry and Ginger are the owners of Royal Bliss Brewing Company, a refined yet approachable craft brewery in Denver, NC. In this...

Episode 024 Hirschfeld Marketing SolutionsAn Interview with CEO Todd HirschfeldShow Notes: Welcome Hirschfeld Marketing Solutions CEO Todd Hirschfeld to the podcast. I chat with experiential marketing entrepreneur Todd Hirschfeld about the origins of his company, and...

Episode 023 OnUp Training Mike Ratnofsky and CrossFit Cornelius Launch An Online Fitness PlatformShow Notes: Welcome back Mike Ratnofsky with CrossFit Cornelius to the podcast! Both Mike and his wife Kristin joined the podcast for the first episode (001) back in May,...

Episode 022 Tiffany RingwaldArchitectural Photography and the Power of Defining Your NicheShow Notes: Welcome Tiffany Ringwald to the podcast! Tiffany is a freelance photographer based in Mooresville and specializes in the area of interior architectural photography....

Episode 021 Davidson Chocolate CompanyMeet Owner Ana VogelShow Notes: Welcome Ana Vogel with Davidson Chocolate Company to the podcast! Ana shares the amazing story of her entrepreneurial journey and details the path that led her to owning Davidson Chocolate Company....

Episode 020 Hudson StylesOwner of Hudson Salon in Huntersville and MooresvilleShow Notes: Welcome Hudson Salon owner Hudson Styles to the podcast! In this interview, Hudson shares some of the story behind his entrepreneurial journey. We talk about his path to salon...

Episode 019 Ryan McDanielsExecutive Director,Lake Norman Economic Development Corp.Show Notes: Welcome Ryan McDaniels, Executive Director of the Lake Norman Economic Development Corp. to the podcast! In this episode, Ryan shares the story of the LNEDC and how they are...

Episode 018 Good Drip Coffee DavidsonMeet Owner Zack WhittShow Notes: "We love building spaces within our community that families can enjoy." ~Zack Whitt Welcome Good Drip Coffee and owner Zack Whitt to the podcast! Husband, Dad, Pastor, Serial Entrepreneur, CrossFit...

Episode 017 JueleryeMeet Owner Jacqueline BassettShow Notes: Welcome Jacqueline Bassett to the podcast! Jacqueline owns Juelerye Fine Gifts and Art, a unique shopping destination in Cornelius. Jacqueline founded Juelerye in 2015 on the idea that a rewarding life is...

Episode 016 Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse Davidson NCMeet Co-Owner Chad HollingsworthShow Notes: Welcome Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse in Davidson, NC to the podcast! One of the principle owners, Chad Hollingsworth, joins us for an interview. We talk a little while about...

Episode 015 Dr. John HoctorOwner of Hoctor Chiropractic and Family WellnessShow Notes: Welcome Hoctor Chiropractic and Family Wellness in Cornelius to the podcast! Dr. John Hoctor joins me for an interview and shares some of his inspirations for becoming a...

Episode 014 Lindsey WilliamsOwner of Davidson Wine Co. — an urban winery in the Lake Norman areaShow Notes: Lindsey Williams joins the podcast to share the story of her journey from corporate lawyer to winemaker & small business owner. We talk a bit about the...

Episode 013 Dr. Carrie UehleinThe Veterinary Hospital of DavidsonShow Notes: Welcome to episode 13 of the podcast! Dr. Carrie Uehlein joins us for an interview. Carrie is the co-owner of The Veterinary Hospital of Davidson, a vet clinic that integrates conventional...

Episode 012 Jon DresslerOwner of Dressler's Restaurant Birkdale VillageShow Notes: Jon Dressler joins the podcast for episode 12! Jon and his wife Kim lead Rare Roots Hospitality, a company here in Charlotte that owns Dressler's Restaurant in Birkdale Village, along...

Episode 011 Sean FlynnOwner of Main Street Coffee & Coworking in Huntersville!Show Notes: Welcome to episode 11! I originally planned to interview Sean to learn about one of his businesses: Main Street Coffee & Coworking, located in downtown Huntersville....

Episode 010 Davidson Ice HouseGet to know the chef and owner Jen Brule'Show Notes: Welcome to episode 10! Jen Brule joins us this week for an interview. She owns Davidson Ice House in Davidson, North Carolina. Jen shares a bit about her entrepreneurial journey and...

Episode 009 SpeedPro Imagingand Pure Design Photography StudioShow Notes: Welcome to episode #9! The owners of SpeedPro Imaging and Pure Design Photography Studio, Lynn and Craig Bakstad, join the podcast for an interview. They share the details of the two businesses...

Episode 008 W8LESS LKNTrampoline and Ninja Park in Cornelius!Show Notes: Welcome to episode 8 of The Best of LKN podcast! It's an honor to feature this Veteran-owned small business - W8less LKN Trampoline and Ninja Park! In this episode, I interview Larry Thompson who...

Episode 007 BlumengärtenLake Norman's Extraordinary Florist!Show Notes: Welcome owner Denise Ulhorn and designer Emily Frank of Blumengärten to the podcast! Blumengärten is an extraordinary LKN florist located in Cornelius, North Carolina. In this interview, Denise...

Episode 006 Lucky Dog Bark and BrewLake Norman's Indoor/Outdoor Dog Park and Sports Bar!Show Notes: Welcome Lucky Dog Bark and Brew to the podcast - where everyone knows your dog's name! Owner Kelly Waugh shares a bit of how she and her business partner came up with...

Episode 005 Charlotte Running CompanyNorthlake & Lake Norman StoresShow Notes: Welcome to episode #5! This one features another boutique fitness brand, Charlotte Running Company. The owner of the Northlake and Lake Norman (Mooresville) locations, Jamie Davis,...

Episode 004 Waterbean CoffeeLake Norman's Coffee Shop and Bean Above The Rest!Show Notes: Episode #4 is here! Wow, big thanks to the Lake Norman businesses that have agreed to join me for these short interviews. In this episode, I interview Beatriz Aguirre, the...

Episode 003 Meet LKN Realtor Becca ManginiShow Notes: LKN Real Estate SuperStar Becca Mangini joins the podcast for an interview! In this episode, Becca gives us a glimpse of her journey into real estate sales as a full time profession. She shares her love for real...

Episode 002 Eleven Lakes Brewing CompanyCheers to Craft Beer and CommunityShow Notes: In this episode of The Best of LKN, I'm joined by the brewmeister of Eleven Lakes Brewing Company - Ray Hutchinson. Ray introduces us to the Eleven Lakes story, shares some...

Episode 001 CrossFit CorneliusGet to know owners Mike & Kristin RatnofskyShow Notes: Welcome to the launch episode for The Best of LKN! I'm very happy to present an interview with the owners of CrossFit Cornelius, Mike & Kristin Ratnofsky. CrossFit Cornelius...