The Best of LKN

Hosted by Epic Journey Media

Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Society CultureInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

402

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 202615 min

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 LKNhttps://thebestoflkn.com/Hosted by:Jeff Hammhttps://lknreal.com/Support the show

June 11, 202622 min

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 LKNhttps://thebestoflkn.com/Hosted by:Jeff Hammhttps://lknreal.com/Support the show

June 9, 202623 min

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 Therapy15905 Brookway Dr #4206Huntersville, NC 28078(704) 794-8012proactivemotionpt.comThe Best of LKNhttps://thebestoflkn.com/Hosted by:Jeff Hammhttps://lknreal.com/Support the show

June 5, 202631 min

402: Jon House - From NASCAR Pit Crews to Kayak Fishing for Veterans

In this episode of the Best of LKN Podcast, Jeff Hamm sits down with Jon House, a real estate broker with Allen Tate covering the North Charlotte-to-Statesville corridor. Jon shares his remarkable journey from chasing a childhood NASCAR dream as a pit crew jackman, to battling stage four cancer, to a career-ending pit road accident in 2016 that led him to real estate — a career he's now thrived in for nine years.The heart of the conversation is Jon's work with Purple Heart Homes, a nonprofit that retrofits and builds homes for veterans in need. Three years ago, Jon turned his passion for competitive kayak bass fishing into the Reel Heroes tournament on Lake Norman — an event that started with a $1,500 goal and has since generated over $200,000 in donations and products. This year's tournament takes place July 11th, with registration open to anglers of all skill levels at https://tourneyx.com/app/ (search "Reel Heroes"). Sponsorship opportunities are also available for local businesses.Jon House | Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estatehttps://jonhouse.allentate.com/The Best of LKNhttps://thebestoflkn.com/Hosted by:Jeff Hammhttps://lknreal.com/Support the show

June 1, 202623 min

401: Surf Wake Ski Lake Norman - Meet Audrey & Tim

In this episode of The Best of LKN Podcast, Jeff sits down with Audrey Pennell and Tim Hyde, co-founders of Surf Wake Ski, a new Lake Norman business launching for summer 2026. Both North Carolina natives who met working at a Mooresville boat dealership and bonded over years spent at a Pennsylvania summer camp, Audrey and Tim share how they turned a shared love of the water into a venture aimed at getting more people on the lake. They walk through their full lineup of offerings – kids' summer camps with flexible morning, midday, and afternoon sessions; private lessons and charters on Fridays and Saturdays; after-work evening events and game nights; and boat driving lessons rooted in a strong emphasis on safety. The conversation also covers their partnership with Race City and their boat slip at Holiday Marina near Hello Sailor, their plans for orientation cruises for newcomers to the area, a Bible study night on the water with proceeds benefiting a kids' summer camp, and their commitment to staying closed on Sundays. Don't miss their launch event at The Boatyard on Saturday, June 6th. Connect with the team on Instagram and Facebook @SurfWakeSkiSchool or learn more at surfwakeski.com.The Best of LKNhttps://thebestoflkn.com/Hosted by:Jeff Hammhttps://lknreal.com/Powered by:https://aidawerks.com/Support the show

May 28, 202625 min

400: Dr. Jonathan Leake - Hydrate Medical Lake Norman

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Dr. Jonathan Leake, board-certified emergency medicine physician and co-founder of Hydrate Medical, an IV hydration and wellness practice with eight locations across the Carolinas, including Mooresville and Huntersville. Dr. Leake shares how his ER background and a memorable stomach-bug outbreak inspired him and business partner Keith to create a physician-owned alternative to pricey hospital visits – delivering safe, evidence-based IV treatments in a comfortable, relaxing setting. The conversation covers what really drives clients to Hydrate Medical (hint: it's mostly wellness, not hangovers), the science behind hydration and vitamin infusions, common misconceptions about IV therapy, how to choose a reputable provider, and the practice's new Performance & Longevity program featuring NAD+, ALA, and NAC. Whether you're battling fatigue and burnout or chasing peak athletic recovery, this episode is a thoughtful primer on how strategic hydration can become part of your health routine.Hydrate MedicalThe Best of LKNhttps://thebestoflkn.com/Hosted by:Jeff Hammhttps://lknreal.com/Powered by:https://aidawerks.com/Support the show

May 26, 202617 min

399: Lake Norman Real Estate: Denver & Sherrills Ford Market Report May 2026

Jeff sits down with Mike Feeley of Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties to talk about the west side of Lake Norman — specifically Denver, Sherrills Ford, and Terrell. They dig into why this part of the lake has long been considered the region’s best-kept secret, what’s changing in the luxury market (including an $18.5 million listing and a $6 million home that went under contract on day one), and how the numbers compare year over year. Mike shares current stats — 295 closings through mid-May, days on market up slightly to 88, and sale-to-list ratios still holding at 98–99% — while making the case that buyers get significantly more home for the money on the west side. They also discuss favorite luxury neighborhoods like Pebble Bay and Northview Harbor, the appeal of being 20 minutes from Charlotte Douglas Airport, and a teaser for a brand-new luxury community coming soon to Denver.Mike Feehley | Ivester Jackson Christie's International Real Estate350 Morrison Plantation Pkwy Suite C1Mooresville, NC 28117(704) 799-5233https://mikefeehley.com/ Best of LKNhttps://thebestoflkn.com/Hosted by:Jeff Hammhttps://lknreal.com/Powered by:https://aidawerks.com/Support the show

May 15, 202635 min

398: Cliff Kinchen - Kinchen Martial Arts Academy in Cornelius

Cliff Kinchen, founder of Kinchen Martial Arts in Cornelius, joins the podcast to share his remarkable journey from a tough upbringing in Detroit to 20 years in the Air Force, and eventually to building a thriving martial arts school on Bailey Road. With black belts in multiple disciplines, a background as a professional kickboxer, and experience on the Air Force Taekwondo team, Cliff brings a holistic, self-defense-focused approach that blends physical training with character development and leadership.In this conversation, Cliff talks about the humble beginnings of his dojo, the mental side of martial arts ("90% mental, 10% physical"), and why it's never too late to start, whether you're 7 or 63. He also shares the story behind his newly released book, Resilient Warrior: Be the Standard, his leadership consulting work with organizations like the Davidson Police Department, and the lifelong confidence martial arts can build both on and off the mat.The Best of LKNhttps://thebestoflkn.com/Hosted by:Jeff Hammhttps://lknreal.com/Powered by:https://aidawerks.com/Support the show

May 6, 202641 min

397: The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen - Meet Robin & Jack Salzman

In this episode of The Best of LKN, we welcome back Robin and Jack Salzman to talk about their latest venture, The Serve Pickleball & Kitchen in Cornelius – a one-of-a-kind entertainment complex featuring 10 indoor courts, 6 outdoor courts, 4 Top Golf swing suites, a full-service restaurant, café, bar, and an event space that seats up to 80. Robin and Jack share the story behind the build, the experience guests can expect, and the community-focused programming that's already bringing locals together – from music bingo and live jazz brunch to corporate events and milestone celebrations.We also catch up on the incredible work of the Giving with Grace Foundation, which has now distributed over $3 million in grants to local nonprofits, with Robin's grandchildren actively involved in selecting recipients each year. Plus, Robin shares details about Serve for a Cause, a quarterly tournament series that raised nearly $30,000 for three local nonprofits in its very first event. Whether you're a foodie, a pickleball enthusiast, or a community supporter, this episode has something for you.The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen20220 Chartown DrCornelius, NC 28031(704) 851-1800https://www.theservepickleball.com/The Best of LKNhttps://thebestoflkn.com/Hosted by:Jeff Hammhttps://lknreal.com/Powered by:https://aidawerks.com/Support the show

April 29, 202629 min

396: goGLOW Mooresville - Meet Jeremie & Briana Evans

Jeremie and Briana Evans join the podcast to introduce goGLOW Mooresville, a new non-toxic spray tanning salon opening May 1st in Langtree Village. The husband-and-wife team share how they met in Charlotte's mortgage industry, settled in Mooresville in 2018, and were drawn to goGLOW’s wellness-focused approach after exploring the franchise path. Briana walks through what makes the experience different — a patented half-moon booth, sun-mimicking solution, one specialist from start to finish, and full pre-care and post-care education designed to make the glow last seven to ten days.Jeremie and Briana also break down pricing and how to get in on the ground floor: $25 tans throughout the month of May, founding memberships starting at $40 for one session per month or $70 for two sessions per month (roughly 30% off standard rates), and no long-term contracts. They also talk about goGLOW’s retail line, including the Hydrate product with hyaluronic acid and the exfoliating mitt that preps skin for a flawless application.goGLOW Mooresville106 Langtree Village Dr suite 101Mooresville, NC 28117(704) 703-5544The Best of LKNhttps://thebestoflkn.com/Hosted by:Jeff Hammhttps://lknreal.com/Powered by:https://aidawerks.com/Support the show