Podcast
The Best of LKN
Hosted by Epic Journey Media · EN
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!
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
399: Lake Norman Real Estate: Denver & Sherrills Ford Market Report May 2026
2d ago00:17:21Tap to summarizeJeff 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
Transcribe →398: Cliff Kinchen - Kinchen Martial Arts Academy in Cornelius
2w ago00:35:18Tap to summarizeCliff 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
Transcribe →397: The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen - Meet Robin & Jack Salzman
3w ago00:41:29Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →396: goGLOW Mooresville - Meet Jeremie & Briana Evans
4w ago00:29:34Tap to summarizeJeremie 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
Transcribe →395: Jenny Curran - My Gym Lake Norman
Apr 2400:33:48Tap to summarizeMeet Jenny Curran, the brand-new owner of My Gym Lake Norman — the children's fitness center tucked into the plaza by the Harris Teeter on Sam Furr Road (yes, right by Birkdale, and yes, the parking is actually easy). Jenny shares the wild full-circle story of how she went from My Gym South Park director in her early twenties to buying the Lake Norman location when her baby daughter was literally five days old. We chat about everything the gym offers — parent-child classes starting at three months, ninja and gymnastics programs, sibling dual classes, the new Preschool Prep program, summer camps, those Friday Parents Night Outs we all desperately need, and birthday parties where the staff handles literally everything (cake service included). Plus, Jenny drops some serious wisdom from her five summers selling educational books door-to-door — a job that, it turns out, is excellent preparation for basically anything life throws at you.My Gym Lake Norman16610 W Catawba AveHuntersville, NC 28078(980) 689-4470Book mentioned:Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success by Rory VadenSupport the show
Transcribe →394: Jim Gordon - Inside Peninsula Prime
Apr 2300:44:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Jim Gordon, owner of Peninsula Prime in Cornelius, joins the podcast to share how 2025 became a pivotal turnaround year for the upscale steakhouse. After taking full operational control in January 2025, Jim and his wife Robin rebuilt the restaurant from the ground up — starting with aesthetics, modernizing systems and processes, and redefining the brand's identity.Jim opens up about the three pillars now guiding Peninsula Prime: hospitality, quality, and community. He shares how the book Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara shaped his approach, why he spent six months listening to guest feedback before rewriting the menu, and how new GM Dawn Serens is helping elevate the entire team.Whether you're a longtime Peninsula Prime guest or new to Lake Norman, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to turn around a beloved restaurant — and do it with heart.Visit Peninsula Prime: 18665 Harborside Dr, Cornelius, NChttps://www.peninsulaprimelkn.com/The Best of LKNhttps://thebestoflkn.com/Hosted by:Jeff Hammhttps://lknreal.com/Powered by:https://aidawerks.com/Support the show
Transcribe →393: Mike Feehley - Lake Norman Luxury Real Estate
Apr 1500:36:05Tap to summarizeMike Feehley is a luxury real estate broker with Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties, a Christie's International Realty affiliate, and a career firefighter and chief with the Charlotte Fire Department.In this episode, Mike shares how a spontaneous road trip to Charlotte at age 20 launched a dual career that now spans over two decades – 22 years on the fire department and 21 years in real estate, where he currently ranks in the top 250 agents out of 17,000 in the Charlotte area. He opens up about reverse-engineering his career around the lifestyle he wanted, surviving the brutal 2008–2010 housing crash, and the decade-long grind it took to land his first million-dollar transaction.Mike also talks about his move to Ivester Jackson five years ago and how the Christie's global network has opened doors to off-market luxury deals and out-of-state buyers relocating to Lake Norman. He makes a compelling case for the west side of the lake – particularly the Denver and Sherrills Ford areas – and shares his thoughts on what the northward expansion of Charlotte's light rail could mean for local home values. MIke Feehley | Ivester Jackson Christie's International Real Estate350 Morrison Plantation Pkwy Suite C1Mooresville, NC 28117(704) 799-5233https://mikefeehley.com/Mike’s interview on the Epic Agents Podcast:https://epicagentspodcast.com/002-mike-feehley-real-estate/The Best of LKNhttps://thebestoflkn.com/Hosted by:Jeff Hammhttps://lknreal.com/Powered by:https://aidawerks.com/Support the show
Transcribe →392: Matt Venuti - The AmeriCosmos Experience (Cain Center)
Apr 1000:25:36Tap to summarizeMatt Venuti is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and national touring artist who began his musical journey as a trumpet player before discovering the electronic valve instrument (EVI) in a Boston jazz club. That chance encounter launched a decades-long career of exploring groundbreaking instruments – from the hang drum he sourced from makers in Bern, Switzerland, to Himalayan bowls and custom sound-scape instruments – which he layers live on stage using a sophisticated looper he operates with his feet. His touring career began about 16 years ago following the passing of his wife, an experience that drew him inward and shaped the deeply expressive, improvisational style he performs today.Matt will be bringing his AmeriCosmos multimedia experience to the Cain Center for the Arts in Cornelius, NC on Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 (doors at 6pm, show at 7pm). The performance pairs live improvised music – performed on his full array of acoustic and electronic instruments – with a stunning visual reel of landscape footage shot across the United States, including national parks, canyons, and coastlines, alongside imagery from NASA's Webb telescope. His goal is to leave audiences with a sense of expansiveness and shared appreciation for the country's natural beauty. Learn more at mattvenuti.com or find him on social media at @mattvenuttimusic.Get Your Tickets Here!Support the show
Transcribe →391: Karen Schmidt - Freshwater Shoppe on Brawley (Mooresville, NC)
Apr 800:18:58Tap to summarizeKaren Schmidt of Freshwater Design Build returns to the Best of LKN Podcast to share exciting news: Freshwater Shoppe, a retail design studio that opened in October 2025 on Brawley School Road in Mooresville. Located next to their full-service design and build studio, the shop brings the same high-quality upholstery, rugs, window treatments, and accessories Karen's team uses in their professional designs — now available to anyone, no full design engagement required. A team of professional designers is on hand to help with everything from furniture selection to bookshelf styling, and appointments are available for more in-depth consultations.Karen also shares a standout offer for Lake Norman realtors: a $300 Freshwater Shoppe gift card available for just $150, making it a creative and locally meaningful closing gift for clients settling into their new homes. The shop is open Monday–Friday 9–5 and Saturday 10–4, and now offers online shopping at freshwaterdesignbuild.com. Whether you're furnishing a new home, looking for styling advice, or just curious what's inside that beautiful new building on Brawley, Karen and her team want you to come see what they've built.Freshwater ShoppeFreshwater Design BuildThe Best of LKNhttps://thebestoflkn.com/Hosted by:Jeff Hammhttps://lknreal.com/Powered by:https://aidawerks.com/Support the show
Transcribe →390: Christy Martin - Boxing Legend & Survivor
Apr 500:19:32Tap to summarizeBoxing Legend Christy Martin on Surviving Domestic Violence and Building Christie's ChampsBoxing legend and domestic violence survivor Christy Martin joins the podcast to discuss her nonprofit, Christie's Champs, and her whirlwind 2025 — which included the release of her biographical film Christy, starring Sydney Sweeney. Christy shares how the organization empowers survivors through practical support like laptop computers in boxing gyms, backpack drives, safe house visits, and helping victims transition into independent living. She also opens up about her personal mission to break the cycle of domestic violence, particularly for at-risk youth, and reminds listeners that abuse can take many forms — physical, financial, and emotional.Christy previews two upcoming Charlotte-area events: an appearance at the Charlotte FC match on April 4th and a fundraiser at Eleven Lakes Brewery on April 11th (1–7 PM), featuring the signature "Christy Martini" cocktail, raffles, and a portion of all sales benefiting Christie's Champs. She also reflects on her 2026 goals, including a stronger presence in the Charlotte community and continued work in her home state of West Virginia. To learn more or donate, visit christyschamps.org.The Best of LKNhttps://thebestoflkn.com/Hosted by:Jeff Hammhttps://lknreal.com/Powered by:https://aidawerks.com/Support the show
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