In this episode, Ed sits down with longtime Henderson County leader David Nicholson for a fun and thoughtful look at local history, community growth, and a few great stories from his decades of public service. David reflects on his career in county finance and his years as County Manager, sharing memories from major projects like the detention center, human services building, and renovations to the historic courthouse.

He also talks about one unforgettable day hosting President George H.W. Bush during the Apple Festival, complete with motorcades, weather troubles, and a surprise trip to Spartanburg’s runway beside Air Force One.

The conversation takes a lighthearted turn as David shares his love for Corvettes, local drives with the Apple Country Corvette Club, and the simple joy of a good home-cooked meal. He touches on area favorites like Pisgah Forest, 12 Bones, Luna, and Flat Rock Playhouse, while offering a laid-back look at growth across Henderson County and how the community has evolved since the seventies.

It’s a warm, story-filled episode with plenty of local flavor and a guest who has seen Henderson County from every angle.

Thanks for tuning in — and keep living local.

In this episode of Living Local with Frisbee Real Estate, Ed sits down with Allie Beck, co owner of Ellaberry Llama Farm, a first generation llama farm on a sixth generation apple farm in Edneyville near Hendersonville, North Carolina. Allie shares how a childhood love for one special llama turned into a full time agritourism business that now includes 36 llamas and 3 alpacas. She explains what an orchard hike looks like, why you walk llamas instead of ride them, how they are used as guard animals, the difference between llamas and alpacas, and how their herd once ran a black bear up a tree.

You will also hear how Ellaberry Llama Farm fits into the growth of agritourism in Hendersonville and Edneyville, why the area has become such a draw for visitors, and a few of Allie’s favorite local spots to eat and explore. Allie breaks down their by appointment only farm tours, llama led orchard hikes, birthday parties, and wedding appearances, plus two new holiday events: the Fa La La Llama Farm Tour and a Christmas Open Farm with photos, obstacle courses, llamas in costume, and tractor rides through a lighted apple orchard. If you are looking for a unique Western North Carolina experience for your family, guests, or next event, this episode is packed with ideas.

Learn more or book a visit at: ellaberryllamafarm.com

Thank you for being a part of our family at Living Local with Frisbee Real Estate. Happy Thanksgiving my family to yours

In this episode of Living Local, Ed Frisbee sits down with Lynn Staggs, founder and director of The Storehouse in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Lynn shares the story behind the ministry’s 25 years of serving Henderson County through year-round food support, coats and blankets, and the well known Blessings in Boxes Christmas program. She opens up about the growing need across the community, how rising housing costs are pushing workers out of the county, and why The Storehouse continues to see record numbers of families needing help.

Lynn explains how the food pantry operates, where their supplies come from, and how volunteers and donors keep the shelves stocked. She also highlights their senior delivery routes, their partnerships with local schools, churches, businesses, and the massive Christmas effort that serves thousands of children each year. The episode also gives a first look at their upcoming move to a new facility designed to better serve the community and act as a resource during future emergencies.

Listeners will learn how to support The Storehouse through donations, sponsoring a child for Christmas, volunteering, and spreading the word. The conversation wraps up with Lynn’s favorite Hendersonville spots, local eats, and hidden mountain gems.

This episode is a heartfelt look at community care in action and a reminder of how much impact a local nonprofit can have when people pitch in together.

In this episode, Ed sits down with Jared Ownbey of Ownbey Land Surveying for a deep dive into a field most folks only think about when they have to: surveying. Jared breaks down what his team does every day, from traditional boundary and topographic surveys to the high-tech world of bathymetric mapping using a remote-controlled survey boat. Yes, they literally map lake bottoms.

Jared shares stories from the field, including everything from handling massive 500-acre tracts to piecing together tiny parcels washed out by flooding. He explains why gaps and overlaps happen on paper, how surveyors track down missing corners, and why neighbors can be scarier than wildlife. You’ll hear about deer discoveries, copperheads, adventurous jobs in Chimney Rock, and the occasional misunderstanding when a survey crew shows up in someone’s backyard.

The conversation shifts to local life as Jared talks about his go-to food spots like Postero, Shine, and Hot Dog World. He also shares favorite activities around the area, including mountain biking at Kanuga, grabbing apples from Mountain Fresh Orchards, and riding the Ecusta Trail on his lunch breaks.

Jared wraps up with how folks can reach him if they need expert surveying help — and Ed hints that a part two might be in the future.

A fun, informative episode that shines a light on a trade most people don’t understand but every property owner depends on. Tune in and keep living local.

In this episode, Ed sits down with longtime Hendersonville local Tommy Blackwell from AmeriLife of Asheville. Tommy breaks down what retirees and pre-retirees need to know about Social Security planning, Medicare coverage, and the annual enrollment periods that confuse just about everyone. He explains how AmeriLife works with dozens of insurance carriers to match people with the plans that fit their doctors, prescriptions, and budget.

Tommy shares why fall is their busiest season, what’s changing for Henderson County residents this year, and why reviewing your plan annually can save you from big surprises at the pharmacy counter. He also gives out his direct contact info for anyone who needs guidance with Medicare, prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage, supplements, or Social Security timing.

The conversation drifts into Hendersonville history, local growth, favorite restaurants, apple-country traditions, and Tommy’s travel highlights from his years of award-winning work in the insurance world. If you’re curious about Medicare or you just enjoy hearing stories from a true Hendersonville native, this episode hits both.

In this episode, Ed sits down with longtime Hendersonville mortgage pro Carolyn Swanner from United Community Bank. Carolyn shares her story of growing up local, building a 55 year career in banking, and why working with someone who knows the community inside and out makes all the difference for homebuyers.

She breaks down how lending has changed, why online rates can be misleading, and what makes a true local lender valuable from start to finish. Carolyn talks about her hands on approach, the importance of solid pre qualification, how she creates income solutions for retirees, and the unique loan options her team can offer that many buyers never hear about.

Ed and Carolyn also chat about life in Hendersonville, favorite local food spots, the impact of the Ecusta Trail, and why the area attracts so many new residents each year.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just love learning about the community, this episode is full of practical insight and fun local flavor.

In this episode of Living Local with Frisbee Real Estate, host Ed Frisbee sits down with Jennifer Balkcom, a Hendersonville native and mortgage expert with Alcova Mortgage. Jennifer shares her journey from banking and finance—starting as a teller in 1997—to finding her true calling in the mortgage industry. She talks about the value of community, her deep family roots in Henderson County, and the inspiration behind her work both in business and public service.

Listeners will learn about Jennifer’s path to becoming a North Carolina State Representative, how she balances her time between Raleigh and her hometown, and her efforts to secure funding for flood mitigation, schools, and local farmers. The conversation also highlights Hendersonville favorites like Pop’s Diner, Binion’s, and Mike’s on Main, plus must-visit local attractions including Point Lookout Vineyard and the region’s family-owned apple orchards.

Jennifer also discusses her family’s newest venture—The Best Dumpster Company—and how she and her husband continue to serve their community through entrepreneurship. This heartfelt episode blends local history, small-town pride, and practical advice on home financing, making it a must-listen for anyone who loves Western North Carolina.

Keywords: Hendersonville NC podcast, Living Local with Frisbee Real Estate, Alcova Mortgage, Jennifer Balkcom, Ed Frisbee, North Carolina State Representative, mortgage lending, Hendersonville businesses, Western North Carolina lifestyle, local community, real estate podcast, Henderson County.

Living Local with Frisbee Real Estate – Episode 7: Special Guest Shepherd Benson with United Contracting & Roofing

In this episode, Ed Frisbee sits down with Shepherd Benson from United Contracting & Roofing, serving Greenville, Asheville, Hendersonville, and North Georgia. They talk about what homeowners should know before replacing a roof, how to tell when it’s time for an inspection, and why roofing is one of the most important investments in your home. Shepherd shares his path from working at Chick-fil-A to construction sales, his passion for helping people, and what makes this region such a great place to live.

The conversation also dives into local favorites—from Campfire Grill and White Duck Taco to Brooks Tavern—plus outdoor spots like DuPont, Pisgah, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s a relaxed, insightful chat about homes, community, faith, and life in Western North Carolina and the Upstate.

📞 Contact Shepherd: 864-660-3529 | [email protected]

🏡 Learn more about Living Local with Frisbee Real Estate

Keywords: roofing tips, home improvement, Hendersonville NC, Greenville SC, Asheville homes, United Contracting & Roofing, real estate podcast, local business spotlight, Western North Carolina living

In this episode of Living Local with Ed Frisbee, we sit down with Kelly Baker, Business Development Manager and partner at PuroClean of South Asheville — the team known as the paramedics of property damage. Kelly shares how her franchise helps homeowners and businesses recover from water, fire, mold, and biohazard damage, available 24/7 emergency response.

We dive into:

• What PuroClean does and how they’re different from larger national chains like ServPro
• How their local South Asheville team gets to homeowners within two hours, even at midnight
• Kelly’s fascinating career path — from NASCAR marketing to automotive advertising to restoration
• The passion behind helping families through disasters with empathy and urgency
• Favorite Asheville restaurants, food trucks, and hidden gems in Mills River and High Vista
• PuroClean’s community commitment and opportunities for those who want meaningful local work

Whether you’re a homeowner, real estate agent, or just love local business stories, you’ll enjoy this down-to-earth conversation packed with energy, heart, and great local insight.

📍 Guest: Kelly Baker – PuroClean South Asheville
🌐 Website: puroclean.com (Search South Asheville)
📞 Call: 828-974-8408

🎧 Tune in to learn: Why Kelly calls PuroClean the “paramedics of property damage” and how her team is helping Asheville recover — one home at a time.