Shawn Jessup and Bryan Lawson of XHALE Construction discuss their journey into the construction industry, focusing on high performance homes. They emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to home building, which prioritizes health, comfort, and energy efficiency. 

The conversation also covers their backgrounds, the significance of awards in the industry, and the detailed process they follow to ensure quality in their builds. 

Listen in to gain insights into the benefits of high performance homes and the intentional design philosophy that sets XHALE Construction apart.

XHALE Construction
9820 Northcross Center Ct
Huntersville, NC 28078
(336) 368-1155

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Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

The Best of LKN
https://thebestoflkn.com/

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Elevate Land & Realty

Charlotte | Lake Norman | High Country

https://lknreal.com/

Support the show

In this episode, we explore the journey of Lori Savio, the owner of Home, Heart & Soul, a boutique design business in Lake Norman. 

Lori shares her transition from Florida to the Carolinas, the challenges and triumphs of building her business, and her commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs. 

The conversation highlights the importance of community, collaboration, and the personal connections that drive success in small business.

Home, Heart & Soul
20901 Catawba Ave 
1st Floor
Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 458-6464

Special thanks to:

Lake Norman Currents Magazine

Local mentions:

European Skin Solutions
Land Luxury Travel

Meraki by Laura Warren
Brandy DiCosmo - Hair Stylist

Color Blends by Emilee Burris
KLM Interiors 

Support the show

In this episode, Jeff interviews Sarah Rubens, the founder of Seed to Sanctuary, a business focused on creating beautiful and edible kitchen gardens. 

Sarah shares her journey from Washington State to North Carolina, her passion for gardening, and the therapeutic benefits of growing your own food. She discusses her unique approach to gardening, emphasizing the importance of integrating gardens into daily life and the joy it brings to her clients. 

The conversation also touches on community connections, local partnerships, and the intentional scaling of her business to maintain a personal touch.

Seed to Sanctuary

Special mentions:

Brawley Seed Co.
Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse

Mandolino’s

Whit’s Frozen Custard

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Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

The Best of LKN
https://thebestoflkn.com/

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Elevate Land & Realty

Charlotte | Lake Norman | High Country

https://lknreal.com/

Support the show

In this inspiring episode, Harold Rice shares his personal journey from growing up in Charlotte to leading one of Lake Norman’s most impactful nonprofits. As CEO of the Ada Jenkins Center, Harold explains how his background in social work and deep ties to the community have shaped his passion for service.

Harold walks us through the center’s five core programs—education, economic mobility, homelessness outreach, healthy initiatives, and asset building—and unpacks urgent issues facing our community, including food insecurity and the lack of diverse price point housing.

He also discusses exciting initiatives like the development of affordable housing on the center’s campus, the launch of a mobile services bus, and the power of community partnerships.

Ada Jenkins Center
212 Gamble St
Davidson, NC 28036
(704) 896-0471

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Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

The Best of LKN
https://thebestoflkn.com/

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Elevate Land & Realty

Charlotte | Lake Norman | High Country

https://lknreal.com/

Support the show

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Shauntae Funkhouser, a financial advisor with A4 Wealth Advisors in Huntersville, NC. Shauntae shares her journey from healthcare to finance, her passion for helping clients navigate retirement and complex financial decisions, and her unique specialization in divorce financial planning.

She discusses how A4 Wealth offers a comprehensive, in-house approach to financial services—including estate planning, tax strategy, Medicare, and more. Shauntae also highlights the rising trend of "gray divorce" and how her firm, LKN Divorce Finance, supports clients and attorneys with equitable financial separations.

The conversation covers key financial trends like tax-efficient investing, Roth conversions, and reverse mortgages—plus a few real estate insights along the way.

If you're seeking smart, empathetic financial guidance or curious about retirement and divorce planning, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

A4 Wealth Advisors
16140 Northcross Dr
Huntersville, NC 28078
(704) 509-1141

Lake Norman Finance and Divorce Consultants

Special thanks to:
Lake Norman CURRENTS Magazine

Businesses mentioned:

Mike Stanley - Victorian Finance

Book mentioned:

Unreasonable Hospitality 
by Will Guidara

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Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

The Best of LKN
https://thebestoflkn.com/

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Elevate Land & Realty

Charlotte | Lake Norman | High Country

https://lknreal.com/

Support the show

In this episode, Jeff sits down on location at Town Hall Provisions, a cozy new pub nestled in the heart of Cornelius, NC, just steps from 131 Main. He’s joined by co-owner and head of kitchen operations Anthony, and marketing lead Erika, for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the area's most exciting new hospitality concepts.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• The story behind Town Hall Provisions—from Anthony’s early days in corporate hospitality to launching this new neighborhood spot.
  
  
  
• How the team created a space that’s both cozy and elevated, with lounge-style seating, a warm hometown feel, and big-screen TVs for game days.
  
  
  
• What’s on the menu: artisan charcuterie boards, flatbreads, wings, paninis, desserts, and a curated list of wines and craft beers—many from local breweries like Eleven Lakes Brewing.
  
  
  
• Weekly specials like Half-Price Wine Bottles on Wednesdays, $5 Draft Beers on Thursdays, and Trivia Night on Tuesdays.
  
  
  
• How the pub supports small private events—like baby showers, fantasy football drafts, and professional mixers—with a space that comfortably hosts up to 50 guests.
  
  
  
• The challenges and lessons of opening a new business, from licensing delays to learning the ins and outs of social media marketing.
  
  
  

Erica also shares exciting plans for fall and holiday events—including their first Mahjong Night—and hints at expanded weekend hours starting in August to accommodate football fans and afternoon guests.

Town Hall Provisions
9624 Bailey Rd Ste F
Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 237-4352

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 4-10PM; Friday-Saturday, 4-11PM; Sunday, 4-9PM; Closed Mondays.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

The Best of LKN
https://thebestoflkn.com/

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Elevate Land & Realty

Charlotte | Lake Norman | High Country

https://lknreal.com/

Support the show

In this episode of The Best of LKN, Jeff sits down with Whitney Dove, the founder of Bean Catcher—a retro-inspired mobile espresso business serving the Lake Norman area. 

Whitney shares her journey from growing up in Washington state’s coffee culture to launching her own business in a renovated 1970s camper, lovingly towed by a vintage truck named Clementine.

They discuss her background, the leap to entrepreneurship, the challenges of maintaining a mobile café, and her passion for crafting delicious coffee drinks. 

Whitney also shares valuable advice for aspiring small business owners, the importance of passion, and staying confident despite doubts.

Key Topics Covered:

• Whitney’s early barista days in Yakima, WA
  
  
  
• Inspiration behind Bean Catcher and the camper renovation
  
  
  
• Sourcing local espresso beans from Black Powder in Mooresville
  
  
  
• Life as a one-woman mobile business—locations, logistics, and loyal customers
  
  
  
• Collaborating with Josh’s Farmers Market and local events
  
  
  
• Lessons in business ownership and maintaining confidence
  
  
  
• Future plans to open a drive-through espresso stand
  
  
  

Connect with Bean Catcher:
 📍 Instagram: @beancatcher_
📍 Facebook: Bean Catcher
📍 Find her weekly schedule on social media

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Josh’s Farmers Market – Mooresville, NC
• Black Powder Coffee – Mooresville, NC

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

The Best of LKN
https://thebestoflkn.com/

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Elevate Land & Realty

Charlotte | Lake Norman | High Country

https://lknreal.com/

Support the show

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Alan Beulah, the Charlotte Area President for MI Homes, to discuss the builder’s legacy, mission, and local impact. 

Alan shares his journey from psychology major to homebuilding executive, the importance of culture and customer experience at MI Homes, and the company’s long-term commitment to serving families in the Charlotte and Lake Norman regions.

They dive into:

• Alan’s background in sales, marketing, and homebuilding
  
  
  
• MI Homes’ history and expansion across Charlotte, Mooresville, Huntersville, and beyond
  
  
  
• How MI’s culture and leadership prioritize people and customer care
  
  
  
• The company’s customer-first approach to home readiness and transparency
  
  
  
• How the pandemic helped accelerate virtual tools for buyers
  
  
  
• The importance of identifying community needs before development
  
  
  
• and much more!
  
  
  

"We don’t just build homes—we help people build lives. And that’s something we take very seriously at MI." – Alan Beulah

MIHomes.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

The Best of LKN
https://thebestoflkn.com/

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Elevate Land & Realty

Charlotte | Lake Norman | High Country

https://lknreal.com/

Support the show

In this episode, Jeff interviews Jonathan Kepner, the owner of Romeo's Pizza in Davidson. They discuss Jonathan's entrepreneurial journey, the unique offerings of Romeo's Pizza, including their homemade dough and sweet sauce, and the challenges faced during the launch. 

Jonathan shares valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of networking and community engagement. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding business expenses and the role of mentorship in entrepreneurship.

Romeo’s Pizza - Davidson
610 Jetton St #150
Davidson, NC 28036
(704) 237-4870

Special mentions:
Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home

Hop & Vine Davidson

Lake Norman Chamber
North Meck Rotary
Dan Martell
Alex Hormozi

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

The Best of LKN
https://thebestoflkn.com/

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Elevate Land & Realty

Charlotte | Lake Norman | High Country

https://lknreal.com/

Support the show

In this episode of The Best of LKN podcast, Kellie Grutko, founder of Purposeful Pivot, shares her journey from a corporate marketing career to establishing her coaching business aimed at helping women navigate career transitions. 

She discusses the challenges she faced, the inspiration behind her business, and the services she offers, including one-on-one coaching and future retreats. 

Kellie emphasizes the importance of accountability in coaching and the need for women to explore their passions and potential career paths. 

The conversation also touches on her future plans for Purposeful Pivot and her personal interests outside of work.

Purposeful Pivot

Email: [email protected]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

The Best of LKN
https://thebestoflkn.com/

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Elevate Land & Realty

Charlotte | Lake Norman | High Country

https://lknreal.com/

Support the show