In this episode, Jeff finally sits down with Lake Norman marketer and serial entrepreneur Ryan Webber to talk about the real work behind great content—and why most small businesses are overcomplicating it.

Ryan shares his journey from teacher and gym owner to running Webber Marketing and helping build The Real Estate Lawyer YouTube channel to nearly 100K subscribers with simple, value-first videos.

Jeff and Ryan dig into why clarity beats clever branding, how FAQs and client stories can fuel an entire content strategy, and why an iPhone and a clear message usually beat overproduced, “flashy” video.

They break down how consistent video builds awareness, trust, and easier sales conversations, plus the power of showing up on camera in the local community you serve.

Ryan also shares his philosophy of giving away all the tips and selling the implementation—and his vision for local business masterminds that help owners grow together.

@ryanwebbermarketing - Instagram

@ryanwebber - YouTube

Special mentions:

@therealestatelawyer

StoryBrand

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Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

The Best of LKN
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Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

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In this episode of The Best of LKN Podcast, Jeff sits down with Matt Phillips, owner of Next Horizon Homes — one of Lake Norman’s most trusted renovation and custom-home builders.

Matt shares his winding journey from Army flight medic to home-services entrepreneur, to now leading a Denver-based design-build firm known for transforming challenging lots, reimagining dated lake houses, and guiding clients through complex projects with clarity and confidence.

He also dives into his new book, “Building Your Next Horizon,” a resource written specifically to help Lake Norman families understand the real math behind renovating vs. building new, what to look for in land, and how lifestyle should always drive design.

Jeff and Matt unpack the realities of land scarcity on Lake Norman, the rise of teardown opportunities, and why truly great builders start with vision long before they talk numbers. Matt also shares his passion for community — from coaching local baseball to raising his family in Denver — and the craftsmanship, transparency, and relationship-first process that has shaped Next Horizon Homes into a local favorite for both major renovations and custom builds.

Whether you're a homeowner, a real estate agent, or just fascinated by what it takes to build on one of the hottest lakes in the Southeast, this episode is filled with insight, great stories, and plenty of Lake Norman pride.

Next Horizon Homes

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Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

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In this episode, Jeff sits down with mortgage expert Matt Doyle of Guild Mortgage—a longtime Lake Norman local who grew up in Sherrills Ford and has watched the region transform over the past three decades. Matt shares his journey from studying marketing and economics at Appalachian State to becoming a top 1% loan officer and now the Sales Manager for Guild’s North Charlotte region. He opens up about the moment he realized how confusing the mortgage process can be for buyers and how that experience shaped his passion for full transparency, education, and empowering clients at every step.

Jeff and Matt dive into today’s mortgage landscape—interest rates, market volatility, and the “Twilight Zone” era of ultra-low rates—as well as bigger conversations around home affordability, misconceptions fueled by HGTV-style glamor, and how buyers can realistically navigate their first purchase. Matt also highlights why Lake Norman remains such a desirable place to live, from its four true seasons to its balance of affordability, lifestyle, and economic opportunity. Whether you're a homebuyer, a real estate pro, or simply curious about where the market is heading, this conversation is full of clear insights and genuine local perspective.

Matt Doyle | Guild Mortgage
Text: 704-881-3308

IG: @mattdoylemortgage

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Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

Support the show

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Adam Wilson, founder of Learn Music in Cornelius, to unpack the inspiring journey behind one of Lake Norman’s most beloved creative organizations. Adam shares how a childhood split between Charlotte and Southern California shaped his musical roots, how a leap of faith brought him back to the Lake Norman area, and why Cornelius felt like a place full of possibility. From teaching his first lessons in a borrowed room at Oak Street Mill to now serving more than 475 students each week, Adam reveals how Learn Music grew into a community cornerstone built on passion, purpose, and an unwavering belief in the power of local arts.

Adam also opens up about Learn Music’s unique teaching philosophy, their performance-driven approach, and how programs like Learn Music Live and the Legends rock band experience are shaping young musicians well beyond the classroom. He shares updates on upcoming showcases, new programs for early learners, and his team’s ongoing commitment to making music accessible in partnership with the Cain Center for the Arts. Packed with local shoutouts, community pride, and a shared love for the Lake Norman region, this conversation highlights why Learn Music isn’t just a school—it’s a movement that continues to elevate and connect the local creative community.

Learn Music
20823 N Main St F
Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 557-6941

Facebook + Instagram

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Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

The Best of LKN
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Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

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In this episode of The Best of LKN Podcast, Jeff sits down with Ivan Besancon, Director of the brand-new Lake Norman Pickleball Club in Mooresville, to talk about the sport that’s sweeping the nation — and now thriving right here in Lake Norman.

Ivan shares how the club came to life as part of the Lake Norman Clubs family — joining the region’s tennis and golf facilities under one growing banner. With six indoor courts, a full bar, lounge spaces, shuffleboard, and a lively atmosphere, this new facility was designed from the ground up to bring pickleball enthusiasts together year-round.

Jeff and Ivan chat about the sport’s explosive growth, its surprising accessibility for all ages, and why it’s become one of the most social games around. Ivan also highlights how membership works, what guests can expect, and why the community response has been so enthusiastic since opening week.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about trying pickleball for the first time, this conversation will have you ready to grab a paddle and join the fun.

Learn more by downloading the LNRC app or visiting Lake Norman Racquet Club to explore open play, lessons, and upcoming events.

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Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

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Jeff welcomes entrepreneur Caleb Hannon, founder of Lake Waste, for a candid look at how a hospitality mindset is reshaping residential and short-term rental trash service around Lake Norman.

Caleb shares his winding path from marketing/hospitality/sports into “the trash business,” why he built a concierge-style, full-service pickup model for vacation homes, and how that expanded into reliable neighborhood service as legacy providers are exiting.

They talk about community, word-of-mouth growth, partnerships for septic, junk removal, and portables, and what’s next—including a push toward recycling options.

Lake Waste
132 Joe Knox Ave Ste 102b
Mooresville, NC 28117
(704) 677-8807

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Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

The Best of LKN
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Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

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Ken Brock, co-owner of RODTEES and Your Logo Wear, joins The Best of LKN podcast to share a 37-year journey in custom apparel—from San Diego roots to building a thriving fulfillment and branding shop here in Lake Norman.

He and his wife, Kim, run a true one-stop operation: in-house screen printing, embroidery, laser engraving, leather-patch hats, stickers, and banners, plus print-on-demand and drop-ship services for artists, schools, events, and brands nationwide. Their car-culture niche helped seed an online engine that still powers the business today.

Listeners will hear why the couple chose North Carolina in 2010, what they love about the seasons and small-business ecosystem here, and how serving local companies creates a built-in business network.

Ken also talks shop—what’s hot now (hello, laser-engraved tumblers and patch hats), why they keep production in-house, and how thoughtful product ideas and social content spark win-wins for clients. Along the way, he reflects on family, travel-soccer life, and the “80% and go” mindset that’s guided their ventures.

Want to connect or order? Visit rodtees.com .

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Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

The Best of LKN
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Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

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Jeff welcomes restaurateur Robert Maynard, and Chef Scott Liebfried - the team behind Fontana de Vino in downtown Davidson.

Scott shares how his experience with the Four Seasons and California cuisine shaped his approach to hospitality and concept creation.

Robert and Scott unveil Fontana de Vino - an Italian-forward, steak-friendly concept blending “old world meets new” with an approachable vibe. Expect hand-cut, house-made pastas, prime steaks, and lively table-side activations - including a communal polenta pour inspired by Tuscan family gatherings. The wine program is rooted in Italy’s regions.

They also discuss affordability by design, staff comfort and service, and why they prefer a buzzing dining room to hushed “fine dining.”

Set inside Davidson’s historic former ice house at 416 S. Main Street, the build-out journey was long - and full of lessons - but the mission is simple: create a place where families and friends gather, feel seen, and leave happier than when they arrived.

Listeners will hear candid talk on reviews, margins, and resilience - and why community sits at the heart of hospitality. Fontana de Vino is aiming to open by the end of November.

Fontana Di Vino

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Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

Support the show