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

Support the show

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
https://thebestoflkn.com/

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

Support the show