In this episode, Jeff interviews Tracy Frazier and Melea Lemon, co-founders of Ignite School of Real Estate. They discuss their backgrounds, inspirations for starting the school, and their commitment to providing a student-centric learning experience.

The conversation covers the importance of mentorship, the diverse backgrounds of their students, and the various courses offered at Ignite.

They also share insights on the flexibility of a real estate career, advice for aspiring professionals, and their future plans for the school.

Ignite School of Real Estate

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

Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

Produced by:
www.epicjourneymedia.com

Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support!

Support the show

In this episode of The Best of LKN Podcast, Jeff sits down with Dr. Erin Wilbanks, a holistic dentist at Holistic Dental Centers in Cornelius, North Carolina. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Erin shares her journey from LSU to Lake Norman, how she discovered her passion for dentistry, and why she chose a holistic approach to oral health.

Dr. Wilbanks explains what sets holistic dentistry apart — focusing on root-cause care, biocompatible materials, and treating the mouth as part of the whole body.

She discusses how oral health connects to everything from heart health to gut health, and why reducing anxiety and building patient relationships are central to her practice.

Wholistic Dental Centers
20905 Torrence Chapel Rd #201
Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 765-3150

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

Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support!

Support the show

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Stacy Hernandez, co-owner and project coordinator of Lake Norman Lawn Services, to talk about what it takes to build a thriving local landscaping company - and a life rooted in community.

Stacy shares how she and her husband turned a side hustle into one of the Lake Norman area’s go-to names for lawn care, outdoor living, and hardscape design. From mowing and maintenance to patios, pavers, and outdoor kitchens, their team transforms backyards into stunning extensions of home.

The conversation dives into the real story behind small business success - the long hours, early sacrifices, and steady growth that comes from consistency, persistence, and empathy. Stacy also opens up about her journey from Florida to North Carolina, the power of local networking, and what it means to live and work in a community that feels like family.

Whether you’re a homeowner dreaming of a backyard upgrade or an entrepreneur looking for inspiration, this episode offers practical insights and heartfelt perspective on building something that lasts.

Lake Norman Lawn Services

Local mentions:
Two Chicks Homes
PostNet - Cornelius
Your Logo Wear / RODTEES

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

Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

Produced by:
www.epicjourneymedia.com

Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support!

Support the show

Melissa and Eric Sanchez share their cross-country journey from California to New Jersey to North Carolina - and how hospitality and retail backgrounds shaped a real estate practice built on service, clear communication, and steady guidance.

They break down what relocation buyers really need, how to “level-set” expectations, and why Lake Norman’s lifestyle (boating, golf, pickleball, greenways, and year-round amenities) keeps winning hearts.

Plus: practical market context for 2025 and first-time buyer encouragement, plus a Chamber-of-Commerce-style tour of what they love most locally.

Melissa & Erik Sanchez
Coldwell Banker Realty
(704) 775-0258
www.lakenormanhometeam.com

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

Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support!

Support the show

Pat Helmandollar didn't plan to own a salon for three decades in Cornelius. After running successful salons in West Virginia for 15 years, she moved to Lake Norman to be closer to family. A serendipitous opportunity arose when Haircuttery wanted out of a Lake Norman location.

That was October 1995. Savvy Salon and Day Spa became the area's first full-service day spa, offering hair, nails, massage, skincare, and more.

Pat's success came from personal connections. She built her business through Welcome Wagon house calls, community involvement, and word-of-mouth—long before social media existed.

Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? "Don't go into it to make money, go into it as a passion. The money will come." She also stresses having strong family support, noting her husband handles bookkeeping and her daughter helps run operations.

Savvy celebrates 30 years on October 11th with week-long specials, prizes, and half-price services on the 11th.

Savvy Salon & Day Spa
20430 W Catawba Ave SUITE 2
Cornelius, NC 28031

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

Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

Produced by:
www.epicjourneymedia.com

Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support!

Support the show

In this episode, Jeff sits down in an “undisclosed location” in Cornelius, NC - surrounded by Jaguar E-Types, a classic Mercedes cabriolet, an air-cooled Porsche 911 Targa, and… a rogue Ford Fairlane - to talk with Marc Corea, owner of MotorcarTrader.com.

They cover the emotional pull of classic cars, transparent selling, Lake Norman’s car culture, and why the E-Type might be the most rewarding (and occasionally stubborn) driver’s car ever made.

Marc is a lifelong enthusiast and specialist dealer who has bought, sold, and consulted on hundreds of Jaguar E-types, Mercedes SLs, Austin-Healeys, and more. He runs MotorcarTrader.com in Cornelius, NC, focusing on high-quality examples, deep documentation, and long-term client relationships.

Episode Highlights

• How a father-son 1981 Porsche 911 SC Targa set Marc on a lifetime path (and how he tracked the same car down decades later).
  
  
  
• Why honesty beats hype in classic car sales - and how the right expectations create happy, repeat collectors.
  
  
  
• The Lake Norman car scene: Cars & Coffee meetups, the Lake Norman Car Group, and a community that values relationships over transactions.
  
  
  
• A practical reality check on vintage ownership: maintenance, parts, and the joy that comes from doing it right.
  
  
  
• Why Jaguar E-types are singular to drive - and how originality, documentation, and small details (like red primer on the frame rails) matter.
  
  
  
• 2025 market notes: demand shifting toward well-sorted, higher-end cars as restoration timelines and talent get tighter.
  
  
  
• The Mercedes lens: from Ponton cabrio to 250 SL, why classic Benz engineering still feels overbuilt—in the best way.

Motorcartrader.com

YouTube: @MarcShark100

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

Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

Produced by:
www.epicjourneymedia.com

Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support!

Support the show

Skip the gas station, keep your boat full, and stop wasting man-hours on fuel runs.

In this episode, Pumped Up Fuel founder Dave Jacobus shares how his subscription fuel delivery service is changing daily life for Lake Norman homeowners, boaters, and commercial crews.

We dig into the founder story, marine fueling logistics (hello, 300-ft hose), commercial ROI, and why convenience wins.

Pumped Up Fuel

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

Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

Produced by:
www.epicjourneymedia.com

Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support!

Support the show

In this episode of The Best of LKN Podcast, Jeff sits down with Roger Ketchum, owner-partner of Alair Homes Charlotte, and Jennifer Shaw, business developer for the company. Together, they share decades of experience in custom home building and renovations, offering practical insights for homeowners across the Lake Norman and Charlotte region.

Alair Homes Charlotte

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

Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

Produced by:
www.epicjourneymedia.com

Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support!

Support the show