Paper Skyscraper has been a Charlotte favorite for decades—and now it’s officially part of the Lake Norman community. In this episode, Jeff sits down with Bill Godwin, owner of Paper Skyscraper, to talk about the brand’s long history, its cult-favorite status, and what inspired the opening of the new Davidson location. Bill shares how a shop he loved growing up became the most joyful business he’s ever owned, and why Paper Skyscraper has always been about more than just gifts.

They dive into what makes the store so special—from 30,000+ thoughtfully curated products to deep partnerships with local and regional makers, including several right here in the Lake Norman area. Bill also opens up about his background in banking and finance, how that experience shaped his approach to customer service, and why “delighting the customer” is the guiding principle behind everything they do.

The conversation wraps with a look at the Davidson opening, the importance of community involvement, and why the Lake Norman lifestyle feels like such a natural fit for the Paper Skyscraper brand. If you love local businesses, unique gifts, and places that simply make people smile, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Paper Skyscraper - Davidson
610 Jetton St STE 110
Davidson, NC 28036
paperskyscraper.com

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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

Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support!

Support the show

I sat down with Cheryl Luckett, founder and principal designer of Dwell by Cheryl Interiors, for a much-needed round two—this time in person after a tech issue cut our first conversation short. Cheryl’s story is a masterclass in the kind of disciplined pivot most people dream about but rarely execute.

She grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and built a successful corporate career as a registered dietitian at a Fortune 500 company in Charlotte. She was good at it—really good—but over time she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was “faking the passion.”

That honesty led her to explore a creative pull she’d felt for years, starting with a single design class at a community college. One class turned into a blog (launched January 1, 2012), which turned into real clients, and eventually a side business she couldn’t ignore.

What stood out most was how intentional she was about leaving corporate. Cheryl created “Project 36,” a 36-month exit strategy that gave her time to build savings, tighten her systems, level up her marketing, and mentally let go of “security” before taking the leap on December 30, 2016.

We also dug into what makes her work different: the belief that a beautiful home is the baseline—the process is the luxury. She shared her “home build trinity” approach (builder, architect, interior designer) and why designers aren’t just picking finishes—they’re protecting the end vision of how a home will actually be lived in.

And when we hit design trends, Cheryl kept it real: forget chasing what’s “in.” Choose what you love, and you’ll never be out of style.

Dwell by Cheryl Interiors
dwellbycheryl.com

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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

Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support!

Support the show

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
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 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

Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support!

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

Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support!

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

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 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

Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support!

Support the show

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
https://thebestoflkn.com/

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support!

Support the show