All Episodes

Episode 061 Manny FloresThe Founder of Que Onda and Que Fresa RestaurantsShow Notes: In this episode, I sit down with Charlotte restaurateur Manny Flores. Manny is the founder of the highly successful Que Onda and Que Fresa restaurant concepts. During this...

Episode 060 StratagonMeet Ryan Burkett and Alex MooreShow Notes: In this episode, I sit down with the founders of Stratagon, Ryan Burkett and Alex Moore. Stratagon is a strategic marketing & sales agency that builds customer-centric campaigns to power revenue...

Episode 059 Christi BuschFor the Love of DutchShow Notes: In this episode, I sit down with Christi Busch, the founder of For the Love of Dutch. During our conversation, Christi shares the story and inspiration behind her holistic dog food company. For the Love of...

Episode 058 Stephanie Calderon InteriorsMeet Stephanie CalderonShow Notes: In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Calderon, the principal at Stephanie Calderon Interiors. During our conversation, Stephanie shares the story and inspiration behind her interior...

Episode 057 Yafo KitchenMeet Chef Shai FargianShow Notes: In this episode, I sit down with Shai Fargian. Shai is the co-founder and Chef-partner of YAFO Kitchen. Yafo Kitchen is a fast-casual Middle Eastern street food concept that was launched in SouthPark back in...

Episode 056 Brand Photography with Julia RohrbachJulia Fay PhotographyShow Notes: In this episode, I sit down with Julia Rohrbach, the founder and lead photographer at Julia Fay Photography. Julia specializes in the ever-growing field of brand photography.  During our...

Episode 055 Kristin DillardPresident of Team Automotive GroupShow Notes: In this episode, I sit down with Kristin Dillard, she is the dealer principal at Team Automotive Group. During our conversation, Kristin shares the story of her career in the automotive industry...

Episode 054 Precision Office SolutionsMeet Haris Delic and Chris GonzalezShow Notes: In this episode, I sit down with the founders of Precision Office Solutions, Haris Delic and Chris Gonzalez.  Haris and Chris share the story of how they risked everything to launch...

Episode 053 Wentworth & FennMeet Samantha WardShow Notes: In this episode, I sit down with Samantha Ward, the owner and Executive Pastry Chef at Wentworth & Fenn. Wentworth & Fenn is an all-scratch bakery specializing in custom cakes, pastries, and artisan...

Episode 052 Kristy KuhlOnline Entrepreneur and Co-Owner of Ladies Lifestyle NetworkShow Notes: In this episode, I sit down with Kristy Kuhl - she’s the co-owner of Ladies Lifestyle Network - a social organization that brings together women in business for nights out...

Episode 051 Charlotte FITMeet Taylor CalameseShow Notes: In this episode, Jeff sits down with Taylor Calamese - she’s the founder of Charlotte FIT. Charlotte FIT is a local fitness company with locations in North Charlotte and South Charlotte. Charlotte FIT is a...

Episode 050 Charlotte Wine & Food Week 2023with Lauren DeeseShow Notes: In this episode, I’m going to be talking with Lauren Deese - the executive director of Charlotte Wine and Food week presented by Truist. Lauren shares the story of this annual event that...

Episode 049 Heather Ison PhotographyInterior Design Photography with Heather IsonShow Notes: Heather Ison is the founder and principal at Heather Ison Photography, an interior design photographer that specializes in working with talented interior designers to showcase...

Episode 048 Keva WaltonCEO, Mecklenburg County ABC BoardShow Notes: I’m honored to be joined in this episode by Keva Walton, the Chief Executive Officer of the Mecklenburg County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.  Mr. Walton brings decades of leadership experience to...

Episode 047 Brittney BoguesFounder and CIO at Bogues GroupShow Notes: I’m honored to be joined in this episode by Brittney Bogues, the founder of Bogues Group, a Charlotte-based consulting agency specializing in PR and strategic communications, marketing, branding,...

Episode 046 The BatchmakerMeet Cris Rojas-AgurciaShow Notes: I’m really honored to be joined by Cristina Rojas-Agurcia in this episode. Cristina is known as The Batchmaker and she’s the owner of one of the most adored small businesses in the Queen City.  I met with...

Episode 045 Michelle Jones CreativeMeet Magnificent Website Designer Michelle JonesShow Notes: Welcome to the 2023 season of The Best of Charlotte Podcast!  I’m thrilled to be joined in this episode by Michelle Jones, the founder, and principal at Michelle Jones...

Episode 044 Hot SakēMeet the Team Behind the Highly Successful Audio Branding StudioShow Notes: In this episode, I’m featuring a team that could arguably be the greatest collection of talent I’ve had on the podcast in a single episode. Hot Sakē was introduced to me by...

Episode 043 Charlotte is CreativeMeet Tim Miner and Matt OlinShow Notes: In this episode of The Best of Charlotte podcast, we’re featuring a conversation with the founders of one of the most significant nonprofit organizations in the Queen City.  The founders of...

Episode 042 Charlotte Star RoomMeet Founders Alexis Jo Bruce and Levin ChaskeyShow Notes: We have a great conversation lined up for you in this episode. Charlotte Star Room is a music development studio that offers programs for singers, songwriters, and producers who...

Episode 041 Kimmery MartinAuthor of Doctors and FriendsShow Notes: Kimmery Martin is an emergency medicine doctor-turned novelist whose works of medical fiction have been praised by The Harvard Crimson, Southern Living, The New York Times, and People magazine,among...

Episode 040 Humane Society of CharlotteMeet President and CEO Shelly MooreShow Notes: Hello friends, and welcome back to The Best of Charlotte podcast. I’m really excited to bring you this episode. As you know by now, we do love to feature local nonprofits here on the...

Episode 039 Sweet Spot Studio CharlotteMeet Chef Jossie LukacikShow Notes: Jossie Lukacik is the founder of Sweet Spot Studio in Charlotte, one of the craftiest and most creative concepts we’ve had the pleasure of featuring on the podcast. Jossie was introduced to me...

Episode 038 The U.S. Women's National Field Hockey TeamMaking the Move to Charlotte!Show Notes: Hello friends, welcome back to The Best of Charlotte podcast. I have to say that I’m really honored to be featuring the U.S. Women’s National Field Hockey Team on the...

Episode 037 On Brand with Jamey BoiterCEO of BOLTGROUPShow Notes: In this episode, I sit down with Jamey Boiter, the Principle and CEO at BOLTGROUP - a design innovation firm that has been helping companies build better brands for 35 years. Jamey shares the story of...

Episode 036 Around the Crown 10kMeet Co-Founder and Race Director Brian MisterShow Notes: It’s episode 36 and we’re featuring Around the Crown 10K and a conversation with the co-founder and race director Brian Mister.  Brian shares how the inspiration for the annual...

Episode 035 Wooden Robot BreweryMeet Co-Founder Dan WadeShow Notes: In this episode, I head back to Southend Charlotte to sit down with the co-founder and head brewer at Wooden Robot Brewery, Dan Wade. Dan shares a bit about his background and the inspiration for...

Episode 034 Sweat MethodMeet Founders Halle Hillman and Justin GordonShow Notes: The guests in this episode are founders of one of the hottest fitness studios in Charlotte. Sweat Method is Charlotte’s first 30-minute group fitness studio. Their mission is simple: grow...

Episode 033 Envision CharlotteMeet Executive Director Amy AussiekerShow Notes: Hey friends, welcome back to The Best of Charlotte podcast. Before I roll this interview, I just have to say once again how great it has been to finally be able to get back to connecting...

Episode 032 RecessMeet the Team Behind the Flexible Workspace CommunityShow Notes: In this episode, we ‘re featuring a conversation with the team behind Recess - a company that’s building a flexible workspace community here in Charlotte, NC. Recess aims to help local...

Episode 031 Luquire - An Illustrious Charlotte Advertising Agencywith Brooks Luquire and Glen HilzingerShow Notes: In episode 31,  I have lined up for you a conversation with two executives at Luquire - a highly successful digital advertising and PR firm based here in...

Episode 030 Resident Culture Brewing CompanyMeet the FoundersShow Notes: In this episode of the Best of Charlotte, I’m finally featuring a local Charlotte craft brewery. The founders of Resident Culture Brewing Company in Plaza Midwood join me to share the story of...

Episode 029 The Golden CarrotMeet Founder and Owner Nicole CorriherShow Notes: Welcome back to The Best of Charlotte podcast.  We have another beautiful small business located in Southend to share with you. The Golden Carrot fine jewelry shop is a retailer of fine...

Episode 028 OMJ ClothingMeet Co-founder Bradley RhyneShow Notes: In this episode, we’re featuring a highly successful clothing company based in Southend Charlotte. OMJ specializes in crafting high quality and great fitting clothing for sophisticated professionals....

Episode 027 Modern Salon and SpaA Conversation with Founders Arsalan and Arezo HafeziShow Notes: I’m really excited to bring you this episode featuring one of Charlotte’s most iconic small business brands - Modern Salon and Spa. Modern Salon and Spa has been serving...

Episode 026 It's Poppin' Gourmet Kettle KornMeet Owner Janelle DoyleShow Notes: In this episode, I’m featuring a conversation with a really sweet local small business that’s serving up some amazing gourmet kettle corn. It’s Poppin Gourmet Kettle Korn is located in the...

Episode 025 Hope Vibes CharlotteMeet Founders Emmanuel and Adrienne ThreattShow Notes: In this episode we’re featuring an amazing local Charlotte nonprofit that is serving our city’s homeless community. Emmanuel and Adrienne Threatt, the founders of Hope Vibes and...

Episode 024 David OakleyPresident and Creative Director at the BooneOakley Advertising AgencyShow Notes: In this episode, I sit down with the President and Creative Director at BooneOakley, David Oakley. Boone Oakley is a highly successful advertising agency...

Episode 023 Shaynah JerrellCEO and Head Coach at the Aquatic Team of MecklenburgShow Notes: In this episode, I’m joined by Shaynah Jerrell. Shaynah is the CEO and head coach at the Aquatic Team of Mecklenburg, or ATOM as it’s known. Atom is a year-round swim program...

Episode 022 Davita GallowayA Conversation with One of Charlotte's Creative Thought LeadersShow Notes: In this episode, I’m featuring a conversation with Davita Galloway. Davita is a creative thought leader, and entrepreneur, and change agent, and a speaker. Her works...

Episode 021 Orrman's Cheese ShopMeet Owner Rachel KlebaurShow Notes: We’re featuring a beautiful small business located in the heart of center city at the 7th Street Public Market. Orrman’s Cheese Shop has been recommended by several of our guests, both on The Best of...

Episode 020 Ohavia PhillipsCharlotte Influencer Pursuing Her Passions and Leading with LoveShow Notes: In this episode I chat with Ohavia Phillips, a Charlotte media personality, influencer, community advocate, speaker, and host of her own talk show – the Oh Show...

Episode 019 Shawn McAllisterThe Journey of a Charlotte EntrepreneurShow Notes: I’m extremely honored to be sharing with you in this episode a conversation with one of the most prolific entrepreneurs and talented business minds in Charlotte – Shawn McAllister.  Shawn...

Episode 018 Alternative Chef NCCreating Healthy Meals with Chef Hannah RileyShow Notes: Let’s talk about healthy meals with Chef Hannah Riley, the owner of Alternative Chef based in Charlotte and serving the greater Charlotte and Lake Norman areas. Chef Hannah...

Episode 017 Your Mom's DonutsBehind the Brand with Founder Courtney BuckleyShow Notes: It’s a new year (thank God) and while we’re all busy setting out to put our new year’s resolutions into action, I thought it would make great sense to talk about donuts. Not just...

Episode 016 West Kept Secret Marissa West and Heidi Hillman Join the Podcast Show Notes: In this episode, I’m featuring the super dynamic fitness studio - West Kept Secret. Owners Marissa West and Heidi Hillman join me to share the story of their fitness and...

Episode 015 Where to Eat Charlotte Miranda Mounts and Her Wildly Successful Instagram Blog Show Notes: Miranda Mounts is the creator of the wildly popular Instagram food blog @wheretoeatcharlotte . Since starting her blog just two years ago, she has amassed more than...

Episode 014 Emerson Joseph Salon and SpaA Conversation with Team Members Alison, Carly and PerriShow Notes: In this episode, I circle back to a business originally featured in episode 2 of this podcast – Emerson Joseph – A mens grooming lounge located in the heart of...

Episode 013 Black WednesdaySmall Business Marketing with Corri SmithShow Notes: As a small business owner, I have always had a fascination with marketing. Effective marketing is, of course, essential to the success of any business. In this episode, I have an...

Episode 012 Infinity MedSpa and WellnessA Conversation with Jobrent Austin-DiehlShow Notes: In this episode, I have a conversation with Jobrent Austin-Diehl. Jobrent is the owner of Infinity MedSpa and Wellness in SouthPark, Charlotte’s premier medical spa. Jobrent...

Episode 011 designbar CharlotteCatching Up with Principle Designer Monika NessbachShow Notes: In this episode, I sit down with returning guest, Monika Nessbach. Monika is the owner and principle designer at designbar - a commercial interior design firm based in...

Episode 010 Cork VaultCharlotte's Wine Storage SolutionShow Notes: Welcome Cork Vault to the podcast! Owner Bill Bounds joins me for a conversation about his background and the inspiration behind his wine storage business. Cork Vault is a unique business in the...

Episode 009 Ivy RobinsonA Conversation With An Extraordinary Wedding PlannerShow Notes: In this episode, I sit down with Ivy Robinson to talk about her amazing career in the wedding and event planning industry. Ivy has planned weddings for some of the highest profile...

Episode 008 Stript Home Organizing Meet Owners Renee Martini and Jolene Swatsworth Show Notes: Welcome Stript Home Organizing to the podcast! Owners Renee and Jolene join me to talk about their previous careers and the inspirations behind starting their home...

Episode 007 Run For Your Life Welcome Back Co-Owner Chris Elkins Show Notes: In this episode, I catch up with Chris Elkins - co-owner of the Run For Your Life running stores - to find out how Run For Your Life has coped with the challenges of 2020. We talk a lot about...

Episode 006 Welcome to The Best Of Charlotte A Brief Message From The Host Show Notes: Welcome back to the podcast. In this 7-minute solo episode, I describe the inspiration behind rebranding the podcast and give you a hint of what to expect going forward. Thanks for...

Episode 005 Monika NessbachFounder and Chief Interior Designer @ designbarShow Notes: In this episode, I interview Monika Nessbach, Leader and Chief Interior Designer at designbar – a fresh and creative commercial and residential interior design firm. Monika shares...

Episode 004 Chris Elkins Co-owner of Run For Your Life running stores Show Notes: In this episode, I interview Chris Elkins with Run For Your Life running stores. Run For Your Life is an iconic Charlotte small business that in 2019 celebrated their 30th anniversary in...

Episode 003 Paul Barrett Owner of Deutsche Auto Parts Show Notes: In this episode, I interview the founder and owner of Deutsche Auto Parts, Paul Barrett. Deutsche (DOY-Chuh) Auto Parts is a company specializing in VW and Audi Discount Imported European Parts, Repair...

Episode 002 Zach Edwards Owner of Emerson Joseph Salon & Spa Show Notes: In this episode, I meet with Zach Edwards to learn what it takes to build an upscale salon that caters to discerning gentlemen in Charlotte, North Carolina. From recruiting and training the...

Episode 001 Steve PinkertonOwner and Founder of Vitality FitnessShow Notes: Steve Pinkerton, owner and founder of Vitality Fitness in Concord, North Carolina describes the journey of his elite CrossFit enterprise from humble beginnings in the home garage to building a...