We Are Lake Norman

Annie Hanson of The Closet Niche shares her journey from working for other custom closet companies to launching her own successful home organization business. In this episode, Annie discusses how she built her company from her garage to a thriving operation with seven employees, offering custom solutions for closets, garages, pantries, laundry rooms, and more—everything except kitchens and baths.Discover the importance of relationship-based selling, the latest trends in custom closet design, and why Annie's boutique approach focuses on quality over quantity. She reveals her unique business philosophy of having all employees participate in installations to understand the full process, and shares details about an impressive six-figure closet project at The Peninsula. Annie also discusses her new 13,000 square foot design studio opening in Talbert Business Park, featuring innovative lighting technology that allows clients to see true cabinet colors based on their home's lighting.Whether you're considering a home organization project or interested in learning about building a successful local business, this episode offers valuable insights into custom design, customer service excellence, and entrepreneurial growth in the Lake Norman area.Connect with Ryan Webber:Website: www.webbermarketing.comConnect with Annie Hanson - The Closet Niche:Website: www.theclosetniche.comPhone: 704-635-1150

In this episode of We Are Lake Norman, host Ryan Webber sits down with Justin Orders, founder of Queens Orders Honey, to explore the fascinating world of beekeeping and how it became a thriving business. Justin shares his journey from his first experience in a beehive seven years ago to creating multiple revenue streams including his innovative Hive Host Program, where he sets up and maintains beehives in people's yards so they can enjoy fresh honey and improved pollination without the work.Discover the science behind how bees pollinate, why local honey can help with seasonal allergies, and the surprising benefits of having honeybees on your property. Justin explains how honeybees are essential pollinators responsible for about a third of the food we eat, and why pollinator conservation is so critical in today's environment.Learn about the challenges beekeepers face, from managing swarms to dealing with the occasional sting (Justin gets stung almost daily!), and hear Justin's passion for giving bees a voice and advocating for all pollinators—not just honeybees. Whether you're curious about beekeeping, interested in supporting local pollinators, or looking for ways to improve your garden's productivity, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice.Connect with Justin Orders and Queens Orders Honey:Website: https://www.queensordershoney.com/Instagram: @queensordershoneyConnect with Ryan Webber:Website: https://www.webermarketing.com/Instagram: @ryanwebbermarketingListen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!

Join host Ryan Webber as he sits down with Martin Cagle, owner of Ride Wake and Surf, one of Lake Norman's premier wake surfing and wakeboarding businesses. In this engaging conversation, Martin shares his incredible journey from attempting to launch a cable wakeboard park to building a thriving water sports company that has taught over 10,000 people to wake surf and wakeboard.In this episode, you'll discover:• How Martin pivoted from his original cable park vision to create the "ultimate day on the lake" experience• The challenges of starting a water sports business in 2019 and investing in brand new Mastercraft boats• Stories from teaching everyone from 4-year-olds to an inspiring 80-year-old Belgian woman who wake surfs weekly• The evolution of wake surfing technology and how it's transformed the sport• Martin's philosophy of creating full-day experiences rather than just lessons• Creative social media strategies, including jumping out of helicopters for viral content• The business model that serves both boat owners and vacation renters• Insights into Lake Norman's best spots for wake surfing (though Martin keeps some secrets!)Martin explains how Ride Wake and Surf differentiates itself by offering comprehensive experiences that include wake surfing lessons, wakeboarding instruction, private charters, luxury pontoon rentals, and kids' summer camps. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to master advanced tricks, Martin and his team of licensed U.S. Coast Guard captains provide professional instruction tailored to every skill level.If you've ever been curious about wake surfing, want to experience Lake Norman from a new perspective, or are interested in the business side of water sports, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and inspiration.Connect with Martin Cagle and Ride Wake and Surf:Website: https://ridelkn.com/Connect with Ryan Webber:Website: www.webermarketing.comInstagram: @ryanwebbermarketingThis podcast is produced by Weber Marketing. To listen to the full episode and explore more stories from the Lake Norman community, visit www.webermarketing.com or find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcasting platform.

Join host Ryan Webber as he sits down with Jaspen Gray, owner of Lake Norman Athletic Club, to discuss his exciting transition from CrossFit gym manager to independent business owner. After CrossFit 77 closed when the owner moved away, Jaspen took matters into his own hands and opened his own fitness facility, creating something uniquely his own.In this engaging conversation, Jaspen shares his journey from college football player at Catawba to developing a hybrid fitness program that combines the best of strength training, conditioning, and mobility work. Discover how his 15 years of experience in CrossFit and sports training evolved into a more comprehensive approach that focuses on longevity and sustainable fitness.Learn about Lake Norman Athletic Club's three main offerings: personalized one-on-one training, customized programming, and their popular small group classes. Jaspen explains how he's incorporating current fitness trends like running clubs, functional bodybuilding, and HYROX-style training to create workouts that help people look good, feel good, and stay engaged for the long term.From finding the perfect location off Exit 35 to developing refined branding that stands apart from traditional gym aesthetics, Jaspen discusses the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Whether you're interested in fitness, local business, or simply want to hear an inspiring story of taking control of your destiny, this episode offers valuable insights into building something meaningful in the Lake Norman community.Connect with us:Ryan Webber - Producer: www.webbermarketing.comLake Norman Athletic Club: www.lakenormanac.comTune in to learn how Jaspen is redefining fitness in Lake Norman with his hybrid approach that prioritizes both results and longevity.

Join host Ryan Webber as he sits down with Andrew McMillan, partner and fractional CFO at REH CPAs, for an essential year-end tax planning conversation every business owner needs to hear. With tax season approaching, Andrew shares practical strategies to minimize your tax burden before it's too late.In this episode, you'll discover actionable year-end tax tips including equipment purchases, vehicle deductions, retirement planning strategies, and the critical differences between LLC and S-Corp taxation. Andrew breaks down complex concepts like self-employment tax, reasonable salary requirements, and the QBI deduction in plain English that any business owner can understand.Whether you're wondering about that business vehicle purchase, trying to understand S-Corp elections, or simply want to avoid painful tax surprises come April, this episode provides the guidance you need to make informed decisions before December 31st.Andrew also shares insights from his fractional CFO work, including cash flow forecasting tips and the importance of maintaining accurate books and records throughout the year.Connect with Us:Ryan Webber - Webber Marketing: www.webbermarketing.comAndrew McMillan - REH CPAs: www.rehcpas.comThis podcast is produced by Webber Marketing.

Join host Ryan Webber as he sits down with Andrea Gravina, owner of King Canary Brewing, for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, community, and resilience in the Lake Norman area.In this episode, Andrea shares the heartfelt story of King Canary Brewing, which opened in 2018 in a converted house on Williamson Road in Mooresville. What started as a passion project with her late husband Matt has grown into a beloved community hub known for trivia nights, food trucks, and their famous paddleboard club with over 100 members.Episode Highlights:The origin story behind the King Canary name and unique brandingHow the brewery became a community gathering place through creative events and programmingNavigating the challenges of loss, COVID-19, and business growthThe recent expansion to a second location in DavidsonAndrea's background in design from her Ralph Lauren days and how it shaped the brewery's aestheticSignature beers like "Cuckoo Clock" Lime Vanilla Milkshake IPA and seasonal favoritesThe addition of craft cocktails and how each location serves different customer preferencesFuture plans for renovations and community engagementThis full-circle moment podcast also references a 2018 interview with Matt, making it a touching tribute to the brewery's evolution and the power of community support.Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, small business owner, or Lake Norman local, this episode offers valuable insights into building a business that truly serves its community.Connect with King Canary Brewing:Instagram: @kingcanarybrewing & @kingcanarydavidsonFacebook: King Canary BrewingWebsite: www.kingcanarybrewing.comProduced by: Webber Marketing - www.webbermarketing.comPart of the "We Are Lake Norman" podcast series, celebrating the people and businesses that make our community special.