We Are Lake Norman

Matt Gahrmann is the founder of Carolina Cruising Charters, and he's basically the friend with the boat—except you don't have to pretend to like him to get on the water.Matt moved to Lake Norman and realized there was no easy, turnkey way to get on the lake without owning a boat, joining a boat club, or dealing with sketchy rental situations. So he built the solution: all-inclusive chartered boat experiences where you show up, have fun, and leave. No cleaning. No maintenance. No stress.We talk about how Matt went from real estate to running a fleet of tritoon boats on Lake Norman, why he refuses to be the "party boat" company (despite what bachelorette parties might request), and the surprising psychology of why even boat owners end up booking charters.Matt breaks down the business model, the challenges of staffing captains who actually want to work every Saturday in the summer (spoiler: they don't), and why Lake Norman's 520 miles of shoreline makes it the perfect place for this kind of business. Plus, he shares some wild customer requests (no, there are no male strippers on Stripper Island), why locals are finally embracing the "Uber of the lake" concept, and how he's constantly refining what works and what doesn't.If you're a Lake Norman local who's tired of dealing with boat ownership, a business owner thinking about the service industry, or just someone who wants to understand how to build a business around making people's lives easier, this episode is for you.

Sara Rubens is a kitchen garden designer, installer, and coach who helps busy professionals grow their own food without adding another full-time job to their plate. And her story of how she got here? Absolutely wild.Sara was in corporate America for years, carrying the medical insurance for her family while her husband ran his businesses. The plan was simple: work until 65, then retire. But at 63, while sitting on a beach in Mexico with her second mimosa, she got the call. They fired her. Christmas week. On vacation.Eighteen months from Medicare eligibility, Sara had a choice: brush off her resume and go back to corporate (which sounded like a root canal), or go all-in on the side business she'd been building—teaching people how to grow food in beautiful raised bed gardens.She chose the garden. And it's been four years of absolute joy.We talk about how Sara went from zero gardening experience during COVID to building 48 custom kitchen gardens across Lake Norman. She breaks down why North Carolina soil is terrible (unless you want to grow tobacco), how she designs gardens as "rooms" in your backyard, and why you only need to spend five minutes a day in your garden to make it work.Plus, Sara shares the philosophy behind "Seed to Sanctuary"—how a tiny seed can transform your life, teach you to be present, and give you a sense of peace in a world that never stops moving. And after losing her adult daughter tragically, the garden community became a lifeline.If you've ever thought about growing your own food but don't have time, or if you're a business owner wondering what's next after corporate America, this conversation is for you.

Karen Schmidt is back on We Are Lake Norman, and this time she's talking about her newest venture—Freshwater Shoppe, a curated home decor store in Mooresville that's an extension of her award-winning design and build studio.We dive into how Karen went from designing multimillion-dollar custom homes to opening a retail shop where anyone can buy the same high-end pieces she uses in her full-service design projects. No $30,000 renovation required—just walk in and grab what you need.Karen breaks down what's trending in home design right now (spoiler: gray is dead, plaid is back, and if you're still using gray, we need to talk). We talk about why she opened a physical retail store when everyone said retail is dead, how she curates products that work in any home, and why having designers on-site to help you pick the right pieces is a game-changer.Plus, Karen shares her favorite white paint colors (yes, there's a difference), why communication is the key to avoiding design disasters, and how she's building a business that serves everyone—from DIYers looking for the perfect pillow to clients who want a full custom build from the ground up.If you're into home design, thinking about opening a retail business, or just need to know what to do with your sad-looking living room, this episode is for you.

In this episode of We Are Lake Norman, host Ryan Webber sits down with Jack Salzman, owner of The Serve Pickleball & Kitchen, a massive 50,000 square foot indoor entertainment facility that's quickly becoming a Lake Norman staple.Jack shares his incredible journey from running Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for 20 years—growing it into a top-10 dealership in the country—to selling the business in 2022 and attempting retirement. Spoiler alert: retirement didn't last long.When Jack's wife mentioned there was nowhere to play pickleball indoors in the area, what seemed like a "crazy idea" turned into The Serve—a unique facility featuring 10 indoor pickleball courts, four Topgolf Swing Suites with 30+ games, a full-service restaurant with chef-crafted meals, a cafe, and a private event room that seats 64 people.In this conversation, you'll discover:How Jack traveled the country studying the best pickleball facilities and got guidance from Chicken and Pickle founder Dave JohnsonWhy The Serve had over 600 visitors in a single Saturday just weeks after openingThe one business rule Jack lives by: stay in your lane (especially when working with your spouse)How the facility is designed so you can enjoy an amazing meal without even knowing there's pickleball happeningWhy Jack calls himself a "two-time retirement failure" after also buying another car dealership in South CarolinaThe importance of grassroots marketing and community involvement in building a successful local businessWhat makes The Serve different: from short rib grilled cheese and red velvet waffles to zombie dodgeball and corporate eventsWhether you're a pickleball enthusiast, a local business owner, or someone looking for the next great spot to spend an afternoon in Lake Norman, this episode offers insights into entrepreneurship, community building, and what it takes to create a destination that brings people together.Connect with Jack Salzman and The Serve:Website: https://www.theservepickleball.com/Connect with Ryan Webber:Website: www.webbermarketing.comInstagram: @ryanwebbermarketingListen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform, and discover why The Serve is becoming Lake Norman's go-to spot for entertainment, great food, and community connection.

What happens when a mortgage broker from Syracuse takes a sailing trip to Grenada and tastes real chocolate for the first time? For Tyler Cagwin, it sparked a complete life transformation.In this episode of We Are Lake Norman, host Ryan Webber sits down with Tyler, the founder of Nostalgia Chocolates in Huntersville. Tyler shares his incredible journey from working 15 years in his family's mortgage business to roasting cocoa beans and crafting bean-to-bar chocolate by hand.You'll hear about Tyler's chocolate education—from taking online courses to flying to Oregon for a two-week apprenticeship with a respected chocolate maker. He opens up about the challenges of restarting his business in North Carolina after building a loyal following in Syracuse, and why networking in the Lake Norman area has been both difficult and rewarding.But this isn't just a business story. Tyler reveals his philosophy behind Nostalgia Chocolates: creating moments where people can slow down, savor a piece of chocolate, and let their minds wander. He explains the fascinating differences between chocolate origins—why Madagascar tastes different from Tanzania, and how he roasts each bean to highlight unique flavor profiles.Whether you're a chocolate lover, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone who needs permission to slow down in our fast-paced world, Tyler's story will inspire you.Connect with Tyler Cagwin:Website: https://www.nostalgiachocolates.com/Location: 100 S Maxwell Ave Suite E, Huntersville, NC 28078Connect with Ryan Webber:Website: www.webbermarketing.comInstagram: @ryanwebbermarketing

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.