In this episode of The Best of LKN, Jeff sits down with Whitney Dove, the founder of Bean Catcher—a retro-inspired mobile espresso business serving the Lake Norman area.

Whitney shares her journey from growing up in Washington state’s coffee culture to launching her own business in a renovated 1970s camper, lovingly towed by a vintage truck named Clementine.

They discuss her background, the leap to entrepreneurship, the challenges of maintaining a mobile café, and her passion for crafting delicious coffee drinks.

Whitney also shares valuable advice for aspiring small business owners, the importance of passion, and staying confident despite doubts.

Key Topics Covered:

• Whitney’s early barista days in Yakima, WA
  
  
  
• Inspiration behind Bean Catcher and the camper renovation
  
  
  
• Sourcing local espresso beans from Black Powder in Mooresville
  
  
  
• Life as a one-woman mobile business—locations, logistics, and loyal customers
  
  
  
• Collaborating with Josh’s Farmers Market and local events
  
  
  
• Lessons in business ownership and maintaining confidence
  
  
  
• Future plans to open a drive-through espresso stand
  
  
  

Connect with Bean Catcher:
📍 Instagram: @beancatcher_
📍 Facebook: Bean Catcher
📍 Find her weekly schedule on social media

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Josh’s Farmers Market – Mooresville, NC
• Black Powder Coffee – Mooresville, NC

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Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Elevate Land & Realty

Charlotte | Lake Norman | High Country

https://lknreal.com/

Support the show

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Alan Beulah, the Charlotte Area President for MI Homes, to discuss the builder’s legacy, mission, and local impact.

Alan shares his journey from psychology major to homebuilding executive, the importance of culture and customer experience at MI Homes, and the company’s long-term commitment to serving families in the Charlotte and Lake Norman regions.

They dive into:

• Alan’s background in sales, marketing, and homebuilding
  
  
  
• MI Homes’ history and expansion across Charlotte, Mooresville, Huntersville, and beyond
  
  
  
• How MI’s culture and leadership prioritize people and customer care
  
  
  
• The company’s customer-first approach to home readiness and transparency
  
  
  
• How the pandemic helped accelerate virtual tools for buyers
  
  
  
• The importance of identifying community needs before development
  
  
  
• and much more!
  
  
  

"We don’t just build homes—we help people build lives. And that’s something we take very seriously at MI." – Alan Beulah

MIHomes.com

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Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Elevate Land & Realty

Charlotte | Lake Norman | High Country

https://lknreal.com/

Support the show

In this episode, Jeff interviews Jonathan Kepner, the owner of Romeo's Pizza in Davidson. They discuss Jonathan's entrepreneurial journey, the unique offerings of Romeo's Pizza, including their homemade dough and sweet sauce, and the challenges faced during the launch.

Jonathan shares valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of networking and community engagement. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding business expenses and the role of mentorship in entrepreneurship.

Romeo’s Pizza - Davidson
610 Jetton St #150
Davidson, NC 28036
(704) 237-4870

Special mentions:
Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home

Hop & Vine Davidson

Lake Norman Chamber
North Meck Rotary
Dan Martell
Alex Hormozi

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Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Elevate Land & Realty

Charlotte | Lake Norman | High Country

https://lknreal.com/

Support the show

In this episode of The Best of LKN podcast, Kellie Grutko, founder of Purposeful Pivot, shares her journey from a corporate marketing career to establishing her coaching business aimed at helping women navigate career transitions.

She discusses the challenges she faced, the inspiration behind her business, and the services she offers, including one-on-one coaching and future retreats.

Kellie emphasizes the importance of accountability in coaching and the need for women to explore their passions and potential career paths.

The conversation also touches on her future plans for Purposeful Pivot and her personal interests outside of work.

Purposeful Pivot

Email: Kellieg@purposefulpivot.net

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Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Elevate Land & Realty

Charlotte | Lake Norman | High Country

https://lknreal.com/

Support the show

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Eileen Stoner, a seasoned financial advisor and principal of The Stoner Group at Morgan Stanley, to explore her unique journey from neonatal nursing to guiding clients through retirement and divorce financial planning. Eileen brings 28 years of experience in wealth management and a deep passion for helping individuals—especially women—gain confidence and clarity around their finances.

From the emotional complexities of retirement to the financial realities of divorce, Eileen shares practical advice, real-life insights, and empowering encouragement for listeners at every stage of life. She also opens up about her community involvement through DivorceCare, Second Saturday workshops, and local advisory boards.

Whether you're planning for retirement, navigating a life transition, or simply seeking more confidence with your finances, this episode offers invaluable insights you don’t want to miss.

The Stoner Group | Morgan Stanley
17505 W Catawba Ave Ste 300
Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 896-9138

Special thanks to:
Sarah Bennett - Sodoma Law North

Special mentions:
Divorce Care Group
Second Saturday Divorce Workshops
Winshape Camps

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

Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Elevate Land & Realty

Charlotte | Lake Norman | High Country

https://lknreal.com/

Support the show

In this episode, Logan Sandate, founder of Girl Power Flag Football Mooresville, shares her journey of starting a youth flag football league for girls in the Lake Norman area. She discusses her athletic background, the inspiration behind creating the league, and the importance of providing opportunities for girls in sports.

The conversation highlights the community impact of youth sports, the accessibility of flag football, and the potential for local businesses to get involved through sponsorships.

Logan emphasizes the positive culture she aims to foster within the league, focusing on resilience, effort, and sportsmanship.

Girl Power Flag Football - Mooresville

Follow on Instagram & Facebook

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

Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Elevate Land & Realty

Charlotte | Lake Norman | High Country

https://lknreal.com/

Support the show

In this episode of The Best of Lake Norman podcast, Doak Turner shares his inspiring journey from feeling lost after high school to discovering his passion in the music and radio industry.

He discusses the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including the influence of music, the importance of identity, and the therapeutic process of writing his book, 'A Crazy Journey.'

Doak emphasizes the value of taking chances, helping others, and the connections made along the way, ultimately leading to personal growth and fulfillment.

A Crazy Journey (And finding my true identity)
by Doak Turner

Follow Doak on Facebook

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Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Elevate Land & Realty

Charlotte | Lake Norman | High Country

https://lknreal.com/

Support the show

In this episode, Jason Julian, founder of Reign Moving Solutions, shares his journey from a corporate job to entrepreneurship in the moving industry. He discusses the importance of customer service, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and the growth of his business through referrals.

Jason emphasizes the significance of building trust with clients and maintaining personal connections as the company expands.

He also provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and outlines the comprehensive services offered by Reign Moving Solutions.

Reign Moving Solutions

(704) 459-1199

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

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

Elevate Land & Realty

Charlotte | Lake Norman | High Country

https://lknreal.com/

Support the show