Podcast spotlights the best of LKN

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Movers, Shakers, Style, Shopping, Trends, Happenings and More at Lake Norman

Jeff Hamm, a local Lake Norman resident and small business owner himself, wanted to do something—anything—to highlight the businesses who had to pivot, survive, or thrive during 2020.

To help the local business owners, Hamm decided to lean into what he already knew. Because he and his business partner had founded the digital marketing agency Epic Journey Media in January 2020, Hamm understood the power of digital communication. When he began working with clients, the idea of podcasting kept revealing itself as a way to tell a unique narrative. As Hamm was instructing his own clients to give podcasting a try, it dawned on him he could do the same and help other businesses along the way.

Within a few months, Hamm founded The Best of LKN podcast. He already had the equipment for his clients, making it easy to bring attention to the numerous local businesses prominent throughout Lake Norman. Because the podcast started during the pandemic, he focused on businesses that needed the most attention.

When asked how he first chose guests for his podcasts, Hamm says, “I began by connecting with small businesses I already knew and with the small businesses affected most by the restrictions— such as gym owners, salons, craft breweries, and restaurant owners. Many of them I was already acquainted with, but then I began reaching out to others as the podcast grew.” The content has evolved and features interviews of local businesses from several industries. But the conversations bring light to the real challenges these entrepreneurs face as well as the successes. “One of the philosophies I adhere to is the idea that storytelling is so important and really a good foundation for marketing and advertising,” Hamm explains.

The podcast has grown in popularity and more business owners are contacting Hamm to be featured and share their own story. Because of this, Hamm has expanded the number of local entrepreneurs to include non-profits. For instance, recently he interviewed the Pinky Swear Foundation, a local non-profit organization, and it quickly became one of his personal favorite interviews.

If you ask him what his favorite aspect of this venture is he’ll tell you it’s the stories the guests tell. “The stories are fascinating. A lot of them share their successes and failures in entrepreneurship. They learn a lot from the failures.” And Hamm is doing his part to share their tales.

The Power of Storytelling

How one entrepreneur is creating a platform for other small businesses

by Sara Coleman photography by Emilie Smith Photography

Jeff Hamm started his podcast, “The Best of LKN,” a year ago.