In this episode of The Best of LKN, Jeff welcomes Katelyn Graham, founder and CEO of The Admin Effect, a Cornelius-based firm serving independent financial advisors nationwide. Katelyn shares her journey from broadcasting to financial services, and how a life-changing experience inspired her to launch her own agency.

She explains how The Admin Effect supports advisors with virtual operations, team training, and consulting—helping firms streamline processes, scale with confidence, and better serve their clients.

Katelyn also dives into leadership lessons, hiring the right people, and the importance of listening to clients.

The conversation touches on entrepreneurship, niche business models, and life in the Lake Norman area.

Katelyn's story offers valuable takeaways for business owners, financial advisors, and anyone interested in scaling a service-based company.

The Admin Effect

Book mentioned:
Who Not How
by Dan Sullivan

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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

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

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, Jeff sits down with Sara Lynn Brennan, founder and CEO of Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors.

Sara shares her journey from teaching biology to building one of Charlotte’s premier luxury interior design firms.

She opens up about her organic start on Instagram, the pivotal role COVID played in her business growth, and the importance of authentic storytelling in connecting with clients and referral partners.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How Sara transitioned from education to entrepreneurship and interior design.
• The role of social media in building her brand and client base.
• How her firm adapted during COVID to serve high-end clients and luxury real estate professionals.
• Why collaboration with builders, architects, and agents is key to successful projects.
• An inside look at her showroom, All Things Home, and how it makes luxury design accessible.
• Future growth plans for expanding her firm’s presence in Lake Norman and Charlotte.
  
  
  

Resources & Links

• Website: saralynnbrennan.com
• Instagram: @saralynnbrennan

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

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