Local Services Episodes

What’s it like to grow up in the “woods" of Holly Ridge, shrimp with your dad along the Carolina coast, and then go on to build one of the largest real estate companies in the area? Meet Chris Rackley, the owner and President of Lewis Realty Associates, and a local leader in vacation rentals and real estate on Topsail Island. In this episode, Chris shares his personal journey, from working on shrimp boats as a kid to leading a full-service real estate team managing over 170 vacation homes. We t...

Meet Mary Mika - She’s one of Topsail’s most trusted pet sitters—but her journey here is anything but ordinary. In this heartfelt episode of Topsail Insider, Mary Mika shares the personal journey behind her thriving pet care business, Mary E. Poppins the Pet Nanny. From a childhood filled with love and loss to overcoming cancer while building a trusted service in the Greater Topsail area, Mary opens up about the experiences that shaped her resilience and compassion. She explains how her unique ...

Navigating Wills, Probates, Trusts, and Guardianships with Mariah McKinney In this episode, Christa and new Host, Marlon Weems, interview Mariah McKinney, a lawyer and partner at Garlock McKinney. They explore crucial yet often overlooked legal matters including wills, probates, trusts, and guardianships. Mariah shares the complexities of probate administration, the importance of comprehensive estate planning, and the risks of not having a financial or healthcare power of attorney. Mariah also...

Guest: Cathy Mails, Owner of Sea Green Natural Cleaning 2024 Topsail’s Top Choice Awards - 1st Place - Favorite Cleaning Service Meet Cathy Mails, the woman behind Sea Green Natural Cleaning, as she shares how growing up helping her family manage rentals in Connecticut led to a natural cleaning business in North Carolina that’s making homes healthier and safer. She discusses the surprising health hazards of conventional cleaning products and shares her passion for natural, eco-friendly solution...

In this episode, we chat with Evelyn Wheeler, co-owner of Web Designs Your Way with her husband Chad. Their company offers essential digital services, including web design, maintenance, security, and social media management. We explore their transition to WordPress, addressing initial security concerns and highlighting its user-friendly and affordable nature. Web Designs Your Way provides flexible, interest-free payment plans and exceptional customer service, guiding clients from start to fin...

In Part 2, we discuss how and why Richard dove even deeper into the hospitality industry with his new hotel in downtown Wilmington - a luxe little haven called The Hive. It has 15 uniquely decorated suites with an artistic, urban feel that exemplifies the Wilmington vibe along the Cape Fear riverfront. Hear how this gem caught his attention and why he'll carry on the original owner’s vision. And let’s get a quick lesson on investing, venture capital, and how Richard decides where to allocate Ca...

Send Christa a message and let her know if you enjoyed the episode! Today, I have the privilege of sitting down with John Formica, the “Ex Disney Guy”. John, known as "America’s Customer Experience Coach," is a sought-after speaker and business coach who draws on his extensive experience with Disney to help organizations create magical customer experiences and dynamic workplace cultures. He offers insights into Disney's leadership, hiring practices, and team-building strategies to help businesse...

Rich Surace is the owner of Outer Sky Imaging and today’s guest on Topsail Insider! Outer Sky Imaging offers Drone and hand-held photography and videography for Private and Commercial Real Estate and Construction Progression, as well as Full Commercial Production for local businesses. And brand new to his repertoire - Automated Visual Home Inspection Using Artificial Intelligence! This allows for AI inspections and analysis of home and roof inspections and roof solar panel design in about 10 mi...

Join me for an interview with the owner of multiple businesses in the Greater Topsail area and Surf City’s Mayor Pro Tem, Jeremy Shugarts! He’s the owner of The Daily Grind and UnWINEd in Surf City, Thread FX and Shoreline Party Rentals in Hampstead, and is now putting a heavy focus on Shugarts Family Properties. Find out how he finds the balance between serving up great coffee and wine and serving the constituents of Surf City! The Daily Grind and UnWINEd Address: The Daily Grind Website: http...

Meet Tammy Proctor! She's the Executive Director of the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism and she’s sitting down with Topsail Insider to share the many ways the Chamber serves local businesses, nonprofits, residents, and visitors of our beautiful beach towns from Sneads Ferry down to Scotts Hill! She’s a wealth of information with an extensive background in tourism and has been recognized by the Biz 100 twice as a “Connector” for her work in the Chamber of Commerce as well as ...

Need to declutter your home but not sure where to start? Could your living spaces use some organization? Are your closets overflowing and pantries filled with expired goods? This episode is perfect for you! Our guest, Debbie Bruen, is a Professional Home Organizer who tackles decluttering, organizing, and "rightsizing" with discretion, kindness, and humor. Christa engages in a delightful conversation with Debbie, covering topics from her missionary work in Africa to her journey into the Home Org...

Welcome to Season 2 of Topsail Insider! Our first episode of 2024 is for the small, service-oriented business owner who might be feeling overwhelmed and strapped for time. Are you running solo or with just a handful of employees? Do you find yourself buried in the day-to-day tasks of your business, leaving little room to focus on growth strategies like digital marketing and SEO? If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. In this episode, we sit down with Colin Pemberton, the innovative mind ...

Have you ever contemplated the purity of the tap water you drink daily or the water you use for your daily chores? If you live in the Topsail area of North Carolina, this episode of the Topsail Insider Podcast is sure to pique your interest. Mike sits down with John Puckett, owner of A Clean Water Company, and they discuss John’s mission to deliver clean water, water filtration options, and the damaging effects of hard water. This conversation ventures into water filtration systems such as rev...

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Jeff Wenzel, the Mayor of Holly Ridge, North Carolina, and owner of Above Topsail and JW Portrait Studio. Jeff's journey began with a simple hobby of flying model planes, which evolved into a passion for drone photography, ultimately culminating in the establishment of Above Topsail. As he leaned more into photography, his commitment grew, eventually leading to the launch of his portrait studio, canvas printing, and custom framing business. In th...

Join Heather Allen, a Certified Concealed Carry and NRA Handgun Instructor, for a conversation about firearm safety and training. She’s the owner of High Caliber Firearms Training & Education, the author of a new book, and running for Surf City Town Council. Discover Heather's unique approach to teaching firearm safety in her classes at High Caliber. She offers sessions like “Sip and the Second" and “Ladies Night," creating a relaxed atmosphere for skill improvement. She also teaches Concealed ...

Attention, all you wonderful Topsail Island vacationers! Allow me to introduce you to Damian Mulcahy, the man behind the Topsail Island Bellhop Boys. Damien has transformed a modest idea into a thriving venture for his children and their friends. Elevate your vacation experience by enlisting the bellhop services of Damien's team. Whether its suitcases, coolers, groceries, or beach gear, these capable bellhop boys will transport everything from your vehicle up those stairs and directly to the des...

Are you ready for a transformation, beauty and skincare enthusiasts? I've got the amazing Nakia Vargas, the owner behind Brow to Toe Waxing and Skincare Studio, with me. We’re discussing lash extensions, her brow transformations, waxing, and her new skin care line, Nakira Skin! To top it off, Nakia talks about her business coaching journey and how it's reflected in her business values. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking the perfect blend of beauty insights and entrepreneurial spiri...

I’ll be talking with Ms. Amy Shores, owner of Seaside Topsail Photography and one of the leading photographers in the Greater Topsail area. She does it all: beach family portraits, senior and graduation portraits, engagements and weddings, maternity and infant photography, printing, sunrises and sunsets and everything in between! She also shares some very touching stories you won’t want to miss, including how her mother left a gift for her under the Christmas tree before passing away that push...

When I first thought of creating this podcast and interviewing local business owners, today's guest is the first person I thought of. Her name is Jenean LaCorte and she's the owner and artist behind Restorative Tattoos in Hampstead, North Carolina. In this episode, Jenean will talk about what led her to 3D Nipple Tattoos and Scar Camouflage, the process her patients go through and the struggles she faces getting the word out. She's passionate about her work helping many women and men feel whol...