Banner Elk Living
Epic Journey Media
Highlighting the lifestyle, small businesses, and beauty of Banner Elk, North Carolina.
Episodes
006: Brock Buchanon - Carolina Cabin Rentals
Brock Buchanan, Head of Growth at Carolina Cabin Rentals, joins Jeff to talk about the High Country short-term rental market in 2026. Brock was the company's third employee nearly 15 years ago, when it managed about 20 properties. Today it manages more than 400. He walks through the market's ups and downs since 2019: the COVID boom, the supply correction of 2023, and the long recovery after Hurricane Helene. He also shares why 2026 has turned into a strong comeback year. For August through December bookings, reservations are up 40%, nights are up 18%, and revenue is up 27% compared to last year, measured per home.Brock also gives practical advice for buyers thinking about a vacation home that pays for itself. He explains why Banner Elk is one of the few true four-season markets in the Southeast. He covers why you should "buy the property, not the projection" and how to plan for mud season. He also makes the case for choosing a property manager before closing rather than after. To request a free rental projection, visit CarolinaCabinRentals.com and click "List Your Property."About the host:Jeff Hamm is an expert real estate broker with Ivester Jackson | Christie's International Real Estate, serving Banner Elk and the greater high country of North Carolina. He specializes in luxury communities including The Lodges at Eagles Nest, Elk River Club, Farm at Banner Elk, Diamond Creek, and Echota. He focuses specifically on buyer representation and short-term rental and investment purchases, where his relationships with the region's top listing brokers, builders, and designers give his clients a measurable edge.Jeff is also the founder and host of Banner Elk Living, a podcast, newsletter, and media platform that spotlights the Banner Elk area's most admired small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs every week. He publishes the annual Banner Elk Guide, regular market reports, and hosts the Banner Elk Business Network.Contact Jeff:Jeff Hamm, Real Estate BrokerIvester Jackson | Christie’s International Real Estate – High Country Office144 Poplar Grove Rd, Boone, NC 28607(980) 422-6069 · [email protected]
005: Erica Frazier - Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals
Erica Frazier of Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals came up from Charlotte in 2017 for what was supposed to be one summer at Eagles Nest – and never left. She now helps oversee a portfolio of more than 700 High Country homes, and in this conversation she gets refreshingly candid about what short-term rental ownership around Banner Elk actually looks like.If you own a place up here or you're thinking about it, this one's worth a listen.Blue Ridge Mountain RentalsHosted by:Jeff HammBanner Elk Realtorhttps://bannerelkliving.com/best-banner-elk-nc-real-estate-agent/Jeff Hamm is an expert real estate broker with Ivester Jackson | Christie's International Real Estate, serving Banner Elk and the greater high country of North Carolina. He specializes in luxury communities including The Lodges at Eagles Nest, Elk River Club, Farm at Banner Elk, Diamond Creek, and Echota. He focuses specifically on buyer representation and short-term rental and investment purchases, where his relationships with the region's top listing brokers, builders, and designers give his clients a measurable edge.Jeff is also the founder and host of Banner Elk Living, a podcast, newsletter, and media platform that spotlights the Banner Elk area's most admired small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs every week. He publishes the annual Banner Elk Guide, regular market reports, and hosts the Banner Elk Business Network.
004: Eagles Nest & Banner Elk Real Estate with Allison Schön
Banner Elk Living https://bannerelkliving.com/Hosted by:Jeff HammReal Estate Brokerhttps://bannerelkliving.com/best-banner-elk-nc-real-estate-agent/Jeff Hamm is an expert real estate broker with Ivester Jackson | Christie's International Real Estate, serving Banner Elk and the greater high country of North Carolina. He specializes in luxury communities including The Lodges at Eagles Nest, Elk River Club, Farm at Banner Elk, Diamond Creek, and Echota. He focuses specifically on buyer representation and short-term rental and investment purchases, where his relationships with the region's top listing brokers, builders, and designers give his clients a measurable edge.Jeff is also the founder and host of Banner Elk Living, a podcast, newsletter, and media platform that spotlights the Banner Elk area's most admired small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs every week. He publishes the annual Banner Elk Guide, regular market reports, and hosts the Banner Elk Business Network.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bannerelkliving/In this episode of Banner Elk Living, host Jeff Hamm sits down with Allison Schön of Elevate Land & Realty – the high country's top-producing agent so far in 2026. Allison shares how a friend's "crazy" idea to develop a mountain called Eagles Nest launched her real estate career over a decade ago, and how she's watched the community grow into one of the most sought-after destinations in the North Carolina High Country. She also gives listeners an inside look at one truly one-of-a-kind listing: the Glass House on Silver Eagle, a stunning mountain-modern home with walls of glass and unbeatable sunset views.Jeff and Allison also dig into what makes Banner Elk such a strong investment market, including how short-term rentals perform season to season (hint: the busy season runs Memorial Day through ski season!), plus a full tour of Eagles Nest amenities – from the Elk River and outdoor amphitheater concerts to Epic Chop House, the Eagles Nest Winery, and the Beech Mountain connector that puts you six minutes from the slopes. Whether you're dreaming of a mountain getaway or considering an investment property, this episode is packed with local insight.Allison SchönElevate Land & Realty486 Main St WBanner Elk, NC 28604(704) 577-0939https://www.instagram.com/allisonschoen_realtor/Videos mentioned:The Eagle’s Nest Glass House 294 Silver Eagle TrailBanner Elk, NC 28604Watch: https://youtu.be/tnXemlhC0tQ?si=0N8qLIZVH3S3JiU7Sunset Ridge200 Fernwood TrailElk Park, NC 28604Watch: https://youtu.be/RoB0M9syGuY?si=_lwlzSMr9MOz7wOd
003: Michael Sharpe | Blowing Rock Woodworks
Hosted by:Jeff HammBanner Elk Realtorhttps://bannerelkliving.com/best-banner-elk-nc-real-estate-agent/Jeff Hamm is an expert real estate broker with Ivester Jackson | Christie's International Real Estate, serving Banner Elk and the greater high country of North Carolina. He specializes in luxury communities including The Lodges at Eagles Nest, Elk River Club, Farm at Banner Elk, Diamond Creek, and Echota. He focuses specifically on buyer representation and short-term rental and investment purchases, where his relationships with the region's top listing brokers, builders, and designers give his clients a measurable edge.Jeff is also the founder and host of Banner Elk Living, a podcast, newsletter, and media platform that spotlights the Banner Elk area's most admired small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs every week. He publishes the annual Banner Elk Guide, regular market reports, and hosts the Banner Elk Business Network.In this episode, Jeff interviews Michael Sharpe, the owner of Blowing Rock Woodworks. Michael shares his journey from a career in furniture transportation to owning a woodworking business, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and the unique products they offer. He emphasizes the importance of relationships in business and shares valuable lessons learned as a small business owner. The conversation also touches on future aspirations for the company and a love for the high country region.Blowing Rock Woodworks251 Dick Watson RdDeep Gap, NC 28618(336) 504-8899—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
002: Jeff Smith - Alair Homes High Country
Hosted by:Jeff HammBanner Elk Realtorhttps://bannerelkliving.com/best-banner-elk-nc-real-estate-agent/Jeff Hamm is an expert real estate broker with Ivester Jackson | Christie's International Real Estate, serving Banner Elk and the greater high country of North Carolina. He specializes in luxury communities including The Lodges at Eagles Nest, Elk River Club, Farm at Banner Elk, Diamond Creek, and Echota. He focuses specifically on buyer representation and short-term rental and investment purchases, where his relationships with the region's top listing brokers, builders, and designers give his clients a measurable edge.Jeff is also the founder and host of Banner Elk Living, a podcast, newsletter, and media platform that spotlights the Banner Elk area's most admired small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs every week. He publishes the annual Banner Elk Guide, regular market reports, and hosts the Banner Elk Business Network.In this episode, Jeff sits down with Jeff Smith of Alair Homes High Country for an inspiring conversation about hard work, entrepreneurship, and building a values-driven business in the High Country.Jeff shares his journey from growing up in the South and working blue-collar jobs to starting his own construction company, weathering the 2008 downturn, and eventually joining Alair Homes. He opens up about the importance of resilience, transparency, and mentorship in building a sustainable business, and how collaboration within Alair has fueled growth while preserving craftsmanship and integrity.The two also discuss entrepreneurship challenges, personal health, leadership, and the need for affordable housing solutions in the High Country. Jeff’s story highlights the balance between grit, vision, and community impact—making this an episode full of takeaways for business owners and local leaders alike.Alair Homes High Country109 Aho Rd #3Blowing Rock, NC 28605(828) 818-0033Follow them on Instagram: @alairhomeshighcountry
001: Meet Jeff Hamm, the Host of Banner Elk Living
In the inaugural episode of Banner Elk Living, host Jeff Hamm introduce the podcast, aimed at uplifting small businesses and organizations in the High Country region of North Carolina. They share their backgrounds, the purpose of the podcast, and their goals for community engagement. The episode emphasizes the importance of local businesses, real estate insights, and the unique lifestyle of the High Country, inviting listeners to connect and participate in future episodes.https://bannerelkliving.com/Hosted by:Jeff HammBanner Elk Realtorhttps://bannerelkliving.com/best-banner-elk-nc-real-estate-agent/Jeff Hamm is an expert real estate broker with Ivester Jackson | Christie's International Real Estate, serving Banner Elk and the greater high country of North Carolina. He specializes in luxury communities including The Lodges at Eagles Nest, Elk River Club, Farm at Banner Elk, Diamond Creek, and Echota. He focuses specifically on buyer representation and short-term rental and investment purchases, where his relationships with the region's top listing brokers, builders, and designers give his clients a measurable edge.Jeff is also the founder and host of Banner Elk Living, a podcast, newsletter, and media platform that spotlights the Banner Elk area's most admired small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs every week. He publishes the annual Banner Elk Guide, regular market reports, and hosts the Banner Elk Business Network.