In this edition of The Best of The Success Connection, Joe Vagnone revisits a memorable conversation with Bill Russell, President and CEO of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, about business, community, leadership and the continued growth of the Lake Norman region.
Bill has served as President and CEO of the Lake Norman Chamber since 1996, giving him decades of experience working alongside businesses, community leaders, nonprofits and organizations throughout the region. A native of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Bill is also a former national president of the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) and holds the Certified Chamber Executive and Institute for Organization Management designations.
In the original conversation, Bill discusses the Chamber’s role in supporting local businesses and strengthening the community. He and Joe explore the growth of the Lake Norman area, the importance of collaboration among business and community leaders, and how organizations can work together to create new opportunities for the region’s future. Their conversation also highlights the value of leadership and staying actively involved in the community.
Today, Bill continues to lead the Lake Norman Chamber, representing approximately 900 businesses throughout Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Mooresville and the greater Lake Norman region. He also remains active on several community and regional boards, including Visit Lake Norman and the Lake Norman Economic Development Corporation.
This “then-and-now” look gives viewers an opportunity to revisit Bill’s original insights while seeing how his leadership—and the Lake Norman business community—has continued to grow and evolve.
Strong communities don’t happen by accident. They are built through collaboration, leadership, and businesses and individuals working together toward a shared future.
Over the years, Joe Vagnone has interviewed entrepreneurs, business owners, industry leaders and innovators at important moments in their professional journeys. They shared how they got started, the challenges they faced and the decisions that helped move them forward.
The Best of The Success Connection: Rewind brings Joe’s most memorable interviews back into the spotlight—but the story doesn’t end with the original conversation.
Each featured episode offers a fascinating “then-and-now” look at success. Viewers can revisit where the guest was when the interview was recorded and learn how that person, business or idea has grown and evolved since then.
Where are they today? Which goals did they achieve? What changed along the way? And what can we learn from the next chapter of their success story?
Selected personally by Joe as his “Best of the Best,” these conversations combine timeless business lessons with a fresh perspective on the progress that followed. It’s an opportunity to see that success is not a single moment—it is a continuing journey.
Joe Vagnone is an award-winning small business broker, entrepreneur, and advisor with more than 27 years of experience helping business owners buy, sell, and grow their companies. Through Saturday Success Stories with Joe Vagnone on LKNConnect, he shares the stories, lessons, and insights of entrepreneurs who are making a difference in the Lake Norman
