Michelle Ly, a three-term Round Rock City Council member and owner of multiple businesses, is the focus of Episode 76 of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, hosted by Bryan Eisenberg. Titled "Michelle Ly: Balancing City Council, Business Ownership & Motherhood in Round Rock," the episode offers an in-depth look at Ly's relentless schedule and her commitment to serving the community. Published on June 2, 2026, the conversation comes as Ly continues to expand her business portfolio and navigate the demands of public service.
Ly's entrepreneurial journey began in 2012 when she and her husband Eric opened Hall Roofing & Construction. Since then, she has added three downtown Round Rock establishments to her portfolio: The Rock Sports Bar, The Flats, and Alcove Cantina. Her civic involvement extends beyond the council chamber; she serves on the boards of the Round Rock Chamber, the Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center, and Rotary. She recently stepped off the YMCA board after two three-year terms, feeling she had become less effective in that role.
Ly is candid about the personal cost of her commitments. She tells Eisenberg she operates on roughly three to four hours of sleep most nights, time-blocking the slivers between meetings to handle payroll, phone calls, and even roof inspections. Her motivation stems from a deep sense of responsibility, particularly when it comes to her businesses. When the original lease for The Rock Sports Bar was lost, her husband insisted they rebuild rather than close. "My husband was like, this is not the way we end the Rock Sports Bar. Our landlord doesn't get to tell us the end of our story. We are in it for the long haul. We want to see downtown thriving," Ly recalls.
The episode explores Round Rock's transformation since Ly's graduation. She remembers a downtown that was once "a ghost town," anchored by a funeral home and Round Rock Donuts. Today, she credits Mayor Pro Tem Kristen Stevens and colleagues for cautiously reshaping zoning to foster growth. Ly also discusses her philanthropic efforts, such as donating a roof after hearing nonprofit leader Philip Golden speak, and leading by example by picking up trash at her bars. She expresses hope that one day she can take her daughter Reagan to Vietnam to immerse her in the family's culture, reflecting her own background as the daughter of Vietnamese refugees who moved to Round Rock for the semiconductor industry.
The implications of Ly's story extend beyond personal achievement. Her ability to juggle multiple roles highlights the dedication required to lead in a rapidly growing city like Round Rock, which the mayor recently described as able to be "picky" about new arrivals. By sharing her experiences, Ly provides a model for aspiring entrepreneurs and civic leaders, demonstrating that sustainable community growth relies on individuals willing to invest their time and energy across sectors. Her emphasis on collaboration and long-term vision offers lessons for other cities facing similar expansion pressures.
Episode 76 of Rock Solid is available now wherever podcasts are heard, produced at Round Rock Studio. The podcast profiles the entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and civic leaders shaping Round Rock, focusing on neighborly conversations rather than politics.
