Michelle Ly, a Round Rock City Council member and entrepreneur, exemplifies the relentless drive behind the city’s transformation, as detailed in Episode 76 of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast. Hosted by Bryan Eisenberg and published June 2, 2026, the episode explores Ly’s roles running Hall Roofing & Construction, operating three downtown establishments—The Rock Sports Bar, The Flats, and Alcove Cantina—and serving on multiple nonprofit boards, all while raising a daughter. The conversation underscores the importance of servant leadership in a city that has become selective about new development.
Ly’s journey is rooted in her family’s history as Vietnamese refugees who moved to Round Rock for the semiconductor industry. She recalls a downtown that was once “a ghost town” anchored by a funeral home and Round Rock Donuts, contrasting it with today’s vibrant hub. Through her businesses and council work, Ly has been instrumental in reshaping zoning and fostering economic growth, alongside colleagues like Mayor Pro Tem Kristen Stevens. Her commitment extends to donating a roof after hearing nonprofit leader Philip Golden speak and leading by example on trash duty at her bars.
The episode reveals the personal costs of Ly’s dedication. She operates on three to four hours of sleep nightly, time-blocking between meetings for payroll and roof inspections. When The Rock Sports Bar lost its original lease, she and her husband rebuilt rather than close, stating, “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.” This resilience reflects a broader ethic that has helped Round Rock become a destination for businesses and families.
Ly’s board service includes the Round Rock Chamber, Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center, and Rotary, though she stepped off the YMCA board after two terms when she felt less effective. The episode highlights fellow alumni entrepreneurs like Brooks Bennett and Salicia Sanchez Adame, illustrating a network of local leaders driving change. Ly also shares her hope to take her daughter Reagan to Vietnam to immerse her in their culture, emphasizing the importance of heritage alongside civic duty.
Produced at Round Rock Studio, the Rock Solid podcast profiles the people behind the businesses and nonprofits shaping the city. Episode 76 with Michelle Ly is available now wherever podcasts are heard, offering a candid look at the balance between public service, entrepreneurship, and family in a rapidly growing Texas community.
