Round Rock City Council member Michelle Ly is known for her relentless work ethic, balancing multiple businesses, civic duties, and motherhood. In Episode 76 of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, host Bryan Eisenberg explores Ly's journey as the daughter of Vietnamese refugees and her impact on Round Rock's economic and civic landscape.
Ly operates Hall Roofing & Construction, which she opened in 2012 with her husband Eric, along with three downtown Round Rock establishments: The Rock Sports Bar, The Flats, and Alcove Cantina. She also serves on the boards of the Round Rock Chamber, Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center, and Rotary, and recently stepped down from the YMCA board after two three-year terms. Ly's ability to manage this portfolio comes at a cost—she averages only three to four hours of sleep per night and time-blocks between meetings for payroll and roof inspections.
One pivotal moment Ly discusses is the decision to rebuild The Rock Sports Bar in a new commercial kitchen after losing the original lease. She recalls her husband's determination: "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." This resilience reflects the broader transformation of Round Rock, which Ly describes as once a "ghost town" anchored by a funeral home and Round Rock Donuts. She credits Mayor Pro Tem Kristen Stevens and colleagues for cautiously reshaping zoning to attract new businesses.
The episode also highlights Ly's philanthropic efforts, such as donating a roof after hearing nonprofit leader Philip Golden speak, and her commitment to leading by example, including picking up trash at her bars. Ly hopes to one day take her daughter Reagan to Vietnam to immerse her in the family's culture. The conversation underscores Ly's servant leadership in a city that can afford to be "picky" about new arrivals, as the mayor recently noted.
Listeners can find Episode 76 of Rock Solid wherever podcasts are heard. The show, produced at Round Rock Studio and hosted by Bryan Eisenberg, profiles entrepreneurs and civic leaders shaping Round Rock, Texas.
