Michelle Ly, a Round Rock City Council member and entrepreneur, is the focus of Episode 76 of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, titled "Michelle Ly: Balancing City Council, Business Ownership & Motherhood in Round Rock." Hosted by Bryan Eisenberg and published June 2, 2026, the episode explores Ly's multifaceted life as she enters her third term on the council and manages a diverse business portfolio that includes Hall Roofing & Construction, The Rock Sports Bar, The Flats, and Alcove Cantina.
Ly, the daughter of Vietnamese refugees who moved to Round Rock for the semiconductor industry, is candid about the demands of her schedule. She reveals she operates on three to four hours of sleep most nights, time-blocking between meetings for payroll, phone calls, and roof inspections. Her commitment extends to board service with the Round Rock Chamber, Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center, and Rotary, though she stepped off the YMCA board after two three-year terms when she felt her effectiveness waned.
The episode delves into Round Rock's transformation, with Ly recalling a downtown that was once "a ghost town" anchored by a funeral home and Round Rock Donuts. She credits Mayor Pro Tem Kristen Stevens and colleagues for reshaping zoning, contributing to the city's current status where the mayor recently noted the city can be "picky" about new arrivals. Ly also discusses the decision to rebuild The Rock Sports Bar in a new commercial kitchen building after losing the original lease, quoting her husband: "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's story is one of servant leadership and resilience. She highlights donating a roof after hearing nonprofit leader Philip Golden speak and leads by example on trash duty at her bars. The episode also touches on her hope to take her daughter Reagan to Vietnam to immerse her in the family's culture. For those interested in the full conversation, the episode is available on major podcast platforms.
