Michelle Ly, a third-term Round Rock City Council member and entrepreneur, is demonstrating that servant leadership requires sacrifice, strategic time management, and a long-term vision for the community. In Episode 76 of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders podcast, hosted by Bryan Eisenberg and published June 2, 2026, Ly offers an intimate look at how she balances her roles as a council member, owner of Hall Roofing & Construction and downtown establishments including The Rock Sports Bar, The Flats, and Alcove Cantina, and mother to her daughter Reagan.
Ly's journey begins with her family's story. As the daughter of Vietnamese refugees who moved to Round Rock for the semiconductor industry, she has deep roots in the city. She recalls 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 attract new businesses while preserving the city's character. Round Rock's mayor recently described the city as able to be "picky" about new arrivals, reflecting the careful growth Ly supports.
Running on roughly three to four hours of sleep most nights, Ly time-blocks the slivers between meetings for payroll, phone calls, and roof inspections. When asked how she manages it all, she emphasizes that the key is showing up consistently. After losing the original lease for The Rock Sports Bar, she and her husband decided to rebuild in a new commercial kitchen building 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," Ly recalls. "We want to see downtown thriving."
Beyond her businesses and council duties, Ly serves on the boards of the Round Rock Chamber, Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center, and Rotary. She stepped off the YMCA board after two three-year terms when she felt less effective, demonstrating her commitment to making an impact. She also donates roofs to community members in need, inspired by a speech from nonprofit leader Philip Golden, and leads by example on trash duty at her bars.
Ly's story is one of relentless dedication to Round Rock's growth. She hopes to one day take her daughter Reagan back to Vietnam to immerse her in the family's culture, but for now, her focus remains on the city she serves. As she continues to expand her portfolio and influence, Ly embodies the spirit of community leadership that the Rock Solid podcast aims to highlight. The episode is available now wherever podcasts are heard.
