Michelle Ly: Leading Round Rock's Business & Civic Growth

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Michelle Ly and what does she do in Round Rock?

Michelle Ly is a Round Rock City Councilwoman entering her third term, and the daughter of Vietnamese refugees who relocated to Round Rock for the semiconductor industry. Alongside her husband Eric, she owns Hall Roofing & Construction, opened in 2012, plus three downtown establishments: The Rock Sports Bar, The Flats, and Alcove Cantina. She also serves on the Round Rock Chamber, Williamson County Children's Advocacy, and Rotary boards.

How does Michelle Ly manage so many roles in one day?

Ly tells Eisenberg she gets up at 6 a.m. to ready her daughter Reagan for school, then time-blocks every sliver between meetings for payroll, phone calls, and roof inspections. She admits she averages just three to four hours of sleep most nights and often reopens her laptop after Reagan's bedtime to finish emails and respond to employees.

Why did Hall Roofing rebuild The Rock Sports Bar instead of closing it?

After losing the original lease, Ly says her husband insisted, "this is not the way we end the Rock Sports Bar. Our landlord doesn't get to tell us the end of our story." The couple invested in a new commercial kitchen building because they wanted to keep staff employed and continue contributing to a thriving downtown rather than walk away.

What is Ly's leadership style as an operator across multiple businesses?

Ly describes herself as an introvert who leads by sitting back, observing, and identifying what each employee does best, then routing tasks accordingly, whether de-escalating angry customers or organizing reservations. She also leads from the front physically, carrying trash bags out herself and telling her team, "let's all jump in and do this, and it'll get done faster."

Why did Michelle Ly step off the YMCA board?

After completing two three-year terms, Ly decided not to renew because she no longer felt she was making a meaningful difference. She tells Eisenberg she refuses to join organizations just for resume value, and even asked the Children's Advocacy Center CEO over coffee whether she was still effective there before committing to continue.

How does Ly view Round Rock's growth and downtown transformation?

Ly remembers a downtown that was "a ghost town" with little more than a funeral home and Round Rock Donuts. She admits she and Mayor Pro Tem Kristen Stevens were among the most hesitant on zoning changes, but she now wants long-term, thriving additions like Dell while preserving the small-town identity that lets her recognize neighbors at H-E-B.

What does Ly hope listeners take away about her personally?

Ly jokes she feels like "the worst politician ever" because she is genuinely shy in large rooms, but she is comfortable and direct one-on-one. She wants residents to see her as a cheerleader for Round Rock and an open book, someone who grew up in the city as a kid, a parent, and a business owner, and who welcomes any neighbor's question.