The Business RoundUp with Melissa Bill

The Future of Texas, Real Estate, Investing & Biohacking with Ari Rastegar

In this episode, we're joined by Ari Rastegar [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arirastegar], founder of Rastegar Capital [https://rastegarcapital.com/]and Austin-based real estate developer, investor, and wellness advocate, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of business, investing, and personal performance. Named the "Oracle of Austin" by Forbes, Ari shares his perspective on where Austin and Texas are headed over the next decade, the trends reshaping commercial real estate and urban development, and the opportunities many investors are still overlooking. Other topics discussed: * Navigating today's economic uncertainty, the impact of interest rates and market volatility. * Why Austin and Texas continue to attract long-term investment * Where Ari sees the biggest opportunities in today's market * The future of commercial real estate and urban development * How biohacking and wellness influence entrepreneurial success * Ari's bold predictions for the future of business, investing, and technology Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, developer, or someone looking to perform at a higher level, this conversation offers valuable insights into the intersection of wealth creation, innovation, and well-being.

Beyond ChatGPT: The Invisible AI Revolution and the Future of Business with Jeremy Samuelson

Artificial intelligence is much bigger than ChatGPT and chances are it’s already shaping your daily life in ways you don’t even realize. In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Samuelson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyjsamuelson/], Executive Vice President of AI and Innovation at Integrated Quantum Technologies, [https://integratedquantum.com/] to explore the “invisible AI” economy powered by machine learning, the technology quietly driving everything from financial services and healthcare to cybersecurity and personalized customer experiences. Jeremy explains: * Why data has become every organization’s most valuable asset, and its biggest liability, as businesses race to adopt AI * The growing challenge of protecting sensitive information while still enabling innovation * The true cost of data breaches, and why trust has become the defining competitive advantage in the AI era. We also take a closer look at VEIL, Integrated Quantum Technologies’ groundbreaking privacy-preserving framework that secures sensitive data before it enters machine learning pipelines. Jeremy shares how it differs from traditional security solutions, the industries it’s transforming, and why privacy and AI no longer have to be at odds. Whether you’re a business leader, technology professional, or simply curious about where AI is headed next, this conversation offers a practical look at the technologies shaping the future, and why the next wave of AI isn’t just about smarter models, but building systems people can trust.

From CFO to CEO: Todd Smith with AMFT on Leading Growth Through Change

In this episode, we're joined by Todd Smith [https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-smith-0034b618], President and CEO of AMFT [https://www.amft.com/about-us/], to explore his unique leadership journey from Chief Financial Officer to the corner office. Todd shares how his background in finance continues to shape his approach to leading a growing manufacturing organization, the pivotal moments that inspired him to pursue the CEO role, and how his perspective has evolved as he's taken on responsibility for strategy, culture, operations, and long-term growth. Other topics discussed include: * AMFT's growth through the acquisition of seven companie * The challenges of integrating businesses while preserving their strengths * The importance of building a unified culture across diverse teams * Why having resiliency is key during today's turbulent environment Todd offers his perspective on the state of manufacturing today, from supply chain and workforce challenges to inflation, tariffs, and the economic forces shaping the industry's future. Whether you're a business leader, finance executive, or manufacturing professional, this conversation offers valuable insights into leading through complexity and driving sustainable growth.

From News to Airline CEO: How Hopscotch Air Is Reinventing Regional Travel: Andrew Schmertz

What does it take to launch an airline in one of the world's most competitive industries? In this episode of The Business RoundUp, Melissa Bill sits down with Andrew Schmertz [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewschmertz/?skipRedirect=true], co-founder and CEO of Hopscotch Air [https://www.flyhopscotch.com/team/andrew-schmertz/], to discuss his remarkable journey from broadcasting and law to building a regional air taxi company that's changing the way people travel. Andrew shares what inspired him to leave a traditional career path, the market opportunity he saw in personalized regional aviation, and how Hopscotch Air has navigated nearly two decades of economic shifts and industry challenges. He also explains why the company's fleet of Cirrus aircraft offers a unique advantage for both travelers and the business, providing a more flexible and efficient alternative to commercial airlines. The conversation also explores entrepreneurship, calculated risk-taking, the evolution of customer expectations, and what's next for regional air mobility as technology and travel continue to evolve. In this episode, you'll learn: * Why Andrew transitioned from law and broadcasting to aviation entrepreneurship * The business model behind Hopscotch Air's regional air taxi service * How personalized air travel is reshaping regional transportation * The biggest challenges of building an airline from the ground up * The advantages of operating a fleet of Cirrus aircraft * The future of regional aviation and emerging air mobility Whether you're an entrepreneur, aviation enthusiast, or frequent traveler, this episode offers valuable insights into innovation, leadership, and the future of flying.

From Multiple Sclerosis to Healthcare Changemaker: Brenda Snow on Patient Advocacy & Entrepreneurship

What happens when a life-changing diagnosis becomes the catalyst for building a global business? In this episode of The Business RoundUp, host Melissa Bill sits down with entrepreneur, patient advocate, and Amazon bestselling author [https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DWTCZ1GR] Brenda Snow [https://brendasnow.com/]to discuss her remarkable journey after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the early 1990s. Rather than allowing MS to define her future, Brenda transformed her personal healthcare experience into a mission to improve how patients and the life sciences industry work together. As the author of Diagnosed: The Essential Guide to Navigating the Patient Journey, [https://www.amazon.com/Diagnosed-Essential-Navigating-Patients-Journey-ebook/dp/B0DT257X43/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=1341406695692970&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ai1nxlCsHYohsKEZ2rqmWQ.ZlTh5r6pMAko3JsnD2x1aNg_R2WC4mwi3UEJ0NTC_4k&dib_tag=se&hvadid=83838194011461&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=71855&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=p&hvtargid=kwd-83839071456619%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=22561_13494450&keywords=diagnosed+brenda+snow&mcid=61fd145497a232288bde8fbba6f177ce&msclkid=775e29d5e5ca1614d4c743eb61dd5065&qid=1782481959&sr=8-1] she shares invaluable insights on navigating the healthcare system, empowering patients, and creating meaningful change. Melissa and Brenda discuss: * Brenda's journey from her first MS symptoms to receiving a diagnosis * How multiple sclerosis inspired her entrepreneurial path * The biggest gaps between patients and today's healthcare industry * Why authentic patient voices are more important than ever * The growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare * The risks of relying too heavily on AI while losing the human perspective * What healthcare leaders can do to build better patient engagement Whether you're living with a chronic illness, work in healthcare, or are fascinated by the intersection of technology, business, and patient advocacy, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of healthcare, and why the patient's voice should never be overlooked.