The Business RoundUp with Melissa Bill

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, Executive Vice President of AI and Innovation at Integrated Quantum Technologies, 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, President and CEO of AMFT, 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, co-founder and CEO of Hopscotch Air, 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 Brenda Snow 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, 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.

Financial Freedom Blueprint: Asset Protection, Diversification & Wealth Building with Joseph Lombardi

In this episode of The Business RoundUp, Melissa Bill sits down with Joseph Lombardi, Founder and Managing Partner of Iron Hawk Financial and one of the nation's Top 40 Financial Advisors Under 40.
Joseph shares valuable insights into the financial strategies often used by ultra-high-net-worth individuals to build, preserve, and transfer wealth. He explains how successful investors create strong financial foundations, diversify their assets, and protect their money in an increasingly uncertain economic environment.
During the conversation, Joseph discusses:
Financial vehicles commonly utilized by wealthy families and investors
How the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 impacts financial security and what individuals should know about protecting their assets
Effective diversification strategies for long-term financial stability
The key building blocks of a strong financial foundation
Common mistakes people make when planning for their financial future
How to think strategically about wealth preservation and growth
Whether you're just beginning your financial journey or looking to strengthen your wealth-building strategy, this episode offers practical advice and valuable perspectives from one of the industry's rising leaders.
Listen now to learn how to protect, grow, and position your wealth for long-term success.

The Future of Healthcare Staffing: Jennifer Kolb, MedCerts, on Solving the Health Talent Gap

The U.S. healthcare system is facing a growing shortage of allied health professionals, and the consequences are being felt across hospitals, clinics, and patient care settings nationwide.
In this episode of The Business RoundUp, host Melissa Bill sits down with Jennifer Kolb, Vice President of Partnerships and Workforce Development at MedCerts, to discuss the findings from the MedCerts Allied Healthcare Staffing Survey and what they reveal about the future of healthcare staffing.
Jennifer explains how shortages of medical assistants, laboratory technicians, surgical technologists, and other allied health workers are affecting patient outcomes, delaying procedures, increasing healthcare costs, and creating operational challenges for hospitals already under pressure.
The conversation explores:
The most critical allied healthcare staffing shortages facing the industry today
How workforce gaps impact patient care and access to services
The financial toll of canceled procedures and reliance on temporary staffing contracts
Which healthcare specialties and regions are experiencing the greatest labor shortages
Why workforce development and career training programs are essential to rebuilding the talent pipeline
How MedCerts is helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals
Whether you're a healthcare leader, policymaker, educator, or someone interested in the future of healthcare, this episode provides valuable insight into one of the industry's most pressing challenges.

Driving Innovation: How Way.com is Transforming Automotive Services with Innovation with Bhumi Bhutani

In this episode of The Business RoundUp, host Melissa Bill sits down with Bhumi Bhutani, Co-Founder of Way.com, one of the fastest-growing automotive services platforms helping consumers simplify everything from parking and car washes to insurance and vehicle-related services.
Bhumi shares the inspiration behind launching Way.com and the challenges she faced while building a startup in the highly competitive automotive and technology sectors. She discusses the frustrations consumers experienced with traditional automotive services and how Way.com set out to create a more seamless, customer-focused experience.
The conversation also explores how consumer behavior has evolved in recent years, the growing role of data and customer feedback in product development, and how artificial intelligence and automation are poised to reshape the future of automotive services.
Topics Covered:
Building and scaling Way.com
Startup challenges and lessons learned
AI and automation in the automotive industry
Customer experience and innovation
The future of mobility and automotive services
Whether you're an entrepreneur, technology enthusiast, automotive industry professional, or aspiring founder, this episode delivers valuable lessons on innovation, resilience, leadership, and the future of mobility.

The Financial Advice Gap Among Middle Americans: Insights from BAI Founder

For more than five decades, Richard Balkcom, Founder and CEO of BAI Financial, has helped working families navigate the complexities of money, retirement, and long-term financial security. While much of the financial industry focuses on high-net-worth individuals, Richard has dedicated his career to serving middle-income and blue-collar households, people who often need sound financial guidance the most.
In this episode, Richard shares the lessons he's learned from working with employees across universities, healthcare systems, and telecommunications organizations. He discusses:
Why financial planning isn't just for the wealthy, the common money mistakes families make, and practical strategies for building a stronger financial future regardless of income levelBAI 
How cash flow management and retirement planning are two examples of the changing attitudes toward money across generations
Timeless insights designed to help everyday Americans take control of their finances and create lasting financial stability
The legacy he hopes to leave behind after more than 50 years in the financial services industry
Whether you're just beginning your financial journey or looking to strengthen your family's long-term financial plan, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and real-world perspective.