The Business RoundUp with Melissa Bill

In this episode, we sit down with Hillary Stanfield, Senior Vice President of Middle Market Technology Banking at Truist, to explore the forces reshaping today's technology landscape. From evolving capital markets to the growing influence of artificial intelligence, Hillary shares insights into what it takes for technology companies to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.
The conversation examines how the investment landscape has shifted, including the transition from prioritizing rapid growth to rewarding capital efficiency and profitability. Hillary discusses how investors are evaluating technology companies today, the impact of AI on business strategy and enterprise value, and what these trends mean for valuations, fundraising, and exits.
We also dive into the challenges keeping founders awake at night—from raising capital and attracting top talent to navigating economic uncertainty and determining how best to integrate AI into their businesses.
Finally, Hillary highlights Atlanta's rise as a premier technology hub. Known historically as "Transaction Alley," the city has evolved into one of the nation's fastest-growing innovation ecosystems, fueled by world-class talent, a strong Fortune 500 presence, strategic infrastructure, and a business-friendly environment that's earning it the nickname "Silicon Valley of the South."
Whether you're a founder, investor, or technology leader, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the trends shaping the future of innovation and growth.

In this episode, we sit down with Jevoy Palmer, Founder of Palmer House Productions, to explore his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood in Kingston, Jamaica, to becoming a successful entrepreneur and strategic communications expert in the United States.
Jevoy shares the defining moments that shaped his leadership philosophy and explains why today's most successful founders aren't building "perfect" brands—they're building authentic ones. As trust becomes the most valuable business currency, he reveals how entrepreneurs can leverage storytelling, visibility, and credibility to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
We also discuss why generic marketing is no longer enough, why consumers trust people more than logos, and how businesses are replacing empty virality with intentional communication strategies that drive real growth. Looking ahead to 2026, Jevoy outlines what organizations must do to tell compelling stories, earn lasting trust, and capture a larger share of the market.
Jevoy discusses:
How Jevoy Palmer's journey from Kingston, Jamaica, shaped his entrepreneurial mindset
Why authentic founders are outperforming "perfect" brands
How visibility, trust, and storytelling have become today's business currency
What marketing strategies actually convert audiences into loyal customers
Why consumers trust faces more than logos—and what that means for your brand
How credibility and consistency have become essential drivers of business growth
The communication strategies businesses need to thrive in 2026 and beyond
Whether you're a founder, executive, marketer, or business owner, this conversation offers practical insights on building influence, strengthening your brand, and turning authentic communication into a competitive advantage.

In this episode, we're joined by Ari Rastegar, founder of Rastegar Capital 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.