The Business RoundUp with Melissa Bill

We The Studios: Shaking Up the Entertainment Game

Join us as we revisit an exciting episode featuring Cara Leopardo, the visionary Founder and CEO of We The Studios, to explore the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. With a wealth of experience as a long-time industry veteran, Cara takes us on a journey through her career, sharing how she first broke into the world of television and film and the passion that has fueled her success.
Cara discusses the transformations she’s witnessed over the past decade in the entertainment industry—especially in the wake of COVID. Plus, how these shifts have reshaped the way stories are told on screen.
Cara also gives us an inside look at We The Studios, the innovative company she founded to disrupt the status quo, as well as:
How they are carving out a bold new path in the entertainment scene.
How her team is pushing the envelope in television and film production. Plus, exciting new projects We The Studios currently has in the works.
Be sure to tune in and follow The Business RoundUp for more inspiring conversations with the people shaping the business world today!

Junior Moguls: Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs

Join us for an exciting episode of Business RoundUp where we speak with April Taylor, finance coach, successful entrepreneur and the founder and coach of Jr. Moguls.
In this episode, Taylor shares her background and what got her passionate about finance, plus:
The importance of educating our youth about finance
Tips for raising up young entrepreneurs
Creating an environment focused on learning and success
The launch of Jr. Moguls exciting new platform
Please follow and subscribe and let us know what topics interest you the most, and we'll make sure to cover them. See you next week on The Business RoundUp!

Capped Fees, Real Costs: The Impact on Small Businesses

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Jess Ward, the Senior Director of State Affairs for the National Taxpayers Union
Ward works actively with legislators and policymakers to promote pro-taxpayer policy at the state and local levels. In this episode she discusses how elected officials in states such as Texas are seeking price controls on interchange fees - arguing that capping interchange fees will help small businesses and lower prices for consumers. 
Ward explains why in reality, this would instead place the burden on the consumer, plus the following:
How capping swipe fees can negatively affect small business owners.
How reducing interchange fees can harm consumers by reducing credit card rewards.
How banks rely on interchange fees to fund their credit card programs.
Past examples of when lowering swipe fees failed.
Tune in and get informed on the real costs associated with capping interchange fees during this episode of The Business RoundUp!

New Legislation, A Game-changer for Texas Dentists and Patients

Join us for this episode of The Business RoundUp where we speak with Dr Rudy Ramos, a D.D.S., owner at Rudy Ramos D.D.S. & Associates in Houston. Dr. Ramos, a former Texas State Board of Dental Examiners official, discusses how a new piece of legislation could impact public dental health including:
 
How dental licensing works:
How the proposed HB1803 will impact dental care for Texans.
The current requirement for all dentists and dental hygienists to pass a written exam to receive a license.
Why it matters:
Licensing is an important check and balance to ensure all dental pros are qualified and competent.
Texas law has required dentists and dental hygienists to pass a clinical hand skills exam to demonstrate their ability to perform basic dental procedures competently
The Governor appoints the State Board members to make important decisions about public dental health and safety.
Tune in for in-depth information about legislation that may impact the dental practices nationwide! Be sure to follow us and comment on topics you want us to cover.
 

Miami's Luxury Real Estate: Trends, Buyers, and Market Insights

In this episode, we sit down with Darin Tansey, Executive Director of Luxury Sales at Douglas Elleman. Tansey, who is a top realtor in both general and new developments in Miami and Miami Beach, discusses Miami's luxury market and its evolvement over the past five years.
 
Tansey gives insight on the following:
How Miami has transformed into a global luxury destination over the past 17+ years.
The shifts in buyer demographics, including a rise in out-of-state and international buyers.
Waterfront properties & neighborhood trends; Why are areas like Miami Beach, Edgewater, Bay Harbor, and surrounding areas top-performing luxury markets.
From Ground-Up to Sold-Out: Insight into leading multi-million-dollar development sales from concept to completion
Behind-the-scenes look into landmark projects like the EDITION, La Maré, Villa17, Ritz-Carlton Residences
Why discretion is key when working with high-profile clients and celebrities.
Tune in to discover what sets Miami apart from other places, and why so many of the business elite are flocking to this coastal city. 
Please be sure to follow us, like and comment on what topics matter most to you. 

The Future of the Beauty and Anti-Aging Business

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Lana Kerr, the trailblazing founder of Lumisque and the CO2Lift, as we dive into the evolving world of beauty and anti-aging innovation. In this episode, Lana shares her fascinating journey, from her early beginnings to becoming a leader in the skincare industry. She opens up about what sparked her passion for health and beauty and the pivotal moments that led her to launch Lumisque, her groundbreaking skincare company.
Lana reveals the story behind her discovery of topical carboxytherapy during a trip to Japan, shedding light on the origins of CO2-based treatments and their injectable predecessors. She also takes us through her bold move to secure exclusive rights to this cutting-edge technology, culminating in the launch of the CO2Lift Carboxy brand in 2016—a game-changer in non-invasive skin rejuvenation.
With a relentless drive to deliver transformative solutions to her clients, Lana discusses her vision for the future of the health and beauty industry as we approach 2025. From emerging trends to revolutionary advancements, she offers a glimpse into what’s next for anti-aging and wellness.
Follow or subscribe to hear more in-depth interviews like Lana Kerr who continues to redefine beauty standards and empower individuals through innovation and science.

America's Evolving Homeland Security: How Politics Plays a Role

Join us for an in-depth look into America's Homeland Security. Dr. J. Michael Waller, Senior Analyst of Strategy for The Center of Security Policy discusses the current Trump administration policies and initiatives on national security, plus weighs in on the following:
Status of the U.S. border and its security situation. 
United States national security initiatives that are a priority under the Trump administration. The main points of concern and the ways to improve these issues.
What initiatives The Center for Security Policy.is focused on this year including the backing of state law enforcement.
Please follow and subscribe for a sneak peek at new episodes and leave comments on which topics you'd like us to cover on the next episode of The Business RoundUp.

Unlocking the US Oil & Gas Market: Dive into Industry Trends with Adam Ferrari, CEO Phoenix Energy

Today joining us on The Business RoundUp is Adam Ferrari, the CEO of Phoenix Energy. Adam brings over 20+ years in the oil and gas industry.
During this episode we discuss trends in the investment side and production side of the oil & gas industry. Plus, take a deeper look into the following:
Industry changes under President Trump's new administration.
The importance behind locally developed oil investment and how is it powering growth and energy independence.
How Phoenix Energy frees owners' mineral values.
What are some of the ways to fuel bold expansion in U.S. energy.
How is investing in U.S. energy spurring innovation and economic muscle.
Please follow and subscribe and leave comments on which topics interest you most and we'll do our best to cover them on the next episode of The Business RoundUp!