The Banko Buzz: A Commercial Interior Design Podcast

From a 10x10 spare room in Melissa's starter home to owning five companies across the U.S. - join Melissa Banko, Founder of Banko Design and BD Studio Collection, and Travis Snyder, Director of Operations of Red Pen Procurement, as they discuss what sparked it all, early career paths, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. They dive into the strategies used to scale a business from one interior design studio to a portfolio of companies, with services spanning interior design, FF&E procurement, marketing, branding, and operations. Tune in for valuable insights on leadership, team building, and lessons learned along the way!Want more buzz? 👇Watch this episode on YouTubeVisit our website at bankodesign.comFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedInThank you for listening to The Banko Buzz!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, Dana Miner, Vice President of Strategic Sales at Encore, shares her journey of resilience through career pivots, personal growth, and the tenacity it takes to succeed in sales. With over five years at Encore and expertise in customized carpet solutions for industries like hospitality, senior living, and multifamily, Dana’s dynamic approach has helped her develop national account strategies, assist sales representatives, and drive product innovation. She opens up about why she lives by the motto, “work hard, play hard,” and the dedication required to be an extraordinary salesperson in a competitive field.Want more buzz? 👇Watch this episode on YouTubeVisit our website at bankodesign.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTokThank you for listening to The Banko Buzz!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The Banko Buzz, Melissa Banko is joined by Tina Rogers, Operations and Programming Specialist at BD Studio Collection. Together, they unpack BD Studio Collection’s “ROI” program—Refresh, Optimize, and Illuminate—which goes beyond aesthetics to enhance functionality and profitability. From due diligence assessments to innovative programming ideas, Tina shares her wealth of knowledge and operator’s perspective to elevate senior living communities. Learn how thoughtful design can transform senior living spaces, improve quality of life, and boost your bottom line!Whether you're a designer, operator, or investor in senior living, this episode offers actionable insights on turning challenges into opportunities and spaces into success stories. Tune in to discover how program meets “pretty” in senior living design!Want more buzz? 👇Watch this episode on YouTubeVisit our website at bankodesign.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTokThank you for listening to The Banko Buzz!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As the first female partner at Tribridge Residential, Katherine Mosley has raised the bar in commercial real estate development. In this episode of The Banko Buzz, Katherine shares her inspiring journey from intern to partner, overseeing multifamily developments totaling $1.2 billion in capital transactions across the Southeast. Learn how she leverages interior design and strategic branding to create successful projects, Katherine’s advice for young women building their careers, and what it takes to embody true “drive” in a competitive industry. Don’t miss this empowering conversation! Want more buzz? 👇Watch this episode on YouTubeVisit our website at bankodesign.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTokThank you for listening to The Banko Buzz!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ever wondered what happens behind the curtain of real estate development? In this episode of The Banko Buzz, Sean Rosko, Development Partner at Middleburg Communities and former Vice President of Development at South City Partners, offers a glimpse into the processes designers don’t typically get to see. From navigating the complexities of financial underwriting and design coordination to managing construction and lease-ups, Sean shares what it takes to create successful multifamily projects. Discover how staying ahead of trends shapes thriving communities, what makes residents truly feel at home, and the state of the real estate market in 2024.Want more buzz? 👇Watch this episode on YouTubeVisit our website at bankodesign.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTokThank you for listening to The Banko Buzz!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What does it take to turn a shared passion into a thriving business? In this episode, Holli Van Cleave and Jennifer Horning, co-founders of Audrey Lane, share their not-so-straightforward journey of building a luxury tile design firm. This dynamic duo saw a need for easy-to-customize tile lines and dedicated themselves to turning interior designers’ wildest tile dreams into reality, winning awards for their innovative tile collections.From feeling “safe” to take risks as a creative to making bold moves in product development—a career path often overlooked in interior design school—they’re showing us how they balance being both artisans and businesswomen. Get ready to nerd out on tile (and good branding), hear about the risks they’ve taken, and learn the lessons that have fueled their success!Want more buzz? 👇Watch this episode on YouTubeVisit our website at bankodesign.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTokThank you for listening to The Banko Buzz!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this inspiring episode, Melissa talks with Anna Matthews and Sam Seidel from Erin’s Hope for Friends, an organization dedicated to fostering lasting relationships for autistic teens and young adults through their e’s Club program. They discuss the importance of service—not just as philanthropy but as daily support—and how thoughtful design can promote mental wellness and address sensory needs. Melissa shares her personal journey and the profound impact of those who have shown her family servant-hearted kindness, and shows why service is woven into the fabric of the BD Studio Collection company culture. Together, they explore how we can see ability, not just the labels of disability, and address the critical gap in resources and opportunities for autistic individuals as they transition into adulthood. Prepare to be inspired by Anna and Sam’s stories, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to fostering understanding and belonging for all.Want more buzz? 👇Watch this episode on YouTubeVisit our website at bankodesign.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTokThank you for listening to The Banko Buzz!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The Banko Buzz, Nathan Jones, founder and CEO of Dash Media, shares how his journey from college football coach to media entrepreneur was guided by faith and purpose. Today, Dash Media is one of the most dynamic storytelling platforms in senior living, reaching millions with powerful, authentic narratives that are changing the way people see and experience senior living. Nate opens up about the calling behind his work, the lessons seniors have to teach us, and how building a mission-driven business can create lasting impact. Tune in for a candid conversation on faith, entrepreneurship, and the power of purpose-driven storytelling!Want more buzz? 👇Watch this episode on YouTubeVisit our website at bankodesign.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTokThank you for listening to The Banko Buzz!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Stacy Garcia built her career on bold color, inventive pattern, and fearless entrepreneurship, launching her first brand at just 26 years old. Today, she is a globally recognized designer and trend forecaster whose influence spans hospitality, commercial, and residential spaces across more than 50 countries. In this episode, Stacy reflects on what keeps her inspired as a designer, where she looks for fresh ideas, and how she channels her artistic instincts into products that resonate in markets worldwide. She also dives into the often-overlooked career path of product design, and the practical realities of turning creativity into a sustainable business. She opens up about identifying what’s marketable, finding your audience, and positioning yourself as the purveyor of “cool” in a crowded industry. Press play for actionable insights on trend forecasting, brand-building, and turning creative ideas into sellable products!Want more buzz? 👇Watch this episode on YouTubeVisit our website at bankodesign.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTokThank you for listening to The Banko Buzz!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

At two very different stages of their careers in our studio, Jessica Ybarra, Lead Interior Designer, and Baleigh Rape, Junior Interior Designer, bring candid, behind-the-scenes perspectives on what it’s really like to work in interior design. Together, they bust common myths about “what designers actually do all day” and share how the realities of design school differ from life in a studio. They discuss the contrasts between commercial and residential design, what it’s like designing across multifamily, senior living, and private club verticals, and the skills needed to thrive in each. Jessica and Baleigh also offer practical advice for designers at every level on career progression, teamwork, and creating a healthy work culture. Press play for an honest, inspiring conversation on building a fulfilling career in interior design!Want more buzz? 👇Watch this episode on YouTubeVisit our website at bankodesign.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTokThank you for listening to The Banko Buzz!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.