A COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGN
podcast
The Buzz on Connections, Creativity, and Core Values.
The Banko Buzz, A Commercial Interior Design Podcast, goes beyond interior design to explore entrepreneurship, leadership, career development, and issues affecting design and real estate. Join Melissa Banko, the founder and crazy visionary behind Banko Design and BD Studio Collection, and hear from design experts, clients, and rising talent in the industry as we discuss the journey of building successful brands, overcoming challenges, and leading teams. Discover how strong values, innovative thinking, and a whole lot of spark can shape not just spaces but entire communities.
Whether you're an interior designer, a business owner, or an aspiring leader, The Banko Buzz offers insight, inspiration, and tools for personal and professional growth. Tune in to learn how to elevate your business and leadership skills while making an impact through design.
✦ Entrepreneurship
✦ Business
✦ Leadership
✦ Interior Design
✦ Real Estate Development
Featured Episode:
This Season on The Banko Buzz…
Episode #1: SPARK with Travis Snyder
Scaling a Business From a Spare Room to 5 Companies in Under 10 Years
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!
Episode #2: TENACIOUS with Dana Miner
Managing the Inner Critic, Navigating Career Pivots, and Personal Growth
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.
Episode #3: UNMATCHED with Tina Rogers
Increasing ROI in Senior Living Communities
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!
Episode #4: DRIVEN with Katherine Mosley
Rising to the Top in Commercial Real Estate Development
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!
Episode #5: INNOVATIVE with Sean Rosko
Staying Ahead of Trends in Multifamily Real Estate
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.
Episode #6: OUTSTANDING with Audrey Lane
The Journey from Passion to Product Development
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!
Episode #7: SERVICE with Erin’s Hope for Friends
Building a Culture of Care and Connection
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.