Why I Keep Betting on the Dream

When the world isn’t watching, or you feel like your idea or concept isn't connecting, keep going anyway...

On July 12th, something deeply meaningful happened. Betting on Beloit, an unscripted feel-good series, premiered on A&E Networks and ExV Studios is one of the producers behind the show.

This isn’t just another reality series. It is a story about hope, about community, and about what it means to believe in something before the rest of the world sees it.

At its core, Betting on Beloit follows a passionate cast of realtors and dreamers who are working to transform a city that many had already written off. It’s heartfelt, funny, and grounded in truth, not just in what you see on screen, but in the way it was built behind the scenes.

To provide some context, Beloit, Wisconsin, has been cited as one of the worst places to live by national reports. A widely circulated article from 24/7 Wall St., published via USA Today, labeled it the worst city in the state based on factors like poverty rate, median home value, and unemployment. However, what those reports often fail to capture is the full picture, the resilience, the growth, and the people working hard to change that narrative every day. Many local leaders and residents reject that label entirely and instead point to the visible and positive progress being made. This show is one reflection of that progress.

The concept was the vision of Frank Carlisi. He’s someone who does not stop at no. Frank carried this idea for years. He kept refining the pitch, evolving the concept, and continuing to work long after others might have walked away. His love for unscripted television and his commitment to telling authentic stories brought the project to life. He assembled a team that shared his vision and partnered with Tim Grady Films to advance the mission.

A&E did not sign up because the timing was ideal or the project was perfectly polished, they joined because the purpose and impact behind the project was undeniable.

As for me, this milestone means more than a credit. I am an immigrant. I am a woman of color. I came to the USA without access or connections. What I had was determination, a creative mind, and a calling I could not ignore. That is how I built my business. Having a show on a major network felt like a distant dream. Until it wasn't. That is thanks to people like Frank, who continue to show up and build what they believe in. There were so many "no's" before there was a "yes".

There is no shortcut to a moment like this. It does not come from chasing trends or waiting to be discovered. It comes from building something brick by brick, even when the world is not watching.

Betting on Beloit is a reflection of that spirit. It is about transformation. Of neighborhoods. Of narratives. Of lives. It is about betting on people and places that others overlook. It is about doing the work without guarantees and trusting that the effort will speak for itself.

This show is a reminder that the American Dream, while complicated and evolving, is still alive for those who keep going. But we do not get there alone. We have to support each other. We have to create space and lift each other as we build.

If you are working on something meaningful and no one seems to be paying attention, keep going. If your vision still feels far away, keep going. If you are not sure how it will all come together, keep going.

Eventually, the lights do come on. And when they do, you will be ready.

Watch Betting on Beloit on A&E. If you are developing an unscripted series with purpose and heart, ExV Studios is ready to support your vision.

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