Umber Talks

Hosted by Umber Realty Inc.

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-CA

About the show

Umber Talks brings together the voices shaping the future of real estate, design, and business. From celebrated architects and city-builders to leading academics, and bold entrepreneurs, each episode uncovers the stories, strategies, and philosophies behind their success.

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37 recent

June 14, 20261 hr 13 min

Barry J. Hobin on Greystone Village, Placemaking, and City Building

In this episode, Shaun Denis sits down for a second time with Barry Hobin, founding partner of Hobin Architecture and one of the most influential architects and urban planners in Ottawa’s modern development history.Recorded inside Greystone Village overlooking ongoing construction, Barry shares the story behind one of Ottawa’s most thoughtfully designed communities. What was once the former Oblate Fathers lands has evolved into a walkable, mixed-use neighbourhood centred around gentle density, public space, landscape integration, and connection to the Rideau River.This conversation explores how Greystone Village was master planned, and how architecture extends far beyond the buildings themselves. Barry explains the importance of creating communities that encourage walkability, family life, and human-scale urbanism. Shaun and Barry also discuss the future of Ottawa development, including:LeBreton FlatsConfederation HeightsTunney’s PastureGladstone VillageNew EdinburghTransit-oriented intensificationThe future of Lansdowne and the Ottawa Senators arena discussionsBarry also reflects on decades of shaping Ottawa through projects like Greystone Village, Hudson Park, Somerset Court, Westboro Station, and Zibi, while sharing his philosophy on architecture, placemaking, and what makes a city truly livable.Welcome back to the Umber Talks Podcast, Barry Hobin.

March 5, 20261 hr 12 min

Why Smart Money Is Moving Into Farmland

In this episode, Shaun Denis sits down with Marcus Mitchell, Co-Founder of Shire Capital Management and Shire Farms, an investment fund focused on acquiring and scaling premium fruit farmland across Canada.Marcus isn’t simply buying farmland. His team is building integrated farm businesses around highly specialized agricultural assets, including organic blueberry farms in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley and sweet cherry orchards in the Okanagan. The horticultural sector they focus on represents less than 1% of Canadian farmland, making it one of the most niche corners of the agricultural real estate market.Since launching in 2021, Shire has scaled from a single organic blueberry farm to roughly $50 million in assets, delivering approximately 36% net returns to early investors on their first fund.This conversation explores how farmland behaves differently from other real estate assets, why healthy food production is attracting investor interest, and how scarcity, geography, and global demand shape the economics of fruit farming.Marcus also shares some of the freeze-dried organic blueberries grown directly from their farms. You can explore their products here:https://shire-farms.com/Meet, Marcus Mitchell.

October 20, 202558 min

Lessons in Development, Risk & Relationships with Simon Saab

In this episode of Umber Talks, host Shaun Denis sits down with Simon Saab, a hands-on builder who owns and manages multiple properties and has been directly involved in design, construction, property management, and investment. Beyond the structures, Simon has built his reputation on how he cares for people, whether it’s his tenants or his trades, he leads with respect and trust. From early renovations to developing one of the first condominium buildings in Westboro, Simon’s journey offers an honest, practical, and inspiring inside look at what it takes to build in this Ottawa.Key Takeaways:Building From the Ground Up: What it actually takes, financially, mentally, and logistically to take a project from conception to completion.People Over Profit: How treating tenants well and maintaining strong relationships can be a long-term investment strategy.Westboro’s Early Condo Story: Simon’s experience developing one of the first condominium projects in Westboro, and the lessons (and risks) behind pioneering a neighbourhood.Mindset of a Builder: How trust, patience, and risk factors shape the decisions of a developer in today’s market.Whether you’re an investor, developer, real estate professional, or simply someone curious about how Ottawa is being built from the inside out, this episode offers a rare, firsthand look at the business, and the human side of development.

October 9, 20251 hr 34 min

Harvard Wisdom and the Future of City-Building - with Dr. David Gordon

What shapes the way cities grow, evolve, and inspire those who live within them? Few people can answer that question better than Dr. David Gordon, one of Canada’s most respected urban planners and a leading authority on city-building.In this episode of Umber Talks, host Shaun Denis, sits down with Dr. Gordon, a professor at Queen’s University, Harvard-trained scholar, and acclaimed author of Town and Crown: An Illustrated History of Canada’s Capital. Over the course of his career, Dr. Gordon has worked on major urban projects in Toronto, mentored generations of planners, and produced research that has reshaped how we understand suburban growth across Canada and beyond.From the streets of Ottawa to the classrooms of Harvard, Dr. Gordon’s story bridges academia and practice, offering a rare look into the art and science of how cities take shape.Key Takeaways:The hidden forces that define how our cities are planned and experienced.What Ottawa’s past reveals about the future of Canadian urban design.How the intersection of policy, architecture, and real estate drives community evolution.Whether you’re a real estate professional, developer, or simply someone fascinated by how cities work, this episode offers a masterclass in understanding the urban fabric that surrounds us,and the vision required to build what comes next.

September 25, 20251 hr 19 min

Barry J. Hobin: The Story Behind Ottawa’s Most Recognizable Architect

In this episode of Umber Talks, host Shaun Denis sits down with Barry J. Hobin, the architect whose name has become synonymous with Ottawa’s skyline. Over nearly five decades, Barry has shaped the city through landmark projects like Greystone Village, the redevelopment of Lansdowne Park, and countless custom residences that have set the bar for design excellence.Beyond the bricks and mortar, Barry has built a brand rooted in collaboration, community, and a philosophy that design is about more than buildings, it’s about how people live.Key Takeaways:Design as Legacy – How Barry’s projects have reshaped Ottawa’s neighbourhoods.The Business of Architecture – What it means to build a personal brand that carries weight in real estate and development.City-Building – Lessons on collaboration between architects, developers, and communities.Legacy in One Word – Barry’s reflection on how he hopes to be remembered 100 years from now.Whether you’re a developer, real estate practitioner, resident of a Barry J. Hobin home, designer, or simply someone who loves cities and the stories behind them, this conversation will give you a deeper look at the intersection of architecture, real estate, and legacy.

June 26, 20251 hr 5 min

Real Estate Meets Fitness: Adam Bracken’s Playbook for World-Class Client Experience

What does building a four-location fitness brand have in common with running a real estate brokerage? Everything, when it comes to client experience, brand loyalty, and leadership.In this episode of Umber Talks, host Shaun Denis, founder of Umber Realty, sits down with long time friend and fitness entrepreneur Adam Bracken, founder of The Fitness Lab, Ottawa’s most trusted boutique gym. Adam’s success came from a focus on human connection, hospitality, and making people feel seen and valued.From training NHL athletes to acknowledging every member’s birthday, Adam reveals the mindset and methods that turned his gym into a movement.For real estate professionals and business owners, this is a blueprint for:Turning transactions into trust.Building teams that embody your values. Leading from the front. Whether you're a broker, builder, or brand leader, this episode will reshape how you think about service, culture, and scaling without compromise.

April 5, 202558 min

Restaurateur Stephen Beckta: Hospitality, Leadership & Life Lessons

In this episode of Umber Talks, host Shaun Denis sits down with Stephen Beckta, one of Canada’s most celebrated restaurateurs and the founder of the Beckta Restaurant Group, which includes Ottawa staples- Beckta Dining & Wine, Play Food & Wine, and Gezellig.From navigating the fine dining world of New York City under legends like Daniel Boulud, he brings a rare blend of humility, heart, and high standards to everything he does.This episode is more than a deep dive into the restaurant industry—it’s a conversation about what it means to lead with purpose, the difference between service and hospitality, and how to build meaningful relationships in any business, including real estate.Key Takeaways:Service vs. Hospitality – Why making someone feel seen and cared for matters more than just doing the job well.People-First Leadership – How Stephen built a team culture centered around generosity, respect, and belonging.Learning from the Best in The Business – Lessons from working alongside hospitality giants in NYC.Real Estate Parallels – How hospitality principles translate to real estate: trust, empathy, and long-term relationships.Whether you're in real estate, hospitality, leadership, or simply love a great story about building something with heart, this episode will leave you inspired to raise your standard—and bring others with you.

March 16, 202545 min

Curating Style & Space: The Parallels Between Fashion and Real Estate with Charly Goss Style Inc.

In this episode of Umber Talks, we sit down with Maura Moore of Charly Goss Style Inc. to dive into the art of personal styling, wardrobe overhauls, and how fashion choices often mirror real estate decisions.Just like in real estate, styling is about understanding a client’s needs, asking the right questions, and defining a vision. Whether it’s a wardrobe refresh or buying a home, the key is eliminating the clutter, identifying what truly works, and making intentional investments that align with lifestyle.Maura shares what it’s like to guide clients through the styling process, from editing their wardrobes and sourcing key pieces to helping them define their aesthetic and build a closet that reflects their personality.Key Takeaways from This Episode:The Styling Process = The Home Search – How asking the right questions upfront helps define a client's vision, whether it's for a wardrobe overhaul or a home purchase. Winter Wardrobe for Real Estate Pros – Why outerwear is an important uniform for real estate agents in winter months. The Power of Asking the Right Questions – Just like a great agent helps buyers clarify what they want, a stylist helps clients define their style and make better purchasing decisions. Why Your Home Aesthetic Reflects Your Style – Clients who prefer clean, minimal home design often gravitate toward neutral, timeless wardrobes, while those with eclectic interiors tend to embrace bolder fashion choices.Whether you're a real estate agent looking to elevate your professional wardrobe, a fashion and design enthusiast, or a homeowner curious about how a stylist approaches personalization and aesthetics, this episode offers a unique perspective on style, investment pieces, and the power of intentional choices.

March 5, 202558 min

Why Every Entrepreneur Needs a Community: Oakville’s ACE Coworking Story with Nancy Fornasiero

In this engaging episode of Umber Talks, hosts Shaun Denis and Matthew Denis sits down with Nancy Fornasiero, the founder of ACE Coworking, to dive into the world of coworking, entrepreneurship, and the power of community-driven spaces. A staple in Oakville’s business scene, Nancy shares her journey from publishing and writing to creating the town’s most vibrant coworking environments.If you’ve ever considered working outside your home office, renting a flexible office space, or collaborating in a creative business hub, this episode is for you. Nancy reveals how coworking spaces fuel innovation, build connections, and help businesses thrive—all while offering a hospitality-first approach to flexible workspaces.Key Takeaways:The Birth of ACE Coworking – How Nancy transformed a personal drive for connection into Oakville’s leading coworking space.The Power of Serendipity – How random coworking encounters have led to game-changing business collaborations.Why Community Matters – How a coworking space can accelerate success for entrepreneurs, startups, and remote workers.Adapting to Demand – How Nancy pivoted from hot desks to private offices to meet Oakville’s changing workforce needs. The Future of Flexible Workspaces – Why landlords should rethink traditional leases and consider new partnership models.Expanding the Vision – Nancy’s take on future locations, design concepts, and unique coworking amenities (yes, even a golf simulator!). Oakville’s Best Local Businesses – Nancy shares some of her favourite hidden gems that make downtown Oakville a special place.Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, remote worker, or just someone who loves community-driven spaces, this episode is packed with insights on collaboration, business growth, and the future of coworking.

February 28, 202555 min

Luxury Home Building in Oakville: An Inside Look with Top Builder Rob Ruso

In this must-listen episode of Umber Talks, hosts Shaun Denis and Matthew Denis sit down with Rob Ruso, one of Oakville’s top custom luxury home builders and the head of Ruso Development. With a family legacy in construction that dates back to his grandfather in Italy, Rob has built some of the most spectacular homes in Oakville, pushing the boundaries of luxury craftsmanship.If you’ve ever wondered whether to buy a luxury home or build one from the ground up, this episode is for you. Rob breaks down everything from choosing the right lot to understanding the true cost per square foot, along with insider tips on high-end materials, design trends, and the custom home-building process. He also shares valuable lessons on leadership, integrity, and what it takes to run a multi-generational family business.Key Takeaways:Building vs. Buying – How to decide whether to purchase a luxury resale or start from scratch with a custom build.What It Really Costs – The truth about price per square foot, budgeting, and the factors that drive up costs.Finding the Perfect Lot – Avoiding costly mistakes when purchasing land for a custom home. Luxury Home Trends – The latest in high-end finishes, oversized flooring, and statement lighting.The Ruso Family Legacy – How Rob’s journey in homebuilding started two generations ago in Italy.Lessons in Leadership & Integrity – Why honesty, craftsmanship, and client relationships are key to long-term success.Training the Next Generation – What Rob is teaching his son as he enters the family business.Whether you're considering a custom home, working in the real estate industry, or simply fascinated by the world of luxury home construction, this episode is packed with value.