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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this must-listen episode of Umber Talks, host Shaun Denis sits down with one of the greatest real estate minds of the 21st century—Dr. Peter Linneman. Trained under Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman at the University of Chicago, Dr. Linneman has shaped modern real estate thinking through his work as a Wharton professor, economist, investor, and trusted advisor to top global firms.

Dr. Linneman takes us on a deep dive into the principles of smart investing, emphasizing judgment over formulas, understanding personal risk tolerance, and developing intuitive mathematical skills. From his self-published real estate finance textbook that became an industry staple to his insights on relationships and staying married for over 50 years, this episode is packed with wisdom beyond just business. He also shares his must-read book recommendations for anyone looking to sharpen their investing mindset.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Judgment – Why real estate investing isn’t just about numbers but about understanding yourself and your objectives.
• Risk vs. Opportunity – The delicate balance every successful investor must navigate.
• Real-World Investing Lessons – Stories from some of the greatest real estate investors and how they approached real estate investing.
• The Books Every Investor Should Read – Dr. Linneman’s top book recommendations for mastering real estate and business.
• Life & Relationships – His secret to staying happily married for over 50 years.

Whether you're a real estate professional, an investor, or someone eager to sharpen your business acumen, this conversation is a goldmine of knowledge.