Umber Talks

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 Oblat...

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 Fras...

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 ren...

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...

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,...

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...

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, he...

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 eli...

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...

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 w...

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 firm...

In this episode of Umber Talks , hosts Shaun Denis and Kristen Denis catch up with their longtime friend Jeff Gauthier , a seasoned real estate broker and property manager in Ottawa, Ontario . Jeff shares how he unexpectedly found his way into the property management business , growing it to over 550 doors . He also discusses his experience working with diplomats and how he built a niche in that m...

In this episode of umber talks, Kristen, Shaun, and Matt dive into the world of luxury real estate in Oakville. From stunning multimillion-dollar homes to the art of customization, we discuss the standout features and finishes that make these properties truly one of a kind. Whether you’re building a custom home or exploring Oakville listings, we explore how to showcase these incredible properties...

In this episode of Umber Talks , Shaun and Matt Denis sit down with Rob Burton, Mayor of Oakville, to explore what makes Oakville one of Canada’s most family-friendly and dynamic communities. From the town’s investment in shared spaces and sports facilities like the Toronto Rock Athletic Center, to the importance of supporting local small businesses, Mayor Burton shares his vision for a thriving O...

In this episode, we sit down with Megan van Rijt, Sales and Marketing Director at Parkview Homes, to explore her incredible journey through the world of real estate, sales, and design. From her early days as a designer to leading sales teams at some of Ottawa's most prominent builders, Megan shares her insights on everything from design trends to sales strategies. We discuss how her backgroun...

In this special episode of Umber Talks , we turn the mic to you ! Join us as Shaun and I explore key elements influencing the future of the housing market— from interest rates and housing supply to economic trends and more. As we discuss each variable, we invite you to weigh in with your own insights and predictions. Are we in for a market shift, or will things hold steady? Your perspective is wha...

From the archives, we welcome back Dan Enns, Associate Advisor and wealth management expert, to dive into the essentials of financial planning. Dan shares his insights on managing client assets, creating comprehensive financial and estate plans, and guiding clients toward a secure retirement. He simplifies complex concepts like stocks, bonds, GICs, mutual funds, and ETFs, making them accessible fo...

In this episode, we welcome back Sarah Vandenbelt, a seasoned commercial real estate agent in Ottawa with deep roots in the industry. Sarah shares her extensive knowledge and experience working with business owners who purchase and occupy commercial properties. We dive into her family's history in real estate, the unique aspects of commercial versus residential real estate, and the importance...

In this episode, we welcome back architect Brandon Lawrence, a returning guest known for his extensive knowledge across all types of property builds. We dive deep into where Brandon draws his inspiration, explore the most popular materials and products used in today's construction, and discuss everything from custom homes to multi-unit and commercial properties. Whether you’re looking to buil...

In this episode, we sit down with Derek Nzeribe, a renowned pre-construction expert, to explore the ins and outs of buying pre-construction properties. Derek provides an in-depth look at the entire process from a buyer’s perspective, sharing invaluable tips and tricks to help navigate this unique and often complex market. We delve into the specifics of purchasing a property off a floor plan, empha...

In this episode, we sit down with our Toronto/GTA agent and brother, Matt Denis, to explore his fascinating journey in real estate. Matt shares his experiences living in New York, detailing his time as a mentor at a specialized school in Manhattan, and his career in real estate. Matt is a multi-faceted and highly intelligent individual, seamlessly balancing his diverse experiences and extensive kn...

In this special episode, hosts Kristen and Shaun take a moment to check in and discuss a range of exciting topics. They explore the future of the podcast, including plans for international expansion, featuring more guests, and overall growth. Kristen and Shaun delve into the fascinating concept of Blue Zones, provide insights on the current Canadian real estate market, and share tips on timing you...

In this episode, we are joined by Alain Miguelez, a visionary at the National Capital Commission (NCC) and a leading force in urban planning, currently steering the future of Ottawa. Alain shares his captivating journey from a childhood fascination with city planning to becoming a pivotal player in transforming Canada’s capital. Dive into the world of urban development as we uncover Alain’s role a...

In this episode, we chat with Ettore "ET" Lattanzio, a former CFL player turned real estate agent at Umber Realty. Born and raised in Ottawa, Ettore shares his journey from professional football to real estate, highlighting how his athletic career paved the way for his success in real estate and sales. He delves into what attracted him to real estate, why he chose Umber Realty, and the b...

In this episode, we are joined by Steven King, a seasoned mortgage broker with a wealth of experience in the industry. Steven has built a reputation for exceptional client service and reliable financing solutions. He shares his journey in the business, the core values that drive his success, and insights on current mortgage trends, including the future of interest rates and the debate between fixe...