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.