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.

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 market.

Throughout the conversation, Jeff emphasizes why trust is the cornerstone of the industry and shares insightful stories from his career. With his natural storytelling ability, Jeff makes this episode both informative and entertaining—you won’t want to miss it!

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 and navigate the luxury market with buyers and sellers alike. If you love architecture, design, and luxury living, this episode is for you!

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 Oakville. We also dive into his surprising role in bringing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Canadian television! Whether you’re interested in Oakville’s development, local business growth, or just curious about the town’s unique charm, this episode is packed with insights!