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.