Shows
The Open HouseBrick House - Dennis AguirreTitle: From Banker to Builder: Dennis Aguirre on Real Estate, Fatherhood & Playing the Long GameWhat do you get when you mix retail sales, banking, construction, mortgages, and a little Duolingo?You get Dennis Aguirre.In this episode of The Open House Podcast, we sit down with Caledon and Vaughan realtor Dennis Aguirre to talk about:Building a real estate career from the ground upWhy client experience beats flashy marketing every timeThe condo market reality in the GTAPricing strategy in a shifting marketWhy time is your most valuable currencyYoung...
2026-02-241h 25The Open HouseLook At This Photograph - Kevin CascagnetteIn this episode of The Open House Podcast, Ben Robitaille and Richard Thompson sit down with Kevin Cascagnette (yes, that Kevin you’ve probably seen “everywhere” around North Simcoe) to find out what’s behind the local-celebrity energy… and why the guy seems to have cloned himself.Kevin shares the full “what do you even do?” breakdown, including his day job as Art Director at Collaborative House Marketing in downtown Midland (graphic design, web/UI/UX, photo, video, social, basically “if it’s creative, it’s on his desk”), plus his very not small “side h...
2026-02-171h 09The Open HouseUnwritten - Artist Jess GrahamIn this episode of The Open House Podcast, Ben Robitaille and Richard Thompson sit down with Jess Graham (aka Jessica Graham), a Tiny Township local wearing a few hats: artist, writer, community-builder, and current President of the North Simcoe Rotaract Club.What starts as “Ben learns who the guest is in real time” turns into a surprisingly thoughtful conversation about:Rotaract (think: Rotary’s younger, fundraiser-and-community-energy cousin)Growing up in Tiny and the pull of nature, solitude, and slower livingMaking the leap from a family automotive business into
2026-02-101h 13The Open HouseRockin In The Free World (of Warcraft) - Jake LewisSnowbanks, dad life, and a “gray collar” entrepreneur who can talk bearings and Blizzard (the company, not just the weather).In this episode of The Open House Podcast, Ben and Richard welcome Jake Lewis a local business operator, new dad, and all around “do whatever the day demands” kind of guy. Jake breaks down what it’s like growing up in an entrepreneur family, working alongside his dad from a young age, and helping run a multi part operation that includes Precision Balancing Services (PBS), KG Bearing & Belting, and ye...
2026-02-031h 18The Open HouseAll Filler No Killer - Looking ahead to 2026In this episode of The Open House Podcast, Ben and Richard look ahead to 2026 with equal parts optimism, honesty, and caffeine fuelled clarity.We talk goals we are excited about, fears we are not pretending do not exist, and how we actually plan a year when life includes businesses, families, mortgages, and the occasional existential spiral at 2 a.m.This is a real conversation about what success actually looks like now. Not just revenue or growth charts, but energy, presence, health, and showing up properly for the people who...
2026-01-271h 00The Open HouseCat's In The Cradle - Richard ThompsonIn this episode, I sit down with Richard Thompson for a wide-ranging, very honest conversation about life, work, love, and some family stories that may have taken on a life of their own.We talk about Richard’s journey to becoming a mortgage broker, the twists, risks, and moments that shaped how he approaches both business and people today. He also shares how he met his wife and built a life with her, before we detour into legendary family humour, including the long-running joke about multiple generations of children being conceived on the sa...
2025-12-231h 00The Open HousePaperback Writer - Ben RobitailleIn this engaging conversation, Ben Robitaille shares his journey from a small town in Ontario to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He reflects on his early life, high school experiences, and the impact of karate and cheerleading on his personal growth. The discussion delves into the importance of coaching, accountability, and the lessons learned through various life challenges. Ben emphasizes the value of genuine connections and the significance of celebrating youth and personal achievements. The conversation concludes with reflections on life, growth, and the importance of community support.Ben Robitaille | ben@bensells.ca
2025-12-1658 minThe Open HouseDon't You (Forget About Me) - Amber Venner (SheComesFirst)In this episode we take a deep dive into middle age, perimenopause and the silent emotional load that women often carry. Join us as we open our minds on how to be continue to be better partners as we move into different stages of life, and... how to have more S*X! The learn more give the wonderful Amber a follow on instagram:@shecomesfirst.avYou can also follow your hosts: @benrobitaillerealtor@georgianbaylendingThanks for listening!
2025-12-091h 20The Open HouseHotel Motel Holiday Inn - Mercedes GidgeIn this episode of The OpenHouse Podcast, hosts Ben Robitaille and Richard Thompson sit down with Mercedes Gidge, a passionate advocate for financial literacy and a key team member at Junior Achievement.Mercedes pulls back the curtain on how Junior Achievement empowers students across the province by bringing real-world financial education directly into classrooms. From budgeting and saving to entrepreneurship and career readiness, she shares why these programs matter now more than ever — and how early financial confidence can shape a young person’s entire future.We dive into the...
2025-12-021h 09The Open HouseRun The World (Girls) - Jess Radecki & Courtney CorfieldMeet Jessica Radecki and Courtney Corfield — the duo behind Elle Social, where business growth meets unapologetic creativity. From cluttered feeds to strategic content machines, they’ve helped countless founders turn social from an afterthought into a growth engine. This chat peels back the curtain on how they built Elle Social, the exact blueprint they use for clients, and the mindset shift that makes standing out feel organic (not forced).Elle Social | https://www.instagram.com/e.l.l.e.social/Jess on Insta | https://www.instagram.com/jessicaradecki.realestate/?hl=en
2025-11-251h 16The Open HousePump Up The Jam - Jamie & D (The Pulse)Welcome back to The Open House, the show where real conversations meet real life and we somehow manage to learn something between laughs. In this episode, Ben Robitaille and Richard Thompson sit down with J and D from The Pulse Nutrition in Penetanguishene, two absolute pros when it comes to building healthier habits without the overwhelm.We talk about what inspired them to launch Pulse, the real stories behind their clients’ transformations, how nutrition plays into everyday energy and performance, and why creating a supportive community matters just as much as the food on your plate. Expect pr...
2025-11-191h 08The Open HousePump Up The Jam - J & D (The Pulse)In this episode, we sit down with J & D, the powerhouse team behind Pulse Nutrition in Penetanguishene, a local go-to spot that’s been quietly and deliciously transforming health journeys across North Simcoe.We dig into:• How Pulse Nutrition grew from a passion project into a thriving community hub• The real stories behind the shakes, teas, and wellness plans people swear by• What it takes to build a business that survives more than Monday motivation• Balancing entrepreneurship with real life, even the messy parts• The mindset routines tha...
2025-11-181h 08The Open HouseShow Me The Money - Shannon MortsonIn this episode of The Open House, hosts Ben Robitaille and Richard Thompson sit down with Shannon Mortson, a financial planner and insurance professional with World Financial Group. Shannon shares her journey into the financial world, her passion for helping families achieve long-term security, and the practical steps anyone can take to build a stronger financial foundation.From understanding the role of insurance to finding balance between risk and reward, this conversation is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, homeowners, and anyone looking to take control of their financial future.
2025-11-111h 07The Open HouseYou Raise Me Up (for charity) - Sharelle McArthur & Chrissy WoodEvery episode, Ben and Richard sit down with entrepreneurs to talk about what broke them, what built them, and what keeps them going while balancing real life.In this episode, Sharelle McArthur and Chrissy Wood share how their friendship and determination helped raise over $360,000 to buy an airboat for a Southern Georgian Bay fire department. Along the way, we talk community, theatre, parenting, and the heart behind giving back.Real stories. Real people. Real conversations.
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