In 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 matter most. We unpack how we set goals, how we measure progress, where we have screwed it up before, and what we are doing differently this time around.

If you are an entrepreneur, a parent, a partner, or someone trying to build a full life instead of just a busy one, this episode is for you.

Listen in, reflect a little, steal what works, and feel free to reach out if something resonates.

Connect with us
Ben Robitaille
ben@bensells.ca
www.bensells.ca

Richard Thompson
richard@georgianbaylending.ca
www.georiganbaylending.ca

If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who is also trying to do a lot without losing themselves in the process.

In 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 same mattress. For the record: no, that did not actually happen, but the fact that he lives in his grandparents’ house makes the story way funnier.

It’s candid, funny, self-aware, and surprisingly thoughtful, a reminder that behind every professional is a human being with a story that didn’t come from a LinkedIn headline.

If you enjoy real conversations, good-natured oversharing, and laughs with a bit of depth underneath, this episode is for you.

Contact & Connect

Ben Robitaille
Real Estate Agent
🌐 www.bensells.ca
📧 ben@bensells.ca
📱 705-535-0913
📸 Instagram: @benrobitaillerealtor

Richard Thompson
Mortgage Broker
🌐 www.georgianbaylending.ca
📧 richard@georgianbaylending.ca
📸 Instagram: @georgianbaylending

In 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

@benrobitaillerealtor

Richard Thompson | Richard@georgianbaylending.com

@georgianbaylending