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

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.av

You can also follow your hosts:

@benrobitaillerealtor

@georgianbaylending

Thanks for listening!

In 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 challenges students face today, the gaps in traditional education, and the inspiring impact JA has on communities across Ontario. Mercedes also talks about what drew her to the organization, the stories that keep her motivated, and how educators and volunteers can help support this mission.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, business owner, or someone who wishes you had been taught this stuff earlier in life, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Connect with us:
Ben Robitaille — ben@bensells.ca
Richard Thompson — richard@georgianbaylending.com

Meet 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

Courtney on Insta | https://www.instagram.com/mrscourtneycorfield/

Connect with your hosts

https://www.instagram.com/theopenhousepodcast/

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 practical tips, honest insight, and a whole lot of passion for helping people live stronger, healthier lives.

If you want to feel motivated, informed, and maybe slightly guilty about skipping breakfast this morning, this episode has your back.

Connect with your hosts
Ben Robitaille: ben@bensells.ca
Richard Thompson: richard@georgianbaylending.com

In 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.

Connect with your hosts:
📩 Ben Robitaille — ben@bensells.ca
📩 Richard Thompson — richard@georgianbaylending.com

Follow The Open House for more real conversations with the people shaping business, finance, and community life around Georgian Bay.