In this episode of The Open House Podcast, we sit down with Adrian Sauvageau, a true entrepreneur who’s built multiple businesses from the ground up… and not in the way you’d expect.

From launching a marketing agency that got wiped out by COVID, to pivoting into real estate investing, to building a community-first pawn shop, pet store, and property management business, Adrian walks us through how he turned uncertainty into opportunity.

We dive into:
• How he scaled multiple businesses using partnerships
• The mindset shift from working in the business to working on it
• Why “passive income” isn’t actually passive
• The power of calculated decisions over risky ones
• Real stories from buying, renovating, and selling properties (including a $600K win in under a year)

This is a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to build something meaningful… especially when things don’t go according to plan.

If you’re into entrepreneurship, real estate, or just figuring out how to create your own path, this one’s worth the listen.

Small town life, big city roots, and a fresh take on modern dating.

In this episode of The Open House Podcast, Ben and Richard sit down with Jordana, founder of EpicDates, to talk about her move from Toronto to Simcoe County and how it led to a completely new business idea. What started as a search for community turned into a platform designed to help people connect in real life without endless swiping.

They get into why so many people are leaving the city for places like Midland and Collingwood, the challenges of building community in a smaller market, and what is really going on with dating apps right now.

You will also hear:

• Why meeting people in small towns can feel harder than expected
• How EpicDates is helping singles and couples create real experiences
• The problem with modern dating apps and what people actually want instead
• Why planning better dates can change your relationship
• A few surprisingly good local date ideas you might not have considered

There is also plenty of honest conversation about parenting, hustle culture, and finding a better balance between work and life.

If you want better date nights, stronger connections, or just a reminder of what is possible right in your own community, this episode is worth the listen.

Listen in and maybe plan your next epic night out

What happens when a nurse trades hospital shifts for a teal dog bus full of howling pups?

In this episode, we sit down with Megan, the owner of Tales and Trails Dog Retreat, to unpack how a side hustle turned into one of the most joy-filled businesses in the community. From COVID timing and gut decisions to buying a retired school bus for dogs (yes, really), Megan shares the real story behind building something from scratch, messy moments and all.

We dive into:

• Turning a passion into a full-time business (without a perfect plan)
• The reality of balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood
• Why not every dog and not every client, is the right fit
• The surprising emotional side of running a dog-based business
• And her long-term vision for a rescue or sanctuary that’ll melt your heart

Plus… what it’s actually like inside a bus full of dogs (spoiler: loud, chaotic, and oddly magical).

If you’ve ever thought about starting something of your own or just need a guaranteed mood boost, this one’s for you.