Lessons in Development, Risk & Relationships with Simon Saab

In this episode of Umber Talks, host Shaun Denis sits down with Simon Saab, a hands-on builder who owns and manages multiple properties and has been directly involved in design, construction, property management, and investment. Beyond the structures, Simon has built his reputation on how he cares for people, whether it’s his tenants or his trades, he leads with respect and trust. 

From early renovations to developing one of the first condominium buildings in Westboro, Simon’s journey offers an honest, practical, and inspiring inside look at what it takes to build in this Ottawa.

Key Takeaways:

• Building From the Ground Up: What it actually takes, financially, mentally, and logistically to take a project from conception to completion.
• People Over Profit: How treating tenants well and maintaining strong relationships can be a long-term investment strategy.
• Westboro’s Early Condo Story: Simon’s experience developing one of the first condominium projects in Westboro, and the lessons (and risks) behind pioneering a neighbourhood.
• Mindset of a Builder: How trust, patience, and risk factors shape the decisions of a developer in today’s market.

Whether you’re an investor, developer, real estate professional, or simply someone curious about how Ottawa is being built from the inside out, this episode offers a rare, firsthand look at the business, and the human side of development.