Dorian holds the keys to Casa Media, and now, he’s opening the doors to his actual casa.
There’s a saying: “Show me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are.” At the agency, we’ve got our own version: “Show me your home, and I’ll know who you are.”
Lucky us, we’re getting a peek inside the home of Dorian Reeves, founder and CEO of Casa Media.
Thanks for having us, Dorian. My pleasure. (Though, full disclosure: I finished tidying up like… sixty seconds ago.)
Let’s step inside: what’s by the front door? A few things that have followed me forever. My hockey gear: I’ve been playing since I was a kid, and it’s still part of my weekly routine. I love the adrenaline, the team spirit. It’s basically my version of meditation. On the table? A bunch of coasters. Jake (bestie!) and I run a bar review page, @barsofmontreal, and we like to keep little mementos from our outings. And in the corner, my mountain of grocery bags. I cook a lot and love trying new recipes, but I always forget my reusable bags at IGA, so now I’ve got a whole collection.
Clock strikes 7:30 AM. Are you always such an early riser? Not really. I love sleeping in. But during the week, I like having a bit of time to myself before diving into work. I usually leave around 8:20 to meet up with Jade, and we walk to the office together (with a mandatory coffee or matcha stop on the way). We get in around 8:45, and things at Casa get rolling by 9.
And when do you call it a day? I try to head out by 6 PM. We’re big on keeping some time for our personal lives. At Casa, it’s important to make space for hobbies, friends, routines, anything that helps you unplug. For me, that’s hockey, tennis, cooking, the gym, or a good movie. That’s how I hit reset.
Your walls are pretty bare. If you had to hang up a quote, what would it be? Hmm… maybe: “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us,” from Gandalf. (Yes, I’m a proud LOTR nerd. Sue me.) Or if I’m allowed to use one of my own: “Learn a lot, play a lot, care a lot.” I really believe you only get one shot at life, so you might as well make it as full, joyful, and up to your standard as possible. Try everything.
One thing missing from your dream home? Bring back conversation pits! I would love to see those make a comeback. I’m someone who values real connection and loves bringing people together, so the idea of sitting in a circle and talking for hours? That’s the dream.
Any icons on the mantel? Honestly? No. I like meeting people on equal footing, in my opinion it’s the key to making genuine connections. So no personal heroes up there… for now.
That baby photo, is that you? Were you already dreaming of running an agency? Haha, not even close. I wanted to be an archaeologist, Indiana Jones style. Until I realized the job was more dust than drama. Then I pivoted to journalism, before eventually discovering I could build my own agency. I love the lifestyle it gives me: setting my own schedule, working with a team, and creating beauty every day.
What’s on your desk moodboard? Quotes from my current obsession, Better Call Saul (I’m a sucker for a good script), design inspo for the office or my apartment, outfit ideas, and a few collectibles: trading cards, stones, matchbooks, Legos, retro games. I love things that tell a story.
And in the kitchen, what projects are simmering Dorian? So many. Expanding Casa internationally. Hiring Fred (our part-time dev) full-time. Growing our email marketing game. Bringing in a content creator. On the personal side? Buying an apartment in Paris, doing some DIY projects at home, upping my tennis game… and working on my flexibility (let’s just say touching my toes is a struggle).
A brand you think is killing it right now? New Balance. I have a soft spot for comeback stories, and they pulled off the ultimate dad-shoe-to-cool transformation. They strike this perfect balance between classic and bold. Honestly, working with them would be a dream.
What are the building blocks of a good day for you? Laughter, movement, and a creative hobby.
Dorian, what makes you feel at home, even when you’re far from home? A vibe. Dim lighting, something that smells good (shoutout Vitruvi), and a chill playlist, like one with some Al Green, Nina Simone or Otis Redding. That’s all it takes for me to feel at ease.
If Casa opened another office anywhere, where would it be? Paris. That’s the dream. I’m putting it out there.
And if you were a piece of furniture? An ottoman. Comfy, dependable, and there to help people relax. Solid, but not trying to steal the spotlight.
Before we go… we’ve got a free day in Montreal. What should we do? A boozy lunch at Satay Bros, a stroll to Atwater Market to grab snacks, and drinks with friends along the canal. Or switch it up and head to Mile End to explore cafés and bars, then top it all off with ice cream from Kem Coba.
Challenge accepted. Thanks for having us, Dorian! Anytime. Come back soon.
← Back to blog