Melinda Zytaruk, MES, CPHB

CEO/President

Melinda’s career has been based around environmental, community, social, and economic sustainability since the beginning. Co-founder of Tooketree Passive Homes, she has acted as CEO since 2015. Previously she was General Manager of the innovative worker cooperative, Fourth Pig Green & Natural Construction, established in 2007.

Melinda is a Certified Passive House Builder with a Master’s in Environmental Studies. She is a founding board member of the Lake of Bays Renewable Energy Coop, a member of the Lake of Bays Community Economic Advisory Committee, Climate Action Muskoka, and the District of Muskoka’s New Leaf Community Working Group. Joining forces with like-minded community members, Melinda helped establish the Muskoka Community Land Trust in 2021. 

Melinda loves kayaking, gardening, and swimming in the summer, and cross-country skiing in the winter. Grateful to be raising her son here, she sees the beauty of Muskoka as a tremendous gift.

Rick Zytaruk, P.Eng., CPHB

Chief Financial Officer

Rick is co-founder and CFO of Tooketree Passive Homes. With extensive experience as a business consultant, Rick partnered with his daughter, Melinda in 2015 to build highly-efficient, ecologically responsible homes and help move the building industry toward true sustainability. Committed to addressing climate change and environmental issues through natural material choices, carbon storage, and long-term thinking, Rick stands on the cutting edge of green building evolution. 

Rick spent much of his career focused on applying technology and process control to improve efficiency and efficacy in businesses. Passionate about innovation and progress, Rick is committed to building a better future for generations to come. Rick sits on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity and is an active member of Builders for Climate Action. 

At rare moments when he’s not at the factory, Rick enjoys life on the lake in Baysville, and time spent with his family.

James Marshall, CPHB

Factory Operations Manager

James leads the manufacturing team at our Baysville facility, guiding our builders in the precise production of our CSA-certified SEED panels. A Certified Passive House Builder, James is engaged throughout the design and fabrication process to ensure that drawn details translate effectively into real life. 

James joined Tooketree in 2021 with extensive trades experience and a background in construction supervision. James keeps our team organized and motivated, mentors new staff, and encourages cooperative participation in systems and product improvement. With worker well-being as a top priority, James promotes safe equipment operation, conscientious lifting and material handling, and effective communication. 

An avid back-country camper and outdoorsman, James moved to Muskoka from Southern Ontario 2017. His adventurous family enjoys nature all year long at the northern edge of Muskoka. 

Courtney Rupp, CPHB

Manager of Quality Assurance 

Part of Tooketree’s inaugural team, Courtney joined our company with expertise in the development of quality assurance systems for specialized technical industries such as steel fabrication and pre-cast pre-stressed concrete.

Courtney’s multifaceted role at Tooketree includes product quality assurance, process control and development and worker health and safety.  Courtney’s ongoing evaluation ensures that our team manufactures a consistent, quality product that lives up to Tooketree’s reputation and accreditation. She advises staff and the leadership team on practice improvements and adherence to standard procedures. Courtney also promotes company-wide awareness of workers’ rights and responsibilities and advocates for employee health and wellbeing. All the while, Courtney is best known for her sense of humour. 

Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Courtney had been visiting the Muskoka/Almaguin Highlands area since 1997. She made the move north and joined Tooketree in 2019. Courtney is a volunteer firefighter, an ardent gardener, and a steward of the land, lake and wildlife where she lives.