Leadership

Julian Attree

Chief Executive Officer

Julian Attree is a seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse background in business development and innovation. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, Julian was naturally drawn to the world of business.

He began his entrepreneurial journey by opening a small gift shop and seafood restaurant in Eastern Canada. After seeking more challenging opportunities, he relocated to Western Canada, where he transitioned into the residential construction industry, specializing in building custom homes, some featuring indoor pools and hot tubs.

Recognizing a growing trend in hot tubs, Julian capitalized on this opportunity and founded a national company manufacturing whirlpool spas. After scaling the business successfully, he sold it.

In 1989, Julian entered the commercial refrigeration sector, applying his manufacturing expertise to develop a line of glass-door refrigerated merchandisers under the Minus Forty brand. The business scaled rapidly, selling products across North America and Europe.

In 2021, Julian partnered with private equity to acquire QBD, a Toronto-based refrigeration company. The combined businesses were operated under the Due North platform, growing to more than 600 employees, over 500,000 square feet of manufacturing and operational facilities, and approximately $250 million in annual revenues. At that time, Julian transitioned from Chief Executive Officer to Chief Commercial Officer/Chief Strategy Officer, an intentional decision to support the company’s next phase of growth while achieving a more sustainable balance between professional and personal commitments. In 2025, Due North was acquired by AeriTek. As part of the transaction, Julian sold his entire equity position and fully exited this business.

Following this transition, Julian took a significant equity position in the technology company Kooick and joined its leadership team as Co-Chief Executive Officer.

Alongside his entrepreneurial ventures, Julian – together with his son, Zachary Attree – manages a diversified investment portfolio spanning commercial real estate, land development, and equity positions across multiple businesses. His breadth of experience and continued involvement across industries reflect a disciplined approach to value creation and a sustained commitment to innovation.

Zach Attree

Chief Operating Officer

Zach Attree is a results-driven business leader with a broad range of expertise across real estate, technology, and operations management. After earning a Bachelor of Business degree in the UK, Zach began his career as a commercial real estate agent in the Greater Toronto Area. Motivated by a desire to gain a global perspective, he broadened his skill set by working in the tech industry in both the UK and Australia, where he gained invaluable international experience.

In 2014, Zach joined Minus Forty, where he was mentored by his father. Starting at the ground level working in assembly, Zach quickly advanced through the company, taking on roles of increasing responsibility. He ultimately led the company’s Innovation Department, where his strategic leadership and operational insights played a pivotal role in driving innovation and operational efficiency. This hands-on progression gave Zach a comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations, culture, and the leadership necessary to continue building on his father’s legacy.

In 2020, Zach transitioned to Attree, where he applies his diverse background to fuel growth, streamline operations, and drive innovation. With a strong foundation built by his father, Zach is committed to ensuring the company’s continued success and long-term sustainability.