Our Journey Through Time

From humble beginnings in a Toronto garage to becoming Canada's premier smart cottage technology provider. This is our story of innovation, perseverance, and dedication to transforming cottage life.

15 Years of Innovation

Milestones that shaped CottageTech Solutions

2009

The Beginning

Michael Thornton, an electrical engineer frustrated with outdated cottage systems, starts CottageTech Solutions in his Toronto garage. The vision: bring modern technology to Canada's cottage country while respecting the natural environment.

  • First prototype smart thermostat designed
  • Initial focus on energy efficiency
  • 3 cottage installations in Muskoka region
2011

Building the Team

Sarah Chen joins as CTO, bringing expertise in IoT and smart systems. David McKinnon comes aboard to lead installations. The company moves to its first official office in downtown Toronto.

  • Team expands to 8 employees
  • First commercial office established
  • 25 cottage automation projects completed
  • Development of proprietary monitoring system
2013

Sustainability Focus

Emily Rodriguez joins to spearhead sustainability initiatives. CottageTech becomes the first cottage automation company in Canada to achieve carbon-neutral operations and partners with renewable energy providers.

  • Launch of solar integration packages
  • First off-grid cottage automation
  • 100th cottage installation milestone
  • Partnership with Ontario Clean Energy Alliance
2015

Industry Recognition

CottageTech wins the Ontario Innovation Award for Sustainable Technology. The company expands operations to Quebec and British Columbia, establishing regional service centres.

  • Ontario Innovation Award recipient
  • Expansion to Quebec and BC markets
  • Launch of mobile monitoring app
  • 300+ cottages under management
2017

Mobile Revolution

Launch of the award-winning CottageTech mobile app, allowing cottage owners to monitor and control their systems remotely. Introduction of AI-powered predictive maintenance.

  • CottageTech mobile app launched
  • AI predictive maintenance system
  • 24/7 monitoring service introduced
  • 500+ active installations
2019

Certification Milestone

Achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification and became an official ENERGY STAR partner. James Wilson joins to lead customer support as service demands grow across Canada.

  • ISO 9001:2015 certification achieved
  • ENERGY STAR partnership established
  • Customer support team expanded
  • 750+ cottages automated
2020-2021

Pandemic Adaptation

COVID-19 drives unprecedented demand for cottage technology as Canadians embrace remote work from cottage locations. CottageTech adapts quickly with contactless installation and enhanced remote monitoring.

  • Contactless installation protocols
  • Remote work optimization packages
  • 300% increase in service requests
  • Virtual consultation services launched
2022

Expansion & Growth

Lisa Patel joins to lead business development as CottageTech expands to all 10 provinces. Launch of the comprehensive "Smart Cottage 360" package combining all services.

  • Operations in all 10 provinces
  • Smart Cottage 360 package launched
  • 1,000th cottage installation
  • Business Excellence Award winner
2023-2024

Innovation Leadership

CottageTech leads the industry with next-generation smart cottage technology, including advanced AI integration and sustainable energy solutions. The company serves over 1,250 cottages across Canada.

  • Next-gen AI system deployment
  • Advanced battery storage solutions
  • 1,250+ cottages under management
  • Industry-leading customer satisfaction

Meet Our Founders

The visionaries who started it all

Michael Thornton

Founder & CEO

"I started CottageTech because I believed cottage owners shouldn't have to choose between modern convenience and environmental responsibility. Our mission has always been to prove that technology can enhance, not detract from, the cottage experience."

Background:

  • Electrical Engineering, University of Toronto
  • 15 years at Ontario Hydro
  • Renewable Energy Specialist
  • Cottage owner since 1995

Sarah Chen

Co-Founder & CTO

"Joining Michael in 2011 was the best decision of my career. Together, we've built technology that truly makes a difference in people's lives while respecting the natural beauty of Canada's cottage country."

Background:

  • Computer Science, University of Waterloo
  • IoT Systems Architect
  • Former software engineer at BlackBerry
  • Smart home technology pioneer

Our Culture & Values

What drives us every day

Customer First

Every decision we make starts with considering what's best for our cottage owners.

Environmental Stewardship

We're committed to solutions that protect and preserve Canada's natural environment.

Continuous Innovation

We never stop looking for better ways to serve our customers and improve our technology.

Integrity & Transparency

Honest communication and ethical business practices are the foundation of everything we do.

45
Team Members
10
Provinces Served
40%
Energy Reduction

Looking Forward

Our vision for the next decade

2025-2030 Goals

5,000 Cottages

Automate 5,000 cottages across Canada by 2030

Carbon Negative

Achieve carbon-negative operations through innovation

AI Integration

Full AI-powered cottage ecosystem management

International Expansion

Bring our expertise to cottage markets worldwide

Be Part of Our Continuing Story

Join the thousands of cottage owners who have already transformed their retreat with CottageTech Solutions.