Today we’d like to introduce you to Casterine (Katt) Castillo.
Hi Casterine (Katt), we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Construction was always around me growing up. My father owned a construction company, so I was exposed to the industry my entire life — but it wasn’t until I stepped out on my own that I truly discovered my passion for it.
My journey really began with FEMA disaster relief work during hurricane cleanup efforts. From there, I had the opportunity to go to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, where I helped homeowners rebuild and make their homes livable again. That experience changed me. Seeing families regain comfort, safety, and hope through construction made me realize this work was about so much more than buildings — it was about restoring people’s lives.
When I returned home, I started taking on projects wherever I could. One of my first major projects was remodeling my mother’s bathroom. Shortly after, I purchased my own home and completely renovated it from top to bottom. That was the moment everything clicked for me. I realized construction wasn’t just something I was around growing up — it was what I was meant to do.
What makes my approach different is that design comes naturally to me. I don’t sketch concepts, rely on apps, or search for inspiration online. I can walk into a room and instantly envision the transformation — from the tile and paint colors to the fixtures, accents, and finishing touches. For me, great design is not only about beauty; it’s about functionality, comfort, and understanding the homeowner’s lifestyle and budget. Because I’ve personally gone through the process as a homeowner myself, I approach every project with empathy and practicality. I know how important it is to create spaces that are both beautiful and realistic for the people living in them.
As a woman in construction, I’m proud to be building my own path in an industry that is still heavily male-dominated. I want other women to know there is space for us here — not only to participate, but to lead.
Today, I’m focused on growing my company, expanding into contract bidding and government contracting, and continuing to build a reputation for quality work and strong leadership. Long-term, my goal is clear: I want to become one of the leading women in construction in South Florida and create opportunities for other women to grow within the industry as well.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No — it definitely has not been a smooth road. Building a business in construction, especially as a woman, has come with a lot of challenges, setbacks, and hard lessons. The road has honestly been very bumpy at times.
One of the hardest parts for me has been finding quality workers and contractors who truly care about their craft. My company is a one-stop shop — I handle the design, source the materials, coordinate the contractors, and bring the entire vision to life. Because of that, I carry a huge responsibility to make sure every detail is done right. Unfortunately, not everyone takes the same level of pride in their work, and that can be frustrating when you care deeply about the final result.
Another major challenge has simply been being a woman in a male-dominated industry. There have been many moments where I felt like my voice wasn’t taken seriously or that people questioned my knowledge and leadership before even giving me the opportunity to prove myself. At times, I’ve felt like I had to become tougher, more aggressive, and more outspoken just to be heard or respected in rooms where men are automatically trusted first. That has probably been one of the most exhausting parts of this journey — constantly feeling like I have to work twice as hard to prove that I belong here.
I put a lot of pressure on myself because I genuinely want every homeowner to love their space the same way I love my own home. I think beyond just aesthetics — I think about functionality, comfort, budget, and how the homeowner will actually live in the space every day. Because of that mindset, there have been projects where I barely made a profit or prioritized the client’s happiness over my own financial gain. I’ve learned that while having a big heart is important, building a sustainable business also means valuing my time, expertise, and vision.
I’m also naturally someone who overthinks because I care so much about the experience my clients have. Even years later, I still check in with past clients to make sure they’re happy with their homes. For me, this work is personal. I’m not just completing projects — I’m creating spaces where people build memories, feel comfortable, and truly enjoy being home.
Even with all the challenges, I wouldn’t change the path I chose. Every obstacle has taught me something, made me stronger, and pushed me to continue growing not only as a businesswoman, but as a leader in the construction industry.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At the moment, I wouldn’t say I specialize in just one specific area of construction because I’ve built my business around being versatile. I can handle everything from bathrooms and kitchens to flooring, accent walls, outdoor barbecue areas, lighting, and full home transformations. I’ve never wanted to limit myself to one category because I genuinely love every part of the process. For me, construction is about creating an entire experience and bringing a vision to life from start to finish.
What I think I’m most known for is being the small woman who gets things done. A lot of people underestimate me at first because of my size or because I’m a woman in this industry, but once people work with me, they quickly realize I’m serious about what I do. Around my community and clients, there’s this understanding that “once Katt shows up, it’s getting handled.” I take a lot of pride in that reputation because reliability and determination mean everything in construction.
What I’m most proud of, above anything else, is my son. Everything I’m building is ultimately for him and for the legacy I want to leave behind. I want him to grow up seeing what hard work, resilience, and passion look like firsthand. I want him to know that no matter how difficult something is, you keep going and create your own opportunities.
I’m also incredibly proud of the creative gift I feel I’ve been given. I don’t need to sketch ideas or rely heavily on apps or inspiration photos. I can walk into a room and instantly visualize what it could become. I see the colors, textures, layout, lighting, and details in my mind before anything even starts. Then watching that vision come to life exactly how I imagined it is one of the most rewarding feelings in the world. It still amazes me every single time because it feels like turning an idea into reality right in front of my eyes.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was definitely a mix of a tomboy and a girly girl. I loved getting dirty, being outdoors, and doing hands-on work, but at the same time I was still the girl with the long hair, nails done, and matching outfits. I’ve always thought that was funny because people never expected me to enjoy construction-type work as much as I did.
I’m Dominican, and in my culture we’re very hands-on people. We don’t sit back and wait for things to get done — we get involved, we figure it out, and we make things happen. That mindset has been in me since I was young and really shaped the way I approach work and life.
Even as a kid, I naturally gravitated toward projects that involved creating or fixing things. I would help patch my mom’s roof, redo her garden, and find little ways to improve things around the house. I also loved going to my father’s construction sites whenever I had the chance. Being around that environment fascinated me — seeing how something could go from an empty space into a finished structure always stuck with me. Looking back now, I think that’s where a lot of my passion quietly started growing.
I was also always extremely creative. In school, I loved projects where I could bring ideas to life, especially science fairs and presentations. My boards were never simple — they were always over-the-top, detailed, colorful, and creative. I didn’t realize it back then, but that same creativity followed me into adulthood and became one of my biggest strengths in design and construction.
I think growing up the way I did taught me that you don’t have to fit into one box. You can be feminine, creative, strong, hands-on, and business-minded all at the same time — and that’s exactly who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: Castillomanagementllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castillo_management?igsh=MWs1eWt5ZWc0aGE4Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
