PlaceMKR Announces the Hiring of Joe Castillo as Vice President

Joe’s journey into commercial real estate has been driven by a love of momentum and meaningful impact. Trained as an engineer and shaped by decades in development, he’s worked across commercial, residential, and institutional sectors, building everything from retail centers to over 11,000 lots in major master-planned communities.

“I’ve always been drawn to the variety and the challenge of creating places people use every day,” he shares.

He joined PlaceMKR because it offers something rare: a team-first culture inside one of the country’s most dynamic markets.

“PlaceMKR empowers individuals to move fast and contribute meaningfully. Everyone here has a seat at the table,” Joe says. That sense of agility and shared ownership is what sets PlaceMKR apart in a crowded field.

Joe sees investing in places that people believe in as more than a tagline.

“We look for markets with real energy—places where people are building roots. Our role is to support that momentum with the right projects at the right time.”

Since joining, he’s developed a deeper appreciation for the subtle opportunities hidden in overlooked sites, and how the right strategy can unlock lasting value.

Outside the office, Joe doesn’t slow down. He thrives on physical challenges—whether that’s endurance training or helping others push their limits. “You learn a lot about yourself when you go past what’s comfortable,” he says—and that’s a lesson he carries into his work every day.

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