About

Short Bio

I'm a Montreal-based professional and entrepreneur with a background in architecture and finance. Above all, I'm an eternal learner and an optimist with a good amount of skepticism.

My professional background is mostly as a construction expert with almost 15 years of experience in various scale projects. My experience in the construction industry goes from professional/design services (architect) to construction services as general contractor.

I love solving problems and connecting with people. Whether leading or managing, I'm all about results, using a mix of skills and a laid-back approach. Founded a few companies (some hit, some missed). I thrive in challenging situations, where the real growth happens.

On a personal side: I speak English, French & Spanish (und ein wenig deutsch). I enjoy endurance sports (running and cycling mostly) and have run multiple marathons (including Boston). I'm resilient and persevering. I'm married and father to a wonderful baby girl.

Say hello:

Profile picture of Sergio Castano

Skills


Hard skills:
  • Software skills:
    • Web development (junior): HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, REACT, Motoko
    • Adobe suite (advanced): Acrobat, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, PremierPro
    • Technical drawing and 3d modeling software (advanced): AutoCAD, Blender, SketchUp, LumiOn, Twinmotion
    • CRM and Sales (intermediate): Hubspot, Apollo
    • Office suite (advanced)
    • Project management (advanced): Fieldwire, MS Project
  • Analytical and data-driven, sense of priorities and responsibilities. Strong focus in times of uncertainty. Results oriented.

Soft skills:
  • Business-to-Business (B2B). Customer relationship management (CRM). Sales Operations. Business Development. Customer Success.
  • Strong leadership, teamwork, autonomy, determination, and commitment to excellence.
  • Problem and conflict resolution, interpersonal communication, managing client expectations, and adaptability to changing situations.
  • Excellent stress management and communication skills. Great capacity for active listening. Proactive.
  • Business development and negotiation skills.
  • Task-oriented. Determined, thoughtful, decisive, and rigorous.
  • Developed physical and mental endurance through years of competitive sports.

Education


  • Complete 2024 Web Development Bootcamp - Udemy
    2024

  • M. Sc. (Management) - Specialization Finance, HEC Montreal (partial)
    2017 to 2018

    Collaborated with a team to produce an econometric research report on the direct influence caused by bankruptcy announcements on stock values, using large data from WRDS (CRSP and COMPUSTAT). Best research report in the className, scored 29/30. Acquired knowledge: data exploitation and analysis, regressions, modeling, prediction, econometric methods, and statistical validation.

  • Master's in architecture : Université Laval, Québec
    2010 to 2012

    • Registered Architect OAQ since April 2015.
    • Awarded Best Candidate for Practice by the Financière des professionnels based on academic results and commitment.
    • Recognized for Outstanding Project for architectural integration in the master's thesis project.

  • Bachelor's in architecture : Université Laval, Québec
    2007 to 2010
    • International profile at ENSAM, Montpellier, France (2009-2010)

  • DEC in Natural Sciences : CEGEP de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke
    2005 to 2007

Professional Experience


  • CEO and Co-founder, Payhouse Technologies (Startup)
    January 2023 to Present

    Created, developed, and marketed a cloud-based application for streamlining accounts payable for construction companies. Direct contact with potential clients and users.

  • Project Manager, DINAMO Construction
    September 2022 to September 2023

    Managed significant projects, including a residential and commercial building for seniors with 547 housing units and ground-floor businesses. Construction budget of $140M.

  • Project Director, Construction TOMICO
    November 2021 to August 2022

    Coordinated, planned, and managed a team of project managers and superintendents. Ensured projects were completed on time and within budget. Negotiated contracts with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.

  • Architect and Project Manager, Construction TOMICO
    January 2018 to November 2021

    Managed complex renovation projects of existing buildings simultaneously. Implemented agile work methods and computerized various management processes. Successfully coordinated professionals, superintendents, subcontractors, and other project managers.

  • Architect, Proulx et Savard architectes
    May to August 2020

    Design lead and project manager for major institutional projects.

  • Co-founder, Alinea Codes (startup member of CENTECH incubator at ETS)
    2018

    ConTech specific startup, with a product focusing on code compliance automation for AEC professionals.

  • Founder and Architect, Atelier 1064
    2014 to 2018

    Architecture and design agency in Montreal. Led various projects, including a mixed-use building in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu with a construction budget of $14M (Phase 1) and $4M (Phase 2).

  • Architecture Intern, Architech Design and Philippe Barrière Collective
    2008 to 2014

List of Managed Construction Projects

  • Projects managed at DINAMO Construction

    • Residential rental building with 153 units in Terrebonne (QC) - $30M
    • Residential rental building with 250 units in Valleyfield (QC) - $60M
    • Private senior residence in Longueuil (QC) - $175M budget

  • Projects managed at Construction TOMICO

    • Factory expansion and renovation in Laval (QC) (2021-2022) - $7.5M
    • Construction of a new house on the shores of Lac Supérieur (QC) (2020) - $2M
    • Major refurbishment of a condominium building envelope in Verdun (QC) (2019-2020) - $1.5M
    • Construction of a cannabis production facility (2019-2020) - $1.5M
    • Installation of air conditioning systems (135 units, condominium building in Montreal (QC) (2018-2019) - $2M

  • Projects designed as an Architect

    • Lead designer of the Maison des aînés in Rimouski (QC) (2020) - $25M
    • New construction of a commercial building in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (QC) (2016) - $5M
    • Mixed-use commercial and residential building in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (QC) (2015) - $15M
    • Conversion of a hotel into private residences in Saint-Marc-sur-Richelieu (QC) (2015) - $5M
    • Transformation of an old textile factory into a hotel in Coaticook (QC) (2014) - $8M