Mike Castillo

Managing Director, H/L Agency and Board Member, Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida

Mike Castillo wears many titles – managing director, agency partner, community advocate – but at his core, he’s simply someone who believes in building things that last. Whether it’s a national ad campaign or a new Ronald McDonald House, Castillo approaches both with the same mindset: lead with purpose and stay consistent.

Born in New York and raised in Hialeah by Cuban parents, Castillo credits his work ethic to their example and the environment he grew up in. He worked his way through Florida International University while climbing the ranks at UPS. After launching his own firm, MC², he merged with H/L Agency in 2018. The independent agency now spans 22 states and handles everything from creative and strategy to media buying and multicultural outreach. His client list is stacked – Mc- Donald’s, Toyota, and VSP Vision Care, to name a few – but Castillo keeps things rooted in Coral Gables, where he lives with his family and runs the Miami office on Merrick Way.

Community is also where he invests his time. Castillo has served on the board of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of South Florida for the past 15 years, helping provide housing and resources for families whose children are undergoing medical treatment. His work goes beyond the boardroom through in-kind support, local partnerships, and fundraising.

Accomplishments

RMHC South Florida is in the middle of an estimated $33 million capital campaign – Hope Has a New Home – to build a modern facility near Holtz Children’s Hospital. Castillo has been part of the push, bringing H/L’s South Florida team into the effort through volunteer projects and visibility campaigns. He’s also integrated RMHC into Project Paella, H/L’s internal initiative that gives employees time off to volunteer in their communities. In South Florida, that’s included work with Feeding South Florida, Chapman Partnership, and RMHC’s “Meals from the Heart” program.

What He Says

“Living and having my business in Coral Gables is such a joy,” Castillo says. “I learned a long time ago that your people are a reflection of you, and I am proud to have an amazing team, passionate and professional, that share my same values and work ethic.” As for his hometown, says Castillo, “The Gables was always the ideal place to live and grow my business.” – Amanda Martell