Max's journey as a creative writing major at Wesleyan University, where he honed his skills in writing and directing musicals, took an unexpected turn when he became Co-Founder and CEO of Castle, a revolutionary property management app. In 2012, he made the bold decision to relocate to Detroit, where he joined the startup Are You a Human as a multi-talented individual, handling marketing, design, and web development.
The following year, Max teamed up with VFA Fellows and future Castle Co-Founders Tim Dingman and Scott Lowe, along with Sean Jackson, to embark on a unique venture. Together, they purchased and meticulously renovated an abandoned mansion in Detroit's Virginia Park Historic District. This collaborative effort eventually gave birth to Castle, which now calls the mansion home, alongside two companies: Castle and Banza, with their offices situated on the ground floor.
Initially, Castle faced a significant hurdle when the trio struggled to find their footing, constantly "pivoting" and running out of funds. However, the company persevered and is now thriving. In 2016, Castle earned the prestigious honor of being selected to join the renowned Y Combinator program, one of the world's most influential startup incubators. Moreover, they secured a $2 million investment from a leading Silicon Valley venture firm and have grown their team to include 8 employees, with more on the horizon.
As Castle continues to expand its presence in Detroit, the company is poised to launch its services in other cities across the United States in the near future. Max, a graduate of Wesleyan University and a member of the 2012 Venture for America class, has come a long way from his humble beginnings as a creative writing major, now leading a successful startup that is revolutionizing the property management industry.
