BIO
Michael Anthony Castello is a pioneering entrepreneur in the domain name industry, renowned for his early recognition of the internet’s potential as digital real estate. In 1994, he began acquiring domain names, eventually co-founding Castello Cities Internet Network, Inc. (CCIN) with his brother, David Castello. CCIN developed and managed a portfolio of premium domain names, including PalmSprings.com, Nashville.com, and Traveler.com, transforming them into successful online businesses.
One of his most notable achievements was the sale of Whisky.com for $3.1 million in 2014, a domain he had registered in 1995. This sale underscored the significant value of premium domain names and highlighted Castello’s foresight in the digital landscape. Another significant transaction was the sale of Room.com for $1.5 million, further cementing his reputation in the industry.
Beyond his business ventures, Castello has been an active participant in the broader internet community. He has served on the Board of Directors for organizations like Associated Cities and Geo Publishers and has been a member of ICANN’s Business Users Constituency since 2008. His contributions have been recognized with inductions into the TRAFFIC Domain Name Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Geo Domain Hall of Fame in 2010.
Prior to his domain industry success, Castello had a background in music. He was a singer-songwriter mentored by Tin Pan Alley legend Lou Stallman and produced the nationally syndicated gospel radio show Gospel Traxx for fifteen years, which received a Billboard Magazine nomination for top R&B syndicated radio.
Currently residing in Moorpark, California, with his wife Sheri and their children, Castello continues to influence the domain industry through his ventures and thought leadership.
Daycare.com
Michael Castello is the founder and owner of Daycare.com, a domain he registered in 1997. Alongside his wife, Sheri, he launched the platform to serve as a comprehensive resource for parents and childcare providers, inspired by their own experiences as parents
Under Castello’s leadership, Daycare.com evolved into a significant online directory for childcare services across the United States. Initially offering free listings, the platform transitioned to a paid model to enhance the quality and reliability of its listings. This approach ensured that providers were more invested in maintaining accurate and up-to-date information .
The platform also integrates data from various state databases, allowing for a comprehensive listing of daycare providers. While some of this information may be basic, it serves as a starting point for providers to claim and update their listings, ensuring accuracy and fostering engagement with the platform.
As of April 2025, Castello announced plans to expand and modernize Daycare.com, aiming to enhance its services and maintain its position as a leading resource for childcare information .
Beyond Daycare.com, Michael Castello is the CEO and President of Castello Cities Internet Network (CCIN), a company known for developing and managing premium domain names such as PalmSprings.com, Nashville.com, and Traveler.com. His work in the domain industry has earned him recognition, including inductions into the TRAFFIC Domain Name Hall of Fame and the Geo Domain Hall of Fame .
Traveler.com
Michael Castello is the co-founder and CEO of Castello Cities Internet Network, Inc. (CCIN), a company that owns and operates a portfolio of premium domain names, including Traveler.com. Together with his brother, David Castello, Michael acquired Traveler.com in the mid-1990s as part of their strategy to develop intuitive, high-value domain names into standalone digital brands .
Under Michael’s leadership, Traveler.com has evolved into a comprehensive travel and lifestyle platform. The site features articles and insights on global destinations, cultural landmarks, and travel experiences. Michael contributes regularly to the platform, sharing personal travel narratives and historical explorations, such as his experiences in Lake Havasu, the Terranea Resort, and the ancient city of Sirmione in Italy.Traveler.com remains a family-driven venture, with Michael’s daughter, Jessica Castello, serving as the site’s editor. This familial involvement underscores the Castello family’s commitment to creating engaging and informative content for travelers worldwide.
Nashville.com
Michael Castello, co-founder and CEO of Castello Cities Internet Network (CCIN), has played a pivotal role in the development and success of Nashville.com. Acquired by the Castello Brothers in 2003, Nashville.com was transformed into a premier digital destination for the city, encompassing a wide array of content including music, events, dining, real estate, and tourism.
Under Michael’s leadership, Nashville.com became a comprehensive guide for both locals and visitors, offering insights into the city’s vibrant culture and attractions. His background in music and media, notably his mentorship under Tin Pan Alley songwriter Lou Stallman and his experience producing the nationally syndicated gospel radio show Gospel Traxx, informed the site’s rich musical content .
Beyond content development, Michael’s strategic vision included monetizing the site through advertising partnerships, which contributed to its financial sustainability and growth. His commitment to quality and user engagement ensured that Nashville.com remained a trusted and authoritative source for information about the city.
Michael’s work with Nashville.com exemplifies his broader approach to digital branding and domain development, leveraging premium domain names to create valuable online properties that serve specific communities and industries.
PalmSprings.com
Michael Castello, co-founder and CEO of Castello Cities Internet Network (CCIN), has been instrumental in the development and success of PalmSprings.com. Registered in 1995, PalmSprings.com was among the first geo-specific domain names developed on the internet, serving as a comprehensive digital guide to Palm Springs, California. The site offers information on attractions, events, accommodations, and local businesses, effectively promoting the city as a year-round tourist destination.
Under Michael’s leadership, PalmSprings.com evolved into a profitable venture. By the early 2000s, the site was generating substantial revenue through advertising partnerships with local hotels, restaurants, and real estate firms. This success demonstrated the potential of premium domain names as valuable digital real estate.
Michael’s vision extended beyond PalmSprings.com. Through CCIN, he and his brother David developed a portfolio of premium domain names, including Nashville.com and Traveler.com, applying similar strategies to create authoritative online destinations.