Kirk Castro
Design leader building the teams and systems behind products people trust.
Work
- From a Drop Box to a Text MessageRedemption Church Seattle2026
- MathMon: A Math RPG I Built for My KidsPersonal Project2026
- Shepherd SoftwareShepherd Veterinary Software2016–2022
- Gex: A Lean Design System for Pet CloudIndependence Pet Group2022–2023
- CLEAR: Building a Product Function Inside MarketingIndependence Pet Group2023–Present
Who I Am
Product and Design leader based in Seattle with 15+ years building digital products across startups and enterprise, including co-founding Shepherd Veterinary Software, and leading product design at Doubtless (formerly Independence Pet Group).
Outside of work: I'm a husband, dad of 4, Deacon of hospitality, home chef, musician, golfer, handyman, motorcycle mechanic, and I can still do a backflip on the trampoline.
EXPERIENCE
- Director of UX and Product DesignDoubtless Pet Insurance · Sep 2022 – Present
- Co founder and Head of ProductSynergy Pet Group · Mar 2019 – Jun 2022
- Co founderShepherd Veterinary Software · Jan 2016 – Mar 2019
- Product DesignerKajabi · 2015
- DesignerIndependent and client work · 2010 – 2019
Kind words
“He knows how to lead with compassion without compromising on vision or quality. People trust him because he listens.”
“As both a talented designer and a confident decision maker, Kirk brings a desired passion, grounding, and creativity to any project he works on.”
“As a new designer seeking mentorship, I couldn't have asked for a better leader. Kirk's passion for design is evident in everything he does, and it's hard not to feel inspired when working alongside him.”
“Kirk fostered a collaborative environment, encouraging creativity and open communication among the entire team.”
How I Lead
All of my wealth is in my relationships
I borrowed this from my friend Dr. Alex Early, and it works at the office too. My title is the least interesting thing about me. I want to know what my team did over the weekend. I want them bringing me problems that aren't mine to fix. It's also how stalled projects usually get moving again. People pick up when I call because they know I'll actually help.
Be the first to apologize
It costs almost nothing. Say your part out loud: you talked over someone, you pushed too hard, you were wrong about the thing you were sure about. The other person almost always meets you there, because it's hard to stay defensive with someone who already put their guard down. I apologize for my part before I've figured out whose fault the whole thing is. Waiting to see who moves first is how a disagreement turns into a standoff. I've never regretted going first.
Keep asking why
I want a team that can defend a decision when I'm not in the room. If I hand someone a ticket, I get what I asked for. If they know why it matters, they catch the thing we missed. Asking why over and over feels slow in the beginning. It's a lot faster than finding out months later that we built the wrong thing.
Currently
- Leading product and design for quote and enrollment across a portfolio of pet insurance brands at Doubtless (formerly IPG)
- Bringing AI into how my team researches, prototypes and ships
- Building digital tools outside of work, including home media servers, a meal planner, nonprofit operations and a math game for my kids
- Leading product strategy with design expertise as the advantage
Let's Work Together
Open to Senior level roles at product led, mission driven companies. Remote or Seattle area.