About Thomas C. Castellano

Candidate for Congress U.S. Representative, District 11

 

Tommy was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, District 11.  He is the oldest son of 4 boys. He grew up in West Tampa during a time when neighbors watched each others' children.

"We knew that the next door neighbor or the lady across the street had permission to discipline us.  Maybe that’s what’s missing in today’s world? We knew we were being watched. We felt safe." What's missing today in a child's life is "discipline."  It started when God was taken out of the schools and then discipline was taken away from the Schools.  Soon after, discipline was taken away from the parents.  It wasn't so much going to the neighbors as much as it was the neighbors going looking for you.

Tommy attended Mitchell Elementary School and Wilson Jr. High School.  "My mother didn’t want me to go to schools in West Tampa because too many of my friends were attending those schools.  She thought I would get into too much trouble. It didn’t make a difference. I got into mischief anyway."

When it was time to go to high school, Tommy thought He would go to Plant High with all the friends he grew up with in school. But there was a boundary line change and he was transferred to Jefferson High School. He was a drummer in the Jefferson Band as he had been playing in school bands since the 5th grade. There, he met the love of his life, Carol Jean Caccamo.

During Tommy's Jr. Year, Jefferson High School was discredited and the student body was dispersed to the Hillsborough, Plant, Chamberlain and Leto High Schools; Tommy was sent to Leto High School.  It was during this time that Tommy's life was forever changed: he found his calling to enter the world of air conditioning.

Graduating high school in 1968, Tommy entered the work force in the air conditioning field.  In November 1968, Tommy joined the United States Navy.  Shortly after, upon returning home from boot camp, Tommy and Carol were married.  Unfortunately, their newlywed bliss was put on pause when Tommy was called to duty.   " When I returned from a four day honeymoon, I was ordered to B school for five months. After a short 15 day furlough, I went aboard the USS Constellation CVA – 64 Aircraft Carrier."  Tommy did a 10 month tour of Vietnam and returned.  After a year in dry dock for modifications, the crew set sail once again for another 10 month tour of Vietnam.  "I was in charge of the Hangar deck for the Weapons Dept.  It was an experience I’ll never forget."  Tommy  was honorably discharged in 1973 with Citations from the Admiral of the 7th Fleet and returned to Tampa.

Tommy returned home New Years Eve of 1972 to a beautiful wife of four years and only $18.00 in his pocket. "My wife started working the very next Monday and I started attending Pinellas Technical Institute majoring in Air Conditioning and Heating to continue my education, while working part-time and also studying at the local library to get my state license in mechanical contracting."

In 1973, Carol's mother passed away, leaving Carol's 3 young sisters without anyone to take care of them.  Tommy and Carol decided to bring them into their home.   It was a huge adjustment at the age of 24, especially because Carol's 12 year old sister had Juvenille Diabetes.  Nevertheless, easing into their new roles and working together only brought Tommy and Carol closer together as a team and couple.  The next year, their first daughter Nichole Castellano-Williams was born.  Six years later their second daughter Alicia Castellano-Machin was born.  

In 1975, Tommy's hard work and drive paid off when he founded "Castellano Brother’s Air Conditioning and Heating" with his two two brothers.   In addition to working long hours to support his family during the day and on weekends, Tommy taught an Air Conditioning course for Hillsborough County several nights a week.  In 1982, after a major fire almost forced Castellano Brothers Air Conditioning to close it's doors. Tommy purchased the company from his brothers and changed the name to Castellano Air Conditioning and Heating.  Castellano A/C & Heating is located in the heart of Old West Tampa, in the building built in 1929 by Tommy's Great grandmother. " It was my home growing up and it is my business home today."

Castellano Air has remained in business over the last 27 years, employing as many as 22 people and several subcontractors (electricians, plumbers, etc.)

Tommy and Carol are now the proud grandparents of three beautiful granddaughters and two wonderful grandsons.

Tommy is a member of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) a national organization. He has served on numerous ACCA committees, including the International Code Committee and the Energy Efficiency Standard Committee.  In addition, Tommy is a Mentor of Mix Groups for ACCA.  "I  have 10 to 12 companies, at a time, from all over the country, come to Tampa or we meet at one of the companies’ home base.  I give them an education on running a business based on what I have learned in my studies and on practical experience."

Tommy has been actively involved in Politics since the early 70's.  At first, Tommy was a Democrat but quickly realized that the Democratic party is one of "Gimme" and not encouragement.  "If you do well, you get a D. But if you don't produce, and live off the government you get an A. doesn't make sense to me."  Tommy immediately changed parties and has been an active Republican ever since. 

In 2006, Tommy was encouraged to run for Tampa City Council; however, he chose to drop out because another candidate who Tommy believed would represent the city very well decided to run.  In 2007, Tommy was a NRCC Priority Member as well as a member of the NRCC Small business council.  Furthermore, Tommy was invited to the President's Dinner in 2007 and attended. "One of the highlights of my career." 

Tommy's achievements in industry and community service include:

In addition, Tommy continues to remain active in serving his community and profession:

On August 24, 2010
Vote Thomas C. Castellano For Congress
U.S. Representative, District 11

Vote Like Your Future Depends On it

 

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