Paolo Minissi, general manager and owner of Castle Hill Fitness, is a self-described low-ego hands-on individual with a proven track record in running successful businesses. An Italian native, Paolo went to school in Brussels where he earned a bachelors in Physics with highest Honors.

Arriving to Austin, TX in 1978, Paolo initially joined the research team at UT Austin for thermodynamics and laser spectroscopy, but after 4 years in solar manufacturing Paolo decided to start his own lighting company, free of outside investors.

Paolo was the president of MetalOptics for 15 years, building the company from 2 to 220 employees, earning his plant a National Energy Efficiency award, and collecting 7 U.S. and International Patents for his lighting design. Lighting renovation clients include: G.E. World Headquarters, Colombia University, World Trade Center, Empire State Building, all Eckerd Drugs, 7-11 Convenience Stores, and a multitude of office buildings, schools, and medical facilities across the U.S. A finalist for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 1994, MetalOptics generated total energy savings of 6,000 Megawatts which is more that the South Texas Nuclear Project and its twin project, Comanche Peak combined.

In 1996 MetalOptics was sold and after 2 years of travel, Paolo settled back in Austin to open Rowing Dock on Lady Bird Lake in 1999. Rowing Dock is a small business operating from a 4000 sq.ft. floating facility designed and built personally by Paolo.

Castle Hill Fitness has encountered unprecedented growth and positive change under Paolo's leadership since its opening in October 2002. Bringing his expertise in small business, niche marketing, sustainable business systems and excellent leadership skills, Paolo continues to challenge his employees to provide the best quality services in the city. Offering a high-end facility with a foundational values system built for the needs of the client, Castle Hill Fitness provides an excellent match for his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to a healthy lifestyle.