Dan has a combination of framing, photography, printing, and software experience. His dad was the owner of L.M. Castner Co., a high-end manufacturer of picture frames, for over 40 years. Starting in the summers of his middle school years and continuing through high school and a little into college, Dan learned many aspects of frame manufacturing including antiquing and gold metal leafing. During this time, he also developed his interest in photography.

After graduating from University of Cincinnati with a B.A. degree in Math, Dan began his career in software development. He obtained a M.A. in Computer Science from University of Texas in 1983 and continued to work in the field of software development as designer, developer, project manager, group manager, and product manager.

In 1989 he and his wife started Texas Star Photos which continues to provide high quality sports event photography for U.S.A. Volleyball and other national events.

Dan committed himself full-time to Austin Art & Frame and Texas Star Photos in 2007. Since then he has developed and continues to develop the website for both companies. Austin Art & Frame added giclee printing to their services in 2009 based on Dan's extensive experience with printing from Texas Star Photos.

In 2012 Austin Art & Frame moved down the street into a new location that enabled Dan to design the space for framing, photography, printing, and fine art.

Today Dan continues to be involved in all aspects of presentation including frame design, frame production, photography, giclee printing, and hosting of fine art gallery exhibits.