News

CORE Welcomes Andrei Vile as Property Manager

CORE, the largest integrated commercial real estate firm in Northern New England, has announced the hiring of Andrei Vile as Property Manager. In his new role, Vile manages a portfolio of commercial properties throughout Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, and Freeport. “Andrei brings a valuable combination of hands-on experience, an entrepreneurial mindset, and genuine enthusiasm for working with people,” said Josh Soley, President of CORE. “He’s curious, motivated and not afraid to roll up his sleeves and solve a problem. Those qualities make him a great addition to our property management team.” “This role is a perfect fit for me because every day is different,” said Vile. “There’s a balance between the analytical side of the job—managing budgets, reports, and the day-to-day operations of a property—and the people side, which I really enjoy. You’re building relationships with tenants and business owners, solving problems, and dealing with situations that you can’t necessarily plan for.” Born in Maine, Vile grew up on Peaks Island and in Freeport before attending Beloit College in Wisconsin. On his return to Maine after college, he set up an exterior painting company, building the business from the ground up with employees and multiple trucks. He then spent time in finance before earning his real estate license and transitioning into property management. Prior to joining CORE, Vile spent two years working in property management for an affordable housing community in Portland’s East End. Vile says he’s enjoying the collaborative culture at CORE and is thriving in its entrepreneurial environment.“ From day one, everyone has been incredibly supportive and willing to help,” said Vile. “There’s a real sense that you’re trusted to take ownership of your work, but you also have a strong team around you when you need it. That combination has been great.” Outside of work, Vile is an avid golfer and soccer fan. He played soccer at Beloit College and follows Maine’s professional soccer team, Hearts of Pine. For more information about CORE, visit www.corefirms.com.

September 8, 2026

CORE Tenant Profile: Dee Dee’s Barbershop

Dee Dee’s Barbershop is one of the coolest new businesses in Portland. It sits like a gleaming jewel just off Congress Street in the Arts District, with a yellow sign, an open garage door and excellent ‘70s and ‘80s rock tunes spilling out. Take a seat on the wraparound mustard couch, pick up a Marvel comic, and you’ll feel transported to another era. “I’ve always been very into the ‘70s,” explains owner Desiree Decker, aka Des, as she takes a seat. “This sofa, for example, is from the 1960s.” Des has spent 13 years working in the barbering worlds of Colorado and Maine, building a loyal following of clients that will happily follow her down alleyways to get an excellent short haircut, straight razor head shave, or beard trim. After attending barbering school in her home state of Colorado, Des spent eight years working in barbershops before moving to Portland five years ago. She rented chairs at Ethan Hunter Salon & Barber and The Blind Pig Barber Company. Then she became an entrepreneur. “I never pictured myself having my own shop, but this January a friend and I decided to buy a bar; the sale fell through, but I got great experience writing business plans, so I shifted gears and decided to build this.” She wanted a spot on the peninsula, and Clay Hardy of CORE brought her to this unique space. “The garage door really caught my eye,” she says. “And it was the perfect square footage; my previous barbershops have all been cute and cozy.” She named the shop Dee Dee’s as a play on her initials (D.D.) and because it speaks to her obsession with all things vintage. She also enlisted four other women with strong barbering chops and clientele to join her; they rent four of the five chairs. “It has mid-century, diner-esque vibes to it,” she says of the space. “Dee Dee feels like a girl who would be behind the counter. Come on in and vibe out at Dee Dee’s,” she adds with a laugh. “Put your feet up and grab a cold drink out of the fridge.” Learn more at www.deedeesbarbershop.com

August 12, 2026

Portland brokerage CORE establishes Boston location

By Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz Portland brokerage CORE opened its first Massachusetts location at 260 Franklin St. in Boston’s financial district, marking the next phase of the firm’s growth across New England. “Our expansion into Massachusetts has created significant opportunities, and this investment positions us to continue building on that momentum,” said Josh Soley, CORE’s president. CORE’s Massachusetts operation is led by executive vice president Matt Javitch, chief commercial officer Mike Shaw and associate Rich Parry, who bring established relationships in Greater Boston. View the full article here.

July 20, 2026

CORE Establishes Boston Headquarters, Plans Continued Growth in Massachusetts

CORE has officially opened its Massachusetts headquarters at 260 Franklin Street in Boston, establishing a significant presence in the region's largest commercial real estate market and marking the next phase of the firm's strategic growth across New England. Located in Boston's Financial District, the new office will serve as a hub for CORE's brokerage and advisory services in Massachusetts while reinforcing the firm's long-term commitment to clients throughout Greater Boston and Southern New England. "The opening of our Boston office represents much more than a new address," said Josh Soley, President of CORE. "It reflects our commitment to Massachusetts and our belief that clients are best served by a firm with strong regional expertise and the ability to support them wherever their real estate needs take them across New England. Our expansion into Massachusetts has created significant opportunities, and this investment positions us to continue building on that momentum." CORE's Massachusetts operation is led by Matt Javitch, Executive Vice President; Mike Shaw, Chief Commercial Officer; and Rich Parry, Associate. Together, they bring decades of commercial real estate experience and established relationships throughout Greater Boston, advising owners, investors and businesses on acquisitions, dispositions, leasing and strategic real estate decisions. "Boston is one of the country's premier commercial real estate markets," said Matt Javitch, Executive Vice President. "Opening this office demonstrates that we're here for the long term. It allows us to be closer to our clients, deepen relationships throughout the market and continue building an exceptional team in Massachusetts." CORE plans to continue expanding its Massachusetts team as demand for its brokerage and advisory services grows. The firm is actively recruiting experienced commercial real estate professionals who share its collaborative, client-focused approach, and the Boston headquarters provides a strong foundation for that continued growth. "Our goal has always been to build a firm around great people," added Soley. "We've assembled an outstanding team in Massachusetts, and we're excited to continue investing in the market by adding talented professionals who share our values and our commitment to delivering exceptional results for clients."

July 16, 2026

CORE Tenant Profile: Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Hyperlite Mountain Gear has grown from a startup in a Kennebunk garage into one of Biddeford’s most celebrated businesses. It’s a world-renowned outdoor equipment brand, yet its roots are humble and innovative—much like its founder, Mike St. Pierre. When we meet in Hyperlite’s headquarters in Pepperell Mill, Mike explains his unconventional career path. He began as an audio engineer, touring with Don Henley and The Eagles. Then he trained as a chef in some of the country’s most acclaimed restaurants, including New York City’s three-Michelin-star Per Se. But his love for the great outdoors brought him back to Maine. And when he couldn’t find the equipment for hikes, he set about creating it himself. “I’ve always chosen things I’m passionate about,” explains Mike. “When I started Hyperlite, most of the products out there were overbuilt and really heavy. Manufacturers had lost sight of what was truly important, adding more features, pockets, and zippers. We stripped everything back to the essentials.” He started the company in his garage in Kennebunk. By 2010, the fast-growing business had relocated to the Pepperrell Mill campus in Biddeford. Mike arrived just as the historic textile complex was beginning its transformation into a vibrant community of apartments, restaurants, small businesses, and arts studios. “It was pretty bohemian back then,” he says, grinning. “And it gave us so much room to grow.” It turned out to be the perfect launch pad. The company’s ultralight backpacks, tents, and accessories became popular with adventurers around the world. They are especially well known in the U.S. among hikers tackling iconic routes like the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. The brand’s fanbase spans climbers, backcountry skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. “Our philosophy is striking the optimal balance between weight, durability, and weather protection,” says Mike. Today, Hyperlite serves customers globally through its online store and an international network of retailers. But Maine remains central to the company’s identity. Mike says the collaborative environment at the mills continues to be a vital part of their culture. Its product development, research and development, marketing, customer service, fulfillment and finance teams remain based here. Mike also says he’s encouraged by the energy CORE has brought since taking over management of Pepperrell Mill. “CORE seems genuinely interested in tenants’ perspectives and how the campus can continue to improve,” he says. “We’ve been part of conversations about future ideas. It’s exciting to see continued investment into making this a place where businesses can thrive.” Learn more about Hyperlite Mountain Gear at hyperlitemountaingear.com.

July 13, 2026

CORE Announces Promotion of Charlie Hippler to Associate Vice President

CORE today announced the promotion of Charlie Hippler to Associate Vice President, recognizing his contributions to the firm’s continued growth, success in commercial brokerage, and leadership throughout the Central Maine community as CORE expands its presence across the Northeast. Hippler joined CORE in 2023 as an Associate Broker and has quickly established himself as a key member of the firm’s brokerage team. Based in the firm’s Central Maine office, he specializes in commercial sales and leasing assignments across office, retail, industrial, and investment properties throughout the region. “Charlie has become an integral part of our brokerage team over the past two-and-a-half years,” said Josh Soley, President of CORE. “He’s earned this through hard work, consistency, and a commitment to doing right by clients. We’re excited to recognize his growth and look forward to the continued impact he’ll have on our clients and our company.” Before joining CORE, Hippler earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Thomas College and completed a management development program at a leading Maine bank, where he focused on commercial credit underwriting for commercial real estate and commercial & industrial loans. In addition to his brokerage work, Hippler is actively involved in civic and economic development initiatives throughout Central Maine. He serves as Vice Chair of the Manchester Select Board and is a board member of Cynergy, the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce’s young professionals organization. His commitment to public service also led him to seek elected office as a candidate for the Maine State Legislature. Since joining the firm, Hippler has worked on a range of commercial sales and leasing assignments throughout Maine. Notable transactions include the $1.1 million sale of 491 Lisbon Street in Lewiston to Skelton Taintor & Abbott, the largest law firm in the Lewiston-Auburn metropolitan area, and the acquisition and long-term lease with a globally- recognized tenant with over 500 facilities across north America at 11 Fireslate Place in Lewiston on behalf of Lumon Industries. These assignments reflect his experience advising clients through both investment sales and complex lease transactions. “CORE has provided an incredible opportunity to grow professionally while working alongside a talented and entrepreneurial team,” said Hippler. “I’m grateful for the support of our leadership and clients, and I’m excited to continue building relationships and helping drive the firm’s growth throughout Maine and beyond.” The promotion comes during a period of continued momentum for CORE, including the firm’s recent expansion into Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the launch of its new company website, and continued growth across its brokerage, management, and investment divisions. The promotion comes during a period of continued momentum for CORE, including the firm’s recent expansion into Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the launch of its new company website, and continued growth across its brokerage, management, and investment divisions. CORE provides brokerage, management, acquisitions, and advisory services throughout the Northeast.

June 3, 2026

CORE expands Northeast footprint with CRG Commercial team hires

By Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz Portland brokerage CORE expanded its footprint in the Northeast with the hiring of personnel from CRG Commercial, a Newton, Mass., brokerage operating in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Matt Javitch, co-founder and managing partner of CRG Commercial, joined CORE as a shareholder and executive vice president of growth. CORE also hired his team of two Massachusetts commercial brokers — Rich Perry and Mike Shaw. “This expansion strengthens our ability to connect opportunities across markets and deliver more value to our clients,” said Josh Soley, CORE’s president. View the full article here.

May 26, 2026

CORE Tenant Profile: Pizzaiolo

On a nondescript part of Cumberland Avenue, a block away from Maine Historical Society, you’ll find what some people argue is the best pizza in the entire world. Not just in Portland or the northeast. Pizzaiolo means a pizza maker in Italian. “It means ‘pizza guy’” explains owner Patrick Scally, aka Pat. (A female pizza maker is called a pizzaiola.) Pat is quick to point out that the pizza his team creates has its roots in the Big Apple. “This isn’t New York-style pizza,” he says when we sit down to talk. “This is New York pizza.” It’s certainly a busy spot. Kids from nearby Portland High School are sitting at two of the three tables. Two men holding hard hats stand in line for slices, while a DoorDash delivery person walks out holding a tower of about ten pizza cartons. “We sell more types of pizza than anywhere else,” Pat explains. “We have anywhere from 15-24 different kinds each day. We also use fresh ingredients—fresh beef, fresh mushrooms. Our meatballs are the best in the city.” He points to a wall where a series of reviews are framed in glass. These are the accounts of various journalists and food writers who have stumbled in and discovered pizza perfection. Pat is an intriguing character. He was born in Area 51, New Mexico, to a father who worked in the military. He was then raised between Downeast and Portland. Fresh out of school, he got a job at Papa Ginos. His can-do attitude got him promoted to general manager within 18 months. It was in San Diego that he got his big break, landing a job at the award-winning and world-renowned Bronx Pizza. “I probably threw over a million pizza doughs into the air while I was there,” he muses. When he came back home, he set up his own store and began teaching a new generation of Portlanders how to make sublime pizza. “It’s all about the love in the dough,” he says, smiling. I look behind the counter to watch store manager Mitch Harmon toss fresh dough into the air. “It’s what my mom always used to say. If someone isn’t feeling right, you’ll know it in the dough.” Pizzaiolo, 360 Cumberland Avenue, Portland, ME, https://pizzaioloportland.com/

May 20, 2026

CORE Expands Northeast Footprint with Acquisition of CRG Commercial Team and Appointment of Matt Javitch as EVP of Growth

CORE today announced a major expansion of its Northeast presence through the acquisition of key personnel from CRG Commercial, a respected brokerage operating across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. As part of the transaction, CRG Commercial co-founder and Managing Partner Matt Javitch has joined CORE as a Shareholder and Executive Vice President, Growth. He brings with him a high-performing team of sophisticated commercial brokers active across both states. This strategic move marks a significant step in CORE’s long-term growth plan, expanding its presence in key regional markets while enhancing its ability to serve clients with multi-state needs. “Matt and his team bring a strong track record, deep market knowledge, and a collaborative mindset that aligns perfectly with CORE’s culture,” said Josh Soley, President at CORE. “This expansion strengthens our ability to connect opportunities across markets and deliver more value to our clients. It’s an important milestone as we continue to grow thoughtfully and strategically across New England.” In his new role as Executive Vice President of Growth, Javitch will lead initiatives to significantly expand CORE’s geographic footprint, recruit top brokerage talent, and drive growth across the company’s service lines. “Joining CORE is an exciting opportunity to build on the momentum we’ve created and take it to the next level,” said Matt Javitch. “CORE’s platform, culture, and vision for growth create a powerful environment for brokers and clients alike. I’m looking forward to expanding our reach and delivering even greater value across the markets we serve.” Javitch is a seasoned real estate professional who previously served as co-founder and Managing Partner for CRG Commercial. With nearly 20 years of experience, his in-depth knowledge of local market trends and commitment to personalized service allows him to offer bespoke guidance to both colleagues and clients across the real estate industry. Prior to running CRG Commercial, Javitch worked with Citizens Bank and First Republic where he served as an underwriter in the CRE lending group of both banks. This acquisition and the increased brokerage activity in Massachusetts and Rhode Island is also expected to support the continued growth of CORE’s property management and acquisitions platforms, further strengthening the firm’s position as a fully integrated real estate services provider.As the firm continues to grow at an accelerated pace, a new website has launched showcasing brokerage, acquisitions, and management teams and portfolios across four states.

May 19, 2026