News

CORE Brokers Aristelle’s Expansion to The Shops at Falmouth Square at The Wyeth

CORE, the largest integrated commercial real estate firm in Northern New England, brokered a second location for award-winning Maine retailer Aristelle. The new store opened Friday, September 25, in Falmouth. Josh Soley of CORE represented Aristelle in the lease transaction. Jack Baumann of Compass Commercial Brokers represented The Shops at Falmouth Square LLC. Aristelle occupies a 1,180-square-foot space at The Shops at Falmouth Square at The Wyeth, a mixed-use residential and retail development at 267 U.S. Route 1 in Falmouth. Established in Portland’s Old Port in 2014, Aristelle has helped more than 20,000 women from across the country find bras and lingerie suited to their size, shape, and lifestyle. Owner Ashley Tucci has become a recognized educator in the industry, earning national honors including Best Concept Store in North America and Curve’s Instagram Excellence award. “Ashley Tucci is a powerful business leader, and we were excited to help her take Aristelle into its next chapter,” said Josh Soley, President of CORE. “Ashley delivers an impressive product and this expansion into Falmouth is only going to build on her success.” “We’re thrilled to bring Aristelle to Falmouth and join a community of businesses that feels so aligned with what we do,” said Ashley Tucci, owner of Aristelle. “This location gives us the opportunity to welcome new customers while continuing to create a place where women feel seen, supported and comfortable exactly as they are.” A Maine native, Tucci worked in software and financial-services sales across New England and New York before acquiring Aristelle in 2019. Just months later, the pandemic shut down the country. Tucci responded by meeting customers where they were—showing up on Instagram, launching a weekly newsletter, and building a devoted community around the brand. “Once we reopened the physical store, those first couple of years brought all this pent-up consumer demand,” Tucci said. “After that point, it was off to the races. We’ve just grown, grown, grown. ”Aristelle’s service-forward mission reframes lingerie as everyday underwear, helping women find comfort and confidence as they are today. Its “Love What’s Underneath” philosophy spans fashion lingerie and everyday basics, with a specialized fitting program that combines technical fit expertise with customer education. “We’re not going to solve every challenge women face, but we can make a difference in how women feel about themselves, and that is something I take very seriously,” Tucci said. “We don’t go for size; we go for fit. We all carry stories in our bodies, and I tell my customers every day: You are deserving and worthy of a bra that fits right now as you are.” This second location places Aristelle in Falmouth’s growing Route 1 retail corridor, near food, wellness, and specialty retail businesses. Tucci said she is particularly excited to join a community of women-led businesses in and around The Shops at Falmouth Square, including Café Luna, La Marchande, Josephine, and Meg and Co. For more information about Aristelle, visit www.aristelle.com. For more information about CORE, visit www.corefirms.com.

September 28, 2026

Maine real estate professionals in the news

CORE hired Andrei Vile as a property manager. Vile manages a portfolio of commercial properties in Portland, South Portland, Westbrook and Freeport. The southern Maine native brings entrepreneurial background and real estate experience to the position. “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,” said Vile. “You’re building relationships with tenants and business owners, solving problems, and dealing with situations that you can’t necessarily plan for.” Vile grew up on Peaks Island and in Freeport. He previously owned an exterior painting company, then spent time in finance before earning his real estate license and transitioning into property management. Before joining CORE, he spent two years working in property management for an affordable housing community in Portland’s East End. Read the full article here.

September 28, 2026

CORE hires Vile as property manager

“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.” Read the full article here.

September 18, 2026

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