News

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 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

CORE Appoints Ben Spencer as First Broker Shareholder Ahead of Broader Expansion

CORE, the largest integrated commercial real estate firm in Northern New England, has announced the appointment of Ben Spencer as its first shareholder from within its brokerage team, marking a significant step in the company’s evolution and long-term growth strategy. Since its founding in 2017, CORE has rapidly built a reputation for its full-service platform spanning sales, leasing, acquisitions, and asset management. Spencer joined the firm in 2020 and, over the past several years, has played a key role in its expansion. As Senior Vice President, Spencer has led CORE’s Central Maine office and built a significant portfolio of transactions across the region. “From the beginning, CORE has been built on the idea that the right people, working together, create something far greater than the sum of its parts,” said Josh Soley, President of CORE. “Ben embodies that philosophy. He’s put in the time and consistently delivered for clients and the team. Just as importantly, he’s committed to building his future here. This is an important step as we continue to create opportunities for our brokers to grow with the firm.” “This is a meaningful step for me, both professionally and personally,” said Spencer. “CORE has created an environment where hard work, collaboration, and long-term thinking are genuinely valued. I’m proud of what we’ve built so far and excited to help shape what comes next.” Spencer began his real estate journey at the age of 19 when he purchased his first multifamily apartment complex. He brings significant sales experience from his previous role as Senior Vice President. Before joining CORE, Spencer led the sales team at A-COPI, a commercial copier sales and service company based in Gardiner. His performance earned him recognition as one of New England’s top sales professionals from 2017 to 2020, including achieving President’s Club honors in 2019. Spencer’s appointment comes as CORE prepares for its next phase of growth, including planned geographic expansion, continued investment in its platform, and the introduction of additional shareholder opportunities for high-performing team members. These initiatives will be further highlighted in the coming months alongside the launch of the firm’s new website.

April 7, 2026

Portland-based CORE expands third-party property management

By Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz CORE, a commercial real estate firm in Portland, said the expansion of its third-party property management division was marked by the addition of several management contracts and team growth throughout 2025. In recent months, CORE assumed property management responsibilities for a diverse and increasingly complex portfolio of commercial and institutional assets, according to a news release. Among the additions was Clarks Pond Shopping Center at 200 Gorham Road in South Portland. The retail center is anchored by national tenants including Rockler and Olive Garden as well as New England brands like B.Good and Shaking Crab. CORE’s role includes oversight of day-to-day operations, tenant relations, financial management and long-term asset performance. “Clients are looking for a partner who understands the full lifecycle of a property — not just operations, but how management decisions impact value over time,” said Josh Soley, the firm’s president. View the full article here.

January 27, 2026

CORE Leadership Team Honored with Industry Awards

CORE, the largest full-service commercial real estate firm in Northern New England, is delighted to announce that several of its brokers have been awarded important industry recognitions. Andre Rossignol—an executive vice president at CORE—was awarded a New England Real Estate Journal (NEREJ) Ones to Watch – RISING STARS spotlight. Rossingnol was featured in NEREJ’s annual issue in May, showcasing professionals making a strong impact within their firms and across the New England CRE industry. Meanwhile, Josh Soley, President of CORE, received the annual CoStar Power Broker Award for 2024 earlier this spring. CoStar—an industry-leading commercial real estate information, analytics and news platform—verifies and analyzes thousands of deals to identify winners in each market. It is the second time Soley has received the accolade. “It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized for these awards,” said Josh Soley. “I’m grateful to CoStar for their important work in the industry, and even more grateful to the powerful team we have at CORE that led to my winning this award. It’s also excellent to see Andre Rossingnol recognized by NEREJ, he is a phenomenally talented broker who has a sharp entrepreneurial sense and real leadership qualities.” In the NEREJ issue, Andre was asked to share a recent milestone he is proud of. He pointed to helping a client lease their 25,000 square foot warehouse in Sanford, Maine. They had operated a family business there, retreading tires for 20 years. “I negotiated a deal with a strong tenant that far exceeded their expectations,” explains Andre. “The new tenant runs power restoration efforts throughout Maine and was equally delighted with the space. I am proud of this project because many people had overlooked the deal, with Sanford being far from Portland market. And most importantly, what was once a vacant building is now a cash-flowing generational asset for the client and his family, turning a business exit into long term financial security.” You can read the full interview here.

June 12, 2025

CORE Welcomes Chip Lawrence to Sales and Leasing Team

CORE, the largest full-service commercial real estate firm in Northern New England, today announced the hiring of Chip Lawrence to the role of Sales Operations Manager and Corporate Pilot. Chip brings extensive experience in updating systems for workforce engagement solutions and wireless networks. He’s also served in the U.S. Navy as a helicopter pilot. “I’m excited to be taking on this role at CORE,” said Lawrence. “Josh Soley is a sincere leader; he wants to do a good job and make sure everyone is taken care of, from the analyst to the clients. The company is filled with potential—people here are motivated, and it makes for a great working environment.” With over $125 billion worth of property and nearly 20 million acres of land, CORE has seen unprecedented sale amounts over consecutive years on multifamily, retail, industrial, and mixed-use properties. It has a vertically integrated business model, from brokerage to property management and in-house maintenance. Lawrence’s role will be to build further efficiencies into the firm’s customer-facing services, standardizing data and allowing it to be seamlessly shared across verticals. Lawrence has a background in technology and aviation. Hailing from New Jersey, he earned a BS in Aviation Business Administration and Airline Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Lawrence spent seven years in the U.S. Navy as a helicopter pilot. He has worked for Aspect Communications and Witness Systems, managing both hardware and wi-fi systems. He’s also taught flying throughout Maine. “Chip Lawrence brings strong operational credentials to this role at CORE,” says Josh Soley, President of CORE. “He knows how to simplify systems and make things work in a cohesive way. He’s a key part of our team that’s leading the vertical integration of data across our divisions. We’re becoming a more integrated service company in our bid to offer the highest quality customer service.”

May 13, 2025

2024 Women in CRE: Dajana Derman, CORE

On September 27, Dajana Derman, CORE’s Director of Operations and Management was honored in the New England Real Estate Journal’s 2024 Women in Commercial Real Estate Spotlight. In a brief Q&A, Dajana shared her thoughts and insights on being a leader in this industry, as well as advice for women looking to make an impact in commercial real estate. What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of? I’m most proud of leading our team through 360 US-1 in Kittery, a recent large-scale property acquisition that required creative problem-solving and strong collaboration. As director of operations and management, I focus on fostering teamwork and building relationships, which are key to delivering exceptional results for our clients. There are so many moments in a career that remind you why inclusivity matters. Your thoughts, your voice, what you see and know needs to be addressed for the best result possible. Contributing to CORE’s growth and collective success is empowering. What challenges have you faced as a woman in commercial real estate? Navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry has certainly posed challenges, but it’s also been a source of motivation. CORE is different. The team is intentional in aligning strengths with opportunity. Woman, man, you are given the chance to grow your confidence in yourself and your decisions, the ability to assert your point and your voice. Something particularly special is the opportunity to be a mentor and knowing that each team member is a valued influence on overcoming barriers and driving the company’s growth in this field. What is your vision for the future of women in commercial real estate? I was born and raised in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As an immigrant to the U.S. my vision for women in this field is the same as my intention behind coming to this country: the equal opportunity to succeed and lead. I believe the future will see more women, of all backgrounds, embracing their unique perspectives, which will bring greater innovation and resilience to the industry. We need to foster environments where all people are empowered to lead, mentor, and support each other, creating lasting change. What advice do you have for young women aspiring to enter commercial real estate? Don’t underestimate the value you bring to the table. Commercial real estate is an incredibly competitive field, and it demands grit. You can’t give up. You need to be confident in your decisions and the questions that you ask. Seek out mentors, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and always stay true to your vision. Why should this nominee be recognized in our Women in Commercial Real Estate Spotlight? “Dajana is an exceptional leader at CORE, known for her strategic insight and ability to handle complex transactions with precision. Her dedication to excellence, high attention to detail, and client relationships consistently elevates our work. Dajana’s forward-thinking approach has significantly contributed to our collective success while paving the way for many others, men and women, on our team and in this industry. Her talent, vision, and resilience make her a standout member of every meeting and deal, making her an ideal candidate for the Women in Commercial Real Estate Spotlight.” – Josh Soley, SIOR, CCIM, President at CORE.

September 30, 2024

CORE Announces Promotion of Andre Rossignol to Assistant Vice President

CORE, the largest full-service commercial real estate firm in Northern New England, today announced the promotion of Andre Rossignol from Associate to Assistant Vice President. The move reflects the increasing breadth of CORE’s investment strategies and continued expansion. “Andre’s intensely entrepreneurial spirit and client-focused work ethic makes him an asset to our team,” said Frank Carr, Director of CORE’s Brokerage Division. “This firm is a celebration of skill, talent, and that drive to push harder and grow further. Andre exemplifies the type of leadership that inspires others to help propel CORE to new heights.” Andre joined CORE in 2023. In 2021, he founded Rossignol Performance & Fitness, a gym located in Caribou, Maine – opening a second location in Presque Isle two years later. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine in Presque Isle in 2021. To date, his work at CORE has garnered roughly $5.5M in closed deals. “CORE is a trailblazer in the commercial real estate market, well-known for its innovative spirit and deep commitment to its clients’ goals,” said Rossignol. “I’m honored by this promotion and eager to lean into our continued growth. I look forward to creating opportunities that not only elevate our brand but also empower our team to achieve even greater success for our clients.” In the 18th edition of its index, the Maine Real Estate and Development Association (MEREDA) noted that the commercial component of the index increased by roughly 23 percent. With more than $125B of property throughout the state of Maine and nearly 20M acres of land, CORE has recently begun targeting acquisition deals across the Eastern Seaboard with the company’s recent launch of CORE Acquisitions. “Our success is built on the talent and dedication of our team members,” said Carr. “For those looking to enter this dynamic space, consider a career with CORE.”

August 7, 2024