News

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

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