News

CORE Announces Landmark Closing of Acquisition Vehicle

CORE, the largest integrated commercial real estate firm in Northern New England, today announced the groundbreaking success of its first acquisitions vehicle. The firm closed its Kliner Industries acquisition investment vehicle in December 2025 with a 28.4% internal rate of return (IRR). “We’re extremely proud of this outcome for our investors and partners,” said Josh Soley, President of CORE. “When we first launched the CORE Acquisitions division, we knew we were forging new ground in the industry. We were introducing a new institutional model to Maine, bringing in local investors, using local assets, and setting out to deliver outcomes that were simply unheard of in this market. It’s gratifying to have not only hit but surpassed these goals.” CORE’s Acquisitions division officially launched in July 2024. Nimble and opportunistic, it set out to reduce the barrier to entry to a wide array of local investors interested in diversifying their portfolios by entering the commercial real estate market. By leveraging its own in-house team of management, development, brokerage, underwriting, and risk assessment experts, CORE offered investors and partners an innovative opportunity to deliver competitive yield and fee structures. The groundwork for the division had already been laid two years earlier when CORE formed Kliner Industries to acquire 15 Starrett Drive in Belfast, ME, which it purchased on May 4, 2022, for $2 million. The 18,850-square-foot neighborhood shopping center is prominently located at the entrance to Belfast and anchored by Belfast Drug Company. Additional tenants included New China, Sherwin-Williams, Rent-A-Center, Goodwill, and U.S. Cellular. Equity for the project totaled $700,000 and was raised from seven local investors. The acquisition was supported by $1.3 million in debt financing from Bangor Savings Bank, a long-standing CORE lending partner. CORE sold the property on December 19, 2025, for $2.8 million, delivering exceptional results to its investors. The project achieved a 28.4% IRR and a 2.41x equity multiple. Investors received a 10% annual return throughout the hold period, with quarterly distributions beginning immediately following acquisition. Since launching the division, CORE has acquired more than 40 properties. It has raised more than $50 million in total capital, with 90% coming from individual investors and $10 million raised in the past year alone. With its first investment vehicle seeing spectacular results, CORE is now focused on its next investment asset. At disposition, the firm executed a 1031 exchange to strategically defer capital gains taxes from the Belfast property and redeploy the capital toward its next opportunity. CORE’s next asset is a major property in downtown Portland; the official announcement will be shortly forthcoming. Josh Soley first founded CORE in 2017, and by 2026 the company has made more than $1 billion in sales. He is a leader in investment sales and has facilitated high-profile transactions in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Maryland, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, including sales and leases in excess of $750M. In 2024, CoStar honored Josh for the second time as a Power Broker for topping the industry in sales. In 2022, MaineBiz named Josh on their 40 Under 40 list of dynamic individuals changing Maine’s economy.

January 28, 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 Tenant Spotlight: Market Square Jewelers

Step into Market Square Jewelers on Portland’s Exchange Street and you’ll find yourself in a literal treasure trove. The store has a hushed, old-world feel with chandeliers and paintings of tall ships sailing in stormy seas. Peer down into the glass counters and you'll find an extraordinarily unique assortment of gemstones. “It’s fascinating to work here,” says Bernadette Braeuer, a Brit who has spent the past three years managing this Portland location. “It’s full of stories.” Market Square Jewelers is one of the largest estate jewelry businesses on the East Coast. The company, founded more than 40 years ago by Peter Henry, is now run by his daughter Elizabeth Andrews. They have seven stores across New England, from Portland to Portsmouth, NH, and Newburyport, MA. The family business is in a period of growth; it opened two new locations on Boston’s Charles Street and Newbury Street this past year. As an estate jeweler, the pieces for sale here are already in circulation. You’ll find jewelry from the Georgian era all the way to current era—and every single piece feels like it has its own story. “We amass these beautiful treasures and save them from melt,” explains Bernadette. “Then we assist them on their journey. Our customers love finding something so unique.” The pieces are sourced from estate sales and families across the US, with some gemstones brought in from Asia; founder Henry takes regular trips to Sri Lanka and Columbia. “The gemstones we sell are not commercial quality; ours are very high quality,” explains Bernadette. The Portland store has been a smashing success throughout its 11-year history. “Our summer is very busy; it’s almost busier than the fourth quarter, which is unusual for jewelry,” says Bernadette. “We meet people from all over the world.” But for all its old-world feel, the business also has an impressive young edge. Market Square Jewelers has over 84,000 followers on Instagram (@MarketSquareJewelers). They organize live events on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, where they draw a huge, national audience known as “Gemsters.” “The Gemsters are so passionate,” says Bernadette with a smile. “They’re based all across the country and love attending the live events our online team manages.” More recently, the Portland store launched its own Instagram handle to promote its bridal collection, @MSJ_marryme For anyone who is looking for a special and utterly unique item of jewelry, stop by Market Square Jewelers and let Bernadette and her team take you on a fascinating journey. Market Square Jewelers, 17 Exchange Street, Portland ME

January 6, 2026

Core Tenant Spotlight: Mocean

Jasper Tripp may be one of the coolest people in the Old Port. He is a designer, skate shop owner, and the creative mastermind behind Mocean at 13 Exchange Street. Step into this gleaming store and you’ll find some of the leading skater brands, as well as Jasper’s own line of fashion. You’ll also find monthly art exhibitions taking over the walls and a steady stream of creative people coming in and out—this is a true community hub. The store’s community spirit was on full display earlier this fall when “Cobble to Cobble” took over the whole of Exchange Street. For one entire afternoon, the street was closed to traffic and filled with experimental art, live music, and skateboarders doing impressive feats. Nearly 1,000 people visited the event that day—with skateboarders coming in from New York, Connecticut, and Boston. The event got covered in Thrasher Magazine, the bible of skateboarding (watch the video captured by Lurk NYC here). “It was a community get-together expressing art, music, fashion, and skateboarding,” explains Jasper. “We had vintage clothing being sold, we had this huge mural of live art. We hope to turn it into an annual event.” Jasper Tripp was born and raised in Portland, ME. His parents, Sherry and Berry Tripp, owned the original Mocean surf shop and inn in Old Orchard Beach. He started to skate when he was six years old and spent his teens snowboarding for Rome Snowboards in Lake Tahoe. By 2016, Jasper had returned to Maine and was reimagining the family business, opening Mocean as a skate shop in Portland. By 2019, he partnered with CORE to take over the highly visible, ground-floor space at 13 Exchange Street. The store is gorgeous and features some of the best skateboard lines. But it also features Jasper’s own compelling designs. “I was always a skater and fashion went hand-in-hand with it,” he explains. “My inspiration is vintage, early Americana, from the 1940s-60s. We use linen and cotton and are 100% plastic-free.” This holiday season, if you have a skater in the family, be sure to swing by Mocean and support this homegrown entrepreneur. Learn more about Mocean here and follow them on Instagram @moceanskateboards.

December 5, 2025

CORE Builds a Brokerage Powerhouse with Five New Hires

CORE, the largest integrated commercial real estate firm in Northern New England, is pleased to announce the expansion of its brokerage team with the addition of five new brokers. This fall it welcomes Brady Saunders, Clay Hardy, Seamus Henry, Bennett Joseph, and Roan Hopkins to its sales and leasing team. “We’re building a dominant organization,” said Josh Soley, President of CORE. “We’ve been expanding across divisions in 2025 with new hires in our operations and management team in January and again in the summer, and now a focus on strengthening our brokerage organization.” “We have some of the most intelligent brokers in the industry,” he continued. “And we’re focused on developing a new generation of brokers, by bringing in new talent and investing in their growth.” Two of CORE’s newest hires originally joined the organization as interns. Seamus Henry first interned at CORE in the summer of 2023 and is now a licensed Associate Broker. “The atmosphere that CORE offers as an employer really brings you the motivation you need to work well,” said Seamus. “It’s a tough industry where it can be hard to succeed, but CORE has provided me with the tools and the people to help me develop from intern to associate broker.” Roan Hopkins is another new talent in the making. He is in the final stages of completing his real estate license while balancing a full academic load at Bates College. “The culture at CORE is genuinely collaborative,” said Roan. “Senior brokers share time, playbooks, and feedback, which accelerates learning. Also, the firm is execution-oriented: hands-on exposure to valuations, LOIs, and live pitches has made my development both fast and practical.”

October 31, 2025

With acquisition of a Kittery shopping center, top priority is filling vacant storefronts

By Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz The recently launched acquisitions division of Portland real estate firm CORE bought the Kittery Shopping Center, at 360 U.S. Route 1, as a value-add opportunity. The 24,000-square-foot shopping center has six units; three of them are leased. The tenants are national clothing retailers Brooks Brothers and Talbots, along with Sustenance Herbs, a locally based organic pet food store. “Repositioning this shopping center is an exciting opportunity to continue CORE’s contributions to Kittery’s thriving retail landscape,” said Frank Carr, director of CORE’s brokerage division. “This acquisition represents our commitment to revitalizing key properties across New England, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on the local business community.” View the full article here.

October 30, 2024

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

CORE Launches Acquisitions Division, Offers Wider Array of Investors the Opportunity to Enter the Commercial Real Estate Market

CORE, the largest full-service commercial real estate firm in Northern New England, today announced the launch of CORE Acquisitions. This significant expansion builds upon the recent growth of CORE’s brokerage and management divisions and closely follows the company’s recent rebranding announcement. Based in Portland, Maine, CORE will immediately begin targeting acquisition deals across the Eastern Seaboard while sharing unique capital opportunities. In doing so, the company will remain agile in the dynamic acquisitions space while also reducing the barrier to entry to a wider array of investors interested in diversifying their portfolio by entering the commercial real estate market. “In today’s ever-changing world, real estate remains a fundamental pillar for those seeking financial freedom and generational wealth through passive income,” said CORE President, Josh Soley, who will lead CORE Acquisitions. “Our fully integrated model ensures that we are always nimble and opportunistic, offering our investors and partners the next innovative opportunity in order to deliver competitive yield and fee structures. By leveraging our in-house team of management, development, brokerage, underwriting, and risk assessment experts we can select the best assets for each investment vehicle.” A February 2024 Ipsos poll shared that 81 percent of respondents agreed that while growing up, they did not learn enough about investing to feel empowered to reach their financial goals. CORE Acquisitions enhances the company’s comprehensive service portfolio by offering investors solutions to overcome obstacles while remaining opportunistic against market trends. The firm’s ability to self-perform most operational duties also allows CORE to better control investment outcomes, offering a unique value proposition to current and future investors. CORE President, Josh Soley, founded the company in 2017, He specializes in investment sales and has facilitated high-profile transactions in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Maryland, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, including sales and leases in excess of $500M. In 2021, CoStar honored Josh as a Power Broker for topping the industry in sales. In 2022, MaineBiz named Josh on their 40 Under 40 list of dynamic individuals changing Maine’s economy.

July 10, 2024