News

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

Day of Porta & Co. and Soley of CORE broker $5.25 million sale of 17,600 s/f to North Yarmouth Academy

By NEREJ CORE, one of the largest integrated commercial real estate firms in Northern New England, and Porta & Company, a commercial real estate brokerage firm based in Portland, together negotiated the sale of 350 U.S. Rte. One. This 17,600 s/f commercial building was sold to North Yarmouth Academy (NYA) by 103 LLC for $5.25 million. Charles Day, partner, at Porta & Company represented the buyer, and Josh Soley, president, of CORE represented the seller. The deal, which closed May 20, 2025, was the result of an off-market listing. NYA plans to redevelop the property to expand student and faculty housing adjacent to their campus. Read the full article.

June 6, 2025

North Yarmouth Academy buys nearby building to expand boarding program

By Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz North Yarmouth Academy said it would expand student housing into a 17,600-square-foot commercial building it recently acquired for $5.25 million. The private school bought 350 U.S. Route 1 in Yarmouth from 103 LLC. Charles W. Day at Porta & Co. represented the buyer and Josh Soley of CORE represented the seller. The deal, which closed May 20, was the result of an off-market listing. North Yarmouth Academy plans to redevelop the property, which is less than a mile from its 148 Main St. campus, to expand student and faculty housing. The initiative is expected to allow the academy to attract students from around the country and the world and to develop new programs. Read the full article here.

June 4, 2025

$5.5M commercial real estate deal is one of Kennebunk’s largest

By Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz The $5.5 million acquisition of the Lafayette Center — a former mill turned office building in downtown Kennebunk — is one of the largest commercial real estate purchases in the town’s history, according to a news release. Tenants in the building include Tom’s of Maine, Kennebunk Resort Collection, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Duffy’s Tavern & Grill and Saltwater Home Interior Design. White Bark Property Management LLC bought the Lafayette Center at 2 Storer St. from Kesslen Mill LLC. David Jones and Thomas Gadbois of F.O. Bailey Real Estate represented the buyer and Josh Soley and Andre Rosignol of CORE represented the seller. For the seller, said Soley, the time was right to “simplify life.” The seller had owned the center for about five years, during which time all of the condos in the building were aggregated to put the property together as a whole. The seller also performed major improvements, including the facade and windows. Read the full article here.

May 15, 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

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