Mainebiz

59 B U S I N E S S P RO F I L E S B U S I N E S S P R O F I L E S S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N Mike Cobb has been a licensed real estate professional in Maine since 2007. He has a background in construction, project manage- ment and land development; and extensive experience in client negotiations. Cobb became a partner in 2015. Cobb was exposed to real estate development from a young age, thanks to his father, a builder and broker. "I grew up around building single-family houses, doing summer jobs, everything from finish work to lugging shingles," he says. Cobb always loved big-building architecture, so it was a natural progression into commercial. Joining Cardente in 2013, he clicked. "We're all looking out for each other, pushing each other's listings, trying to get deals done." He likes the firm's local character, too. "We're built and operated in Maine. From a client's perspec- tive, they know we care about the market we work in." Top accomplishments include finding a buyer for 959 Congress St. in Portland—a $1.287 million transaction—just days after he joined the firm; and the record downtown Bangor sale of a luxury apartment building at 28 Broad St., for $3.125 million. "e important part is getting to the finish line, and that revolves around client expectations," he says. "I'm always going to be the straight-shooter for our clients." Mark Sandler joined Cardente in 2015. Previously, he was president of Sandler Brothers, a family-owned food distribution company. But he had a passion for commercial real estate. "I met Matt and liked the way he did real estate," Sandler says. "e brokers are knowledgeable, personable, honest and hard-working." Sandler's focus is on building relationships. "You treat people fairly and you're honest. For clients, that means looking out for their best interests." Restaurant transactions are favorites, like the family-owned Captain's Galley in Old Orchard Beach. He recently connected a Windham property-owner with a New York family opening a Japanese restaurant. Cheri Bonawitz joined Cardente in October 2016, bringing extensive experience in commercial leasing and sales. Practicing real estate in Maine since 2009, one of Bonawitz's larger accom- plishments was her team involvement with the sale of J&S Oil in April 2016. Cardente is a natural fit. "ey're professional and helpful, with a wealth of knowledge. We often team up with each other. Clients aren't hiring just one of us, but the knowledge that we all have." Bonawitz counts the $1.5 million sale of the 19th century Higgins Beach Inn, in Scarborough, as a memorable transaction. "We took the time to find the right buyer and, after a recent total renovation, Higgins Beach Inn is beginning a new chapter." e most important traits for a broker? "You have to be patient and listen to your client." Marnie Coleman joined Cardente in January 2017 as Director of Operations. She's been a Maine real estate agent since 2010, achieving her broker license in 2017. Before Cardente, Coleman was most recently Assistant Market Center Administrator at Keller Williams Realty. She got involved in real estate by happenstance. "My buyer's agent needed an assistant. Six months later I was licensed and kept going." She loves the field. "You're in the hub of business activity, and it's always interesting." Cardente brought the opportunity to work for a smaller firm where she can grow professionally. "I needed to get out of my comfort zone and keep learning." Maria Horn recently joined the staff as marketing assistant, landing in Maine from New Mexico. "I was learning graphic design in Santa Fe and was ready to get out of the desert," she says. Horn loves Maine and plans to explore the beaches. She also enjoys Cardente and sees her new position as a great way to grow her graphic design portfolio and learn about real estate marketing. "Everybody is friendly and helpful. A family business is a great place to work." Andrew LeBlanc joined the firm in June 2017 after being an agent at the Dunham Group. LeBlanc brings extensive experience in the financial and commercial sector, most recently managing a large portfolio of commercial properties at Vickery Downing Associates. "We have a very loyal and experienced brokerage team in place, with many of them directly responsible for making what Cardente Real Estate has become today," says Matthew Cardente, Designated Broker and President of Cardente Real Estate. "I say 'team,' but to me, they are all my family." Cardente has been a licensed Maine Broker for 17 years and for over 10 years in the State of New Hampshire. "You always know you have great people by your side when you learn something new from them every day." l P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F C A R D E N T E R E A L E S T A T E Top: Cardente Real Estate brokered the sale of a luxury apartment building at 28 Broad St. in downtown Bangor for $3.125 million. Bottom: The 19th century Higgins Beach Inn, in Scarborough, before and after (in inset) its purchase and renovation.

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