VanRockCRE Welcomes Industry Veteran Lew Finkelstein
Midland Park, NJ – January 12, 2026 — VanRockCRE, a full-service commercial real estate brokerage firm based in Midland Park, New Jersey, proudly announces that Lew Finkelstein has joined the firm, bringing decades of industry experience, deep market relationships, and a proven track record of success across New Jersey’s retail real estate landscape.
Finkelstein joins VanRockCRE after a distinguished 24-year career at The Goldstein Group, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the firm’s most accomplished brokers. He joined the company in 2002, was promoted to Vice President in 2005, and later named Executive Vice President in 2013. Throughout his career, Finkelstein has been recognized with multiple CoStar “Power Broker of the Year” awards, reflecting his consistent performance and leadership within the industry.
Prior to entering commercial real estate, Finkelstein spent the first 25 years of his professional career in the garment industry, where he manufactured domestically after graduating from Rider College. That entrepreneurial foundation helped shape the business acumen and work ethic that would later define his success in real estate brokerage.
Over the course of his career, Finkelstein has completed more than 800 transactions totaling over $1 billion in deal volume. He has been a leading broker in exclusively representing major national tenants in their New Jersey expansion efforts, including 7-Eleven and T-Mobile, along with additional tenant representations such as Capital One Bank, Great Clips, Strauss Discount Auto, Verizon Wireless, Retro Fitness.
On the landlord side, Finkelstein has represented an extensive roster of institutional and private owners, including Vornado Realty, Urban Edge, Maxim Enterprises, Urstadt Biddle Properties, Wasa Properties, PMG Petroleum, and Black Greek Group, among many others. His experience also includes brokering numerous net-leased investment properties for brands such as TD Bank, Wawa, Chipotle, Aldi, Harbor Freight, ShopRIte, and 7-Eleven. Additionally, Finkelstein has successfully brokered the sale of numerous shopping centers across New Jersey.
“Lew is a highly respected professional whose reputation, experience, and relationships speak for themselves,” said CJ Huter, Founding Principal of VanRockCRE. “Having worked alongside Lew for many years, Marc and I know firsthand the value he brings to clients. His addition further strengthens our platform and reinforces our commitment to delivering best-in-class representation.”
“Lew’s career reflects exactly what VanRockCRE stands for: integrity, market expertise, and long-term client relationships,” added Marc Palestina, Founding Principal. “We’re thrilled to welcome him as a valued member of our growing team.”
Finkelstein’s decision to join VanRockCRE represents a natural next chapter following his long-standing professional relationship with Huter and Palestina. In his new role, he will focus on landlord representation, tenant representation, and investment sales throughout New Jersey, leveraging his extensive contacts and market knowledge to drive results for clients.
“I’m excited to join VanRockCRE and reunite with CJ and Marc as we continue to build something special,” said Lew Finkelstein. “After a very successful career at The Goldstein Group, this opportunity allows me to bring my experience and relationships to a firm that is focused, entrepreneurial, and client-driven.”
About VanRockCRE
Founded in 2025, VanRockCRE is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage firm headquartered in Midland Park, New Jersey. The firm specializes in Landlord and Tenant Representation, Investment Sales, Development, and Property Management within the Retail and Mixed-Use properties. With more than 2,000 transactions and $1.5 billion in lifetime deal volume, VanRockCRE combines market expertise with a client-first approach to deliver exceptional results and lasting partnerships.
For more information, visit www.vanrockcre.com or contact info@vanrockcre.com.
