MEET THE TEAM
George Michelis
Co-Founder and Managing Principal of RockFarmer Properties
George Michelis has been in the real estate industry for over a decade, directing RockFarmer Properties’ business development, financial performance, and strategic planning. As the Managing Principal of the company’s development, funding, financing properties, and management services, George ensures that the success of our partners, investors, and clients remain a top priority. Today, the company’s investment and management portfolio includes over 2,200 residential and commercial units. George Michelis is also a Managing Principal of Douglaston Realty Management Corp. (“DRMC”), the company’s property management affiliate.
George is a member of eight co-op and condominium boards in New York City, affording him special insight into the inner workings and complexities associated with both the ownership and management of this unique type of real estate, and the strategies that provide for their long-term growth and sustainability.
George is also the Managing Principal of MP Property Group II and III and Douglaston Equities Opportunity Fund II and III, entities that own numerous residential, commercial, and mixed use properties.
An active community philanthropist, George is the founder of the Hellenic American Educational Foundation, which sponsors and funds educational and athletic programs for children. He is a graduate of Hofstra University with a BA in Finance. Prior to his involvement in real estate, George worked on Wall Street for eight years and became a partner at Schonfeld Securities.
“New York represents a constantly changing landscape of opportunity. But I think when you understand lifestyle and can anticipate people’s desires, sometimes even before they do, you’re headed in a good direction.”
John Petras
Co-Founder and Managing Principal of RockFarmer Properties
Since the inception of RockFarmer Properties in 2006, Petras has been directly responsible for the acquisition, financing, strategic development, construction and renovation of more than 2 million square feet of multifamily, office and retail properties representing a total value of more than $2 billion.
With a focus on creating truly transformative properties, Petras is a firm believer in forming strategic, longstanding, and collaborative relationships with key market participants, including lenders, owners, operators and investors.
A Queens native, Petras began his career in fashion and merchandising. In 1986, he founded Alexis & Gianni Retail, a highly successful retailer and manufacturer of luxury outerwear. From the onset, Petras had his eye on real estate, purchasing a number/variety of investment properties throughout the 90s and early 2000s before selling his business in 2006 to pursue real estate full time.
Petras serves as Managing Principal of Douglaston Realty Management Corp., RockFarmer Properties’ property management affiliate. Petras is a graduate of Long Island University/CW Post and NYU, where he holds a BS in Accounting and an MS in Finance, respectively.
“Relationships are key, whether between landlord and tenant or investor and developer. It’s about outlining expectations and managing them proactively.”
Gregory Michelis
Founder, Douglaston Realty Management Corp and Special Investment Advisor to RockFarmer Properties
Gregory founded Douglaston Realty Management in 1977, a property management firm and established a team to capitalize on the many underutilized, undervalued properties he encountered as a licensed real estate broker in New York City.
Through savvy investments, excellent banking relationships, and strategic investment partnerships, Gregory grew Douglaston into the real estate leader it is today, with over 2,000 units under management.
Gregory oversees strategic direction, property acquisitions, investment partnerships, and building inspections. Gregory also sits on RockFarmer’s Investment Committee and provides keen insight utilizing his vast experience.
Gregory was one of the initial founders of Marathon Bank and served on its Board of Directors since 1990 up until December 2012 when the bank was acquired by Investors Bank.
His foresight and insight have yielded exceptional returns for RockFarmer’s investment clients. He credits the company’s success to a unique vision, seizing opportunities in the market, providing an enhanced living experience for tenants and owners, and uplifting neighborhoods and communities along the way.
“I’ve been doing this for over 40 years, and I’ve seen a lot. The fundamentals don’t change. Identifying minimally distressed portfolios in great locations presents a tremendous upside to us.”
Kostas Koutsothanasis
Chief Operating Officer & Controller of RockFarmer Properties and affiliates
Kostas Koutsothanasis is the Chief Operating Officer & Controller at RockFarmer Properties, Douglaston Realty Management Corp and its affiliates.
He joined the team in 2016 and is responsible for strategic business policies, financial reporting, human resources, all phases of building management, investor relations and administration support of all operations of the companies.
Prior to joining RockFarmer/Douglaston he was at Blackstone and George Comfort & Sons. He graduated from St. John’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
“’We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.’ – Aristotle”