John Petras

Since the inception of RockFarmer Properties in 2006, Petras has been directly responsible for the acquisition, debt strategy, strategic development, and construction 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, partners, and investors.

Petras also spearheads Rockfarmer’s new aero communities’ brand focused on curating a portfolio of cohesive multifamily communities. The brand is RockFarmer’s approach to the “missing middle” in the multifamily space: providing housing that is both affordable and thoughtful in nature and design, while anchored in a hospitality mindset.

A Queens native, Petras began his career in fashion and merchandising. In 1986, he founded Alexis & Gianni, a successful retailer and manufacturer of luxury woman’s outerwear. From the onset, Petras had a passion for real estate, purchasing and operating multiple investment properties 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 New York University, where he holds a BS in Accounting and an MS in Finance, respectively.

Petras currently serves on the Board of Directors of Project Nyame Nsa, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing a safe and loving home for vulnerable children throughout its newly built villages in both Ghana and Zambia. Its mission is to transform children’s lives by offering hope and instilling values, along with a sense of purpose so that their full potential can be realized. Petras also serves on Board of Directors of the Hellenic American Education Foundation, a not-for-profit which sponsors and funds educational and athletic programs for children.