CTREIA | Executive Team

CTREIA is the largest real estate investors and apartment owners association in the Northeast.

Let’s face it: If you want to change your life, you need the best coaches.

Some once said "it ain’t bragging if it’s true". Quite simply our coaching team has some of the best experience and expertise anywhere in America and
they are here to help ensure your success.

Our coaches have written several books on real estate investing, have been approached for reality tv shows on real estate investing, run billion dollars businesses, spoken at events all across the USA…and more.

For over 15 years, CTREIA has been minting millionaires in real estate investing right here in Connecticut.

Are you next?

Meet The Team

Tommy Nevue
CEO & Dir. of Coaching

Tommy Nevue Jr. brings a powerful blend of operational leadership, construction know-how, and real estate expertise to the team. After two decades managing high-volume car dealerships as a General Manager and Sales Director, Tommy made the leap into real estate—driven by a desire to create more freedom and time with his young family.

Handy by nature and passionate about properties, Tommy became both a licensed contractor and real estate agent as he entered the industry. He now leads one of Connecticut’s largest property disposition operations and oversees a 20+ person wholesaling team known for efficiently handling even the most complex real estate deals.

A natural leader and mentor, Tommy finds purpose in coaching others to break free from the 9-to-5 grind and build lasting wealth through real estate. His hands-on experience, team-first mindset, and commitment to teaching make him a trusted voice for both new and experienced investors.

When he’s not working on deals or mentoring students, Tommy enjoys coaching his kids’ soccer teams and spending time outdoors with his family—and their beloved Rottweilers.

Mark Valenti: Coach & CFO

Nick Devine
COO & Dir. of Coaching
CTREIA Coaching Grad

Nick Devine brings a winning combination of sales expertise, entrepreneurial drive, and hands-on real estate experience to the table. After earning his MBA, Nick launched his career in healthcare staffing, quickly rising to become a top sales producer at two fast-growing startups.

But his entrepreneurial spirit had bigger plans. While exploring a transition from sales to business ownership, Nick found his passion in real estate. He became the first coaching student at CTREIA under its previous leadership—a full-circle moment now, as he partners in leading the very organization that launched his investing career.

Nick specializes in guiding agents and students through complex real estate transactions, drawing from both his own investment experience and his natural ability to connect, simplify, and lead. Whether navigating a deal or mentoring new investors, he brings energy, strategy, and real-world insight to every conversation.

When he’s not closing deals or coaching others, you’ll find Nick golfing, bowling, or spending time with his favorite people—and one very lovable, droopy dog named Reorge.

Lisa Romano
CFO, CMO & Dir. of Coaching

Lisa Romano is a multifaceted real estate professional with deep expertise in investing, renovating, buy-and-hold strategies, selling, and coaching. She has hands-on experience in flipping properties, managing long- and short-term rentals, and structuring creative deals—helping clients and investors move forward with confidence.

Her passion for real estate began when she built her own home and grew after renovating a beach house - turned into an AirBnb. That experience led her to co-found a real estate investment company with her daughter, focused on solving real estate challenges and revitalizing communities.

A Connecticut native, Lisa works locally and nationally. Her extensive network of investors, brokers, lenders, and property managers across the country allows her to bring broad opportunities and insights to every deal.

Lisa trained at the highest levels of FortuneBuilders, one of the top investor education companies, and later used her background to coach new investors through HomeSchooled by Tarek, founded by HGTV’s Tarek El Moussa.

Before real estate, Lisa spent over 20 years leading executive teams in the financial services software industry at global corporations—experience that shapes her strategic and business-minded approach today.

An active investor, licensed Realtor, and dedicated coach, Lisa is known for her practical expertise, approachable style, and genuine commitment to helping others succeed in investing—at any stage of the journey. Lisa enjoys spending quality time with her daughter, son-in-law, and two young grandchildren. A proud Connecticut native, she lives in a beautiful shoreline town where beach walks and family dinners are part of everyday life.

Ron Faraci: Director of Coach & CFO

Mark Valenti
CTREIA Coach
Real Estate Investor since 2008 &
CTREIA Coaching Grad

Mark has been investing in real estate in Connecticut and Florida for several years. A highly successful flipper and wholesaler Mark is an accomplished author, speaker, CPA and ran a billion dollar per year loan business that was highly regarded on Wall Street.

Mark enjoys traveling and spending time with his family at his second home in Florida.

Richard Brown

Rich Brown
CTREIA Coach
Real Estate Investor since 2011 & CTREIA Coaching Grad

Rich was hooked on real estate investment after a challenging, sleeves-up first project in 2011. The renewed property created enduring change in its neighborhood, and this ignited a passion to uplift communities, one property at a time. Rich's career spans non-profit and business environments where he specialized in bringing together the right people for the right purpose.

After years of side projects, Rich formally launched his real estate investment company, Five Eight Holdings, in 2018. He has served on the Board of Directors for multiple organizations dedicated to children's welfare, economic empowerment, social services, and education.

When not at the basketball court with his son, Rich invests in and transforms homes and rental properties for renovation, sale, and community.

Mark Valenti: Coach & CFO

Ron Faraci
CTREIA Coach
Real Estate Investor since 2008 &
CTREIA Coaching Grad

As one of the larger landlords in Central Connecticut, Ron is considered by some to be the preeminent authority in America on how to identify, acquire and manage multi-family properties for passive income. Since retiring from the workforce in his 40’s he has authored 2 leading books on multi-family investing, been approached by several reality TV shows, and is a nationally sought-after speaker. He enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 dogs traveling in their RV.

Extended Menu

CTREIA is the largest real estate investors and apartment owners association in the Northeast.

Meet The Team

Tommy NevueCEO & Dir. of Coaching

Nick Devine COO & Dir. of CoachingCTREIA Coaching Grad

Lisa Romano CFO, CMO & Dir. of Coaching

Mark ValentiCTREIA CoachReal Estate Investor since 2008 & CTREIA Coaching Grad

Rich BrownCTREIA CoachReal Estate Investor since 2011 & CTREIA Coaching Grad