Success comes to those who keep showing up.

Last Friday, I was walking to the office, back from the SIOR Global Fall Event in Louisville; an amazing event, full of great people and even better insights.

Had a great time sharing the stage with Saadia Sheikh & my coach, Rod Santomassimo. Having dinner with them and Emmitt J. Smith, Faraz Cheema, and others was an incredible time and experience. The Knakal Knetwoking event was a hit! And who can forget Saadia's dog, Winston!

It was a fantastic time, but what struck me, is that normally on Fridays, I work from home. Being away most of the week, I knew I had to get to the office. The Manhasset parking lot was a quarter full. The train was practically empty.

Deals don't close themselves. And leadership doesn't take Fridays off. Being present matters more than you think. So here's how I want to challenge you today:

If it's a slow day, I want want you to lean in. Don't think you can skip it.

You never know who else might be showing up and what opportunities they're bringing with them.

#AWalkDownTheStreet #BKREA #NYCRealEstate

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The $700M Pitch, Homework, and a Lesson from My 16-Year-Old | AWDTS

In this episode of A Walk Down the Street, Bob Knakal shares a funny and meaningful moment between fatherhood and brokerage.

After advising his daughter to “stay up late and finish her homework,” Bob realizes he’s doing the exact same thing: preparing deep into the night for a $700 million development pitch.

📌 This quick story highlights the often overlooked truth about success:
✅ Even seasoned professionals have to stay up late and do the work.
✅ Preparation is non-negotiable — whether you're 16 or 60.
✅ The grind never really ends — it just evolves.

🎯 Whether you're a broker prepping for your next pitch, a parent balancing work and family, or just someone who’s been burning the midnight oil — this story will hit home.

💡 IN THIS VIDEO:
– What a $700M pitch has in common with high school homework
– Why late-night rehearsal is part of the game
– A funny parenting moment that mirrors professional life
– How commitment shows up in unexpected ways

📌 More from Bob Knakal:
🔗 Website: https://www.bkrea.com
📩 Email: BK@BKREA.com
📱 Call or Text: 917-509-9501
📸 Instagram: @BobKnakalNYC

#AWDTS #RealEstatePitch #BrokerLife #BobKnakal #CommercialRealEstate #FunnyBrokerMoments #PitchPrep #ParentingAndWork #CREDiscipline #LateNightGrind #BrokerWisdom #LeadershipLessons

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Prospecting is the gasoline that makes the car go.

And yet, less than 5% of brokers have a formal plan. No schedule. No target list. No consistency.

If you know who to call, when to call, and actually make those calls, you’ve already separated yourself from most of the industry.

It’s not flashy. It’s just discipline. And it works.

Watch the full podcast on YouTube.


#BKREA #NYCRealEstate #CRE #BrokerLife #RealEstateBroker

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Old School Still Works…

I recently got a great question from Seth Hensley at Hensley Mortgage LLC: “Before CRMs, how did you manage your leads and contacts?”

The short answer? I still do it the same way.

Yes, we have a CRM. But my system is and always has been, fundamentally analog.

Three tools run my business:
↳ The To-Do List – A rotating email I send to myself, constantly updated. It’s my daily game plan.
↳ The Call List – Printed sheets I mark up every day. Each interaction gets logged manually. If there’s a follow-up, I write it down. This drives my goal of 100 connections per week.
↳ The Lead List – A good old-fashioned Excel file. Every new lead goes on it. I review it constantly.

These three pieces of paper and digital notes keep me organized, focused, and accountable. As my coach @themassimogroup reminds me, track everything.

You don’t need fancy software. You need a system that you’ll actually use. The best CRM? The one that gets you to make the calls. Because nothing generates revenue like consistent prospecting.

Whatever you use just work it like your business depends on it. Because it does.

Keep the questions coming in. You keep asking and I'll keep answering.

#WWBKD #ProspectingMatters #SalesDiscipline

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In the mid-80s, there was no reliable ownership data. So Paul and I created our own system block by block, call by call. I focused on 55th to 63rd, Lexington to 1st.

We walked those streets constantly, got to know every building, every owner. It was hyperlocal expertise before that was even a term. And it worked we knew those neighborhoods better than anyone else.

That’s how it all started.

Watch the full podcast on YouTube.


#BKREA #NYCRealEstate #CRE #BrokerLife #RealEstateBroker

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Every broker wants to win in a strong market. The best ones are built in the down cycles.

In the latest episode of The Bob Knakal Show, I sat down with my friend Bruce Mosler, Chairman of Global Brokerage at Cushman & Wakefield, for a candid conversation on what it really takes to stay relevant and successful in this business.

Here’s what we covered:
↳ How to navigate the ups and downs of market cycles and why you grow more from the tough times
↳ Why the dopamine rush of the business keeps you coming back for more
↳ The difference between being “good at deals” vs. being a true leader
↳ What Bruce learned running a global firm through 2008 and what applies today
↳ Why young brokers need to be curious, consistent, and coachable if they want to thrive

Bruce said it best: “The best brokers are students of the market. The ones who stop learning get left behind.”

This episode is real, raw, and packed with takeaways for brokers, team leaders, and entrepreneurs trying to play the long game.

Watch the full episode now on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/HgT5jccjv70

And if you’ve ever wondered what keeps someone like Bruce Mosler fired up after decades in the business, you’ll get your answer.

Thanks to CREXI for being an industry partner and for sponsoring The Bob Knakal Show.

#TheBobKnakalShow #BKREA #NYCRealEstate

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Real estate never sleeps…

Hitting the road and on my way to Louisville, Kentucky to speak at SIOR Global Fall event and I couldn't be more excited!

Today, I'll be sharing the stage with my broker coach, friend and co-author, Rod Santomassimo. We are going to discuss the core principles of brokerage, real estate strategy, and lessons from our book, "Selling Buildings."

Then later tonight, we will be at another great Knakal Knetworking event with Raphael Collazo and Will Bockoven. Come by, get a signed copy, and let's talk real estate!

What I love about this business is that it’s never really “off.” The early flights, the packed rooms, the chance to connect with brokers from around the country… this is how we keep getting better.

If you’re in Louisville, I hope to see you today. If not, drop me a message. Would love to hear what you're building and how we can support each other.

#SIORFallEvent #AWalkDownTheStreet #BKREA #bobknakal #theknakalmaproom #investmentsales #CapitalMarkets #SellingBuildings #knakalknetworking

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In this powerful and inspiring episode of The Bob Knakal Show, Bob sits down with Bruce Mosler, Chairman of Global Brokerage at Cushman & Wakefield, for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on everything from real estate evolution, leadership, negotiation, and the future of brokerage—to personal stories of grit, setbacks, comebacks, and legacy.

Bruce shares untold stories from his journey, including the rise of boutique shops like Riverbank, the transformative acquisition of Cushman & Wakefield, and managing through the 2008 financial crisis. He opens up about the lessons learned from failures, his favorite deal ever, and why negotiation is more about people than power.

🔔 Subscribe & Hit the Bell: Get notified when new episodes drop!

▶️ Whether you're a young broker or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights, rare wisdom, and inspiration that will change how you think about real estate, leadership, and longevity.



💡 IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 – Introduction: Bob Knakal & Bruce Mosler
03:00 – Bruce's NYC childhood and early career moves
06:45 – The grind of brokerage and importance of mentorship
09:15 – The rise of Riverbank and navigating boutique vs. global
15:30 – Becoming CEO of Cushman & Wakefield
18:20 – Managing through 2008: Real leadership under pressure
20:45 – The power of pitching and teamwork
24:30 – Bruce’s negotiation strategy
27:10 – Favorite deal: The complex, high-stakes Reuters transaction
33:00 – Personal passions: Montauk, fishing, and his coffee table book
38:00 – Final advice for young brokers


📚 Mentioned in the Episode:
Cushman & Wakefield
Riverbank
Steve Siegel’s book
Reuters / Rudin deal
BKREA by Bob Knakal

👥 Special Thanks to:
The Bob Knakal Show is brought to you by Crexi – The most powerful platform to prospect, evaluate, connect & close in CRE.


📌 FOLLOW US:

LinkedIn: Bob Knakal
Instagram: @BobKnakalNYC
Twitter/X: @BobKnakal
Website: bkrea.com
📣 Don’t forget to Like, Comment & Share this episode with a colleague, broker, or mentor who needs to hear this!



#RealEstateBrokerage #BruceMosler #BobKnakal #CRE #CushmanWakefield #OfficeLeasing #Leadership #BrokerLife #BKREA #NegotiationTips #CareerAdvice #Montauk #NewYorkCity #CrexiPartner

4 Replies


Connect with Bob:

🔔 Subscribe to my Newsletter: https://linktr.ee/bobknakalnyc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobknakal/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobKnakalNYC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BobKnakalNYC
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BobKnakal

#nycrealestate #investmentsalesnyc #capitalmarkets #bobknakal

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The Knakal Map wasn’t built overnight, it came from countless hours of research, color-coding, and follow-up to capture every development site in NYC. Ground-level data is what separates good analysis from great insight.

Special thanks to Michael Mandel, CEO and Co-founder of CompStak, for having me.

Watch the full video now on YouTube. 🔗


#BKREA #NYCRealEstate #CRE #BrokerLife #RealEstateBroker

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Why Deep Work Wins in Real Estate (Even When No One’s Watching) – A Walk Down the Street – Sunday Musing with Bob Knakal

In this quiet, reflective episode, Bob Knakal shares the real secret behind high performance in commercial real estate — and it’s not what most people think.

It’s not the closing dinners.
It’s not the front-page headlines.
It’s the deep work done behind the scenes.

🔍 Bob walks through his Sunday routine — heading into the office while most are relaxing — to fine-tune databases, review pipelines, and sharpen systems. Why? Because over time, that focused, strategic work compounds into real results.

If you're a broker, investor, or entrepreneur who feels stuck between the highs and lows, this is your reminder:
🎯 The wins and losses will come and go. But the discipline to go deeper? That’s where the game is won.

💬 IN THIS VIDEO:
– Why success is built during quiet hours
– How losses sharpen your long game
– The mindset that separates pros from dabblers
– A sports analogy that hits home for anyone who’s ever lost big
– What to ask yourself if you want to level up in any market

📌 MORE FROM BK:
🔗 Website: https://www.bkrea.com
📩 Email: BK@BKREA.com
📱 Call or Text Bob: 917-509-9501

#AWDTS #BobKnakal #RealEstateDiscipline #BrokerMindset #SundayRoutine #CommercialRealEstate #WalkWithBK #MentalToughness #CREBrokerage #RealEstateSuccess #PerformanceHabits #BrokerWins

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At BKREA, we’re harnessing AI to transform how we prospect, execute deals, and interpret data. The pace of advancement in this space is remarkable, and it’s only the beginning.

Special thanks to Michael Mandel, CEO & Co-founder of CompStak, for having me on.

Watch the full video now on YouTube. 🔗


#BKREA #NYCRealEstate #CRE #BrokerLife #RealEstateBroker

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Should Brokers Invest in Real Estate? Bob Knakal Shares Why He Doesn’t

In this episode of What Would BK Do, legendary NYC broker Bob Knakal answers a question from Jake Klamen:

“Do you invest in real estate yourself — and if not, why?”

The answer may surprise you — especially if you think every successful broker eventually becomes an owner.

You’ll learn:
✅ Why Bob Knakal chose not to invest in real estate
✅ The ethical dilemma of being a broker and buyer
✅ What brokers risk when clients perceive competition
✅ When (and how) it might make sense to do both
✅ How staying in your lane can build long-term trust and dominance

Whether you’re a new broker considering investing, or a seasoned pro wondering where to draw the line — this video delivers a grounded, experienced perspective.

🎯 Watch this before making your next investment move.

📩 Got a question for Bob? Send it to BK@BKREA.com
🌐 More insights and contact: https://www.bkrea.com
📱 Call or text: 917-509-9501

#WWBKD #ShouldBrokersInvest #BrokerVsInvestor #CommercialRealEstate #RealEstateBrokerage #BobKnakal #ClientTrust #BrokerStrategy #EthicalInvesting #CREGrowth

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Looking back, the growth of Massey Knakal came down to a few pivotal moments: expanding into new markets, staying true to what we did best, and navigating challenges like 9/11 with resilience and focus.

Every decision we made was grounded in our core competencies, and that discipline ultimately paved the way for our success and eventual sale to Cushman & Wakefield.

Watch the full video now on YouTube. 🔗


#BKREA #NYCRealEstate #CRE #BrokerLife #RealEstateBroker

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In today’s tech-driven world, it’s easy to forget that real estate is still a people business. I’ve always believed that nothing replaces face-to-face interaction. You can send emails, make calls, or post online, but relationships are built when you shake hands, share stories, and find common ground. That’s how trust and deals are made.

Watch the full video now on YouTube. 🔗


#BKREA #NYCRealEstate #CRE #BrokerLife #RealEstateBroker

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Bob Knakal — Chairman & CEO of BKREA and NYC's most prolific investment sales broker — speaks to the Real Estate Club at Florida International University (FIU) about what it takes to succeed in commercial real estate.

Whether you're a student, aspiring broker, investor, or seasoned professional, this candid, high-energy session is packed with real-world insights and hard-won lessons from over 40 years in the field.

📍 Topics Covered:
How to start a career in commercial real estate
The power of mentorship and mindset
The value of consistency and specialization
Why “the sky is not the limit — there is no limit”
What makes a great broker in today's market

Bob shares real stories, takes live questions, and inspires the next generation of industry leaders.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
“Go out and get your wins today.”
“There are no shortcuts, just call sheets.”
“Be known for something. Be the best in your territory.”

🧠 Who is Bob Knakal?

Bob has sold more buildings than any other broker in NYC history — 2,300+ properties totaling over $22 billion. He co-founded Massey Knakal, revolutionized geographic specialization in brokerage, and now leads BKREA, a cutting-edge real estate capital markets firm.

📚 Recommended Reading:
→ Selling Buildings by Bob Knakal & Rod Santomassimo – Learn how to maximize price and profit in CRE.
📈https://www.bkrea.com/

🔔 Subscribe for more:
Learn from the top minds in commercial real estate. Weekly videos, market insights, and street-level strategies.
➡️ Subscribe here: @bobknakalnyc

#CommercialRealEstate #BobKnakal #FIURealEstate #CREBrokerage #RealEstateAdvice #InvestmentSales #NYCRealEstate #BrokerLife #MentorshipMatters #KnakalKnuggets

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Having an advisory board has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. Surrounding yourself with smart, experienced people from different industries brings perspective, accountability, and better decision-making. No one succeeds in a vacuum.

Watch the full video now on YouTube. 🔗


#BKREA #NYCRealEstate #CRE #BrokerLife #RealEstateBroker

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How to Build a Data-Driven Real Estate Business | WWBKD w/ Bob Knakal

In this episode of What Would BK Do, Bob Knakal responds to a powerful question from Gabriel Zuniga in Lima, Peru:

“How do I create my own Knakal Map Room?”

The answer might surprise you — it’s not about fancy tools or expensive software.
It’s about sweat equity, market discipline, and proprietary data.

You’ll learn:
✅ What the Knakal Map Room really is — and why it worked
✅ The exact metrics to track to dominate your local market
✅ Why public data alone won’t give you a competitive edge
✅ How to source the “real story” behind every transaction
✅ Why visualizing your data creates instant credibility with clients

If you want to build a unique, high-trust personal brand as the go-to expert in your territory — this is your blueprint.

🎯 Whether you’re in Lima, Los Angeles, or Long Island — this strategy works.

📩 Got a question for Bob? Email BK@BKREA.com
🌐 More resources: https://www.bkrea.com
📱 Contact Bob directly: 917-509-9501

#WWBKD #MapRoom #RealEstateBrokerTips #BobKnakal #ProprietaryData #CREStrategy #BrokerBranding #ListingPresentations #RealEstateMapping #BuildYourEdge

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Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors, and that’s why I’m committed to paying it forward. In this business, success isn’t a zero-sum game.

When you help others win, everyone rises.

Watch the full video now on YouTube. 🔗


#BKREA #NYCRealEstate #CRE #BrokerLife #RealEstateBroker

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At BKREA, we have loved working with Terrakotta AI, a great resource to do things better and more efficiently.

All of our producers us it daily and it is making a difference in our performance. I got to hang out with Kusiima Boswell, co-founder of Terrakotta, (and a fellow Wharton grad) at the CREI Summit in Desert Springs, CA.

Great to see you Kus and thanks for the bobblehead!!! Keep on going – Keep on growing.

#TerrakottaAI #BKREA #NYCRealEstate

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Is New York City's housing market on the verge of collapse?
In this explosive episode of the Broker Brunch Podcast, legendary commercial real estate broker Bob Knakal joins investor Peter Hungerford and host Brian Whelan for a brutally honest conversation about the future of NYC real estate—and the politicians making it worse.

From the 2019 rent law fallout to the failure of 421a and the watered-down 485X, the city's housing policy is broken. Foreclosures are rising. Landlords are leaving. Developers are sitting on the sidelines. But why?

🧠 What you'll learn in this video:
– Why NYC housing owners are furious—and financially squeezed
– The real reason politicians won’t build more housing (hint: it’s votes, not values)
– How distressed debt is trading at 30 cents on the dollar
– Why tax abatements and rezoning aren’t giveaways—they're solutions
– What must change in 2025 to avoid a full housing meltdown

If you're a real estate investor, landlord, policymaker, or just want to understand what’s happening behind the scenes of NYC’s housing crisis, this is a must-watch.

Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJs48M4KXHo

🗽 Subscribe for more real estate insight from Bob Knakal and guests:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@BrokerBrunch


🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe to stay updated on NYC’s real estate landscape!

📢 Comment below: Do you think NYC will fix its housing crisis in 2025, or are we headed for a deeper collapse?

#NYCRealEstate #BobKnakal #BrokerBrunch #PeterHungerford #RealEstatePodcast #HousingCrisis #CommercialRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #NYCHousing #AffordableHousing #DistressedDebt #RealEstateNews

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In this episode of A Walk Down the Street, Bob Knakal shares a real-time insight while preparing for a $850 million development site pitch.

Even after thousands of presentations, the team realized the original pitch wasn’t going to land.
So what changed? Everything — after a few rounds of rehearsal.

You’ll learn:
✅ Why great brokers rehearse — even when they know the material
✅ How rehearsal exposes weak messaging
✅ The one question you must ask before walking into a listing meeting
✅ How to make your value proposition resonate with the right client
✅ Why overconfidence is the silent killer of high-stakes pitches

Whether you're chasing a 7-figure deal or your first exclusive, this is a masterclass in pitch discipline from one of NYC’s most prolific brokers.

🎯 Don't just wing it. Rehearse it. Win it.
📩 For inquiries or coaching: BK@BKREA.com
📱 Call/text Bob: 917-509-9501
🌐 More insights: https://www.bkrea.com

#AWDTS #PerfectYourPitch #ListingPresentation #RealEstatePitching #CommercialRealEstate #CREBrokerTips #BrokerAdvice #BobKnakal #DevelopmentDeals #RealEstateCoaching #MillionDollarListing #BKREA

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