On a podcast appearance with Brooke Cianfichi of LegaShe @legashegroup we discussed servant leadership and legacy during the Massey Knakal days.

I can say I’m most proud of the lasting legacy we built through empowering our people. Over the 26 years and 46 days of running the business, we were more than just a competitor in the real estate market. Sure, we sold over 4,000 buildings—more than three times the number of our nearest competitor in NYC from 2001 to 2014—but the real success lies in the people we developed along the way.

Paul and I always believed in servant leadership, investing heavily in our employees' professional and personal growth. Today, I take pride in seeing over 30 companies or divisions in New York City’s investment sales market that are run by individuals who learned the ropes at Massey Knakal. To me, that’s a testament to the lasting impact of empowering others to succeed beyond the walls of our office.

At the end of the day, it's not just about what we achieved in sales, but the lives we touched and the leaders we helped shape. That’s the legacy that stands the test of time.

Watch the rest of the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/live/BVHS_FAErww?si=b0E6jmPbVx4WQy55

#ServantLeadership #NYCRealEstate #EmpoweringPeople

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Lessons Learned: Knakal Knugget #93: “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” – Van Gogh

This Knugget was inspired by my favorite impressionist artist, Vincent Van Gogh.

Before we get to his quote, lets think about what it is we do every day in the investment sales business: we make to-do lists, review the calls we connected on last week to determine follow-up steps, make prospecting calls, show buildings, send out mailings, crunch numbers, create content, attend networking events and the list goes on and on.

Nothing is very earth shattering or terribly exciting on that list. But all are necessary! And to produce consistent results out of those relatively mundane things, you need to do them over and over again.

Van Gogh said, “Great things are done by a series of small thing brought together”.

This really sums up what we do.

Do all of the small things but do them consistently over a long period of time and, before you know it, great things will happen for you. The secret, if there even is one, is to use discipline to actually do these unglamorous tasks regularly over the long term.

And if a new initiative that you want to accomplish is a very large one, and you have been delaying getting started because the task just seems daunting, the important thing to remember is that simply getting started is the key. Break the large task down into smaller component pieces and then just get the first one done. Before you know it, you will be halfway through and the completion will be within reach.

Make progress, do the little things, and before you know it, great things will happen.

Little things make a difference!

#knakalknuggets #bkrea #nycrealestate

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For years, I was skeptical of social media, but I eventually embraced platforms like Twitter. It expanded my network, created new opportunities, and allowed me to connect with a broader audience.

It’s not just about numbers; it’s about meaningful connections that keep me relevant in a changing industry. I’m glad I took the leap.


To watch the full episode, click the link: https://youtu.be/iQ2xdIW3x9M?si=aYdsD5KRDzffO4nx

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It was an absolute pleasure joining Randal McLeaird on the Agents Building Cashflow Podcast to discuss how technology and data are reshaping the real estate industry and how some things remain timeless.

Back in 1988, when we started Massey Knakal, technology was a different world—no computers on desks, no cell phones, and even fax machines felt groundbreaking. Fast forward to 2024, and technology is now at the heart of the real estate business. From gathering proprietary data to disseminating insights efficiently, tech gives brokers a competitive edge. Yet, amidst all this transformation, one thing remains constant: real estate is fundamentally a people business.

🔑 Takeaways:

→ Information is king. Proprietary data is a broker’s most powerful tool.
→ Relationships are timeless. Technology can enhance efficiency but doesn’t replace the trust and rapport built face-to-face.
→ Embrace your environment. Whether you’re at a large firm, a boutique brokerage, or flying solo, every platform has its advantages and challenges. Success comes from leveraging your environment to deliver exceptional results for your clients.

At the end of the day, real estate success is about aligning your tools, strategy, and relationships to deliver results that help clients achieve their goals.

Thank you, Randal, for the opportunity to share my insights. You can watch the rest of the podcast here: https://youtu.be/oXG_MdH9Aoc?si=DviOtJITJEbLsfDj

#CREBrokerage #BKREA #NYCRealEstate

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Looking back, I’m proud to have sold over $20 billion in properties and led Massey Knakal Realty. But what I value most is the opportunity to help others succeed. Servant leadership has been my focus—seeing former colleagues thrive in the industry is incredibly rewarding. While I take pride in those achievements, I’m always driven by competition and the challenge of staying sharp in real estate. Success to me is about lasting impact, not just deals.


Watch the full episode here:
https://youtu.be/UPHX_qUiKRs?si=kAGsIlE6RVAoqZNb

#2025RealEstate #NYCRealEstate #BKREA

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Lessons Learned: Knakal Knugget #92: For a strong relationship, find a common interest!

I've always said that if you put any two people in a room together for a half hour and had them speak about themselves, they would find something they liked in common. That is the basis of a long-lasting and strong bond upon which a relationship can grow.

Why are we making prospecting calls, sending out email blasts, sending text campaigns, mailing hard mail, attending networking events, & creating content for social media?

Why? Because we want to connect with people.

And why do we want to connect with people? In order to do business with them.

But in order to do business with them, it's important to be top of mind with that person when an event occurs that produces a motivation within that person to transact.

Market participants are not transacting every day. In fact, the turnover rate of properties that have sold in Manhattan over a 40 year period has been just 2.6% of the total stock. That means two things: that not a lot of properties are selling each year, and, that when an investor purchases a property, they own it for 40 years on average. So people are not selling every day. You have to be top of mind with them so when they become aware that they have to sell, or need to sell, the next thing they think of is you.

So, how do you put yourself in this “go-to” position?

It is by creating a strong relationship with the client such that they think of you first. There are several ways to put yourself in this position. Yes, constant contact with that person will do it, sharing market information pertinent to the owner’s property type, email follow-ups, text campaigns, etc. will do a fine job of putting you in that go-to position. But if you want to lock in the business and really solidify your relationship with the client, find something that you both really are passionate about. That common interest can be the basis of an incredible bond.

And this common interest must be real.

If I know you love knitting and I pretend to love knitting, you will find out I was bullshitting in a very short period of time.

The good news is I think just about any two people in the world can find at least one thing they have in common. Ask probing questions, dig deep, open up and before you know it, you will find that thing that will bond you.

I have a client named Arnold Gumowitz whose office is right across the street from Madison Square Garden in a building he owns. Arnold is an avid New York Knick and New York Rangers fan. I have known him for over 30 years and discovered this common love early in our relationship. I speak to him 3 or 4 times a year and for the first few minutes of each conversation, we discuss the trials and tribulations of our local basketball and hockey teams.

Andy Davidoff and I love fine dining and whenever he is in town, we go out for a great dinner at one of the hot NYC restaurants. I have done a dozen deals with Andy over the years for several hundred million dollars.

The examples go on and on. So when you really want to solidify your relationships, find those common interests and you will likely create a friendship for life.

#KnakalKnuggets #BKREA #NYCRealEstate

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I had the privilege of joining Michael Bull on America's Commercial Real Estate Show to discuss what’s shaping up to be a truly historic year for New York City's commercial real estate market.

As I mentioned during the conversation, 2025 is poised to bring something we’ve never seen before: two major seller groups—discretionary and non-discretionary sellers—competing robustly in the market at the same time. This dynamic alone sets the stage for unprecedented transaction volume.

Here’s what’s driving this:

→ Discretionary sellers: After years of waiting for the right market conditions, these sellers will finally seize the moment.
→ Non-discretionary sellers: Facing challenges like cash-in refinancing or untenable financial situations, this group will have no choice but to act.

Interestingly, this shift is occurring alongside divergent trends across property sectors. While retail, industrial, land, and hotels are thriving, sectors like multifamily and B/C offices are facing significant headwinds.

This duality makes 2025 unlike any other year in New York’s real estate history.

A big thank you to Michael for having me on the show—it’s always a pleasure to dive deep into the market with someone as knowledgeable and engaging.

Listen to the whole episode here: https://commercialrealestateshow.com/listen/market-view-from-new-york/

#2025RealEstate #NYCRealEstate #BKREA

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The discussion centers on the impending challenges of commercial real estate loans coming due. Knakal reflects on the changing behavior of lenders and the potential opportunities for brokers amidst evolving market conditions.

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Bob Knakal reflects on his early years growing up in Maywood, New Jersey, a small town near Hackensack. He shares fond memories of his tight-knit community, attending Hackensack High School due to Maywood not having its own, and maintaining friendships that began in kindergarten. A passionate sports fan from a young age, Bob talks about his love for the Yankees, Rangers, and Giants, and how New York athletes like Thurman Munson, Bobby Mercer, and Rod Gilbert became his childhood heroes.

Watch the full episode here:
https://youtu.be/0UEuEBIbXBQ?si=W4GdpsMByVX7uvPy

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Lessons Learned – Knakal Knugget #91: Regularly, take a step back and look at what you have done.

When setting goals and monitoring your progress, it is important to know what to look at and what to compare your results to. Set goals and objectives based on what you want to achieve and where you want to get to, comparing your present and future to your past, not someone else’s.

Don’t set goals to catch up with someone else. Regardless of how much you look up to them, admire them or want to be like them. Rate your progress on how you are doing compared to your past-self.

Perodically, step back and take a look at how you are doing compared to your goals for advancement and growth.

→ What did you do well?
→ What did you not do quite so well?
→ What do you wish went differently?
→ What are you going to change?
→ What new goals should be added, and which deleted?

In different ways, we all have successes and failures.

Clearly, we want to try to capitalize on our strengths to increase the number of successes we have. By understanding our shortcomings and trying to improve in those areas, we are able to minimize the failures. Failures only hurt us if we are unable to learn from them.

If last year was a year in which you felt like things went against you more than they should have and at times things were a struggle, keep your chin up! Every single moment is an opportunity to change everything. Whether it is a personal issue, a business issue, or anything. Review your progress and reassess what you are doing, how you are doing things, and what can be done differently.

This very moment can be a new start, a fresh beginning, and an opportunity to be what you want to be… to be the way you want to be… and to be the person you want to be.

Difficulties, setbacks, and failures are part of life and, fortunately, they provide us with an opportunity to become better than we were before. In an odd way, I know that the presentation I gave right after I got beat out by a competitor is my best. Setbacks can drive you, motivate you, and can actually lead to the greatest successes you have ever had.

It is said that adversity “builds” character. I do not believe this.

I believe that adversity “shows” character.

The best things in life and our greatest successes lay ahead of us if we have the courage to face our shortcomings, figure out how to overcome them, and work hard to implement the changes that will get us to where we want to go.

Sophocles once said “Success, remember, is the reward of toil.” I have confidence in you and know that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. It may be hard work, but I know you can do it.

#KnakalKnuggets #BKREA #NYCRealEstate

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“What, nobody around here believes in comebacks?”

What great words from the legendary Gordon Gekko! And great words upon which we look back at 2024.

Yes, 2024 was a year for a comeback. After being fired on February 14th of this year, it was time to figure out what to do next. It quickly became clear it was time for another entrepreneurial adventure. After all, The Knakal Massey Knakal years were the happiest of my professional career and The Knakal Map Room already had gained a great following locally in New York and also nationwide and, after 40 years and 2,342 sales, what would another national or global platform offer me that would be compelling?

Truth is, I am happiest just selling buildings with the fewest possible external issues. So BKREA – BK Real Estate Advisors was born and the comeback began. Since April 2 when we officially started the company, BKREA has closed two transactions ( $24 million and $27 million office conversion deals), put two development sites under contract ($52 and $24 million) and finishes the year with 29 exclusive listings, totaling about $2.2 billion.

We have put together a great group of professionals who are working their tails off every day and have integrated AI in a huge way to supercharge our efforts. Additionally, we are approaching land sales and conversions from the developer’s perspective (not a traditional brokerage perspective) and have assembled a Policy and Zoning SWAT Team of professionals to understand every site and opportunity exactly the way a developer would in order to maximize prices for our sellers.

Through our data-centric approach, we could not be more focused on putting our clients into the best possible position to make the most informed and best decisions possible.

Do we believe in comebacks? We sure do!!

Here’s to a great 2025 for all!!!

#HappyNewYear

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Henry and Bob discuss their strategic approach to selling their business. They initially planned to build something great and sell it, with the first opportunity arising in 2007, when they almost closed a $50 million deal. Despite the deal falling through, it taught them valuable lessons about timing and contract negotiations.

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Lessons Learned: Knakal Knugget #90: Focus on results, not activities.

This might seem a bit bottom-line-ish and cold, but it’s not. It’s not because results are indicative of desire and desire is what sets apart those who succeed from those that don’t, or don’t do as well as they have the capacity to do.

Everyone says they “want” to succeed – but why do they really want to succeed? Is it because they think they “should”? Thinking you should means that your desire is based upon wanting to live up to someone else’s expectations for you. It is not a reflection of what you really want.

A salesperson cannot get any intellectual or motivational leverage from “should”. That sets you up for failure. There is no power in “should”.

Of course, you need to know what to do. There are certain activities that lead to success and must be done. So you do need to know what activities to do, actions to take, and how to do them. But the biggest difference between those who actually do them and those that don’t, the difference between those that succeed and those that don’t, is all in the “want”. The desire. The fire in the belly to make it happen.

This might sound harsh, but the question is: does the under-performer really, truly want to succeed?

Determining the extent to which someone wants to succeed is not easy. This is because, in the hiring process, the candidate may really want the job, but do they really want to succeed? Determining someone’s “why”, is a key in determining if they are going to succeed. Why do they want to succeed? What will it do for them? “How will your life change if you fully commit to this”?

If we truly wanted to be successful, nothing could stop us.

The biggest hurdle is what is referred to as “Intention Deficit Disorder”.

It is not an absence of knowing what to do or even how to do it. It is the discipline and desire to actually do things. Learning what to do, and how to do it, is ravenously acquired by those who have an unwavering, absolute, and focused intention and desire to succeed. Then it’s up to them to tangibly demonstrate the want.

For these reasons, focusing on results is what matters. Activities without intention and desire, don’t produce great results – even if you know what to do and how to do it.

Actual results are illustrative of intention and desire. Illustrative of someone’s "want." Do you “want” it and why?

If you truly want to succeed, write down the categories of metric you want to achieve great things in, and track those metrics every week. Track those results, and see how you are doing relative to your objectives. Yes, you have to do the necessary activities but it is the results that make the difference. Focus on results!

#knakalknuggets #bkrea #nycrealestate

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#89: Never take a problem to your boss without a potential solution.

In the real estate business, things don't always go according to plan. Things don't work out the way we want them to and there are constant challenges and hurdles that must be overcome.

At every company, big, small, or mid-sized, there are problems, issues and operating inefficiencies that need to be dealt with. There are things that could be done differently, rules that don't make sense and frustrations that are, at times, unavoidable.

When going to your boss with a problem or a concern about the way something is going, always show up with that complaint having a potential solution in mind. Even better if you have more than one potential way to improve things.

Back when Paul Massey and I were running Massey Knakal Realty Services, Paul would always say, “If you're going to throw-up a hairball on the table, have a recommendation to address that issue or a way to do a particular thing better.”

If you don't come in with a potential solution, you may be viewed simply as a complainer. It is so much better to be someone who has a potential solution in mind rather than just complaining about something that is not working well or that isn't the way you would like it to be.

Coming up with suggested solutions is not easy. Sometimes a fix might be obvious, but often it is not. But one thing is for sure, coming up with suggested solutions to make an environment better will be appreciated by the folks who are responsible for making that environment better for everyone.

#KnakalKnugget #BKREA #NYCRealEstate

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I recently sat down with Scott Rechler, Chairman and CEO of RXR for the second episode of The Bob Knakal Show. I asked Scott how how much selling or convincing does he have to do to get a transaction done?

Scott shared that transparency is the biggest key to getting deals done.

Balancing market dyanmics with investor expectations is a huge challenge but as long as you're willing to be transparent, have future focused strategies, and collaborate with all key players, you can make it happen.

Watch the clip below to hear more. The full episode can be found on my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/brefPEkVk38?si=2sS4ad3S8wVEJ236

This episode was powered by Crexi. Crexi is the ultimate platform for commercial real estate transactions.

#TheBobKnakalShow #NYCRealEstate #BKREA

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Knakal Knuggets: Lessons Learned #88: Be nice to receptionists and assistants and always get their names.

The most important “market presence” activity for salespeople is making prospecting calls. At the beginning of your career, most of these calls will be cold calls. The potential client does not know you and neither does the person answering their phone. Particularly when you are starting out, you will not have the potential client’s cell phone number, so if you call them in the office, the phone is likely to be picked up by a receptionist or that potential client’s assistant.

These receptionists and assistants are the “gatekeeper” that can make or break your ability to get through to that particular potential client.

In one of my favorite movies, Wall Street, Charlie Sheen’s character, Bud Fox, knew that Gordon Gekko’s receptionist’s name was Natalie. Bud tried repeatedly to get through to Gordon and was smart to know Natalie's name and spoke to her as if they knew each other every time he called to try to reach Gordon. This tactic improved Bud’s probability of success.

Most of the potential clients you are trying to interact with are probably called by numerous people every day and the gatekeeper, who answers their phone, has a lot to do with which messages get through or what calls might be prioritized.

To the extent that you can develop a relationship with the gatekeeper, your probability of getting through to the potential client increases. The best way to develop this relationship is to start by knowing the gatekeeper's name and using that name every time you call.

This is a simple technique, but you will be shocked how many times you will get a warm reception when using someone’s name, and that warm reception increases the probability that you will get through to the potential client.

As we know, real estate is a probability-based business and if you want to increase the probability of success, particularly when making cold or prospecting calls, get to know the gatekeeper's name. It will increase your probability of success.

#KnakalKnuggets #BKREA #NYCRealEstate

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Understanding market shifts is paramount. Reflecting on pivotal moments in my career, I'd like to share insights on the New York market shift around 2015 and 2016.

❇️Key Indicators: Hotels, with one-day leases, and land values are key indicators of broader market shifts. Recognizing these trends signals the evolving dynamics of the market.

❇️Underlying Factors: Real estate, a favored asset class, attracted an influx of capital, accelerating the typical market cycle.

❇️Acceleration of the Cycle: The market cycle condensed, typically 7 to 10 years, but by the end of 2015, we saw significant appreciation in just five years.

❇️Transition Dynamics: Successful transactions happened at old values, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in navigating changing market dynamics.

📺Special thanks to Chris Powers of The Fort for having me on your podcast. You can watch the entire thing here:
https://youtu.be/mfZQsl9nLEc?si=licUAVHW2CS5362E
#theknakalmaproom #NYCrealestate #Podcast

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I am happy to announce that Episode 2 of the Bob Knakal Show has officially launched! Thanks to Scott Rechler, CEO and Chairman of RXR for coming out to Baruch College and talking about his journey in commercial real estate.

In this clip, we learn how Scott broke into the NYC real estate market and the challenges he and his company faced through the Russian Bond Crisis, turbulent markets, and shareholder expectations.

Throughout the entire episode, Scott shares how he managed high-stakes deals, built partnerships, and thrived in adversity. This is a great listen and is packed with tons of key takeaways.

Don't miss out on this incredible conversation with one of the titans of New York Real Estate.

Special thanks to Crexi for helping us bring this podcast show to life. We couldn't do it without you! Crexi is the ultimate platform for commercial real estate transactions.

It's available NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube:

Here are those links:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/goodman-report-podcast/id1783265063?i=1000679952106

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6w5OYtSfDWjLIrBJZaxid5?si=DlZdVbDfQHyj6XvGYJHBzw&t=471

YouTube:
https://youtu.be/brefPEkVk38?si=1MfWS5PStHnpOctK

#TheBobKnakalShow #NYCRealEstate #WednesdayWisdom

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Knowledge is your key to unlocking new opportunities and serving your clients with excellence. Here are the takeaways.

✳️The Power of Reading: My mentor, Steve Siegel, instilled in me the importance of continuous learning. In a dynamic field like ours, knowledge truly is power.

✳️Diverse Sources, Diverse Insights:Real estate is diverse. Explore various publications and resources, from local to global reports.

✳️Respect the Debate: Embrace diverse opinions and learn from them. Our industry's complexity thrives on healthy debates and discussions.

✳️Client Advisory Brilliance: To offer them the best advice, you need to be well informed.

✳️Balance Work and Learning: Remember, staying informed is an investment in your own success.

📺Special thanks to Raphael Collazo for having me on your podcast. You can watch the entire thing here:
https://youtu.be/UGfzlNkSn-o?si=dXeIBz3p02mYGirg

#theknakalmaproom #NYCrealestate #Podcast

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Welcome to Episode 2 of The Bob Knakal Show! 🎙️

This week, Bob sits down with Scott Rechler, Chairman & CEO of RXR, and a true titan of New York real estate. Together, they explore Scott’s incredible journey from his family’s innovative aluminum beach chair business to leading one of the most influential real estate firms in the nation.

Join us as we dive into:

→ The evolution of NYC’s real estate market 🌆
→ Scott's insights on navigating industry downturns 📉
→ Lessons on resilience, innovation, and leadership 💼

Bob also shares his bold predictions for the NYC real estate market in 2025, highlighting key sectors primed for growth and the unprecedented turnover ahead. Don’t miss this in-depth discussion packed with valuable insights, historical context, and actionable takeaways.

Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction
05:00 – Market conditions and predictions
12:30 – Scott’s family legacy and business beginnings
20:00 – Public markets and their impact on real estate

📍 Subscribe for more conversations with industry leaders: https://www.bkrea.com
https://www.bobknakal.com

🎥 Presented by @CREXI – the ultimate platform for commercial real estate transactions.

#BobKnakalShow #RealEstateTitans #NYCRealEstate #LeadershipLessons

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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Knowledge is a great start, but it's the discipline to act that truly sets you apart. Here are the key highlights:
* Learning in the Real Estate Business: In the real estate business, 80% of the learning happens in the first year, while the remaining 20% is a lifelong process. This suggests that the industry is continuously evolving, and professionals need to adapt.
* The Importance of Discipline: Discipline is essential in this field. Knowing what to do is one thing, but having the discipline to actually do it is where many people struggle.
* Action Matters: It's not enough to merely understand what needs to be done; taking action is crucial. This implies that in real estate, results come from putting knowledge into practice.

📺Special thanks to David Abrams of Tenant Experience Network for having me on your podcast. You can watch the entire thing here:
https://youtu.be/O1Dj3oQoHTU?si=SkXkhYKiz35rO3x8

#theknakalmaproom #NYCrealestate #Podcast

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