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Episodes/Bob Knakal - RK Real Estate | Selling $21+ Billion
February 27, 202444:57

Bob Knakal - RK Real Estate | Selling $21+ Billion

Bob Knakal - RK Real Estate | Selling $21+ Billion

0:0047:15

References & Resources

Bob Knakal

Senior Managing Director and Head of the New York Private Capital Group at JLL

This episode features Bob Knakal, a prominent figure in New York City real estate, discussing his career spanning over 40 years and more than $21 billion in property sales. He shares insights into the real estate market, building a successful brokerage, and leadership challenges, including his firm's 'Manhattan's Every Block Mission'.

Key Topics

Real Estate Sales SecretsEvolution of Real EstateBuilding a Brokerage EmpireLeadership in CrisisCommercial Real Estate Deals

Companies & Organizations

JLL

Global leader in real estate services and investment management, where Bob Knakal currently serves as Senior Managing Director.

Massey Knakal Realty Services

Real estate firm co-founded by Bob Knakal, which became the #1 building sales firm in New York before being sold to Cushman & Wakefield.

CB Richard Ellis

Where Bob Knakal began his career in 1984.

Cushman & Wakefield

Acquired Massey Knakal Realty Services, where Bob Knakal served as Chairman of New York Investment Sales.

Show Notes

Bob Knackal is a senior managing director and the head of the New York Private Capital Group at JLL, a global leader in real estate services and investment management. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Bob has brokered more than 2,000 property sales in New York City, totaling over $18 billion in value. He is widely recognized as one of the most influential and successful brokers in the country.Bob began his career in 1984 at CB Richard Ellis, where he met his longtime partner Paul Massey. In 1988, they founded Massey Knakal Realty Services, which became the #1 building sales firm in New York. In 2015, they sold their firm to Cushman & Wakefield for $100m, where Bob served as the chairman of New York Investment Sales until 2018.

➡️ Talking Points

00:00 Introduction

02:27 $21B Sales Secrets Unveiled

05:21 Bob's Real Estate Journey

09:48 1980s vs Today: Competition in Real Estate

12:30 Passion for Commercial Real Estate

14:55 Inside a Commercial Real Estate Deal

19:22 Delayed Gratification vs Real Estate Success

22:44 Brokerage Venture Origins

25:25 Building a Brokerage Empire

29:52 Leading Through Crisis

32:53 Toughest Leadership Decision

36:49 Manhattan's Every Block Mission

43:12 Connect with Bob Online

43:48 Advice for 20-Year-Old Self

44:07 Defining Success