If you're a Commercial Real Estate (CRE) professional looking to learn from the best, then you're in for a treat. I had the pleasure of sitting down with one of the industry's biggest names, Bob Knakal, for a candid conversation about his journey, insights, and anecdotes. Bob is the head of JLL's New York Private Capital Group.
As we delved into his early years, Bob recounted how he began in the industry, starting while still in college and how he had to do some research after getting a job interview with Coldwell Banker. He stressed the importance of being strategic, having a geographic focus, and mastering a particular segment. He learned this lesson the hard way, but he credits it for his success.
Bob also spoke about how he is now utilizing social media to provide value to clients and stay relevant in the industry. He emphasized that social media is a new and exciting way to connect with clients, share knowledge, and stay top of mind.
One of the highlights of our conversation was when Bob shared the story of his first deal. He recalled how he felt like the richest man in New York City after earning a commission of $12,500. He even keeps the penny he was flipping on the day of closing that first deal and has had it taped to his desk ever since. The penny served as a reminder of his early success and is with Bob to this day.
Another highlight and one of my personal favorites is Bob's "Spaghetti & Meatballs" story. It's not what you think and it's full of valuable information on how you share your value proposition.
But it wasn't just successes that we talked about. Bob also opened up about his failures and how he learned from them. He stressed the importance of being passionate, disciplined, and having integrity. He said that despite the challenges the industry faces, there will always be new superstars that emerge from them, and we should strive to be one of them.
I hope by listening to this interview you pick up a few "Knakal Knuggets" and continue striving to be the best Commercial Real Estate Broker you can be.
I am truly honored that Bob agreed to be on my podcast. He is a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for all CRE professionals. His anecdotes and insights are not only valuable but also entertaining. So, if you're looking to learn from a true industry superstar, then make sure to favorite this podcast and come back to it often.
And who knows, maybe you'll even find your own lucky penny along the way.
If you'd like to be a guest on The CRE Deal Room™ my DMs are open.
Bob leads the New York Private Capital Group at JLL
Bob was Chairman and Founding Partner of Massey Knakal Realty Services, New York’s #1 building sales firm. He started his real estate career in 1984 at CB Richard Ellis where he met Paul J. Massey Jr. They both left CB in 1988 to form Massey Knakal.
From 1988 through 2014, Massey Knakal closed over 6,000 transactions with an aggregate value in excess of $23 billion. To date, Bob has been personally responsible for the sale of over 2,000 buildings (generally considered to be the highest total ever for a single broker in New York) and over $18 billion in sales.
In 2014, Cushman & Wakefield acquired Massey Knakal. At Cushman & Wakefield, Bob acted as Chairman of New York Investment Sales. He was ranked the top originating investment sales broker at Cushman & Wakefield, globally, in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Bob joined JLL in September of 2018.
Since 2009, Bob has written a weekly column on the New York City Real Estate Market called Concrete Thoughts for the Commercial Observer.
