In this episode, I sit down with Bob Knakal—one of the most iconic brokers in New York City commercial real estate history. Bob shares how he stumbled into the business after Wharton, built and sold one of the city’s most dominant brokerage firms, and why he’s still chasing deals after closing over 2,300 of them.

We talk about his obsession with data, how he accidentally created one of the most recognizable personal brands in the industry, and why success in real estate comes down to process, consistency, and discipline. Bob doesn’t just break down how to be a top broker—he explains how to stay one for 40 years.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] – Introduction

[2:00] – How Bob got into real estate by accident at Wharton

[4:30] – Building a passion for brokerage and founding Massey Knakal

[7:00] – What makes a great broker: mindset, time blocking, and math

[10:00] – Daily discipline and structure behind Bob’s productivity

[12:50] – Standing out through branding, baseball cards, and personal marketing

[14:30] – Leveraging “Who Not How” and building a high-performing team

[16:00] – Creating NYC’s most advanced zoning and development map room

[19:00] – Bringing a developer’s mindset to brokerage

[22:50] – How politics and regulation are reshaping NYC real estate

[26:00] – Why they sold Massey Knakal and what changed after

[30:00] – What Bob values most now—and how he’s mentoring the next generation

[34:00] – The origin story of the baseball card and how it became his signature

[36:00] – Why he’s launching a new book and what it reveals about top brokers

[39:00] – Bob’s cheesesteak loyalty and what Philly taught him about grit

5 Key Takeaways

1. Discipline drives everything – Bob’s success is built on consistent, daily habits.

2. Branding matters—even in brokerage – His baseball card started as a joke but became a calling card.

3. Think like a developer, not just a broker – Market knowledge and zoning expertise separate amateurs from pros.

4. Politics matter – Local policy can kill deals or create opportunity—you have to be ahead of it.

5. Legacy is about people – Bob’s proudest accomplishment isn’t a deal count—it’s the success of those he’s mentored.

Links & Resources

• Bob’s Website – https://www.bobknakal.com

• BK Real Estate Advisors – https://www.bkrea.com

• Selling Buildings by Bob Knakal & Rod Santomassimo – Pre-order on Amazon

• Bob’s email: [email protected]

• Phone: (917) 509-9501

• Mentioned: Who Not How, Rod Santomassimo, development map room, NYC policy shifts

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