Selling or managing a property is rarely simple, especially when the market is uncertain and reliable advice is hard to find. Many owners make decisions without full information, which can lead to pricing errors, delays, or deals that do not reflect the true value of their property. Even small oversights can turn into costly problems, which is why having experienced guidance is so important.
Bob Knakal, Chairman and CEO of BKREA, provides guidance by helping property owners, developers, and investors make informed, confident decisions. He ensures accurate property valuations, identifies potential risks early, and solves complex issues like zoning restrictions, tenant matters, and development constraints before they impact a transaction. By offering long-term, practical advice rooted in deep market knowledge, he helps clients protect and maximize the value of their assets.
With his guidance and support, BKREA has grown steadily, particularly in development and redevelopment properties, building trust through discipline, honesty, and consistent results. His hands-on approach empowers teams to deliver better outcomes while avoiding costly mistakes. This impact is reflected in his career milestone of completing over 2,388 building sales totaling more than $24 billion, his recognition as the 2026 Top Leading Inspirational Leader in Real Estate, and being named the #1 CRE Influencer on LinkedIn out of 900 million users in 2024 and 2025.
From Wharton to the World of Real Estate
Bob began his career in real estate in 1984, shortly after graduating from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He started at CB Richard Ellis (Coldwell Bankers in those days) as a young broker with no connections or listings, relying on his strong work ethic and deep interest in the growth and development of cities, particularly New York City.
A pivotal moment came in 1988 when he, along with Paul Massey, left CBRE to establish Massey Knakal Realty Services. They built the company from the ground up at a time when success in NYC investment sales typically required decades of experience or family connections. They introduced the “territory system,” assigning each agent a specific area to master, which allowed expertise to develop at the block-by-block level rather than just at the building level.
These early experiences of building a firm from scratch, developing systems, and valuing detailed market data laid the foundation for BKREA. When BKREA was founded in 2024, Bob applied over 40 years of experience, focusing on discipline, specialization, deep market knowledge, and a culture centered on achieving the best results for clients. BKREA represents the culmination of his career and lifelong approach to real estate.
Strong Belief is Important
One of the first big challenges in Bob’s career was leaving the corporate world of CBRE in the late 1980s to start his own firm. He wasn’t sure if brokers would join him, clients would trust his approach, or the market would accept a new way of working. This taught him that strong belief is important, but it must be supported by a reliable system.
Another major turning point came in 2014 when he sold Massey Knakal to Cushman & Wakefield for $100 million. After leading the firm for over 26 years, handing it over was emotionally difficult. This experience taught him humility and how to adapt to a new role in a large organization.
More recently, he returned to entrepreneurship by starting BKREA. This was more than a business move; it was a chance to offer something new using his decades of data, a fresh approach to market analysis, and leadership shaped by every deal and client he had worked with.
Through all these experiences, one lesson has remained clear: consistency matters more than intensity. Success comes from doing the right things well every day, not just occasionally.
Consistent Effort Matters
BKREA’s culture is guided by three core principles.
- Discipline Above All Else: Success in investment sales comes from consistent effort, strong habits, and regular follow-ups, not short-term hype.
- Transparency: Providing honest advice and accurate valuations builds trust and long-term client relationships.
- Intellectual Curiosity: Staying informed, learning continuously, and questioning assumptions helps the team adapt and make smarter decisions.
These principles help the firm remain focused and aligned with clients’ best interests, even during uncertain or challenging market conditions.
Making Decisions Backed by 40+ Years of Data
BKREA’s approach is built on four key differentiators:
- Product Specialization Focus within a Territory System: The firm uses a refined territory system where agents develop deep expertise within specific neighborhoods. They understand every aspect of their territory, including the buildings, owners, property histories, rezoning potential, and comparable sales, allowing for highly informed decision-making.
- Proprietary Data: BKREA draws on over 40 years of transaction data, including more than 2,388 building sales totaling over $24 billion. This extensive database provides unique insights into land values, air rights, development potential, and market trends that are not available elsewhere.
- Problem-Solving First Strategy: The firm addresses potential challenges such as title issues, tenant complexities, zoning limitations, and expired approvals before a property reaches the market. This approach helps maximize value and reduces the time a property stays on the market.
- Advisory Model: BKREA works with owners long before a sale, offering guidance on value maximisation strategies, rent-regulation exposure, tax implications, and political or legislative risks.
This combination of expertise, data, problem-solving, and proactive advisory makes BKREA a trusted partner for clients seeking reliable results and maximum value.
Success Stories
Over his career, Bob has completed what is believed to be more building sales in New York City than any other broker in history. At BKREA, the firm’s rapid growth and strong presence in development sites, redevelopment, and user property sales stand out. The company also provides strategic advisory services to long-term owners managing post-pandemic asset repositioning. Bob’s leadership and expertise have been recognized with the title of “Top Leading Inspirational Leader in Real Estate 2026,” highlighting four decades of industry achievement. Each deal at BKREA reflects the firm’s commitment to delivering maximum value for clients through accuracy, transparency, and professional expertise.
Some key numbers that highlight Bob’s impact and accomplishments in the industry:
| Total Buildings Sold | 2,388+ |
| Total Sales Volume | $24+ billion |
| Development-Site Transactions | 284+ |
| Development-Site Volume | Over $9.2 billion |
| Buildable Square Footage Sold | 38.6 million sq. ft. |
| Years in NYC Commercial Real Estate (CRE) | 41+ |
| Average Transaction Volume | 1.1 buildings sold per week for over 41 years |
| Award | 2026 Top Leading Inspirational Leader in Real Estate |
BKREA’s career statistics clearly demonstrate the impact and experience of Bob’s leadership.
Every Detail in Offering Materials is Carefully Documented
At BKREA, trust is the foundation of their work. The firm provides property valuations based on real data, not guesses or optimism. Every detail is carefully documented, and thorough checks are done before any property is listed. The team keeps clients informed at every step, avoiding surprises or confusion. Client information is always kept confidential, and accuracy is treated as a core standard in everything they do.
Media Recognitions
Bob and BKREA have received extensive media coverage, highlighting their work and achievements across multiple platforms and publications:
- Bob Knakal has been featured on BobKnakal.com, with long-form and short-form biographies.
- BKREA.com, press releases, and recognition announcements.
- Industry features across ConnectCRE, GlobeSt, Real Estate Weekly, The Real Deal, Commercial Observer, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and more.
Always Connected to the Market
Bob stays deeply involved in the real estate industry through daily research on zoning, tax rules, and market trends. He mentors upcoming brokers, shares his experience at universities and industry events, and regularly writes market insights. Using data analytics tools, he keeps track of patterns and changes, ensuring his knowledge stays sharp. His approach is consistent effort and attention, keeping his expertise up to date every day.
Success In Real Estate Comes From Discipline and Consistency
Bob advises new and emerging professionals that success in real estate comes from discipline, curiosity, and consistent effort. He emphasizes the importance of seeking out new opportunities every day, learning from each experience, and continuously improving skills. Most importantly, he stresses that a strong reputation is a professional’s most valuable asset and must be carefully protected through honesty, reliability, and good judgment.
Quick Takes
- One tool or app you’d recommend:
- CREXI — essential platform for property intelligence and ownership research.
- One quote that motivates you:
- “Consistency beats intensity.” It’s been my personal mantra for decades.
- One piece of advice for future leaders:
- Do the small things well, and the big things will follow.
- One book or movie you recommend:
- “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. You will learn valuable lessons to become great and stay ahead of the competition.
Bob Knakal’s 5 Impactful Business Mantras
- Consistency Matters: Success comes from doing the right things every day, not just occasional effort.
- Discipline Above All: Build strong habits and stay committed to processes for long-term results.
- Honesty Builds Trust: Accurate advice and transparency are the foundation of lasting client relationships.
- Solve Problems Early: Identify risks and address challenges before they become obstacles.
- Protect Your Reputation: Your credibility is your most valuable asset; handle it with care and integrity.
