Bob Knakal
Chairman & CEO – BKREA
Reimagining Real Estate Brokerage with Precision, Purpose, and Proven Leadership
A Titan of New York City Real Estate
With over four decades in the industry and a staggering portfolio of over 2,350 building sales totaling approximately $22 billion, Bob Knakal is more than a broker—he is a pioneer, strategist, and mentor who has left an indelible mark on New York City’s real estate landscape.
He began his journey in 1984 and, just a few years later, co-founded Massey Knakal Realty Services. From 2001 to 2014, the firm led NYC investment sales, selling over 6,000 properties, more than three times the volume of its closest competitor. This was no accident—it was the result of a Servant Leadership philosophy, intensive team training, and an unwavering commitment to market expertise.
Today, the Massey Knakal legacy lives on through the 29 firms and divisions in New York City led by former team members—a testament to Bob’s influence as a mentor and industry shaper.
The Entrepreneurial Journey: From Broker to Builder of Legacy
Bob’s real estate career began at CB Commercial (now CBRE), where he partnered with Paul Massey. In 1988, they co-founded Massey Knakal, introducing a revolutionary territory-based specialization model that would soon become an industry benchmark.
The firm’s success was as much about culture as it was about sales. Bob cultivated a company ethos grounded in empowerment, transparency, and skill-building. Independent market research showed that properties sold by Massey Knakal traded at over 30% above the market average—a clear indicator of the value they brought to clients.
In 2014, the company was acquired by Cushman & Wakefield for $100 million, where Bob became Chairman of NY Investment Sales and was recognized as the top global producer from 2014 to 2016. He later joined JLL to lead its Private Capital Group before returning to his entrepreneurial roots in 2024 with the launch of BKREA.
The BKREA Vision: Data, AI & Deal-Making for a New Era
With BKREA, Bob is once again reinventing the brokerage model. The firm merges analog street-level intelligence with cutting-edge AI technologies, creating a brokerage platform that is highly data-driven yet deeply human.
“We’re building a firm that blends what I’ve learned on the streets of New York with the technology shaping tomorrow. This is a brokerage firm built for the next era.” – Bob Knakal
Focused exclusively on seller-side representation, BKREA empowers property owners to maximize value by leveraging proprietary tools, deep market knowledge, and unparalleled advisory experience.
Resilience in Crisis: Turning Setbacks Into Strategy
During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, when New York City was at a standstill, Bob didn’t retreat—he walked and drove every single block of Manhattan south of East 96th and West 110th Street. Over 220 hours, he personally inspected 27,649 buildings, analyzing zoning potential, construction activity, and future opportunities.
The result? A 24-foot-long, color-coded proprietary map that became the foundation of BKREA’s data infrastructure. This project reflects Bob’s belief in ground-up intelligence, relentless research, and the value of hustle—especially when others stand still.
Accolades, Awards & Recognition
Bob Knakal’s excellence has been recognized time and again:
• Commercial Observer Power 100 (2025): Named one of NYC’s 100 most powerful real estate figures—for the 14th time
• 1 Commercial Real Estate Influencer on LinkedIn (2025) – by CREI
• Best-Selling Author (2025): Selling Buildings – Maximizing Prices and Profits in Commercial Real Estate
• “Ground Breaker” Award – Fordham University (2025): For visionary leadership and contributions to real estate
• C-Today Award – Top Leading Inspirational Leader in Real Estate (2025)
Mentorship as a Legacy
While the transactions are historic, Bob’s most meaningful legacy may lie in the people he’s developed. At Massey Knakal, he fostered a culture of mentorship and specialization that elevated hundreds of brokers—many of whom now lead firms of their own.
“Your success is tied to your effort, discipline, and consistency. This is a merit-based business. Master your niche, and opportunity follows.” – Bob Knakal
His dedication to raising industry standards continues at BKREA, where he’s building not just a team, but a new generation of high-integrity professionals empowered with tools, data, and confidence.
Looking Ahead: Projects & Platforms
While specific BKREA projects are under wraps, Bob is focused on scaling his proprietary data models, launching high-level advisory services, and continuing to speak, write, and lead thought leadership efforts across national platforms.
With a best-selling book, growing firm, and renewed mission, BKREA is positioned to shape the future of investment sales in NYC—and beyond.
Legacy & Vision Forward
Bob Knakal has long been a force in commercial real estate, but his influence transcends brokerage. He is a builder of businesses, mentor to professionals, and strategist for transformation. Whether walking every block of Manhattan or building a firm for the AI era, Bob continues to prove that leadership is not just about numbers—it’s about vision, values, and execution.