Bob Knakal is a name everyone knows in commercial real estate. Since 1984, he’s brokered over 2,399 buildings in the New York City area, with a market value approximating $22 billion. For 26 years, he owned and ran Massey Knakal with a focus on building a culture of servant leadership, training people, and dominating the market. He eventually sold the company to Cushman & Wakefield for $100 million in 2014.

Now, Bob is a prominent thought leader in the commercial real estate business. He writes about the market, appears on podcasts and television, and holds university lectures. Recently, he started the investment sales and capital markets brokerage firm BK Real Estate Advisors, which creates better interpretations from artificial intelligence data to give their clients more options and better results.

Insights from Bob Knakal on Servant Leadership, AI, and the Future of Brokerage

Bob Knakal and his co-founder, Paul Massey, built Massey Knakal Realty Services on the foundation of servant leadership—a management style that led to market dominance and a lasting impact on New York City's real estate industry. Their leadership shaped the firm's success and cultivated a new generation of industry leaders. Today, more than 30 companies or divisions within New York’s investment sales market are owned or run by professionals who got their start at Massey Knakal.

Now, as Chairman and CEO of BKREA, Bob is once again at the forefront of commercial brokerage, pioneering new approaches to investment sales with cutting-edge AI and data-driven strategies.

In this episode of The Dealmakers’ Edge, Aaron Strauss sits down with Bob to discuss his four decades in real estate, the power of servant leadership, and how embracing AI and data interpretation is shaping the future of the industry. Bob also shares invaluable lessons on standing out in a competitive market, developing mental resilience, and setting realistic success benchmarks in brokerage.

2:28 – The most exciting thing about commercial real estate for Bob today
3:47 – How servant leadership fosters a high-performance culture and long-term success
9:49 – The speed, impact, and challenges of integrating AI and data technology in real estate
13:35 – Using social media to share career insights and build a strong professional brand
17:02 – How Bob evolved from traditional brokerage to navigating complex, developer-focused deals
22:58 – The role of mental resilience and understanding realistic success metrics in sales

Mentioned In Servant Leadership, AI, and the Future of Brokerage with Bob Knakal

Bob Knakal | Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram | YouTube

BRKEA | LinkedIn | Twitter/X

Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership

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Jonathan Zamir is the founder and managing partner of real estate investment firm Keystone Equities. Keystone operates as both a private equity and private credit platform and focuses on acquiring, redeveloping, and repositioning commercial and residential properties in key U.S. markets while also originating and managing debt investments. Under Jonathan’s leadership, the firm has grown a diverse portfolio emphasizing value creation through strategic investment, hands-on management, and disciplined financing.

Prior to founding Keystone in 2010, he started his real estate career with The Moinian Group as portfolio manager and gained practical, street smart knowledge in property management and operations. Then he led acquisitions at Infinity Real Estate, a prominent real estate private equity firm that gave him the book smarts to succeed. He also graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from NYU Stern’s School of Business and received a Graduate Certificate in real estate from NYU’s School of Continuing Professional Studies.

Born and raised in New York City, Jonathan resides in Great Neck, Long Island with his wife and their three kids.

Insights from Jonathan Zamir on Building Your Reputation

As Principal of Keystone Equities, Jonathan Zamir leads all major decisions related to deal sourcing, debt financing, co-investment opportunities, and key transactional matters. He also oversees the firm's overall operations while managing the day-to-day responsibilities of running the business.

In this episode of The Dealmakers’ Edge, Aaron Strauss sits down with Jonathan to discuss his journey in commercial real estate, the power of relationship-building, and the importance of authenticity in business. Jonathan shares valuable insights from his early career, detailing his transition from various roles in the industry to establishing his own firm. The conversation explores the challenges of attracting and managing institutional capital, navigating market cycles, and maintaining a strong reputation in an ever-evolving industry.

2:23 – Jonathan’s early career lessons and foundational experiences

7:54 – The importance of financial acumen and business planning before going independent

10:42 – Transitioning to institutional investment and structuring deals to attract capital

17:48 – Challenges in real estate, including deal failures and market shifts

25:11 – Keystone’s current market strategy and competitive advantage in deal execution

29:29 – The role of reputation, vulnerability, and authenticity in building strong business relationships

Mentioned In Reputation and Relationship Building in Commercial Real Estate with Jonathan Zamir

Keystones Equities, LLC | LinkedIn

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Garvin Brown recently retired from Brown-Forman Corporation, the company behind Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, founded by his great-great-grandfather in 1870. His career with the company began as a wine salesperson in New York and evolved through various corporate and operational roles. By 2007, Garvin had become chairman, steering the company through key transitions between the fourth and fifth generations of the Brown family.

Currently, Garvin serves on Brown-Forman's family-holding company board and contributes to global initiatives in democracy and development. He is also a board member of Dendrifund, a foundation dedicated to the sustainability of the elements essential to crafting premium bourbon.

In this episode of The Dealmakers’ Edge, Aaron Strauss sits down with Garvin Brown to explore his unique journey and the pivotal role of family governance in sustaining a multi-generational business. They discuss how Brown-Forman balances innovation with tradition, the company’s marketing and brand strategies, and the importance of financial discipline. Garvin also shares insights into navigating the challenges of leadership, managing stress, and building trust with stakeholders. Additionally, they delve into his philanthropic pursuits and his passion for community impact.

1:27 – Garvin’s bicultural background and career journey at Brown-Forman

5:06 – The economics of family businesses and surviving Prohibition

8:42 – Non-family CEOs and the evolution of Brown-Forman’s governance model

13:52 – Leveraging marketing, branding, and innovation to drive financial success

20:59 – Managing stress, overcoming challenges, and fostering trust in leadership

26:27 – Philanthropy and Garvin’s dedication to sustainability and community impact

Mentioned In Leadership and Governance in a Multi-Generational Business with Garvin Brown

Brown-Forman

Headspace

Dendrifund

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In this episode of The Dealmaker’s Edge, Aaron Strauss is joined by Stephen Bittel, founder and chairman of Terranova Corporation. With over four decades of experience, Stephen shares his remarkable journey in real estate and offers insights on leadership, market strategy, and the importance of empathy in business.

From his early days in Miami to managing an investment portfolio of over $1 billion, Stephen reflects on the lessons he’s learned while building one of South Florida’s leading commercial real estate firms. He delves into the value of cash flow, adapting to market cycles, and how aligning interests with partners leads to lasting success. Beyond business, Stephen discusses his commitment to giving back and the joy he finds in family and community.

Key Takeaways:

· Success requires perseverance and a strong work ethic.

· Empathy and community service are integral to leadership.

· Building a loyal team is essential for long-term success.

· Adaptability and timing are critical in real estate investments.

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Russ Krivor, CEO and Founder of Sovereign Properties, joins the podcast this episode. They discuss Russ's journey in real estate, the importance of education, navigating entrepreneurship, raising capital, market insights, the future of senior living, and the significance of building relationships in business. Russ shares valuable lessons learned throughout his career and emphasizes the need for innovative solutions in the evolving real estate landscape.

Takeaways

• Education is crucial for success in business.
• Entrepreneurship requires timing and recognizing opportunities.
• Starting small in real estate can lead to significant growth.
• The current real estate market presents unique investment opportunities.
• There is a growing demand for senior living solutions.
• Today's seniors desire quality living environments and services.
• Managing stress is essential for effective decision-making.
• Building relationships is key to long-term success.
• Giving back to the community can open new opportunities.
• Balancing personal life and career is vital for happiness.

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On this episode, managing partner Aaron Strauss sits down with Robert Logan of B&D Holdings to explore the strategies driving their impressive growth in industrial real estate.

Rob Logan is a Principal at B&D Holdings. Based in New Jersey, B&D Holdings is a privately held investment and development firm with a real estate portfolio of over 200 properties throughout 34 states. Their primary focus is on direct investments in industrial real estate.

In his role, Rob is responsible for overseeing Acquisitions and Capital Markets. Prior to joining the team, he spent two years at G.S. Wilcox & Co. where he served as an originator on the commercial real estate capital markets advisory team. Prior to G.S. Wilcox, he worked at Newmark Knight Frank on their New York City based debt capital markets team and at ICAP in structured credit products.

Rob has a Bachelor’s degree from Connecticut College in Economics and Latin American Studies and earned a Masters in Real Estate from New York University.

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Yannis Papadakis is a Business Development Manager and Podcast Host at CREXi. Based in Los Angeles, CREXi is a commercial real estate community, marketplace, and technology company that simplifies transactions and accelerates business for brokers, buyers, agents and tenants.

Yannis is responsible for building relationships with commercial real estate professionals from across the country and connecting, educating, and supporting them through CREXi’s platform. His real estate experience began at age 19, when he started managing a shopping center and 80,000 square-feet of retail space. From there, Yannis has worn many hats as a sales agent, property manager, auction manager, and investor.

Yannis hosts the Crexi Podcast, which provides a window into the inner workings of commercial real estate for new and established real estate professionals. His guests include top producing brokers and real estate industry leaders from across the country. Yannis earned his undergraduate degree from Lynn University.

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Jordan Kavana is the Founder and Chairman of ARK Homes for Rent, established in 2021. ARK Homes for Rent is a real estate investment company that owns, operates, and manages a nearly $2 billion portfolio of rental properties located across the Sunbelt of the United States.

For nearly three decades, Jordan has built and led several successful ventures in real estate and private equity, including Transcendent Investment Management (established in 2008) and JL Real Ventures (established in 2004). Prior to that, Jordan founded a successful international consumer electronics company, which he sold in 2003. His career began with roles at Morgan Stanley's Private Wealth Management division and the finance and operations department of one of the continent's largest vacation property developers.

Jordan is also a founding member of AIPAC’s Miami Club and holds key positions within YPO International, including Global Impact Officer for Mosaic and Engagement Officer for the Peace and Action Network. He is a graduate of Florida International University and has completed coursework at both Harvard University and Harvard Business School's President Management Program.

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