In this episode of The Bob Knakal Show, Mary Ann Tighe shares her incredible journey—from growing up in the Bronx to working at the White House, and ultimately becoming CEO of the Tri-State region at CBRE. She reveals how unexpected opportunities, resilience, and bold decisions shaped her path, along with powerful lessons on mentorship, competition, and succeeding in a male-dominated industry. This is a masterclass in career growth, leadership, and seizing opportunities when they appear.

Key Takeaways
– Success is often non-linear—unexpected paths can lead to the biggest opportunities
– Making yourself useful is the fastest way to find mentors and grow in any industry
– Differentiation is key—become an expert in areas others overlook
– Strong ideas and clear communication can outweigh technical expertise
– Resilience and thick skin are critical, especially in competitive environments
– Collaboration and relationships are essential to closing major deals
– Taking calculated risks can completely change your career trajectory
– Confidence grows from experience—use past wins to navigate future challenges.

▶️ Whether you're a young broker or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights, rare wisdom, and inspiration that will change how you think about real estate, leadership, and longevity.

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Bruce shares untold stories from his journey, including the rise of boutique shops like Riverbank, the transformative acquisition of Cushman & Wakefield, and managing through the 2008 financial crisis. He opens up about the lessons learned from failures, his favorite deal ever, and why negotiation is more about people than power.

▶️ Whether you're a young broker or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights, rare wisdom, and inspiration that will change how you think about real estate, leadership, and longevity.

💡 IN THIS EPISODE:
 00:00 – Introduction: Bob Knakal & Bruce Mosler
03:00 – Bruce's NYC childhood and early career moves
06:45 – The grind of brokerage and importance of mentorship
09:15 – The rise of Riverbank and navigating boutique vs. global
15:30 – Becoming CEO of Cushman & Wakefield
18:20 – Managing through 2008: Real leadership under pressure
20:45 – The power of pitching and teamwork
24:30 – Bruce’s negotiation strategy
27:10 – Favorite deal: The complex, high-stakes Reuters transaction
33:00 – Personal passions: Montauk, fishing, and his coffee table book
38:00 – Final advice for young brokers

📚 Mentioned in the Episode:
Cushman & Wakefield
Riverbank
Steve Siegel’s book
Reuters / Rudin deal
BKREA by Bob Knakal

👥 Special Thanks to:
The Bob Knakal Show is brought to you by Crexi – The most powerful platform to prospect, evaluate, connect & close in CRE.

📌 FOLLOW US:

LinkedIn: Bob Knakal
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Website: bkrea.com
📣 Don’t forget to Like, Comment & Share this episode with a colleague, broker, or mentor who needs to hear this!

#RealEstateBrokerage #BruceMosler #BobKnakal #CRE #CushmanWakefield #OfficeLeasing #Leadership #BrokerLife #BKREA #NegotiationTips #CareerAdvice #Montauk #NewYorkCity #CrexiPartner

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#nycrealestate #investmentsalesnyc #capitalmarkets #bobknakal

💼 Andy shares his unfiltered journey — from dropping out of college and demoing cast iron bathtubs at 15, to building one of the most formidable investment firms in the country. Discover how he seized massive opportunities like the RTC auctions and the Goldman-DeLorenzo portfolio, and how his firm scaled across NYC, the West Coast, and even Japan.

🏙️ Topics covered include:

• The anatomy of a $120M profit deal
• Why B and C office buildings are ripe for conversion
• NYC's insatiable housing demand and the Midtown South rezoning
• Investing in distress: turning chaos into opportunity
• The joy of motorcycle escapes and fine dining with friends

💬 "You have to come to work willing to be fired. That's what it takes to be successful." – Andy Davidoff

📣 Don’t miss this masterclass in real estate entrepreneurship, relationship-building, and opportunity recognition.

🔔 Subscribe for more episodes and turn on notifications so you never miss the next one. Follow us on social media for live audience opportunities!

📊 Presented by CREXI – the leading platform for commercial real estate professionals to prospect, evaluate, connect, and close.

#RealEstate #NYCRealEstate #CommercialRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #BobKnakal #AndyDavidoff #BKREA #InvestmentStrategy #OfficeConversion #RealEstatePodcast #CXI

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Key Takeaways:

• How Don broke into real estate and built his first deals
• Lessons from transitioning from broker to owner/operator
• The power of personal brand in CRE investing
• Why strip malls are still hidden goldmines
• Social media growth strategies in the commercial space

🔥 Whether you’re a real estate broker, investor, syndicator, or CRE enthusiast, this episode is packed with insight, authenticity, and inspiration.

Subscribe now for more insider conversations from the leaders shaping commercial real estate.
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On this episode of The Bob Knakal Show, Bob sits down with Francis Greenburger, Chairman and CEO of Time Equities, for a candid, powerful conversation spanning 50 years of real estate cycles, co-op conversions, global acquisitions, and entrepreneurial grit.

From delivering newspapers in Queens to buying buildings in Montreal for $8 a foot, Francis shares the inside story of how he turned timing, instinct, and smart problem-solving into a multibillion-dollar career. He dives into lessons from New York’s 1970s financial crisis, the co-op conversion boom (and collapse), and the deals that defined an era.

For anyone building a career in real estate—or just fascinated by the city's evolution—this episode is a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and bold decision-making.

Key Takeaways:

• How Francis started investing at 16 and found his way into real estate
• The origin story of Time Equities and the role rent control laws played
• Converting over 10,000 apartments and navigating the Tax Reform Act of 1986
• Buying distressed assets during economic downturns—then holding them for decades
• Lessons from the Savings & Loan crisis, the co-op boom, and today’s market volatility
• How to identify opportunity when everyone else sees chaos
• Why Francis prefers control and long-term holds over chasing scale

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Dov shares stories from his early days growing up in Brooklyn to his time assembling some of Manhattan’s most iconic development sites, including the legendary 220 Central Park South deal. Then, he explains why he shifted from luxury high-rises to industrial real estate and how he pioneered multi-story warehouse development on the East Coast.

From bold negotiation tactics to market insights and career-defining moments, this conversation is packed with lessons for developers, brokers, and anyone looking to play at the highest level of real estate.

🔹 Key Takeaways:
-How Dov Hertz became the secret weapon behind Extell’s major assemblages
-The real story behind the 220 Central Park South power play
-Why multi-story industrial buildings are the future of urban logistics
-The mindset shift from assembling air rights to building last-mile warehouses
-How to identify market gaps and pivot before the competition
-Why the most complicated deals are often the most lucrative
-The power of specialization and knowing your local market inside and out
-Lessons in negotiation, from legendary buyouts to standing ovations
-Don’t miss this rare look inside some of New York’s most high-stakes deals and the strategy it takes to stay ahead.

Subscribe now for more insider conversations from the leaders shaping commercial real estate.
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Join us as we dive into:

→ The evolution of NYC’s real estate market 🌆
→ Scott's insights on navigating industry downturns 📉
→ Lessons on resilience, innovation, and leadership 💼

Bob also shares his bold predictions for the NYC real estate market in 2025, highlighting key sectors primed for growth and the unprecedented turnover ahead. Don’t miss this in-depth discussion packed with valuable insights, historical context, and actionable takeaways.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
05:00 - Market conditions and predictions
12:30 - Scott’s family legacy and business beginnings
20:00 - Public markets and their impact on real estate

📍 Subscribe for more conversations with industry leaders: https://www.bkrea.com
https://www.bobknakal.com

🎥 Presented by @CREXI – the ultimate platform for commercial real estate transactions.

Links and Resources:

Visit Bob Knakal’s Website
Follow us on YouTube for the video version of the show
Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Connect with Us:
Email: info@bobKnakalshow.com
X: @BobKnakalShow
Instagram: @BobKnakalShow

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About Bob Knakal
Bob Knakal is a renowned figure in the New York City real estate market with a career spanning over 40 years. He is currently the Chairman & CEO of BKREA and previously co-founded Massey Knakal Realty Services in 1988 with Paul J. Massey Jr., which became NYC’s leading building sales firm. Under his leadership, Massey Knakal closed over 6,000 transactions worth more than $23 billion until its acquisition by Cushman & Wakefield in 2014​.

Early Career
Bob began his real estate career at CB Richard Ellis in 1984. He later co-founded Massey Knakal, where he implemented a unique territory system that made brokers experts in specific neighborhoods.

Massey Knakal Realty Services
Known for its specialization in NYC building sales, the firm was acquired by Cushman & Wakefield in 2014 for $100 million. Bob continued as Chairman of New York Investment Sales at Cushman & Wakefield, where he was the top originating investment sales broker globally for several years.

JLL and BKREA
Bob joined JLL in 2018 as Chairman of New York Investment Sales. In 2024, he founded BK Real Estate Advisors (BKREA), integrating AI with traditional real estate practices to innovate the market​.

Notable Achievements:

Sales Record: Bob has personally been responsible for the sale of over 2,339 buildings (which is generally considered the highest total for a single broker in the history of NYC​, totaling more than $22 billion in sales. 

Development Sites: He has handled over 250 development site transactions, totaling over $7 billion in sales​.

Recognition: Bob has been regularly listed among the Commercial Observer’s Power 100 and named one of the Most Influential Business Leaders in NYC by Crain's.

Personal Projects and Media Presence:

The Map Room: Bob is known for his extensive map collection, which he uses as a tool for client meetings and strategic planning. His “Map Room” has been a focal point in his career and media coverage​.

Social Media and Mentoring: Bob is active on various social media platforms, sharing insights and mentoring young professionals in the real estate industry. His posts often discuss deal-making and industry trends, attracting a wide audience​. In 2024 he was ranked the #2 commercial real estate influencer on X (Twitter) and the #1 commercial real estate influencer on LinkedIn. 

Bob Knakal continues to be a pivotal figure in the NYC real estate scene, combining his vast experience with innovative approaches to shape the future of real estate brokerage.

About Jillian Mariutti
Jillian Mariutti is a Senior Director in the New York office of JLL Capital Markets, Americas. She joined JLL as part of the HFF acquisition and has more than 15 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. She arranges and structures real estate capital on an exclusive basis for the nation’s premier owners, investors, and developers. Previously Jillian was a Director at Mission Capital on the debt and equity finance desk. Prior to Mission, she worked at JCRA Financial LLC as the Head of Real Estate North America and was responsible for providing foreign exchange and interest rate risk management services to Real Estate clients. Jillian joined JCRA from Wells Fargo in New York where she was a Vice President and marketed and structured interest rate management solutions for Public REITS, Multi Family and Hospitality Finance clients. Jillian also spent a year working in the San Francisco office where she advised on interest rate risk management for the Gaming sector and the West Coast Real Estate Capital Markets team. She started her career at Wachovia in 2007 and covered a variety of industry groups within the firm’s Corporate and Investment Banking platform. Jillian graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. degree in Mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania.

About Steve Siegel
Stephen B. Siegel is a prominent figure in the NYC real estate scene, currently serving as the Chairman of Global Brokerage at CBRE, the world's largest commercial real estate services company. He has been a key player in shaping the industry, with a career that spans several decades and includes numerous high-profile deals and leadership roles.

Cushman & Wakefield
Steve began his career at Cushman & Wakefield, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become President and CEO at the age of 37.

Insignia/ESG
He later became the Chairman and CEO of Insignia/ESG, where he was instrumental in the company’s global expansion before its merger with CBRE.

CBRE
Post-merger, Siegel has continued to lead major initiatives and transactions, contributing to CBRE's position as a leading global firm.

Notable Achievements:

Major Deals: He has negotiated some of the most significant deals in NYC, including the leasing of Gucci Group’s space at Trump Tower and the acquisition of 1290 Avenue of the Americas.

Awards and Recognition: Steve has received numerous accolades, such as the Commercial Property News' Lifetime Achievement Award, and has been listed among the most influential business leaders in NYC by Crain's​.

Community Involvement: Siegel is deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, including founding the Stephen B. Siegel Adult Day Care Center and serving on the board of the Gift of Life Marrow Registry. His contributions have been recognized by various organizations, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community​.

Early Life: Steve was born in the Bronx to a Jewish family. His father was a laborer, and his mother worked as a school crossing guard. These humble beginnings shaped his work ethic and approach to business and philanthropy​.

Steve Siegel's career is marked by his significant contributions to the real estate industry, his leadership in major companies, and his ongoing commitment to community service and philanthropy. His story and experiences offer valuable insights and inspiration for anyone interested in the world of real estate and beyond.

Links and Resou...