Bob Knakal hits Las Vegas to expand network on eve of new property tool and book launch

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On the eve of launching a new property valuation tool and co-authoring a commercial real estate strategy book, Bob Knakal, one of New York City’s most prolific investment sales brokers, traveled to Las Vegas for ICSC — the premier retail real estate convention. There, he hosted a signature networking event to reconnect with peers, spotlight his firm BKREA, and generate new business opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Networking Event: Knakal hosted “Knakal Knetworking” at the Wynn Las Vegas to gather top-tier brokers, clients, and colleagues, reinforcing personal connections and brand visibility.
  
• Timing with Launches: The event strategically coincided with two major initiatives — the release of “Selling Buildings”, his co-authored book on maximizing value in commercial property sales, and the forthcoming Knakal Land Index.
  
• Introducing the Knakal Land Index: This new data tool evaluates over 2,400 verified land sales in Manhattan (since 1984), segmented into five use-based categories, and enhanced through AI analysis for forecasting land value trends.
  
• Legacy Tools and Innovation: Building on the global appeal of the Knakal Map Room, the new index aims to offer a deeper, data-driven lens on land valuation — with insights tied to interest rates, inflation, and other macroeconomic indicators.
  
• Brand Building Through Storytelling: At the event, Knakal shared personal anecdotes, including his longstanding tradition of carrying a “lucky coin” — a tangible symbol of relationships and deal-making — featured in his upcoming book.
  
• Peer Recognition: Esteemed industry professionals like James Nelson of Avison Young praised Knakal’s mentorship and methods, highlighting the career-defining value of working alongside him.
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is ICSC Las Vegas?

A: ICSC Las Vegas is the largest retail real estate convention in the U.S., drawing over 25,000 attendees annually, including brokers, developers, retailers, and service providers.

‍Q: What is the Knakal Land Index?

A: It’s a proprietary tool cataloging and analyzing 2,438 Manhattan land sales (south of 96th Street) across five categories: rental, condo, hotel, office, and miscellaneous — designed to forecast future land values using macroeconomic data and AI.

‍Q: What is “Selling Buildings” about?

A: Co-written with broker coach Rod Santomassimo, the book shares lessons from Knakal’s 40+ year career and offers strategic guidance on how to maximize profits when selling commercial properties.

‍Q: Who attended Knakal’s networking event?

A: The event drew a mix of high-level brokers, former colleagues, clients, and industry influencers — all of whom have been part of Knakal’s extensive professional network.

‍Q: Why does Bob Knakal carry a lucky coin?

A: Given to him by a client after a deal, the engraved silver coin symbolizes good fortune and deal-making success — and has become a personal talisman for Knakal ever since.

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