Bob Knakal Hosts Lunch & Learn with Lee & Associates Brokers on Best Practices and Maximizing Professional Potential

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Bob Knakal, Chairman & CEO of BKREA and one of commercial real estate’s most respected industry leaders, recently led an exclusive Lunch & Learn session with brokers at Lee & Associates, focused on brokerage best practices, professional development, and long-term performance strategies.

The interactive event brought together Lee & Associates professionals for a candid discussion on performance habits, relationship-building, and the mindset required to excel in today’s competitive commercial real estate environment.

Inside the Lunch & Learn: Brokerage Discipline, Growth, and Execution

Drawing from more than four decades of experience and over 2,391 completed transactions totaling $24.1 billion, Knakal shared practical insights into:

• Prospecting Discipline & Daily Habits
  How consistent outreach, structured follow-up, and routine accountability create sustainable deal flow.
• Relationship-First Brokerage
  Why long-term trust and authenticity outperform short-term transactional thinking.
• Market Expertise as a Competitive Advantage
  The importance of becoming hyper-specialized in defined territories and asset classes.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset in Brokerage
  Treating each day like a business owner — with focus, energy, and personal responsibility.
• Momentum Through Compounding Effort
  How small daily actions build meaningful career growth over time.

The Lunch & Learn format encouraged open dialogue, allowing brokers to exchange ideas and ask candid questions about navigating market cycles, sharpening competitive positioning, and building durable professional brands.

Leadership Through Experience and Mentorship

Knakal emphasized that success in brokerage is not accidental — it is the result of structured habits, disciplined prospecting, and continuous learning. He encouraged attendees to operate with both entrepreneurial independence and collaborative awareness, aligning personal performance with team growth.

The session was arranged by Todd Korren, Principal and Executive Managing Director at Lee & Associates. Korren, who previously worked alongside Knakal at Massey Knakal Realty Services, has maintained a close professional relationship with him over the years.

“We’re thrilled to have Bob, a legend in our industry, come speak with our team to talk about best practices for brokers to utilize to maximize their potential,” said Korren.

A Commitment to Continuous Professional Development

The event reflects Lee & Associates’ ongoing commitment to broker education and performance elevation. By providing direct access to industry leaders like Knakal, the firm reinforces a culture of continuous improvement, mentorship, and strategic growth.

For Knakal, the opportunity to share insights with the next generation of brokerage professionals reinforces a long-standing belief: elite performance in commercial real estate is built on consistency, preparation, and an unwavering commitment to client service.

Key Takeaways from the Event

• High-level brokerage success is rooted in disciplined daily habits
• Specialization strengthens competitive positioning
• Authentic relationships compound long-term value
• Mentorship accelerates professional growth
• Market expertise creates sustainable differentiation

Frequently Asked Questions

Who hosted the Lunch & Learn session?

Bob Knakal, Chairman & CEO of BKREA, led the session with brokers at Lee & Associates.

What was the focus of the event?

The discussion centered on brokerage best practices, professional discipline, relationship-building, and strategies for maximizing long-term career growth.

Who organized the event?

Todd Korren, Principal and Executive Managing Director at Lee & Associates, coordinated the session.

Why are Lunch & Learn sessions valuable in commercial real estate?

They provide brokers with direct access to industry leaders, actionable insights, and collaborative dialogue that enhances performance and market expertise.

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