Ryan Candel, Senior Vice President at BKREA, has quickly earned a reputation as a standout leader in New York City's competitive commercial real estate market. Recognized as one of the 2025 Ones To Watch – Industry Leaders, Ryan combines sharp market insight with an inspiring work ethic and a collaborative spirit.
Key Highlights:
Trusted Right-Hand to Bob Knakal: Ryan has worked alongside Bob Knakal since 2023, contributing significantly to the creation and success of The Knakal Map Room, and is now a trusted senior executive at BKREA.
Daily Prospecting Discipline: In 2025, Ryan committed to daily prospecting through calls, outreach, and canvassing—resulting in multiple high-quality leads and a major development site acquisition.
Market Intelligence Leader: As a central figure in The Knakal Map Room, Ryan curates and distributes data on land trades, development filings, and key trends shaping Manhattan’s land market.
Educating Property Owners: Ryan actively engages with owners to explain air rights, zoning updates, and NYC’s “City of Yes” initiative, helping them recognize the full value of their assets.
Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Drawing from lessons learned early in his career, Ryan now mentors teammates, sharing insights on land use strategy, deal-making, and pipeline building.
Philanthropic Leadership: As a member of UJA’s Real Estate Executives (REX), Ryan connects with leaders across the industry while contributing to meaningful causes and attending thought-leader events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is The Knakal Map Room?
A: It’s BKREA’s proprietary research platform led by Bob Knakal and supported by Ryan Candel, providing real-time updates on NYC land activity, zoning, and development trends.
Q: What makes Ryan Candel a standout in commercial real estate?
A: His unmatched work ethic, willingness to collaborate, and ability to balance high-level execution with constant business development make him an invaluable asset to BKREA.
Q: How does Ryan stay informed about market changes?
A: He reviews permit filings, studies zoning updates, tracks land sales, and engages with property owners and industry experts daily.
Q: What book does Ryan recommend for aspiring leaders?
A: Living With A Seal by Jesse Itzler – a motivational book that emphasizes pushing beyond limits.
Q: Who has been Ryan’s biggest influence in his leadership journey?
A: Bob Knakal, who continues to mentor Ryan directly through daily collaboration and hands-on learning.
