In commercial real estate, mentorship can be just as valuable as market share. Bob Knakal, Chairman and CEO of BKREA, has long believed in developing talent—and now, his legacy expands further as Adam Hess, a former top producer at Massey Knakal, launches Sterling Property Group. Hess becomes the 32nd alum of the Knakal-Massey system to start or lead a real estate firm.
Key Takeaways
32nd Protégé to Launch a Firm: Adam Hess’s new company, Sterling Property Group, marks the 32nd time a Massey Knakal-trained broker has gone on to lead or start their own firm.
A Legacy Built on Mentorship: Knakal considers the success of his former team members to be the most meaningful achievement of his career—even more than his 2,351 building sales.
Origins of Excellence: Founded in 1988, Massey Knakal Realty Services grew from two partners and a secretary to 250 professionals across four offices, eventually selling for $100 million in 2014.
Historic Market Domination: For 14 years straight, Massey Knakal outperformed every other firm in NYC by more than 3x in building sales, according to CoStar.
Training the Next Generation at BKREA: Today, Knakal continues to mentor rising stars at BKREA, passing down the same principles that have launched dozens of CRE careers.
Innovation Meets Tradition: BKREA combines analog data collection with advanced AI and includes a dedicated Policy & Zoning SWAT Team to navigate complex NYC regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Adam Hess?
A: Adam Hess is a former top producer at Massey Knakal and now the founder of Sterling Property Group, a new investment sales brokerage.
Q: What is the significance of the number 32?
A: Hess is the 32nd real estate professional to launch or lead a company after being mentored by Bob Knakal under the Massey Knakal system.
Q: What made Massey Knakal so successful?
A: Its hyper-local, territory-based model, hands-on mentorship, and culture of excellence made it the leading building sales firm in NYC for over a decade.
Q: Is mentorship still part of Knakal’s model today?
A: Absolutely. At BKREA, Bob Knakal continues to train and guide a new wave of real estate professionals.
Q: What innovations has BKREA introduced?
A: BKREA blends analog data-gathering with AI tools and features a unique Policy & Zoning SWAT Team to better serve clients in NYC’s challenging regulatory environment.
Q: How can aspiring brokers work with or learn from Bob Knakal?
A: Joining BKREA offers direct access to Knakal’s mentorship and industry-defining approach to investment sales.