Bob Knakal hits Las Vegas to expand network on eve of new property tool and book launch
Bob Knakal, center, hosted an event Sunday in Las Vegas. Knakal is with former colleague Shirley Martire, left, and Jeff Rosbash, both with RIPCO. (Leslie Trejo/CoStar)
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.
