Bob Knakal, Founder and Chairman of BK Real Estate Advisors (BKREA), has been honored on the Commercial Observer’s prestigious Power 100 List for the 14th time in 2025. This recognition highlights his enduring influence as New York City’s commercial real estate market adjusts to shifting economic, regulatory, and land use dynamics.
Key Highlights:
14th Power 100 Recognition: Knakal’s consistent presence on this influential industry list underscores his reputation as a top dealmaker and thought leader in NYC commercial real estate.
Data-Driven Brokerage Model: BKREA’s approach merges over 40 years of market insight with cutting-edge data analysis, providing clients with strategic clarity in a complex and rapidly changing market.
$2.5 Billion in Exclusive Listings: Within just over a year since its launch, BKREA has built a robust portfolio, including major 2024 deals like Avdoo & Partners’ $52 million acquisition on Second Avenue and Gateway Realty’s $21.3 million purchase in Midtown.
Innovative Industry Leadership: COO Seth Samowitz emphasizes BKREA’s role as a strategic advisor that delivers actionable intelligence beyond traditional brokerage marketing.
Knakal Map Room: Located in BKREA’s Midtown office, this unique resource maps every Manhattan development site south of 96th Street (East Side) and 110th Street (West Side), serving investors, developers, and planners alike.
Milestone Achievement: Knakal recently closed his 2,351st building sale, illustrating both personal success and the growing trend toward transparency and data specialization in commercial real estate brokerage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Commercial Observer’s Power 100 List?
A: It is an annual list recognizing the most influential and powerful individuals shaping New York City’s commercial real estate industry.
Q: What sets BKREA apart from traditional brokerages?
A: BKREA focuses on blending deep market expertise with comprehensive data tools and strategic advising, moving beyond simple marketing to provide clients with actionable insights.
Q: What is the Knakal Map Room?
A: A proprietary mapping tool that catalogs every development site in Manhattan below 96th Street (East Side) and 110th Street (West Side), used by investors and city planners for market analysis.
Q: How has BKREA performed since its launch?
A: The firm has rapidly grown to a 15-person team, managing over $2.5 billion in exclusive listings, and completed significant transactions in 2024.
Q: Why is Bob Knakal’s experience important in today’s market?
A: His four decades of experience combined with data-driven methods offer clients strategic clarity amid economic and regulatory uncertainties impacting NYC commercial real estate.
