In commercial real estate, social media is no longer just a branding tool—it’s become a direct pipeline to business. At the third annual Real Estate Gala atop Hudson Yards, CRE leaders like Bob Knakal and Don Tepman proved that the right digital presence can drive real-world results. The event highlighted how social engagement is turning into high-value deal flow, including over $105 million in new assignments for Knakal in just six weeks.
Key Takeaways
Power of Social Influence: Bob Knakal, with 2,351 building sales and over $22 billion in transaction volume, has expanded his reach through over 23 million impressions across LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.
$100M+ in Direct Deal Flow: In just six weeks, Knakal secured three exclusive listings totaling over $105 million—all directly attributed to his growing online presence.
Exclusive Gala at Hudson Yards: Hosted on the 101st floor, the Real Estate Gala drew only 300 invitees out of 6,000+ requests, underlining its elite status and demand.
From Digital to Real-World Connections: Gala co-host Don Tepman (aka "Strip Mall Guy") created the event to transform meaningful online conversations into deeper face-to-face relationships.
Knakal Knetworking Goes National: These in-person networking events, inspired by online engagement, have expanded to Long Island, Boston, Detroit, and Las Vegas.
Industry-Leading Recognition: Knakal has been ranked the #1 CRE influencer by CREI for two consecutive years, reflecting both reach and real-world impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can social media really lead to commercial real estate deals?
A: Yes. Bob Knakal alone secured over $105 million in new listings from social media connections in just six weeks.
Q: Who attends the Real Estate Gala?
A: The event is invite-only and features top CRE influencers, investors, and industry leaders from around the world.
Q: What platforms matter most in CRE networking?
A: LinkedIn remains the most powerful for professionals, but X (Twitter) and Instagram also drive meaningful engagement and visibility.
Q: Are Knakal Knetworking events open to the public?
A: They are selective but not exclusive—focused on bringing together people who are actively engaging with CRE content online.
Q: What’s next for digital CRE influencers?
A: As more brokers and investors realize the ROI of online engagement, expect a continued blend of virtual branding and real-world dealmaking.
Q: How can I get involved in future events?
A: Start by engaging with key CRE influencers online. Building relationships digitally is often the first step to getting invited offline.
