The Bob Knakal Show

What Does It Take to Become a Top Broker in the US? | ft. Mary Ann Tighe

How does someone go from the White House to becoming one of the most powerful figures in commercial real estate? In this episode of The Bob Knakal Show, Mary Ann Tighe shares her incredible journey—from growing up in the Bronx to working at the White House, and ultimately becoming CEO of the Tri-State region at CBRE. She reveals how unexpected opportunities, resilience, and bold decisions shaped her path, along with powerful lessons on mentorship, competition, and succeeding in a male-dominated industry. This is a masterclass in career growth, leadership, and seizing opportunities when they appear. Key Takeaways – Success is often non-linear—unexpected paths can lead to the biggest opportunities – Making yourself useful is the fastest way to find mentors and grow in any industry – Differentiation is key—become an expert in areas others overlook – Strong ideas and clear communication can outweigh technical expertise – Resilience and thick skin are critical, especially in competitive environments – Collaboration and relationships are essential to closing major deals – Taking calculated risks can completely change your career trajectory – Confidence grows from experience—use past wins to navigate future challenges. ▶️ Whether you're a young broker or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights, rare wisdom, and inspiration that will change how you think about real estate, leadership, and longevity. Connect with Bob: 🔔 Subscribe to my Newsletter: https://linktr.ee/bobknakalnyc [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUliNGpmVkFRNUY3UGpQVzFWa2NmU3lvZ2hWd3xBQ3Jtc0trd3Nzc0dGWmRwUjUwRlpZd0ZDMklCZWF0akMxVHAxekJwVndzVkxPZXFLN0N4WHV5VmtGZXNuTEZHT19VR3V5Uk5hYjFRdFNVVXVQaVp0OTlnYVFQT05NUUJRRFB5eHcwUEdLVWNTdDVEREN3TEdkcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Fbobknakalnyc&v=3wCAczU83gg]

How Top Brokers Stay Sharp Through Market Cycles | ft. Bruce Mosler

In this powerful and inspiring episode of The Bob Knakal Show, Bob sits down with Bruce Mosler, Chairman of Global Brokerage at Cushman & Wakefield, for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on everything from real estate evolution, leadership, negotiation, and the future of brokerage—to personal stories of grit, setbacks, comebacks, and legacy. Bruce shares untold stories from his journey, including the rise of boutique shops like Riverbank, the transformative acquisition of Cushman & Wakefield, and managing through the 2008 financial crisis. He opens up about the lessons learned from failures, his favorite deal ever, and why negotiation is more about people than power. ▶️ Whether you're a young broker or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights, rare wisdom, and inspiration that will change how you think about real estate, leadership, and longevity. 💡 IN THIS EPISODE:  00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgT5jccjv70] – Introduction: Bob Knakal & Bruce Mosler 03:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgT5jccjv70&t=180s] – Bruce's NYC childhood and early career moves 06:45 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgT5jccjv70&t=405s] – The grind of brokerage and importance of mentorship 09:15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgT5jccjv70&t=555s] – The rise of Riverbank and navigating boutique vs. global 15:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgT5jccjv70&t=930s] – Becoming CEO of Cushman & Wakefield 18:20 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgT5jccjv70&t=1100s] – Managing through 2008: Real leadership under pressure 20:45 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgT5jccjv70&t=1245s] – The power of pitching and teamwork 24:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgT5jccjv70&t=1470s] – Bruce’s negotiation strategy 27:10 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgT5jccjv70&t=1630s] – Favorite deal: The complex, high-stakes Reuters transaction 33:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgT5jccjv70&t=1980s] – Personal passions: Montauk, fishing, and his coffee table book 38:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgT5jccjv70&t=2280s] – Final advice for young brokers 📚 Mentioned in the Episode: Cushman & Wakefield Riverbank Steve Siegel’s book Reuters / Rudin deal BKREA by Bob Knakal 👥 Special Thanks to: The Bob Knakal Show is brought to you by Crexi – The most powerful platform to prospect, evaluate, connect & close in CRE. 📌 FOLLOW US: LinkedIn: Bob Knakal Instagram: @BobKnakalNYC Twitter/X: @BobKnakal Website: bkrea.com 📣 Don’t forget to Like, Comment & Share this episode with a colleague, broker, or mentor who needs to hear this! #RealEstateBrokerage [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/realestatebrokerage] #BruceMosler [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/brucemosler] #BobKnakal [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bobknakal] #CRE [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/cre] #CushmanWakefield [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/cushmanwakefield] #OfficeLeasing [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/officeleasing] #Leadership [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/leadership] #BrokerLife [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/brokerlife] #BKREA [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bkrea] #NegotiationTips [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/negotiationtips] #CareerAdvice [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/careeradvice] #Montauk [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/montauk] #NewYorkCity [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/newyorkcity] #CrexiPartner [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/crexipartner] Connect with Bob: 🔔 Subscribe to my Newsletter: https://linktr.ee/bobknakalnyc [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmRiWVBOX3F6STZDRk9HSGZkSU55SzFkRWd2d3xBQ3Jtc0trbnJtSUNka0JWLWpaS2pVYmoydVJRQ3VROFl5X01HbXhyMmFHb3lBQnNiamprSXZ5aHRkZm4telV0dHJaSWd0dmV0WElVN1B5VzJob3h6OTQ5N3pwWVRuaDgyVUF1Q3J2Q2YycDU1QkFZN1ZlSFg1OA&q=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Fbobknakalnyc&v=HgT5jccjv70] LinkedIn:   / bobknakal  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1E5SVJjRHVNdDJQVTBfQXpPYUVNYXR3TjhJQXxBQ3Jtc0treUp6V1h5OWFTdlZQOUdZZlgwRmxScG5iSXJtWWgzWHlIWk05RE45Ulo5aEdIcW1HaFJIQW5pSFdwanUxcU1hNFdpUGVIMTNNRlFjaWpURG5kUEtubWxiTlNsUjc3S2twQ1J3QXdldnNvUk94ZElqQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fbobknakal%2F&v=HgT5jccjv70] Facebook:   / bobknakalnyc  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazQ4a1dXZHM1aUt6Z05zMUltY2pvRmUzVmRtZ3xBQ3Jtc0tscEFfWlVqWHpTYmMtMnlsd2FMaXpDMVUxRGVncVR3cWVuX2NMLVZoZ3NfbTFyZXZpbXB4VjYwS19XbTFxU3hlLWY0Nk90VVY4N19zUlhLYTA3UDJ0QzZSemdfcHM0bVg3N0szcENhSGVLcEMycGs4bw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBobKnakalNYC&v=HgT5jccjv70] Instagram:   / bobknakalnyc  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmpDUnpoTDEydlFTejVhcVl4S2k2ZmdncGJOd3xBQ3Jtc0ttbW1rTnpkdHVsbDI2RGdaaWRuazQzNXp2Rl9ueHpFMVVuN3VyMXVJMnRkZ2tpdWtneURRcjJxcDRfdC1vc0hVaG1WZjBYX3V0dDZ2VUR0enlyT2FrTXFCNWJPUERRTUd5ajJhcmhwNUcyNHNYWlJpTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2FBobKnakalNYC&v=HgT5jccjv70] Twitter:   / bobknakal  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVVQVXpSSVh3ZDBEX1lfQXJoamlKVkFkYmk4QXxBQ3Jtc0tsZS1MTDc3U1ZlRFJ1NmtLbVpDenoySm44WU1rSC1KZDk5U3g5MVZmclkxY0ZDcW1Kc01PajVzNEUyZVM1N0thbE04MXRxQVVNU3FEb1FyT1NXQjA3QWNkOGJOcUE2Q0Znak1qbEY1cWRMajF4aDI4RQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FBobKnakal&v=HgT5jccjv70] #nycrealestate [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/nycrealestate] #investmentsalesnyc [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/investmentsalesnyc] #capitalmarkets [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/capitalmarkets] #bobknakal [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bobknakal]

How Andy Davidoff Built a Real Estate Empire from Nothing

In this powerful episode of The Bob Knakal Show, Bob sits down with legendary real estate investor Andy Davidoff, Chairman and CEO of Emmes Companies. With over 35 years of friendship and 25+ deals together, this is a must-watch for anyone interested in New York real estate, investment strategy, and entrepreneurial grit. 💼 Andy shares his unfiltered journey — from dropping out of college and demoing cast iron bathtubs at 15, to building one of the most formidable investment firms in the country. Discover how he seized massive opportunities like the RTC auctions and the Goldman-DeLorenzo portfolio, and how his firm scaled across NYC, the West Coast, and even Japan. 🏙️ Topics covered include: * The anatomy of a $120M profit deal * Why B and C office buildings are ripe for conversion * NYC's insatiable housing demand and the Midtown South rezoning * Investing in distress: turning chaos into opportunity * The joy of motorcycle escapes and fine dining with friends 💬 "You have to come to work willing to be fired. That's what it takes to be successful." – Andy Davidoff 📣 Don’t miss this masterclass in real estate entrepreneurship, relationship-building, and opportunity recognition. 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes and turn on notifications so you never miss the next one. Follow us on social media for live audience opportunities! 📊 Presented by CREXI – the leading platform for commercial real estate professionals to prospect, evaluate, connect, and close. #RealEstate [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/realestate] #NYCRealEstate [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/nycrealestate] #CommercialRealEstate [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/commercialrealestate] #RealEstateInvesting [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/realestateinvesting] #BobKnakal [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bobknakal] #AndyDavidoff [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/andydavidoff] #BKREA [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bkrea] #InvestmentStrategy [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/investmentstrategy] #OfficeConversion [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/officeconversion] #RealEstatePodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/realestatepodcast] #CXI [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/cxi] Connect with Bob: 🔔 Subscribe to my Newsletter: https://linktr.ee/bobknakalnyc [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0xJN1IxenFrZk4takpEcWRtYlNrVGs0Yi01Z3xBQ3Jtc0tuQS1hazgxbm1MUFB1YzZ5WmR2M25mcnl2aktIN1BxTEhfTEhtOEFEeWxDbTUtVHAtaTl3REhCOTJqczFkcWgwUGlwbG9oRWtiZlZxRWJjb21FUDVuckxTNXBMd3NTdEdGbGkwTS1kMk96eVI2aTRPQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Fbobknakalnyc&v=qe3z_cP9U-4] LinkedIn:   / bobknakal  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnl0eXdYcklFMmFsYlA4RVlmdi1DbFpnVTUtUXxBQ3Jtc0trTFk0TG1LMGhaN3lURmRZOGtlNzlFMFNYdHBJczVRZmdHNFpmUXNhakt2T3l6cTcwdjRHNmN6TGFsS2l5dnlJcDFQWUZZbTl2WmhxZmNJZDVFQ1pPRmItSHlraWZoVVdaYWctZ2MtSzd6c05mQW5lSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fbobknakal%2F&v=qe3z_cP9U-4] Facebook:   / bobknakalnyc  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0VKYnBtdjdUWWh6RlBYR21VYUpZR3ZpUGxzZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttV3BmU0JQS2tCLUtpZnBBSGN6bF9Qamd1MU8zQV9UdXpxSE9QR0lYa2Fuel9HRmZPeFdaU1BzM1U3WXhTOWc4X0xyMkxMakRkWGduMzBfb2oxN05oSEhiWmdiQW1xbTJ4YWdNd2hjWFgxM3hTS3JpUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBobKnakalNYC&v=qe3z_cP9U-4] Instagram:   / bobknakalnyc  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGZ3c2hGX25WTGdYNGtMZlVhcThIb3laMnBSd3xBQ3Jtc0tsWVppc3hISzlhVUVZbVZIM2FLcW9xY3BZMHY2ekNldnhIa0pkVHE5d0FheUhyZ1Vyc0Q2WS14azhzUlphb3JhOEdtYnV2dkYtV1R0T3F6RWVnazduNmVRbHJYOTRFaVRNOVV5LW1kVDhCbmloc3Y5aw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2FBobKnakalNYC&v=qe3z_cP9U-4] Twitter:   / bobknakal  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbU5EcWNtQ09hRVlwS0R5V1U3c0lSdEpsSWdXd3xBQ3Jtc0tuRjBOQlphaHRjREEweHNBQUVOZ1M5Y2c5NmlXZ2ozTm9XZkp6RkZXU3FsSFVIUnNub0tPekpsOF9WVjdLUXJ6YTVxaFVIeWlLOXZ0b2lnQnBBLS16eENmT2lxNDdNN2lYNWtzaFNjWHgzbG1SZW9SUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FBobKnakal&v=qe3z_cP9U-4]

From Broker to Investor & Building a CRE Empire Ft. StripMallGuy

In this episode, Bob sits down with Don Tepman, better known as StripMallGuy, one of the most influential voices in commercial real estate (CRE) with over 400,000 followers across social media. Discover how Don went from being a broker to a successful strip mall investor, and how he built a digital brand that’s reshaping the way people think about real estate investing. Key Takeaways: * How Don broke into real estate and built his first deals * Lessons from transitioning from broker to owner/operator * The power of personal brand in CRE investing * Why strip malls are still hidden goldmines * Social media growth strategies in the commercial space 🔥 Whether you’re a real estate broker, investor, syndicator, or CRE enthusiast, this episode is packed with insight, authenticity, and inspiration. Subscribe now for more insider conversations from the leaders shaping commercial real estate. 🔔 Subscribe to my Newsletter: https://linktr.ee/bobknakalnyc [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3VaWWZWSG4tY3ZVN1dIRWZVT2VOU19jdlhPd3xBQ3Jtc0tsSVN2bjJ1ZVhMd3BzVkp5Ny1DQTV1ajNyQnR0RDViMUJMZmxmdTlPaGRmeEQtWTdDZ1gzUHdMTk8ta1BEZ05IbG82d3JldWRkRXFEMU5KQnJxd3JUZWtPUlFKRzlRYjVxclQydTQ5X3NXSmpBUWxEZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Fbobknakalnyc&v=LMTlwF0GZVs] LinkedIn:  / bobknakal  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblk5bmFCMW9tTmdkaUwtLWFwM3ZGNm5KeEV4UXxBQ3Jtc0ttd0ExQjRDZ3VzR0wySGtXb3czM01UVldCaThFYjVEVzZabXZRUUgxUUk5RVZ0Rzl5ZzBoVGZ1Zk9COERRTHNpbFB4NGVIOTdPcTZia0FpM0lsMi13ckpGR01wX3dHTUxKZlhnYkpOdDhnYlpTdkhTMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fbobknakal%2F&v=LMTlwF0GZVs] Facebook:  / bobknakalnyc  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWotWnRyWGNWR0hkNEZrYl9vV3dYN1RVdGl3d3xBQ3Jtc0tuOWtiTVhkelRYYzFMbGY5TThINmlkdVR3Z0hNZ1hBb3lPLXJjYnF2SFB1X0RaSXkyaHEtNF9naGlGX0JOZnpfMnR4dUpSaldkOGxaNjdMVElGMms4LWk1b2xGZGprMTB6a1A0Q093WF9leEtUV1hvUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBobKnakalNYC&v=LMTlwF0GZVs] Instagram:   / bobknakalnyc  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEJHUVNqM19XZHVZalo1WjIyRFFMczVaUmpld3xBQ3Jtc0ttVUE3cXJfVEVWR05iSW1RNmtzRnQwWFpMM2lackI3OFlOZC1qSFp4QmlsRG9EV2ZNTWdNaTNGLXJHY2YzbkdUSm8zTUxqeDhvWXIzUTl1Q2RMdWYtTkhUWlF4Z054ellnc19hanhKb2VQWkhva3o3Zw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2FBobKnakalNYC&v=LMTlwF0GZVs] Twitter:   / bobknakal   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEZDbWM2RmZ0ZFdPekZIR1B6dU1scUdHOGdPQXxBQ3Jtc0tsRnV0UnMtbTRfeUFoWDNtcjliZms4NkhXVEM1NTVzOTJOZEdGQnpiZW1mc2ZZV1p5cHBiMi1yaHduOUhqU1F6b3Y5NW5JVWgzRno1Q19YeDNpYjQ3eDU3Z2VmeXg0Q0R6TWFzYWRuM3hXenpCTUV5Yw&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FBobKnakal&v=LMTlwF0GZVs]

How to Spot Opportunity When Everyone Else is Panicking Ft. Francis Greenburger

What happens when a teenage bookkeeper grows up to build one of the most diversified global real estate portfolios in the world? On this episode of The Bob Knakal Show, Bob sits down with Francis Greenburger, Chairman and CEO of Time Equities, for a candid, powerful conversation spanning 50 years of real estate cycles, co-op conversions, global acquisitions, and entrepreneurial grit. From delivering newspapers in Queens to buying buildings in Montreal for $8 a foot, Francis shares the inside story of how he turned timing, instinct, and smart problem-solving into a multibillion-dollar career. He dives into lessons from New York’s 1970s financial crisis, the co-op conversion boom (and collapse), and the deals that defined an era. For anyone building a career in real estate—or just fascinated by the city's evolution—this episode is a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and bold decision-making. Key Takeaways: * How Francis started investing at 16 and found his way into real estate * The origin story of Time Equities and the role rent control laws played * Converting over 10,000 apartments and navigating the Tax Reform Act of 1986 * Buying distressed assets during economic downturns—then holding them for decades * Lessons from the Savings & Loan crisis, the co-op boom, and today’s market volatility * How to identify opportunity when everyone else sees chaos * Why Francis prefers control and long-term holds over chasing scale Connect with Bob: 🔔 Subscribe to my Newsletter: https://linktr.ee/bobknakalnyc [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkpqTi1tX0xPV1lNMXA0UzBZbTFfTDRpM1ZDUXxBQ3Jtc0tuZnhzUmNwQlhEaEJEbmV1TUhrZXIwbmtONTk2THM4RWNZMUkxc2M1MWVzWG5FTkRJWkRNV2JjM0czUGw3VWtYRUlXbmVZVWdfa3Nub2t0bHdfWFo3VUVsZl9WczlIRWRGTElTclNGWHdrUk1feS1Jbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Fbobknakalnyc&v=0-rA92gSOX8] LinkedIn:   / bobknakal  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHhjdmcwei1uNXd6aEtoZXZrcjYyVjBCZ09lUXxBQ3Jtc0ttYlA0NUJYcDg2TkNScDVmY1owRlIwMFpzblVFemw0UmFGeEw2Vlo4bmtUR3BMeTF3TDEzdDJPMUlkNU80SWFxcnF5MnNlRkdvM0FKUlBuWTlkcEtPaXNsZ2s5cnRZQ0FJMzVhM2dmQlNFQ1lIbGJSQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fbobknakal%2F&v=0-rA92gSOX8] Facebook:  / bobknakalnyc  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2IyZjBiRjBHTjVUbFlQZ0p2YTFFRlpVMzBjUXxBQ3Jtc0tsdFhmMHpRTW1kVHYxVU1LbmlhRlNFcGJKSHpZazVCSmVRRDRuT2U1ZU5OTldoa1BaX1FDbEw4d3ZnaUdLcXdyaVBORF9zZWZQNmp2QzRnb0w4Zm9uclI0SEdhTmJPTmowaDdpUnJXamFvYnNKX29YUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBobKnakalNYC&v=0-rA92gSOX8] Instagram:   / bobknakalnyc  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXZDVnpmZm1CR0hlT1Z3WFB6Z3BZZ3AySjlDQXxBQ3Jtc0ttS3h3d1ZWVndFUXdpRm0xMGVFQ29CRnl1aXI3VmVaYzNHTnZRWnhicHhoRndNazdvUHE4ZmwxQXBuNWpweDRJV3VlWGctdjlZZjRDdl9teWpWSHBmV3pza3pRb2c2QUZ1bGtzSHhvN3FjSzhwbU92VQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2FBobKnakalNYC&v=0-rA92gSOX8] Twitter:   / bobknakal   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazhnWUoyY3R5blJFTmpmZUp4ZXFpakhCM2pSUXxBQ3Jtc0trMGRhVnhVTklKeW90RU9VU0VNVmx0Vjl3YXYwVnQ0a1NCUnhNQ2VwZXlvMWFUSEIyNkIwbkRJcU1uSFNfaUNRbThra3g4WUthWThZQTNwbV8tX1NMeERmbTlER2hBU252ODZadlhUV3JJM09jTUI3cw&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FBobKnakal&v=0-rA92gSOX8]