Episode 46

The ABCs of Real Estate with Bob Knakal

On this episode of the Performance Mindset podcast, Amy sits down with Bob Knakal, a highly accomplished sales broker specializing in investment properties in New York City. Bob has been in this business since 1984 and leads the private capital group for JLL in New York City. Bob has brokered the sale of more properties in New York City than any other individual broker.

Amy and Bob discuss how he accidentally landed in the real estate business, his ability to discover solutions others may have missed, the importance of resiliency, and how maintaining an abundance mindset contributed to his great success. You’ll also hear his one regret about college, the books he recommends for someone interested in real estate, why finding your niche matters, and how social media has changed the way Bob does business.


In this episode, you’ll hear:


  1. Bob Knakal’s entrance into real estate after dreaming of a career on Wall Street.
  2. His ability to connect the dots and figure out solutions, contributing to his success.
  3. Developing resiliency to overcome difficulties and push forward toward success.
  4. Bob’s Concrete Thoughts column, how much of his writing has transitioned to social media, and the story behind the inception of that newsletter.
  5. Why Bob loves to use paper versus digital notes.
  6. His success and why he attributes it to maintaining an abundance mindset.
  7. The Wharton School’s impact on Bob Knakal’s career and his one regret about college.
  8. The books he recommends for the psychology of selling and persuasion and finding time to read.
  9. Finding your niche and differentiating yourself from the pack.
  10. Social media’s impact on Bob’s career since he began using it.


Connect with Amy Calandrino here:

Beyond Commercial

CREi Summit



Connect with Bob Knakal:

bob.knakal@jll.com

Mo Regalado, Social Media Manager

Twitter

LinkedIn

Instagram


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About the Podcast

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The Performance Mindset Show
Insights for high performers in business, leadership, and real estate.

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About your host

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Amy Calandrino

Amy Calandrino, SIOR, CCIM, is a Director at Cushman & Wakefield with deep experience representing small and mid-sized businesses, family enterprises, and private investors throughout Central Florida and beyond. She is known for being a thoughtful listener, a creative problem-solver, and a strategic advisor who helps clients make informed decisions that support both their business goals and long-term wealth creation.

With a career rooted in guiding entrepreneurs and families through pivotal real estate moments, Amy brings clarity, structure, and actionable strategy to every assignment. She has completed hundreds of transactions across office, flex, and retail properties, and clients rely on her strong command of market trends, valuations, and space needs particularly within Winter Park and Greater Orlando. Her experience is backed by the SIOR and CCIM designations, reflecting her commitment to expertise and excellence in the industry.

In addition to her advisory work, Amy is the author of From Perfect to Real: Ditch Perfection, Shift Your Mindset, and Thrive on Your Terms, where she shares her SPORT Success System® for high performance. She is also the host of The Performance Mindset Show, a podcast featuring candid conversations with leaders in business, real estate, and entrepreneurship.

Committed to strengthening her community, Amy co-founded the Calandrino Foundation with her husband, Phil, to equip youth with the skills and mindset needed for entrepreneurship and financial empowerment. She also serves on the Park Avenue District Board in Winter Park.

Amy lives in Central Florida with her family. Outside of work, she enjoys golf, running, and staying active with her two children. Her faith, family, and dedication to helping others grow continue to guide her both personally and professionally.