Episode 46

The ABCs of Real Estate with Bob Knakal

Published on: 17th January, 2024

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

The Performance Mindset Show
Performance Mindset
Success isn’t just about the deals you close or the investments you make—it’s about how you think, grow, and lead.

Hosted by Amy Calandrino, founder of Beyond Commercial, The Performance Mindset Show explores the habits, strategies, and mindset shifts that drive peak performance in business, real estate, health, and life.

Based in sunny Orlando, Amy and her guests dive into leadership strategies, decision-making frameworks, mental resilience, and personal growth. From cutting-edge commercial real estate insights to biohacking, neuroscience, entrepreneurship, and spiritual well-being—this podcast is for the endlessly curious who want to level up in all aspects of life.

Each episode features inspiring conversations with top-performing business leaders, investors, mindset experts, and high achievers across various industries. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your leadership skills, optimize your brain and body, or simply gain insights from some of the most driven individuals out there, you’re in the right place.

Ready to expand your mindset and unlock your full potential?

📍 Connect with Amy Calandrino:
🔗 BeyondCommercial.com
🔗 AmyCalandrino.com

Let’s build, grow, and thrive—together. 🚀

About your host

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Amy Calandrino

I thrive on meeting clients face-to-face, shaking hands, and helping them achieve their short and long-term goals. For me, it's all about the personal touch combined with a strategic lens. I get great satisfaction from finding the best space and maximizing returns for my clients. But BEYOND the transaction, what truly drives me is developing personalized strategies to help them build wealth.

My clients and colleagues describe me as having both head and heart. I’ve earned CCIM and SIOR designations, and Beyond Commercial is a certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) and Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB). I’m recognized as a key influencer in the industry.

Developing ongoing relationships and seeing my clients thrive is what truly drives me. Business owners and investors benefit from my extensive knowledge of inventories, trends, and space. While I have a hyper-local focus in Winter Park and Greater Orlando, I have global reach through alliances with other boutique brokerages and the Commercial Real Estate Supplier Diversity Alliance (CRESDA).

While Central Florida is home, I developed an affinity for Winter Park while earning my degree at Rollins College. Its charm reminds me of my New England roots. Today, I feel blessed to serve many of the area’s businesses and property owners. I also contribute to the community as a Park Avenue District Board member, part of the Main Street America program.

Beyond my work at Beyond Commercial, I'm involved in initiatives that align with my professional and personal aspirations. Alongside my husband Phil, I co-founded the Calandrino Foundation to inspire entrepreneurship, starting with our youth. I’m also passionate about sharing insights through my Performance Mindset podcast, where I engage in thought-provoking conversations with fellow business leaders.

My upcoming book, From Perfect to Real: Embracing Authenticity for Peak Performance, will chronicle my personal struggles, professional journey, and the SPORT Success System® I developed for achieving peak performance.

While providing above-and-beyond service is a priority, my greatest loves are my faith and family. Phil and I cherish raising our two lively children. In my downtime, I also enjoy a round of golf or running a 5k.

The team at Beyond Commerical and I are ready to serve you above and BEYOND. Connect with us today!