What separates good brokers from great ones? In this special episode, Martha, Manus, and Dianne chat with two titans of CRE sales—Bob Knakal and Rod Santomassimo— who get real about what it takes to succeed, scale, and stay relevant across decades of market cycles. From the grind of daily prospecting to the power of knowing what the market data means, they break down the 3 characteristics of top producers.

Bob shares how his famed Map Room went from pandemic project to competitive differentiator, and why discipline, obsession, and a highlighter can be the components of long-term success. Rod explains why AI is changing the CRE sales game—but not replacing grit—and how their collaboration on a new book Selling Buildings is part memoir, part masterclass. If you’re in the CRE capital markets – this is a must-listen with healthy doses of entertainment along the way.

And stick around for the end, when the conversation takes a turn: who would play Bob and Rod in the movie version of their CRE journey?

03:02 What Separates Good Brokers from Great Ones?

07:07 The Map Room Origin Story Redux

12:58 The Mindset of Success in Brokerage

18:16 The Power of Visualization in Real Estate

21:05 Navigating Challenges: Lessons from the Field

24:00 Resilience in Tough Times: Advice for Brokers

26:54 AI and the Future of Real Estate

34:10 Leaving a Legacy: The Importance of Mentorship

Have questions for the pod team? Send them to [email protected].

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