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In anticipation of attending The Real Estate Gala in 2 short days, I'm finally acting on @realEstateTrent's advice and diving into the X community. Hi everyone, my name's Lindsey and I joined @BobKnakal and StripMallGuy to a NY Rangers game back in January. Here's the story, previously shared on LinkedIn:
I’ve heard it in class, in movies, seen it online - “Never meet your heroes.” Often followed by some variation of, “They will surely disappoint you.” Well let me be a testament to the fact that those adages could not be further from the truth.
Last week, I found myself engaging in what I consider to be second nature: scrolling LinkedIn and reading another one of StripMallGuys's posts; It’s typically one of a few things - comments on misconceptions in real estate, zero-filter honest recounts of his recent conversations, and the occasional witty meme. His post on Wednesday was different (see screenshot). There I was, sitting at work in Rochester, NY, reading about the opportunity to accompany Bob Knakal and StripMallGuy to a Rangers game, “front row on the glass,” at Madison Square Garden. My first thought should have been “logistically, can I even get to NYC by 7pm tomorrow?” However, I immediately envisioned myself sitting between two of the most notable and accomplished commercial real estate professionals in the country, cheering on the New York Rangers. That (previously considered absurd and far-fetched) image was set to become a reality within mere hours of the initial daydream.
I received a LinkedIn DM from Bob. Words I never thought would be typed by my own hands, let alone what I will continue to share with you all. Bob let me know that I had been selected to join him and StripMallGuy to the game on Thursday night. It was exactly 24 hours before the puck drop and suddenly, I’m buying an Amtrak ticket, and packing up for a wild 24 hours that deserved weeks of mental and organizational preparation.
Before I knew it, I was in New York City, meeting two gentlemen that I would have been elated to even be in the same room as, let alone have a full night of unforgettable conversation with.
“Lindsey, how did you get their attention?” “Why did they pick you?” I take no credit for the blessing that was spending a few hours with two of my role models. I can only thank God for the opportunity. I messaged StripMallGuy and Bob separately, and straight from the heart.
One of StripMallGuy’s LinkedIn posts significantly impacted my life, in which he did what he always does. He wrote a raw, honest, and real perspective. He talked about soaking up every learning experience, sometimes at a significant immediate expense, and simply being the sucker — because people my age typically do not realize the benefit of pure knowledge exposure. In other words, take the short end of the stick now because you might just be the one who owns the entire lumber yard one day. His post meant so much to me, that I found myself pivoting at work and in life, thanks to his wisdom (especially in this one post, and beyond) on social media.
Bob is one of the most, if not the most, successful investment brokers in the country. I found myself devoting countless times to reading his Thoughts of the Day, Knakal Knuggets, and throwback stories. It was through each captivating read, that I came to understand the allure and massive following behind the one individual that was Bob Knakal. He is one of very few people whose integrity, humility, and honesty can be tangibly perceived through a screen. Staying grounded in his beliefs, leading with kindness in his work, and sharing his values to inspire others has made an inexplicable impression on my personal and professional life.
I am proud to say that finally meeting my heroes has made me more proud than ever to stand by my admiration for the both of them. I look forward to learning from their unparalleled examples of success, as I grow in my profession.
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