So you may be asking why I am posing with a very old-school painting of George Washington. Well, that painting has some very special sentimental value to me. When Paul J. Massey and I opened the doors of Massey Knakal on November 15, 1988, my two aunts showed up at the office and presented this painting to me. I had never seen the painting before, as it had been sitting in their basement collecting dust for decades. But they wanted me to have it because it was a very special painting. When my aunts presented me with the painting, they explained the history to me. My maternal grandfather was a plumber who was very patriotic and was an American history buff. He was also an entrepreneur (maybe where I got it) and opened his own plumbing shop after being an assistant plumber for many years. On the day he opened his plumbing business, my grandmother gave him this painting as a gift. My aunts gave me the same painting and said that it had brought my grandfather good luck over the years and they wanted the same for me. For 26 years and 46 days, the painting hung in every MK office I worked out of. Then it followed me to Cushman & Wakefield after the Massey Knakal sale. It also made its way to JLL with me but after a couple of years, JLL was renovating its space, which required moving offices and I brought George home with me. When we opened BKREA - BK Real Estate Advisors recently, I thought it would be appropriate to break George Washington out again and try to get that good luck vibe back in the air!! It's great to have George watching over things at BKREA!! #throwbackthursday #nycrealestate #bkrea
Kenny Williams
4mo
I must say, who else but the General George Washington? It’s a beautiful painting and it is at the right place where it belongs. “"Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company." - George Washington
I remember the beautiful American flag in the top floor of MK when I was working there for C&W.
Margo Masri
4mo
Bob, your story about the George Washington painting is a testament to the power of legacy and good luck in business. As someone deeply involved in accounting for small businesses and real estate, I understand the significance of such symbols. It’s heartwarming to see how this piece of history has not only followed you through your journey but also symbolizes entrepreneurial spirit and success. May it continue to bring good fortune to BKREA!
This picture says it best! GW is ready to charge into battle just like BKREA - BK Real Estate Advisors
Inspiring story and I feel George will bring great luck. I am thinking of the 18th of April in’75 today the beginning of the American revolution.We need great leadership like GW.
Denise Budzaku
4mo
Love the history of this!! Was always curious but too chicken to ask lol!
Bob Knakal that painting might not have brought you luck but it definitely brought you inspiration everyday that created your success which we call luck. I think having the painting always made you feel a commitment to continue to improve your family legacy of entrepreneurship which you obviously nailed!
Josh Benjamin
4mo
That looks like something you'd never want to get rid of.
I sell properties in NYC.
4moAnyone else have something like this they have kept with them over the years?