The Investing in Iowa Show

From cornfields to highrises, office to industrial, houses to hotels, and every other asset class in real estate. We cover the people, the projects, and the profit. Welcome to The Investing in Iowa Show. This show is for go-doers, action-takers, and business owners. It’s for people like you who are sick of Uncle Sam taking a huge bite of your apple. If you’re looking to get ahead of what’s taking place in Iowa, learn who is doing what and how you can get in on action—you’re in the right place. Hosted by Neil Timmins, an Iowa native who has been involved in over $300M in real estate right here in Iowa.

Flipping Iowa 09/01/2026

EP 130 How Mark Timmins Went from Courtrooms to Commercial Real Estate in Iowa 06/10/2026

EP 130 How Mark Timmins Went from Courtrooms to Commercial Real Estate in Iowa What happens when a lawyer realizes the courtroom is the wrong room for him? Mark Timmins traded litigation for leases, and over the past decade, has built one of the more active commercial brokerage practices in the Des Moines market. In this episode, he joins his brother Neil to talk through the winding path from the University of Iowa to Ave Maria Law School in Naples, Florida, and eventually to a desk at Cushman & Wakefield Iowa Commercial Advisors. Mark reflects on his first year in commercial real estate, six deals and roughly fifteen thousand dollars in commissions, and what that grind taught him about relationships, patience, and not chasing quick money. He shares how a book recommendation from Neil opened his eyes to commercial investing, why he and partner Jordan Balaslog have worked exclusively together for nearly nine years, and how the team reads market cycles well enough to buy strip centers in 2020 and sell most of them two years later at cap rates that produced fifty percent returns for clients. The conversation also covers how Mark and his team stumbled into mobile home parks through a referral to Joanne Stevens and why that niche has become a major focus. He details the current listing of Summit and Grandview, two parks owned by the Haymes family in the Cedar Rapids market, totaling 936 sites, roughly 904 occupied, and listed at $110 million. Nine days after hitting the market, the team had 36 NDAs signed and two offers in hand. 🧠 Mark Timmins' Top 5 Takeaways: How reading the market in 2020 led to buying retail strip centers at mid-eight caps and selling most of them two years later at significant gains for clients. Why chasing relationships instead of commissions is the only sustainable strategy in commercial brokerage. How a referral to mobile home park expert Joanne Stevens opened an entirely new and active niche for the team. Why uninformed sellers in the mobile home park space frequently undervalue their assets, sometimes by as much as 300%, and why proper representation matters. How the Haymes family's fully integrated manufactured-housing business, covering home sales, remodeling, insurance, safety, and financing, represents the gold standard for park ownership in Iowa. 👤 About Mark Timmins: Mark Timmins is a commercial real estate broker at Cushman & Wakefield Iowa Commercial Advisors in Des Moines, where he focuses on investment property sales and mobile home park transactions. A University of Iowa graduate and licensed attorney, Mark practiced general litigation before pivoting into commercial real estate in 2016. He has built a long-running brokerage partnership with Jordan Bouslog and, alongside mobile home park legend Joanne Stevens, has become an active voice in Iowa's manufactured housing and homeownership market. Contact Info: LinkedIn: Website: Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/41581165

EP 129 Peter Jaques on Connecting People, Managing Properties, and Lessons from Startup Life 06/03/2026

EP 129 Peter Jaques on Connecting People, Managing Properties, and Lessons from Startup Life What happens when a commercial broker spends years inside venture-backed startups and then brings all of it back to property management? Peter Jaques has worn a lot of hats. He got his start in commercial real estate through a cold call to a broker named Doug Seidenberg, found his footing in retail and restaurant leasing, and then spent seven and a half years running a family office with over a million square feet of real estate. From there, he moved into technology, working with farmland marketplace Farmland Finder, single-family sale-leaseback company Easy Knock, and farmland brokerage platform Tillable before returning to where he began. Today, Peter is a managing member of The Real Estate Department alongside his wife Megan, who runs day-to-day operations. Their focus is property management and development grants, and Megan has become a go-to resource for identifying public funding that helps investors improve both their properties and their returns. Together, they manage a mix of shopping centers, multifamily, and single-family properties across the Des Moines market. Peter shares what he learned watching venture capital money move through early-stage companies, why the social signaling inside startups often masks deeper problems, and how a FedEx truck crash once led to a house being sold twice. He also talks about why thoughtful property management built around dignity creates better outcomes for owners and tenants alike, and what three metrics he would track if he were stranded on an island for a year. 🧠 Peter Jaques' Top 5 Takeaways: How years in venture-backed tech taught him what good data looks like and why trust drives investor decisions Why property management built around dignity produces better long-term returns for owners How Megan Jaques turned a cash-flow-negative 50-unit project into a property generating five to ten thousand dollars monthly with a six-figure reserve Why the real estate brokerage and technology spaces have fundamentally different economic structures How tracking a maintenance-to-receipts ratio helps measure both financial performance and quality of stewardship 👤 About Peter Jaques: Peter Jaques is a Des Moines-based connector, commercial real estate professional, and managing member of The Real Estate Department, a property management and development company he runs with his wife and business partner, Megan. With a background spanning retail leasing, family office management, farmland technology, and single-family sale-leasebacks, Peter brings an unusually broad perspective to every conversation about real estate and business. Contact Info: Instagram: Facebook: | Email: Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/41517185

EP 128 From 401k Plans to Property Plans: Steve Davis on Specializing in a Small Market 05/27/2026

EP 128 From 401k Plans to Property Plans: Steve Davis on Specializing in a Small Market What does it take to become the only CCIM-designated broker in your entire market? Steve Davis joins Neil Timmins to share how a financial advisor-turned-commercial real estate broker built a thriving practice in Dubuque, Iowa. From his early days at 801 Grand in Des Moines to launching Equity Real Estate Group, Steve's path is a study in patience, specialization, and serving clients first. Steve walks through his transition from W-2 employee to full-time broker in 2018, the role COVID played in earning his broker license, and why CCIM training opened doors to bigger deals and a wider network. He also explains how a partnership with developer clients, retail leasing, and industrial transactions now drives his business. Looking ahead, Steve is partnering with Greater Dubuque Development Corp on a market-wide commercial inventory project, growing his brokerage team, and mentoring agents who want to move from residential into commercial work. 🧠 Steve Davis' Top 5 Takeaways: How a fiduciary background from financial advising shapes a client-first approach in brokerage Why does earning a broker license and CCIM designation set Steve apart in a small commercial market How focusing on geography rather than a single asset class works when you serve a smaller city Why collecting proprietary market data gives both brokers and the community a long-term edge How collaboration and mentorship inside a brokerage produce better outcomes than competition 👤 About Steve Davis: Steve Davis is a commercial real estate broker and property manager based in Dubuque, Iowa. He is a partner and managing broker of Equity Real Estate Group and a partner and managing broker of Premier Property Management Group. A graduate of Buena Vista University, Steve began his career in financial advising in Des Moines before returning home to Dubuque, where he later transitioned into real estate full-time in 2018. Steve holds the CCIM designation and is currently the only CCIM-designated broker in Dubuque. He focuses on development, retail leasing, office, and industrial transactions, and partners with Greater Dubuque Development Corp on commercial market research. Contact Info: Website: Website: LinkedIn: Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/41339165

EP 127 Three Generations, One Mall: Liz Holland on Pivoting Merle Hay for the Next Era 05/20/2026

EP 127 Three Generations, One Mall: Liz Holland on Pivoting Merle Hay for the Next Era What does it take to keep a 70-year-old mall relevant across three generations of family ownership? Liz Holland is the CEO of Merle Hay Mall and the third generation of her family to lead the business that originally bought the land in 1956. In this episode, she walks Neil Timmins through nearly three decades at the helm, starting with the day her 87-year-old grandfather called her in 1997 and told her to leave her legal career in New York and move back to Chicago to take over. Liz breaks down the pivots that have kept Merle Hay alive while other malls have faded. She explains how bringing in Target in 2005 with a mall entrance reshaped the property into a weekly destination, how the addition of junior anchor boxes like Ulta, Ross, and Five Below hybridized the center, and why Flix Brewhouse became an early bet on entertainment in 2014. She also gets candid about the harder chapters: losing both Yonkers and Sears as anchors within 45 days in 2018, the long road of the Iowa Reinvestment Act award, and the eventual pivot from a Buccaneers ice arena partnership to a national volleyball league, Dinks Pickleball, and a multi-use arena that will host Drake Hockey and the Iowa Demon Hawks. Liz contrasts Merle Hay's path with Valley West's structural challenges, shares her vision for the next 20 years, and reflects on what her grandfather taught her about location, patience, and the fact that the work is never really done. 🧠 Liz Holland's Top 5 Takeaways: Why adding Target with a true mall entrance in 2005 turned Merle Hay into a weekly needs destination How hybridizing the mall with strip-center style junior anchors expanded the universe of potential shoppers Why leaning into sports and entertainment fights the obsolescence of the traditional anchor box How losing Yonkers and Sears within 45 days forced a global rethink of the property Why real estate is a three to five year business when it comes to capital allocation and return 👤 About Liz Holland: Liz Holland is the CEO of Merle Hay Mall and the third generation of her family to run the business, which originally purchased the land from the Passionist Fathers in 1956 and built Merle Hay Plaza. A former Wall Street professional and bankruptcy attorney with federal government experience, Liz returned to the family company in 1997 at her grandfather's request and has led its evolution ever since. Under her leadership, Merle Hay has navigated the arrival of Jordan Creek, the loss of major anchors, and a pivot toward sports and entertainment, including partnerships with Flix Brewhouse, Dinks Pickleball, and a planned multi-use arena. Liz lives in Chicago and continues to focus on Merle Hay's role as a mid-market, value-driven, regional destination. Contact Info: Website: Website: LinkedIn: Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/41338870

EP 126 Jim Tansey's Shift from CFO to Commercial Real Estate Investor and Operator 05/13/2026

EP 126 Jim Tansey's Shift from CFO to Commercial Real Estate Investor and Operator What does it really take to go from corporate finance to building a dominant real estate business? Jim Tansey shares a grounded, experience-driven look at his path from Waterloo, Iowa, to leading Hawkeye Commercial Real Estate and Hawkeye Real Estate Investment Company. Starting as a financial analyst and rising to CFO, Jim built a strong foundation in understanding numbers, inefficiencies, and business operations before making a major pivot into commercial real estate. That transition was anything but easy. The early years in brokerage were defined by learning, hustling, and taking every opportunity possible. Jim leaned heavily into education through CCIM, which became a turning point in his career and helped him specialize in investment real estate. Over time, that focus compounded into deeper expertise, stronger relationships, and more opportunities. In 2012, Jim and his partner took the leap into ownership, acquiring their first portfolio and launching what would become their investment arm. Shortly after, they started their own brokerage, driven by a desire to build a better culture and eliminate the frustrations they experienced elsewhere. Today, that people-first, relationship-driven approach has helped them grow into the largest brokerage in their market. Jim's philosophy is simple but powerful: do your job well, treat people right, and play the long game in both business and investing. 🧠 Jim Tansey's Top 5 Takeaways: Early career skills in finance and analysis translate directly into real estate success The first years in brokerage require volume, learning, and persistence Specializing in investment real estate creates long-term opportunity and credibility Owning real estate builds wealth while brokerage creates income Culture and relationships, not transactions, are the foundation of a sustainable business 👤 About Jim Tansey: Jim Tansey is the President of Hawkeye Commercial Real Estate and Hawkeye Real Estate Investment Company, based in Eastern Iowa. He oversees brokerage, investment strategy, and property management operations across a growing portfolio. With a background in finance and leadership experience as a former CFO, Jim brings a disciplined, numbers-driven approach to real estate. He is also actively involved in the CCIM Institute, serving as its 2026 Treasurer, and remains committed to education, mentorship, and industry leadership. Contact Info: Company: Website: LinkedIn: Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/41232025

EP 125 Brent Haverkamp on Turning One College Rental into a 5,000-Unit Iowa Portfolio 05/06/2026

EP 125 Brent Haverkamp on Turning One College Rental into a 5,000-Unit Iowa Portfolio Brent Haverkamp shares how a simple college rental purchase sparked a decades-long journey into multifamily real estate. Starting in Ames, Iowa with no experience and borrowed money, he slowly built a portfolio by focusing on cash flow, value opportunities, and creative financing. Within 15 years, he scaled to roughly 1,000 units. But rapid expansion into retail businesses exposed the risks of overconfidence and leverage. Brent was forced to sell nearly 80 percent of his real estate holdings to survive. That painful reset became the turning point that reshaped how he thinks about risk, growth, and long-term success. Coming out of the 2008 financial crisis, Brent leaned into opportunity. By partnering with banks and repositioning distressed condo projects into apartments, he scaled back up to thousands of units across Iowa. Today, his company manages around 5,000 units and continues developing multifamily communities with a disciplined, process-driven approach. 🧠 Brent Haverkamp's Top 5 Takeaways: Early success without respect for risk can quickly lead to overextension Creative financing and persistence are critical when capital is limited The best opportunities often appear during market dislocation Building a business around systems and people creates long-term sustainability Success evolves from personal achievement to legacy and impact on others 👤 About Brent Haverkamp: Brent Haverkamp is the founder and CEO of Haverkamp Group. Haverkamp Group had its start when Brent purchased the house across the street from his own. Beginning with that humble investment, he has overseen more than $1 billion in multifamily and commercial projects. Over the last thirty years, Brent, with the help of an amazing team, has grown the company into a vertically integrated organization that handles acquisitions, development, construction, and management, all under one roof. Now, with a portfolio valued at $750 million, Brent guides Haverkamp Group with vision and innovation, hoping to extend a legacy of success in multifamily real estate to the next generation. Contact Info: Company: Website: Website: LinkedIn: Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/41195700

EP 124 Niki Mason on Building Through Change Without Losing Sight of People or Purpose 04/29/2026

EP 124 Niki Mason on Building Through Change Without Losing Sight of People or Purpose Niki Mason shares a career shaped by early responsibility, long-term growth, and a willingness to keep learning. She reflects on moving to Iowa from the Washington, DC area, working her way through school while staying committed to Hy-Vee, and building a 20-plus-year career in real estate and development at Kum & Go. Over time, she moved from lease administration into executive leadership, helping guide site selection, market strategy, sale-leaseback activity, and large-scale growth across multiple states. She also breaks down what makes a retail site work. Traffic counts matter, but so do access, visibility, surrounding population, and how people actually use a convenience store. Niki explains how those decisions are rarely simple, and why great development comes down to balancing market realities, operational needs, and economics. The conversation also turns personal. Niki talks openly about how loss, adversity, and leadership feedback changed her. She shares how her approach evolved from trying to project confidence to leading with vulnerability, service, and perspective. Now as Vice President of Development for McClure Engineering Group, Niki is applying that operator mindset in a new way. She helps clients move projects through feasibility, design, entitlement, permitting, and construction, while translating what developers need into action across the engineering team. 🧠 Niki Mason's Top 5 Takeaways: Early opportunities can accelerate growth, but real confidence comes from repeated experience. Strong retail sites depend on traffic, access, visibility, and the right mix of surrounding demand. Scaling a company requires better analytics, clearer leadership, and more trust in decision-makers. Vulnerability and coachability are strengths that help leaders build stronger teams over time. In development, reducing friction in the city approval and entitlement process creates real value. 👤 About Niki Mason: Niki Mason lives in Waukee, Iowa and serves as Vice President of Development for McClure Engineering Group. She previously spent more than 20 years with Kum & Go and later Maverik, where she led real estate development and served on the executive team. Her background spans site selection, development strategy, sale-leasebacks, team leadership, and multi-state growth. She brings both operator experience and a client mindset to her current role supporting private development projects. Contact Info: Company: Website: LinkedIn: Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/41051185

EP 123 Nathan Drew and Scott Kelly on a Legacy Land Portfolio 04/22/2026

EP 123 Nathan Drew and Scott Kelly on a Legacy Land Portfolio What separates land that looks developable from land that actually is? In this episode, Neil sits down with Nathan Drew and Scott Kelly to break down how experienced land professionals think about development ground, timing, and long-term value in Iowa. Nathan and Scott walk through how they evaluate land beyond the surface. Proximity to city limits, paved roads, or nearby rooftops doesn't guarantee readiness. They explain how zoning classifications, annexation rules, sewer access, and infrastructure sequencing quietly determine whether a project can move forward or sit idle for years. The conversation also touches on their current work with a large, multi-parcel land portfolio assembled over decades. Rather than flooding the market, Nathan and Scott explain how different tracts require different strategies. Some parcels are ready today, others are suited for patient land banking, and many fall somewhere in between. The portfolio serves as a real-world example of why land must be priced and marketed based on timing, not optimism. Beyond any single portfolio, they share broader insights from years in the land business. From soil quality and access to utilities to buyer psychology and capital constraints, every parcel demands detailed due diligence. They also discuss how slowed development since 2022 could lead to future lot shortages and renewed opportunity for those controlling well-located dirt. This episode offers a clear look at how Nathan Drew and Scott Kelly approach land strategy with discipline, patience, and realism. 🧠 Nathan Drew & Scott Kelly's Top 5 Takeaways: Development land value is driven by timing, not just location Zoning, annexation, and utilities can delay projects longer than expected Every parcel needs its own strategy based on feasibility Land banking requires patience and conviction in future growth Clear due diligence separates real opportunity from speculation 👤 About Nathan Drew: Nathan Drew is a land and development specialist focused on agricultural and transitional properties across Iowa. He works with landowners, developers, and investors to evaluate feasibility, timing, and long-term value, particularly for complex development-oriented assets. 👤 About Scott Kelly: Scott Kelly is a seasoned land broker with extensive experience in agricultural, transitional, and development real estate. Known for his analytical approach, Scott helps clients navigate zoning, infrastructure, and market timing to position land for its highest and best use. Contact Info: Website: Facebook: Instagram: X: Email: Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/40935350

EP 122 Dave Wilson on Building More Than Buildings: Leadership in CRE 04/15/2026

EP 122 Dave Wilson on Building More Than Buildings: Leadership in CRE What does it take to keep building when capital is tight, risk is rising, and patience matters more than ever? Dave Wilson joins the show to share his path from Oak Park, Illinois, to a long career in Iowa commercial real estate. He talks through the move to Dubuque during high school, graduating from Upper Iowa University, and how an early role at a bank led him into brokerage, leasing, and eventually full-time development. Today, Dave is Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development at Ryan Companies, where he focuses on industrial, healthcare, and retail projects across the Midwest. He explains how the business has changed, why build-to-suit work and forward commitments have become more important, and how developers are balancing fees, profit, and risk in a tougher capital environment. Dave also breaks down why brokerage can be a strong entry point for aspiring developers, what CCIM taught him that the classroom could not, and why relationships with cities, communities, and industry peers still matter as much as ever. Looking ahead, he shares why he believes activity could pick up sharply as more groups on the sidelines move back into the market. 🧠 Dave Wilson's Top 5 Takeaways: Why developers are leaning more on fully funded forward commitments to reduce risk in today's market. How tighter capital markets are forcing developers to choose between higher profit and greater certainty. Why brokerage can be one of the best training grounds for a career in development. How relationships with cities, communities, and industry peers can directly impact project success. Why Dave expects development activity to build toward the end of 2026 and into 2027. 👤 About Dave Wilson: Dave Wilson is Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development at Ryan Companies. Based in Cedar Falls, he works out of Ryan's Cedar Rapids office and focuses on industrial, healthcare, and retail development across the Midwest region. He has spent about 25 years in development, including 18 years with Lockard Development and nearly eight years with Ryan Companies. Originally from Oak Park, Illinois, Dave moved to Iowa during high school, graduated from Upper Iowa University, and built his career in commercial real estate from the ground up. He also earned his CCIM designation in 2002 and served as president of the CCIM Institute in 2018. Contact Info: Company | Website | LinkedIn | Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/40884005

EP 121 From Snowblowers to Shopping Centers: How Corey Sedrel Built an Unconventional Path in Real Estate 04/08/2026

EP 121 From Snowblowers to Shopping Centers: How Corey Sedrel Built an Unconventional Path in Real Estate What happens when a corporate career disappears overnight and forces a complete reset? Corey Sedrel joins the show to share the unconventional path that took him from corporate finance at Principal Financial Group to building a landscaping company and ultimately becoming a commercial real estate broker. His journey includes layoffs during the 2009 financial crisis, a personal reset, and the decision to bet on himself with a snowblower and a handful of flyers. Corey explains how his early experience underwriting multimillion-dollar deals at Principal shaped how he evaluates real estate today. Understanding debt, cash flow, and downside risk became the foundation for how he looks at investments and advises clients. He also shares what he's learned working with successful investors across Iowa's commercial market. From identifying overlooked retail opportunities to understanding how cap rates, lease structures, and debt influence value, Corey walks through the patterns he sees among investors who consistently win. The conversation also dives into the realities of brokerage, the long sales cycles in commercial real estate, and why Corey believes patience, market knowledge, and decisive action separate successful investors from those who stay stuck on the sidelines. 🧠 Corey Sedrel's Top 5 Takeaways: The 2009 financial crisis forced a career pivot that ultimately opened the door to entrepreneurship. Early experience underwriting large loans at Principal created a disciplined approach to real estate analysis. The best investors understand market fundamentals, cash flow, and how to grow NOI over time. Older retail centers with below-market rents can offer significant upside when leases roll over. Understanding debt, interest rates, and debt service coverage is essential for long-term investment success. 👤 About Corey Sedrel: Corey Sedrel is a commercial real estate broker with Cushman & Wakefield | Iowa Commercial Advisors in Des Moines. His work focuses on retail, industrial, and investment properties across the Iowa market. Before entering brokerage, Corey worked as an investment analyst at Principal Financial Group and later built and operated a landscaping company that began with a single snowblower and grew into a full-service maintenance operation. His background in finance, entrepreneurship, and operations shapes how he evaluates deals and advises investors today. Contact Info: LinkedIn | Phone | 515-979-1454 Email | Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/40745760

EP 120 How Matt Daniels Is Expanding Custom Homebuilding to All 99 Counties Across Iowa 04/01/2026

EP 120 How Matt Daniels Is Expanding Custom Homebuilding to All 99 Counties Across Iowa What does it really take to build custom homes across rural Iowa? Matt Daniels joins the show to share how he's helping expand housing access across the state as Director of Operations for Origin Homes. The division focuses on building custom homes on private land and delivering workforce housing in smaller communities that often struggle to attract new development. Matt explains how Origin Homes operates across all 99 counties in Iowa, building everything from fully custom homes on family land to small neighborhood developments in towns that need new housing. These projects typically involve partnerships with city leaders, economic development groups, and local employers to identify shovel-ready lots and housing demand. A major part of the challenge is logistics. Building hours away from the Des Moines metro means coordinating travel, managing construction timelines differently, and carefully developing relationships with local trade partners. Matt shares how the team balances trusted metro contractors with local crews as they expand into new areas. The result is a scalable model that allows communities to add attainable housing while giving buyers a turnkey experience, something that can be difficult to find in rural markets. Looking ahead, Matt sees continued opportunity across Iowa as more communities recognize the need for workforce housing and infrastructure that supports long-term population growth. 🧠 Matt Daniels' Top 5 Takeaways: Rural Iowa has strong housing demand, but many communities lack builders with the capacity to scale Shovel-ready lots are one of the most critical factors for successful small-town housing projects Turnkey homebuilding simplifies the process for buyers navigating septic systems, utilities, and rural permitting Partnering with both metro and local trade partners helps balance efficiency and community relationships Workforce housing developments in small towns often succeed through collaboration with local leaders and employers 👤 About Matt Daniels: Matt Daniels is the Director of Operations for Origin Homes, the rural build-on-your-lot division of Hubbell Realty Company. His team builds custom homes across Iowa, serving buyers who want to build outside of traditional metro developments. Raised in Waverly, Iowa, Matt began his career working in construction before moving into high-end custom homebuilding in the Des Moines area. Today, he leads a growing team focused on expanding housing opportunities across rural communities throughout the state. Contact Info: Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/40685500

EP 119 Paul Hickman on Why Real Estate Investors Must Solve Problems Before Talking Price 03/25/2026

EP 119 Paul Hickman on Why Real Estate Investors Must Solve Problems Before Talking Price What really happens behind the scenes when someone calls a real estate investor to sell their house fast? Paul Hickman joins the show to share how his path from college hockey coach to real estate investor ultimately led him to own multiple HomeVestors franchises across Des Moines, Omaha, and Madison. After 17 years coaching at the University of Wisconsin, Paul realized the cost of living was outpacing his income and began exploring real estate as a new path forward. That journey led him first into traditional real estate sales, where he quickly discovered he preferred working with investors rather than retail buyers and sellers. Eventually, he bought into the HomeVestors franchise model and built a business focused on helping homeowners solve complex situations that don’t always fit the traditional real estate process. Paul explains how many off-market deals stem from real-life challenges, from inherited properties to family transitions, job relocations, or homes filled with decades of belongings. Instead of focusing solely on price, his team approaches each situation as a problem to solve with integrity, transparency, and flexibility. He also breaks down the operational side of the business, including how franchise partners cooperate rather than compete, how his team evaluates renovation strategies, and why speed and clarity often make the biggest difference in a project’s profitability. 🧠 Paul Hickman’s Top 5 Takeaways: • Many off-market home sales are driven by personal challenges where convenience matters more than price • High-integrity investing starts with asking the right questions and understanding the seller’s real problem • Speed is critical in renovations, with a goal of listing properties within 30 days of closing • Strong contractor partnerships and clear communication drive successful rehab projects • Franchise collaboration allows HomeVestors investors to pool marketing dollars and share resources instead of competing 👤 About Paul Hickman: Paul Hickman is a real estate investor and HomeVestors franchise owner operating in Des Moines, Omaha, and Madison, Wisconsin. His business focuses on buying homes directly from homeowners and creating solutions for off-market sales. Before entering real estate, Paul spent 17 years as a hockey coach at the University of Wisconsin. His background in athletics shaped his team-focused approach to business, emphasizing collaboration, clear systems, and strong partnerships across contractors, agents, and investors. Contact Info: Website | Social Media | @thepaulhickman Phone | 608-516-5984 Email | Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/40563685

EP 118 Melissa Vine on Building Leverage, Beating Shame, and Funding the Next Chapter 03/18/2026

EP 118 Melissa Vine on Building Leverage, Beating Shame, and Funding the Next Chapter What happens when you lose everything, then rebuild with nothing but grit and a plan? Melissa Vine grew up in Altoona, graduated from Johnston, and later earned her degree from Iowa State. Her early life took a sharp turn into a restrictive marriage that limited her freedom, and when she left, she found herself starting over overnight with four young boys and $0. Melissa walks through the realities of that reset: checking groceries at Hy-Vee for $8.50 an hour, living on a razor-thin budget, and learning fast what it takes to survive and rebuild. She moved into victim advocacy work, earned a master's degree in mental health counseling, and eventually launched businesses of her own, including a music booking and speaking venture that helped her regain momentum. That journey led to nonprofit leadership at the Beacon, where she focused on culture, pay transparency, and retention, and later to law school at Drake. Today, she brings those experiences together as President of The Capitol Vine, helping clients connect with the right capital sources across debt and equity for both business and real estate deals. 🧠 Melissa Vine's Top 5 Takeaways: Buying an existing business is often easier than starting one because the “current is already flowing.” There's a big difference between generational poverty, being poor with hope, and being temporarily broke with a path forward. Turnover is expensive, and investing in pay and culture can create major downstream wins. A bank saying no is not the end, there are many lending paths depending on structure and lender appetite. Your value is intrinsic, not based on how other people treat you. 👤 About Melissa Vine: Melissa Vine is the President of The Capitol Vine, a capital advisory firm that connects clients to debt and equity solutions across residential and commercial real estate, and business funding needs. She is licensed as both an attorney and a mental health counselor, and uses that mix of psychology, law, finance, and business to help clients problem-solve complex funding scenarios. Contact Info: Website | Instagram | thecapitolvine Facebook | thecapitolvine LinkedIn | Melissa Vine Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/40497230

EP 117 From Gym Owner to Broker: Abi Reiland on Making the Leap 03/11/2026

EP 117 From Gym Owner to Broker: Abi Reiland on Making the Leap What happens when a former gym owner bets on herself in commercial real estate? Abi Reiland, President of SH Commercial under Remax Precision, shares how her path from Iowa State diver to entrepreneur shapes her approach to brokerage. After years in project management and sales, Abi and her husband built and scaled a multi-location gym business, eventually purchasing their own building during the uncertainty of COVID. That firsthand experience as a tenant and owner became the foundation for her commercial real estate career. Abi joined a top office brokerage team, learned fast, and eventually launched SH Commercial to build something of her own. Today, she specializes in tenant representation, particularly for mental health providers, and thrives on educating business owners about leases, operating expenses, and long-term strategy. She breaks down the realities of timelines, why most deals take longer than expected, and what tenants consistently underestimate about triple net leases. Abi also shares her perspective on landlord success, why property quality matters more than ever, and how investing back into assets pays off. Beyond transactions, Abi is passionate about creating space for women in commercial real estate. Through her annual Taking Up Space event, she is helping build a stronger community of women in business across Iowa. Abi Reiland's Top 5 Takeaways: Start lease searches at least six months in advance, often 6 to 18 months before move-in. Understand the full cost of a triple net lease, not just the base rent. Nothing is done until it is fully closed. Patience and persistence matter. Property quality and transparency are critical for landlords in today's market. Authenticity builds stronger, longer-lasting client relationships. About Abi Reiland: Abi Reiland is President of SH Commercial, the commercial division of the Sarah Hopkins Real Estate Team under Remax Precision. Based in the Grimes area, she specializes in tenant representation across office, retail, and medical space, with a growing niche in mental health providers. A former entrepreneur who co-founded and scaled multiple gym locations, Abi brings real-world ownership experience to every client conversation. She is also the founder of Taking Up Space, an annual event focused on supporting women in business. Contact Info: Email: Phone: 515-499-8679 LinkedIn: Facebook: Instagram: Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/40386895

EP 116 Tim Schutte on Betting the Farm, Selling Condos, and Learning Land Development the Hard Way 03/04/2026

EP 116 Tim Schutte on Betting the Farm, Selling Condos, and Learning Land Development the Hard Way What does it take to keep swinging when the market slows and the stakes keep getting bigger? Timothy Schutte is a real estate broker at Exit Realty in Urbandale, leading an office of about 15 agents. He grew up on a farm in northwest Iowa and graduated from Drake in 2007 with a double major in economics and politics. He got his real estate license in college, entered the business heading into the 2008 crash, and learned to survive by finding leads, grinding through early transactions, and learning how to win listings. Tim walks through his investing evolution from small condo and flip deals with his dad to a defining bet on the Kirkwood in downtown Des Moines. He explains how they structured the purchase with layered financing, and how that project became the engine for more acquisitions through 1031 exchanges. He also unpacks the reality of land development: engineering delays, neighbor conflict, city processes, and why his newer Northwest Ridge View project in Johnston feels less stressful with the right partners and a clearer plan. To wrap, Tim shares hard-earned lessons on cost control, the “thrill of the deal,” and what he watches most closely to keep the business healthy. Timothy Schutte’s Top 5 Takeaways: How the 2008 crash forced discipline and the persistence to get deals done. Why structure, contingencies, and execution determine if big deals succeed or fail. Why it’s important to build in time, liquidity, and flexibility on conversions and development. How land development risk is different and its unique challenges. Control costs better than the competition and stop wasting money. About Timothy Schutte: Timothy Schutte is a real estate broker at Exit Realty in Urbandale, Iowa, where he works with a team of roughly 15 agents. Raised on a farm in northwest Iowa, he later earned an economics and politics double major from Drake University (2007). Alongside brokerage, Timothy has invested in rentals, flips, and development projects, including a major downtown condo conversion and newer land development work in Johnston. He’s motivated by deal structure, value creation, and building projects that last. Contact Info:Phone | 515-991-4204 Email | Timothy@solddesmoines.com Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/TimothySchutteRealtor/ LinkedIn | Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/40308015

EP 115 Art Cox and the Long Game Behind Iowa’s Most Influential Real Estate Program 02/25/2026

EP 115 Art Cox and the Long Game Behind Iowa’s Most Influential Real Estate Program What does it take to build a real estate program that shapes a generation of real estate leaders? Art Cox joins Neil Timmins to reflect on a career that spans residential sales in the 1970s, insurance, academia, and ultimately building one of Iowa’s most influential real estate programs at UNI. Art shares how tough economic conditions pushed him into real estate early, why teaching became an unexpected calling, and how saying yes to opportunities shaped his path. He walks through the origins of UNI’s real estate program, its legislative roots, and the intentional focus on producing analysts and institutional professionals rather than just brokers. The conversation explores how companies like Principal and Aegon helped expand student exposure to investment real estate, internships, and national opportunities. Art explains how real estate extends far beyond transactions and what makes institutional roles fundamentally different from brokerage work. Art also reflects on higher education today, the balance between applied learning and foundational skills, and where AI helps or hurts critical thinking. He closes by sharing what retirement looks like for him now, from mentoring at RE/MAX to pro bono financial planning and helping families think through long-term living costs. Art Cox’s Top 5 Takeaways: • How early career hardship builds skills that pay off much later. • Why real estate education should prepare analysts, not just agents. • How internships bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world execution. • The way institutional real estate demands analytical depth and precision. • Why critical thinking matters more than answers, especially in an AI-driven world. About Art Cox: Art Cox is a longtime educator and real estate leader who helped shape the University of Northern Iowa’s real estate program into a nationally respected pipeline for institutional real estate talent. His career spans residential brokerage, insurance, academia, and decades of mentoring students who now work across global real estate markets. Since retiring from UNI in 2021, Art remains active in commercial real estate advising, mentoring agents, and developing financial planning tools, with a growing focus on senior living and pro bono service through his church. Contact Info: Email | arthur.cox@uni.edu Email | arthurtcox@gmail.com Email | Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/40221295

EP 114 Matt McCurdy on Walking Away From Corporate Comfort to Build a Values-Driven Portfolio 02/18/2026

EP 114 Matt McCurdy on Walking Away From Corporate Comfort to Build a Values-Driven Portfolio What does it take to walk away from a stable corporate career and build a life around real estate on your own terms? Matt McCurdy (aka the Cornfed Millionaire) shares his journey from a decade in corporate supplier management to becoming a full-time real estate investor focused on long-term impact and personal alignment. After earning a finance degree from the University of Iowa, Matt spent ten years at Rockwell Collins and Whirlpool before realizing the traditional 401k path was not giving him the control he wanted. That shift started with his first rental purchase in 2013 and accelerated after a Whirlpool severance package in late 2016 gave him the runway to go all in. Matt hit the gas in 2018, acquiring roughly 14 properties including a 10-house package. The momentum built quickly, and so did the pressure. In 2020, Matt diversified into mobile home communities, drawn by the opportunity to provide affordable housing and push back against aggressive institutional rent hikes. He breaks down why this income-based asset class unlocked forced appreciation and how capital intensity changed the way he thought about growth. Today, his focus is on family presence, brokerage, and personal development, applying hard-earned lessons to help other investors avoid the same mistakes. Matt McCurdy’s Top 5 Takeaways: • A clear business plan creates confidence and sharper decision-making. • Momentum accelerates after 5–10 properties as cash flow compounds. • Mobile home communities are powerful but capital-intensive and management-heavy. • Forced appreciation comes from increasing NOI, not waiting on the market. • Long-term success requires knowing when to slow down and reset priorities. About Matt McCurdy: Matt McCurdy is an Iowa-based real estate investor with a background in corporate finance and sourcing. He spent ten years at Rockwell Collins and Whirlpool before transitioning full-time into real estate in 2017. His portfolio spans single-family rentals, small multifamily, mobile home communities, and niche projects. Matt is also the author of Corn-Fed Millionaire, written as a legacy piece for his son, and currently focuses on brokerage and mentoring investors. Contact Info: Website & Book | LinkedIn | Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/40133010

EP 113 Border Town Economics and Value-Add Real Estate Strategy 02/11/2026

EP 113 Border Town Economics and Value-Add Real Estate Strategy Chris Bogenrief, president of NAI United, has been in commercial real estate since 2003 and has seen the Siouxland market from nearly every angle. From development projects to property management and brokerage, he shares how his career evolved and what he has learned along the way. Operating in a tri-state border town brings unique dynamics. Sioux City sits at the intersection of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, creating both challenges and opportunities. Chris explains how tax structures, incentives, and economic policies across state lines influence development decisions and investor behavior. He also breaks down the fundamentals that matter most in commercial real estate. Understanding supply and demand, recognizing when a market is underbuilt, and staying disciplined during uncertain cycles are key themes throughout the conversation. With a strong food processing base, Siouxland has remained steady even when other markets have struggled. Chris believes the future is promising for Sioux City, especially for investors willing to think long term and act early in stable, overlooked markets. Chris Bogenrief’s Top 5 Takeaways: • Development projects are challenging but can be highly rewarding when executed well • Understanding market fundamentals is critical to long-term success • Siouxland’s food processing industry creates economic stability • Border town dynamics create unique tax and investment opportunities • Investing early in underbuilt markets can lead to strong returns About Chris Bogenrief: Chris Bogenrief is a commercial real estate broker and president of NAI United in Sioux City, Iowa. He has been active in commercial real estate since 2003, with experience in development, brokerage, and property management. He focuses on serving clients across the Siouxland region and understands the unique dynamics of operating in a tri-state market. Contact Info: Email | chris@naiunited.com LinkedIn | Chris Bogenrief Company | NAI United Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/40069085

EP 112 Land, Discipline, and Gut Instinct: Inside Knapp Properties with Chris Costa 02/04/2026

EP 112 Land, Discipline, and Gut Instinct: Inside Knapp Properties with Chris Costa What does it take to lead a legacy real estate company through decades of market cycles? Chris Costa joins the show to share his journey to becoming President and CEO of Knapp Properties. Based in West Des Moines, Knapp Properties operates as a full-service real estate firm with brokerage, development, ownership, and property management all under one roof, with nearly all activity focused in Central Iowa. Chris walks through his personal path, growing up in Dubuque and Des Moines, attending Hoover High School and the University of Iowa, and starting his career in public accounting at Deloitte & Touche. Those early years gave him exposure to dozens of businesses and leadership styles, shaping how he thinks about trust, delegation, and what makes organizations succeed or fail. The conversation dives deep into Knapp Properties’ evolution as a family office, including lessons learned from multifamily ownership, office cycles, and long-term land strategies. Chris shares stories from working alongside Bill Knapp, whose instincts around farmland, development paths, and capital preservation proved critical heading into the Great Recession. Chris also discusses the challenges facing developers today, especially rising infrastructure costs, sewer fees, and property tax policy. He explains why infrastructure is often the limiting factor in residential and commercial development, and why community involvement and long-term thinking remain central to his leadership philosophy. Chris Costa’s Top 5 Takeaways: • Public accounting provides unmatched perspective on leadership and business quality. • Experience and instinct still matter when markets feel disconnected from reality. • Land ownership in the path of development rewards patience over speed. • Infrastructure costs often matter more than demand in development decisions. • Strong teams and trust-based leadership are the foundation of long-term success. About Chris Costa: Chris Costa is President and CEO of Knapp Properties, a West Des Moines–based, full-service real estate company with deep roots across Central Iowa. The firm operates as a long-term family office with holdings across commercial, residential, industrial, retail, and development projects. Chris joined Knapp Properties in 1997 after starting his career in public accounting. Over nearly three decades, he has played a central role in strategic planning, capital allocation, development decisions, and community leadership throughout the Des Moines metro. Contact Info: Website | LinkedIn | Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/39988780

EP 111 The Quiet Power of Small Bay Industrial with Alec Wilcox 01/28/2026

EP 111 The Quiet Power of Small Bay Industrial with Alec Wilcox How does small bay industrial quietly outperform other commercial real estate niches? Alec Wilcox joins the show to break down why small bay industrial and flex space have become some of the most resilient assets in the Des Moines market. Alec walks through his early exposure to commercial real estate at Drake University, the lessons he learned at R&R Realty Group, and why he ultimately transitioned to the third-party brokerage side at Cushman & Wakefield. Along the way, he explains how strong communication, deal fundamentals, and understanding the full lifecycle of a property have driven long-term success. The conversation goes deep on small bay industrial. Alec explains what makes these properties so versatile, how investors can de-risk portfolios through tenant diversity, and why affordability and functionality matter more than flash. He also outlines where developers succeed and fail, especially when base sizes get too large or construction gets overbuilt for the market. Looking ahead, Alec shares why industrial outside storage stands out as one of the strongest opportunities in Iowa today. He challenges investors to rethink excess land, zoning, and overlooked parcels as potential income drivers. Alec Wilcox's Top 5 Takeaways: • The secret that makes small bay industrial thrive. • Why smaller bay sizes expand demand and reduce leasing risk. • How overbuilding and over-finishing leads to slower absorption. • Why industrial outside storage is one of the tightest and most in-demand niches today. • How triple net leases offer stability by shifting expenses to tenants. About Alec Wilcox: Alec Wilcox is a commercial real estate broker with Cushman & Wakefield Iowa Commercial Advisors in Des Moines. He specializes in industrial real estate, with a focus on small bay flex properties, industrial outside storage, and triple net leased investments. Originally from Norfolk, Nebraska, Alec is a Drake University graduate with a background in marketing and political science. He is known for his relationship-driven approach, market insight, and deep understanding of industrial users and investors across Central Iowa. Contact Info: Email | awilcox@ioca.com LinkedIn | Website | Learn More: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/39911535

EP 110 From House Flips to Infill Development: Adam Sieren on Building in Des Moines 01/21/2026

EP 110 From House Flips to Infill Development: Adam Sieren on Building in Des Moines What does it take to go from flipping houses to shaping entire Des Moines neighborhoods? Adam Sieren joins the show to share his journey from growing up on the south side of Des Moines to building Premier Construction and expanding into infill development. Adam walks through his early days flipping houses in the 2000s, learning construction on the fly, and how the ‘08 downturn pushed him to formalize his construction business. He explains how Premier Construction grew by focusing on people, long-term team loyalty, and staying disciplined about systems. Adam also breaks down his investing approach, from post-1940 single-family rentals to larger development projects, and how one unexpected property with a view sparked his move into infill. The conversation digs into today’s market realities: interest rates, buyer sentiment, remodel demand, and how tax abatements and city incentives influence where and when development happens. Adam shares why he is cautious but optimistic heading into 2026, and why Des Moines remains his preferred place to build despite the challenges. 🧠 Adam Sieren’s Top 5 Takeaways: • How early flipping experience built the foundation for a construction business. • Why investing in loyal people has been key to scaling Premier Construction. • How development opportunities often come from seeing what others overlook. • Why interest rates impact remodel demand just as much as home sales. • Why strong processes and culture matter more than most entrepreneurs expect. 👤 About Adam Sieren: Adam Sieren is the owner of Premier Construction, based in Des Moines, Iowa. Originally from the south side of Des Moines, Adam began his career flipping homes in the early 2000s before growing into residential and commercial construction, property management, and infill development. With more than two decades in business, Adam focuses on quality projects, long-term ownership, and thoughtful development that fits the Des Moines market. He is currently pursuing custom townhouse and infill projects while continuing to operate a full-service construction and management platform. Contact Info: Website | Opt-in Page: /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/39805340

EP 109 From Pella to People’s Company: Kalen Ludwig’s Path 01/14/2026

EP 108 From Chicago to Clive: Building a Real Estate Business with Michael Malone 01/07/2026

EP 107 Des Moines Growth: Why Population Drives Everything with Mike Macri 12/17/2025

EP 107 Des Moines Growth: Why Population Drives Everything with Mike Macri What do population growth, construction costs, and classrooms have in common? Mike Macri, CBRE Vice President and Iowa State professor, connects the dots between market trends, development strategy, and the next generation of real estate leaders. Mike unpacks what’s really driving commercial real estate in Iowa and why education, economics, and execution matter more than ever. Mike discusses the shifting demand toward suburban areas, the rise in construction costs, and the importance of strategic planning in today’s interest rate environment. He also emphasizes the role of population growth in driving market health and the importance of training future professionals through Iowa State’s MRAD program. Whether you’re an investor, developer, or student of the game, Mike brings valuable insight from every angle. 🧠 Mike Macri’s Top 5 Takeaways: • Why suburban demand is reshaping office and industrial trends in Iowa. • How rising construction costs and interest rates are impacting feasibility. • Why smaller industrial footprints are gaining popularity in key markets. • How population growth underpins long-term economic and real estate success. • Why the MRAD program at Iowa State is critical for developing future real estate leaders. 👤 About Mike Macri: Mike Macri III is Vice President at CBRE, an Associate Professor of Practice at Iowa State University, and a nationally respected voice in commercial real estate. With over 20 years of experience, Mike has completed more than 10 million square feet in leasing transactions and led nearly 2 million square feet of development projects. His strategic work spans national tenants, institutional investors, municipalities, and educational clients. In addition to brokerage and development, Mike is an expert in economic development, serving as a consultant to cities, school districts, and regional growth initiatives across Iowa. As a professor, he helps shape the next generation of real estate professionals through Iowa State’s Master of Real Estate Development (MRAD) program. Holding designations including CCIM, MRED, and CRE, Mike brings together academic insight, field-tested experience, and a people-first approach to every project. Contact Info: LinkedIn | Website | /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/39432855

EP 106 The Investor’s View on Iowa Dirt with Steve Bruere 12/10/2025

EP 106 The Investor’s View on Iowa Dirt with Steve Bruere What makes farmland one of the most overlooked, but resilient, asset classes in today’s market? Steve Bruere, President of Peoples Company, shares how his deep roots in agriculture and decades of experience in farmland transactions have positioned him at the forefront of one of America’s most essential industries. From market anxiety to tech innovation, Steve breaks down what’s happening in farmland now and what’s coming next. Steve unpacks how interest rates, commodity prices, and investor sentiment are shaping decisions, and why specialization in farmland transactions matters more than ever. He highlights the long-term value of owning land, the role of technology in farming, and the continued growth of the Land Investment Expo, a premier national event for investors and landowners. If you’ve ever wondered how farmland fits into a diversified portfolio, this episode offers a clear, strategic perspective. 🧠 Steve Bruere’s Top 5 Takeaways: • How softer commodity prices are fueling investor caution, and opening up new opportunities. • Why net lease-style investing with national tenants brings stability to ag real estate. • How high-quality farmland offers long-term upside and inflation protection. • Why specialization and transparency are critical in farmland transactions. • How events like the Land Investment Expo shape the future of ag policy and investment. 👤 About Steve Bruere: Steve Bruere is President of Peoples Company, one of the nation’s top firms in farmland brokerage, management, appraisal, and capital markets. Since taking the helm in 2004, Steve has expanded the company’s reach across 35 states, transforming it into a vertically integrated platform serving some of the largest landowners and institutional investors in the U.S. Raised on a multigenerational farm in Iowa, Steve brings deep personal and professional insight to the ag real estate world. He is also the founder of the Land Investment Expo, American Farmland Owner, and co-founder of the International Ag Alliance and Farmland Capital Alliance. Through tools like FarmWorth and developments like Middlebrook, Iowa’s first Agrihood, Steve is leading the charge in modernizing farmland investment, management, and sustainability. Contact Info: LinkedIn | Instagram | /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/39354420

EP 105 David Gellerman: 4 Generations of Hawkeye Commercial Real Estate 12/03/2025

EP 105 David Gellerman: 4 Generations of Hawkeye Commercial Real Estate What happens when a family-first mindset drives a real estate career? In this episode, David Gellerman of Hawkeye Commercial Real Estate reflects on nearly four decades in the business. He talks about starting in wholesale, finding his way into real estate through mentorship, and the evolution of Hawkeye into a trusted family-run firm focused on brokerage, investment, and property management. David shares how strong relationships, a conservative approach to debt, and a focus on people over transactions have shaped his long-term success. He also offers insight into his vision for the next generation and why slowing down to enjoy the journey matters just as much as the growth. 🧠 David Gellerman’s Top 5 Takeaways: •How mentorship helped David transition from wholesaling into commercial real estate. •Why Hawkeye Commercial focuses on depth over breadth, growing around key markets instead of stretching too thin. •How relationships with clients, vendors, and tenants are the foundation of the business. •Why conservative debt strategies keep the company resilient in changing markets. •How culture, connection, and enjoying the moment fuel David’s long-term vision for the company. 👤 About David Gellerman: David Gellerman is a lifelong Quad Citizen and seasoned commercial real estate leader with over 38 years of experience. After graduating from Drake University, he joined his family’s multi-industry businesses and now leads Hawkeye Commercial Real Estate, a full-service brokerage, investment, and asset management firm with offices in the Quad Cities and Coralville/Iowa City. David has served as CEO since 2012 and chairman since 2019. He’s actively involved in the community, holding leadership roles with the Quad City Area Realtors, Quad Cities Chamber, and Better Health Foundation, among others. He and his wife Rene live in Bettendorf and have five grown children. Contact Info: Website | /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/39250185

EP 104 Why Starbucks, Arby's, and Jersey Mike's Pay Tom Rauen Rent 11/19/2025

EP 104 Why Starbucks, Arby's, and Jersey Mike's Pay Tom Rauen Rent What if your tenants were nationally recognized brands, and your real estate investments practically ran themselves? Tom Rauen breaks down the power of net lease investing and how he built a $55M commercial real estate portfolio featuring tenants like Starbucks, Arby’s, and FedEx. From market trends to lease structures, Tom shares why this focused strategy offers stability, simplicity, and serious long-term potential. He explains how long-term leases, strong credit profiles, and a hands-off management style make this asset class attractive, especially in markets like Iowa. Whether you're scaling up or shifting strategy, Tom delivers a practical, focused perspective on building wealth through commercial real estate. 🧠 Tom Rauen’s Top 5 Takeaways: •Why net lease assets offer stable, passive income with less day-to-day management. •How national tenants reduce risk and boost long-term investment confidence. •Why the current market is full of opportunity thanks to increased inventory and aging ownership. •How focusing on Iowa creates a streamlined and manageable investment approach. •Why understanding lease terms and tenant quality is essential for evaluating property value. 👤 About Tom Rauen: Tom Rauen is a serial entrepreneur, real estate investor, and community builder based in Iowa. He is the founder and CEO of 1-800-Tshirts.com (a 3× Inc. 5000 company) and the owner of Rauen Capital, where he has grown a $55 million net lease real estate portfolio featuring tenants such as Starbucks, Applebee’s, Jimmy John’s, and FedEx. Tom is also the founder of Fast Food Landlord, co-owner of Dimensional Brewing Company, and a partner in the iconic Field of Dreams movie site. Known for his innovative mindset and love for legacy-focused investments, Tom continues to build both community and capital with every deal he touches. Contact Info: Instagram | d LinkedIn | Website | /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/39083680

EP 103 High-End Flips, Custom Homes, and Commercial Investing with Andrew Long 11/12/2025

EP 103 High-End Flips, Custom Homes, and Commercial Investing with Andrew Long What happens when a football-playing teacher trades the classroom for construction? Andrew Long shares his journey from coaching and seminary to custom homebuilding, property management, and multifamily investing. With a background rooted in service and strategy, Andrew unpacks how vision, partnerships, and adaptability have shaped his success across multiple real estate lanes. Andrew dives into lessons learned from managing single-family and multifamily assets, how he's used partnerships to scale, and why understanding market dynamics is key to staying competitive. He also talks about mindset, networking, and his commitment to building a business with long-term impact. 🧠 Andrew Long’s Top 5 Takeaways: • How teaching laid the foundation for Andrew’s leadership in real estate and construction. • Why Alair Homes was built to deliver quality custom homes and value-driven renovations. • How market shifts pushed Andrew to explore multifamily and creative deal structures. • Why partnerships and multiple investment models open new doors for growth. • How clarity, consistency, and community drive long-term success in real estate. 👤 About Andrew Long: Andrew Long is an accomplished real estate investor, licensed contractor, and real estate agent with over a decade of hands-on experience across multiple sectors of the industry. He is the founder of a successful luxury custom home and renovations company, where he has combined construction expertise with sharp real estate insight to deliver high-quality projects and guide clients through seamless transactions. In addition to residential work, Andrew has expanded into ground-up development, with a focus on build-to-rent and multifamily investments. Over the past year alone, he has produced $5.5 million in real estate deals by leveraging his operational systems, market knowledge, and commitment to strategic growth. Andrew brings a unique blend of boots-on-the-ground experience and business leadership to every project, and remains passionate about helping others find success in real estate through education, mindset, and execution. Contact Info: Facebook | LinkedIn | /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/39008855

EP 102 Inside the Mobile Home Park Business with Joanne Stevens 11/05/2025

EP 102 Inside the Mobile Home Park Business with Joanne Stevens What if the most misunderstood asset class in real estate was also one of the most stable? Joanne Stevens brings decades of experience in mobile home parks to this episode, sharing how she’s seen the industry evolve, the stigma it still fights, and why institutional investors are now taking notice. Joanne unpacks key revenue drivers, investor trends, and the nuances of managing communities in a way that builds value without alienating residents From lot rents to zoning battles, she breaks down what makes this niche both challenging and full of opportunity. If you’ve ever overlooked mobile home parks, Joanne makes a strong case for taking a second look. 🧠 Joanne Stevens’ Top 5 Takeaways: • How mobile home parks offer one of the last affordable housing options in many markets. • Why institutional investors are moving into manufactured housing, and what that means for operators. • How the stigma around mobile home living impacts value and perception. • Why careful rent increases and community-focused management are key to long-term success. • How strong partnerships and deep industry knowledge can unlock overlooked value. 👤 About Joanne Stevens: Joanne Stevens is a nationally recognized expert in mobile home parks and manufactured housing. As a broker, consultant, and former community owner, she’s helped clients across the U.S. maximize the value of their parks, ranging from 30 to nearly 500 home sites. She has served in leadership roles with the Manufactured Housing Institute, the Iowa Manufactured Housing Association, and the Urban Land Institute, and has decades of hands-on experience in development, zoning, management, and sales. Joanne is a go-to advisor for owners, operators, and investors navigating the evolving world of mobile home communities. Contact info: Email | LinkedIn | /episode/index/show/8b8e6358-f379-4a12-8441-4ab9f011e988/id/38924410

The Investing in Iowa Show

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