Richard Hurd needs no introduction in Des Moines.

He’s left an indelible mark on the face of Iowa’s capital city.

But what you might not know is the gritty story behind Hurd Real Estate—and how Richard built it from the ground up.

Over his career, he’s personally owned and developed more than $1B in commercial real estate. Richard takes us back to his early days in real estate, flipping houses, balancing a second job on the railroad, and serving in the military.

It’s a story of hard work, patience, and a relentless drive to build something that lasts.

Key Takeaways:

• How military discipline shaped Richard’s approach to business

• The secret sauce behind Hurd Real Estate’s edge: relationships, service, and speed

• Learning to identify contrarian opportunities

• Adapting to the changing landscape of investing & developing from the 1980s to today

• Advice Richard Hurd would give to his 20-year-old self

Biography:

Richard Hurd began his career in real estate investment in 1973, specializing in single and multi-family residential properties in the Central Iowa market. In 1981, Richard founded the regional commercial development, investment, and brokerage firm known today as Hurd Real Estate. Richard has provided strong leadership and focused the Hurd Real Estate team on acquisitions, sale-leasebacks, and development of office, retail, medical, and industrial properties.

Richard has had the pleasure of working with a number of regional and national companies either through sale-leaseback or build-to-suit transactions since founding the company in 1981. Currently, Richard owns over 130 properties in twelve states. During Richard’s career, he has personally owned and developed over $1B in commercial real estate.

On the brokerage side of the business, Richard managed the largest commercial brokerage firm in Iowa from 1986 to 1993. He was selected to represent Central Life Assurance Company (now known as Athene Annuity USA) in the repositioning of their national commercial real estate portfolio.

Richard has won numerous awards; a few recent accolades include being named into the Midwest Real Estate News Hall of Fame in 2013, awarded the CRE Professional of the Year by the Business Record in 2017, and elected into the Lincoln High School Hall of Fame in 2018.

Richard’s professional designations include CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member), SIOR (Society of Industrial and Office Realtors), and CRE (The Counselors of Real Estate). Believing in sharing his time and experience to help build a strong community, Richard serves on the Grand View University Board of Trustees, Bankers Trust Company Community Advisory Board and West Des Moines Presidents Council. In 2019, Richard & Linda Hurd started construction of the “Jamie Hurd Amphitheater” in West Des Moines, IA, in honor of their daughter.

hurdrealty.com

Jacquelyn Duke grew up learning business and entrepreneurship on her family farm, but never imagined she’d end up in real estate. Yet, her diverse experiences—ranging from legislative correspondent to paralegal, educator, and labor doula—prepared her for the closing table.

In this episode, Jacquelyn shares how her unique background makes her a better Realtor and investor today. She also offers practical advice on analyzing real estate deals, managing tenants, and using real estate to teach family values.

Key Takeaways

• How Jacquelyn's diverse career experiences shaped her ability to advocate and guide people through major life decisions.

• Why you don’t need a fortune to get started in real estate investing.

• How asking "What’s the worst-case scenario?" can help you make confident decisions.

• Why Jacquelyn prefers the 10% rule over the 1% rule when analyzing deals.

• Tips for screening tenants and successfully self-managing rental properties.

My journey into real estate has been anything but conventional, but each experience has uniquely prepared me for a career I love. Whether on Capitol Hill, in a delivery room, or at the closing table, my focus has always been on guiding people through major life decisions.

Growing up on a family farm, I learned the values of hard work, entrepreneurship, and financial responsibility—principles that guide me today as I help clients make one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

After earning my degree from Central College, I worked as a legislative correspondent for an Iowa Senator in Washington, D.C., where I saw firsthand how trust, integrity, and follow-through are essential in building relationships. These values remain the foundation of my work in real estate.

When family brought me back to Iowa, I worked as a paralegal at Meredith Corporation, gaining invaluable skills in legal language, contracts, and negotiation. I also pursued a Master of Arts in Education at Drake University, which strengthened my ability to guide others.

My career took another turn when I became a mother, which led me to become a labor doula and childbirth educator. What began as a passion turned into a successful business, where I supported families through profound moments. This deepened my appreciation for advocacy, but as my children grew, the unpredictable nature of doula work became harder to sustain.

That's when I transitioned into real estate. While skeptical at first, I quickly realized that it offered the same opportunities to educate, guide, and advocate for people during life-changing decisions. Unlike doula work, my relationships with clients often continue long after the closing, and many become lifelong friends.

I’m excited for many more years of helping my clients navigate their journeys. It’s truly an honor to be part of their stories.

Realtor with Realty One Group Impact

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/JacquelynDukeRealtor/

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelynduke/

Phone | (515) 240-7483

Email | jacquelyn@sellingcentraliowa.com

Website | www.sellingcentraliowa.com

Address | 617 SW 3rd St., Ankeny, IA 50023

How does a guy who started by working at Urbandale Water end up owning over 300 acres of prime land? Sean Asada proves that with determination, real estate investing success can take many forms.

Listen in to hear about Sean’s unconventional path—from replacing water meters and flipping cars for cash to becoming a broker-owner. His real estate investment of choice? Land. Whether it’s recreational ground, hunting plots, or agricultural land, Sean shares why land is the asset he loves to own.

Key Takeaways:

• How working at Urbandale Water taught Sean about real estate & new construction

• Ways to diversify income through land investments (CRP, hunting, row crop & more)

• The differences between rough recreational land & premier hunting ground

• Learning to face the pain of discipline vs the pain of regret

Sean Asada moved to Des Moines in 2003 after graduating from UNI, beginning his career at Urbandale Water. While working full-time, he started flipping cars—buying wrecked vehicles, repairing them, and selling them for a profit. When his access to dealer auctions ended, he pivoted to selling appliances at Sears in the evenings and on weekends.

Through careful saving, Sean purchased his first piece of land in 2008 and expanded his investments by acquiring the neighboring property in 2010. Over the years, he has owned and managed more than a dozen properties, continually growing his portfolio. Recently, he ventured into real estate financing, providing his first $100,000 investment loan to home investors, which was successfully repaid after the sale of the property.

After nearly two decades in a stable career, Sean took a leap of faith to pursue his passion full-time. Today, he is the proud broker-owner of the RE/MAX office at the 100th Street and I-35/80 exit in Urbandale, where he continues to help others achieve their real estate dreams.

Phone | (515) 729-2879

Email | SeanAsada.RmxIowa.com

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SeanAsadaRealEstate/

Website | https://seanasada.rmxiowa.com/

LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/sean-asada-973047311

What do coffee, cattle, and real estate have in common? Colin Panzi. In this episode, we’re talking to Colin—a serial entrepreneur, investor, and the guy behind some seriously cool businesses. Colin’s not only a broker and team leader at the Ankeny Real Estate Group, but he's also an investor in the Northern Vessel Coffee Company and the Winterset Sale Barn.

In this interview, Colin opens up about his journey from commercial real estate to business investing, the lessons he’s learned about money, and how personal experiences, like the loss of his father, have shaped his perspective on work and life.

Plus, he shares why he believes in putting his people first and how that philosophy has been key to his success.

Listen in for a down-to-earth conversation on:

• How Colin prepares for & responds to shifting market conditions
• Why knowing your numbers can make or break you
• What he’s looking forward to in 2025 and beyond
• The decision to move from real estate to investing in businesses
• The importance of having the right people, systems, and accountability to build a business that lasts

About Colin Panzi

Colin is a seasoned real estate professional with nearly 20 years of experience as a sales associate, team leader, managing broker and broker-owner. A graduate of Iowa State University, he holds a degree in finance and entrepreneurial studies, providing a strong foundation for navigating the business industry.

Throughout his career, Colin has successfully sold residential and commercial properties while investing in various ventures, including a coffee shop and a livestock auction barn. This diverse background has honed his skills in negotiation, market analysis, and strategic planning.

Colin is passionate about helping clients achieve their real estate goals, whether they’re buying, selling, or investing. With a commitment to excellence and a results-driven approach, he ensures the highest level of service for every client.

Connect with Colin:

Phone | (515) 339-0018

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/@ankenyre

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ankenyre/

Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@ankenyre

Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/Ankenyre/

Tik tok | https://www.tiktok.com/@ankenyre

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/ankenyre/

Dan Rozga was serving as a High School Student Pastor when he decided to launch his real estate career. In this conversation, Dan reflects on the motivation for his career change, the hurdles he faced during his first year, and the invaluable lessons he’s gleaned from his investment journey. From the power of strategic financial planning to the importance of nurturing genuine client relationships, Dan shares the insights that have shaped his success.

He dives deep into what it takes to thrive in real estate, including why a long-term mindset and humility are essential to growing in a competitive industry.

What You’ll Learn from this Episode

• How Dan’s desire to make a lasting impact led him to pivot from ministry to real estate.

• Why building authentic, trust-driven relationships with clients is the key to long-term success.

• The invaluable lessons Dan learned from experienced mentors and why staying humble is crucial.

• How his background in ministry helps him connect with clients on a deeper level, bringing empathy and understanding to every deal.

About Dan Rozga

Four years ago, Dan made the leap from serving as a High School Student Pastor to launching his real estate career. Though he began on a supportive team, he quickly recognized his desire to build his own path, stepping out after just four months. Since then, he has found deep fulfillment in helping clients achieve their real estate dreams. Dan’s work has earned him recognition in the DSM Area Real Producers 40 Under 40 and a recent induction into the RE/MAX Hall of Fame. Every morning, he wakes up excited to make a lasting, positive impact in the lives of his clients.

Connect with Dan

Phone | (515) 494-6241

Website | https://daniel-rozga.remax.com/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/danrozga/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/danrozgarealestate/

Listen in as Sam Brant takes you through his unique journey from growing up on a farm to becoming a successful real estate investor. With roots grounded in a strong work ethic and a hands-on approach, Sam shares the lessons he’s learned along the way—from flipping properties to managing rental portfolios. He opens up about the challenges and rewards of building a business, how partnerships have played a pivotal role in his growth, and the importance of understanding the different dynamics between long-term rentals and short-term Airbnb investments.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, Sam’s down-to-earth approach and real-world insights make this episode a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

• How Sam’s farm upbringing shaped his work ethic and determination

• Why you need to build systems to manage your time as a house flipper

• Navigating the world of Airbnb versus traditional rentals—what’s the best fit for your strategy?

• Why forming solid partnerships with contractors is crucial for scaling a real estate business.

• The importance of cash flow management to ensure long-term sustainability

About Sam Brant

As a Central Iowa native and a fourth-generation farmer, I bring a strong work ethic, deep local roots, and a passion for helping families realize their real estate goals. Growing up on a farm taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of building lasting relationships—all qualities I carry into my real estate career.

I wear multiple hats in the industry: as a dedicated real estate agent for the Fett Real Estate Team in Ames and as an active investor with a substantial personal stake in the local market. Currently, I manage a portfolio of 25 rental units, including three Airbnb properties, and am working on 18 flip projects in various stages—whether under contract, in escrow, or undergoing renovations. Since starting in real estate, I’ve sold just under 30 flips of my own, and I’ve helped clients buy and sell over 100 properties.

This combination of real estate agent and investment experience gives me a unique, firsthand perspective that I bring to every client relationship. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or someone looking to sell, I’m equipped to provide guidance tailored to your unique goals.

My journey into real estate began with a desire to create financial security and opportunity for families and individuals in my community. Outside of work, you’ll find me training for my next Ironman, cheering on Iowa State at home games, or helping out on my family farm.

Connect with Sam:

Email | Sam@FettRealty.com

Phone | (712) 210-3025

Facebook | Sam Brant

Instagram | Sam Brant

Seth Walker shares his journey into the real estate world, from his early struggles as a realtor to becoming a successful property manager and investor in Des Moines, Iowa. With a focus on education through experience, Seth discusses his investment track record, including apartment buildings, farms, and his exciting new venture into Airbnb.

Tune in for valuable insights on navigating the local market, understanding ROI and ROT, and managing properties effectively in the Des Moines area.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

• The early struggles and lessons learned from selling only one house in his first year

• How hands-on experience with flip properties & construction shaped his investment mindset

• The importance of understanding ROI (Return on Investment) and ROT (Return on Time) in real estate

• Advice for keeping long-term rentals and letting properties appreciate over time

• The value of maintaining control over leasing to build tenant relationships

About Seth Walker

Seth has been a licensed Realtor since January 2001, amassing nearly 24 years of experience in the ever-changing real estate industry. Currently serving as a managing broker at RE/MAX Concepts, he has successfully navigated the industry's many changes and challenges to become one of the top residential Realtors in the Des Moines area.

From the outset, real estate investing has been a cornerstone of Seth's career, inspiring him to pursue his Realtor license at an early age. His diverse investment portfolio includes house flipping, contract sales, and rental properties, encompassing the full spectrum of successes and failures along the way.

As the owner and manager of Onward Homes, Seth focuses primarily on single-family rental properties, combining his extensive industry knowledge with a passion for real estate investment. His commitment to excellence and innovative approach have established him as a respected leader in the field.

Managing Broker, RE/MAX Concepts
Owner/Manager, Onward Homes

Connect with Seth:

Phone: 515-577-3728

Email: Seth@515Homes.net

LinkedIn: Seth Walker

Website: RE/MAX Concepts

Licensed Broker in the state of Iowa

Connect with Us:

For more insights and updates, follow us on social media and visit our website: https://theinvestinginiowashow.com/.

Sarah Pell knows how to make real estate work—whether it’s scaling short-term rentals, flipping properties, or securing consistent returns for her investors. Tune in to hear how she transitioned from teaching to building a successful real estate business, all while living life on the road. Packed with valuable tips and lessons learned, this episode is a masterclass in creative real estate investing.

What you’ll learn from this episode

• Sarah’s journey from teaching to becoming a remote real estate investor and short-term rental host

• Benefits of rental arbitrage and co-hosting to scale a real estate portfolio without traditional financing

• Essential apps for remote property management

• The importance of robust insurance and guest protection policies in the short-term rental business

• Advice for beginners on financial literacy, delayed gratification, and leveraging mentorships in real estate

Resources mentioned in this episode

• BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast | Apple Podcasts

• The Short Term Shop

• Airbnb

• Vrbo®

• OwnerRez

• Guesty

• Hospitable

• Turno

• PriceLabs

• Dave Ramsey

• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki | Paperback and Kindle

About Sarah Pell

Sarah is a former teacher turned real estate investor and short-term rental expert who helps others grow their wealth through double-digit returns backed by real estate. Her investments are protected, secured, and insured by real estate assets, offering consistent, reliable returns for her investors. Sarah owns CP Vacation Rentals, a company managing short-term rentals in four markets across the United States.

Leveraging her expertise in remote property management, rental arbitrage, and co-hosting, Sarah has built a thriving portfolio while living a nomadic lifestyle. She is passionate about empowering others to achieve financial freedom through strategic real estate investments and is dedicated to delivering exceptional results for her clients and investors.

Connect with Sarah

• Website: CP Vacation Homes

• LinkedIn: Sarah Pell

• Instagram: @sarah_pell_

Connect with us

For more insights and updates, follow us on social media and visit our website: https://theinvestinginiowashow.com/.