What happens when small-town work ethic meets big-city finance? In this insightful episode, Neil Timmins chats with Derek Vander Veen—a commercial finance professional by day and a passionate real estate investor by night. From milking cows on an Iowa dairy farm to structuring deals and scaling a rental portfolio, Derek shares how curiosity, discipline, and long-term strategy helped him turn a side hustle into a serious investment journey. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to scale smart, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom.

5 Fresh Takeaways:

• Derek’s “one or two properties per year” strategy proves that real estate wealth can be built methodically and sustainably.

• Managing his own properties helped Derek sharpen his investor instincts and control cash flow—especially in the early years.

• Using low-down-payment financing options like FHA helped Derek jumpstart his portfolio without waiting years to save.

• Derek uses tools like Zillow, Rentometer, and investor feedback to dial in accurate, competitive rents in his markets.

• Derek’s evening commitment to reading, researching, and networking shows that a full-time job doesn’t have to slow down your investment dreams.

About Derek Vander Veen:

Derek Vander Veen is a commercial real estate finance professional and part-time single-family investor with properties in Kansas City and Des Moines. Originally from northwest Iowa, Derek’s roots in agriculture taught him grit and hard work, which now fuel his passion for building a rental portfolio alongside a thriving finance career. With a strategy rooted in consistency, Derek has built his portfolio one deal at a time—with long-term vision and a strong foundation in personal growth and financial literacy.

Contact Info:

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-vander-veen-28901b29/

What do football coaching and real estate have in common? For Jared Hottle, everything. In this inspiring episode, Neil Timmins sits down with Jared—a former college football coach turned real estate agent and investor—to uncover how discipline, strategy, and resilience on the field translated into success in the property game. From buying his first duplex during the 2020 uncertainty to scaling a portfolio of 36 doors and a storage facility, Jared’s story is a must-listen for anyone looking to pivot into real estate with purpose and grit.

5 Fresh Takeaways:

• Jared’s pivot from coaching to real estate after his football program was shut down shows how unexpected turns can launch fulfilling new paths.

• Just like in sports, small, consistent efforts in real estate—especially during early mornings or off-hours—compound over time.

• Jared’s leap into duplexes in Waterloo during COVID laid the foundation for everything he’s built since.

• From trailer parks to storage units, Jared’s success is rooted in community connections and creative deal structuring in a Midwest market.

• Whether it’s leading a team or managing tenants, Jared brings a game plan, discipline, and long-term mindset to every deal.

About Jared Hottle:

Jared Hottle is a real estate agent, investor, and entrepreneur based in Waterloo, Iowa. After spending nearly a decade coaching college football, Jared returned home in 2019 to start a new chapter. Fast forward five years, he’s now the owner of 36 rental units, a storage facility, and a steady stream of investment transactions totaling $5–7 million annually. Jared is passionate about educating others, giving back to his community, and building generational wealth through strategic property investments.

Contact Info:

Website | https://www.hottlerealestate.com/

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@jaredhottlere

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

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

What happens when a residential carpenter discovers a passion for restoring the past? In this episode, we sit down with Mark Hildreth, a seasoned contractor whose journey took him from building suburban homes to reviving iconic landmarks like Des Moines’ Val Air Ballroom. Mark dives into the nuances of historic renovations, the ripple effect of rising interest rates, and why understanding client emotion is as vital as blueprints and budgets. This episode is for anyone fascinated by the blend of heritage, hard hats, and forward-thinking construction.

What You’ll Learn:

• Mark shares how his early hands-on experience shaped his journey from residential builds to large-scale commercial projects and historic renovations.

• Discover how historic renovations not only require creativity and precision but can also unlock powerful financial incentives through tax credits.

• Mark explains why understanding client emotions in residential work was one of the most overlooked—but critical—skills he had to learn.

• Outside the job site, Mark finds expression in brewing, reflecting the same creativity and precision he brings to building restoration.

• From navigating interest rate impacts to exploring mass timber construction, Mark shares his take on what’s next in the evolving world of building and development.

About Mark Hildreth:

Mark Hildreth is a respected commercial contractor with deep roots in the construction world, starting in his father’s framing company. After trade school and years of hands-on carpentry, he founded his own general contracting firm. Mark now specializes in historic restoration, blending craftsmanship with strategy to breathe new life into Iowa’s architectural history. Whether it’s transforming forgotten spaces or crafting a new brew, Mark brings passion, patience, and precision to everything he builds.

Contact Info:

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hildreth-59258830/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/mark.hildreth.5

Website | https://hildrethconstruction.com/

How does a preacher’s son go from painting houses and analyzing startups to building a thriving real estate investment business? In this episode, Dave Ferris shares his unconventional journey into real estate—starting with side hustles and ending with a full-time investing career. He opens up about the lessons learned during the 2008 financial crisis, why cash flow is king, and how strong partnerships have helped him scale. If you’re looking for real-world insight on flipping, holding, and leading with integrity in real estate, this conversation is packed with gold.

5 Takeaways to Level Up Your Investing:

• Dave’s entrepreneurial roots started with a painting business before diving into rental properties, showing that foundational skills build future momentum.

• Living through a market crash emphasized the importance of sustainable cash flow and financial discipline.

• Collaborating with trusted partners allowed Dave to expand operations and launch a cash-offer program that buys multiple houses per month.

• Dave’s business evaluates each property based on current market conditions, flipping some, holding others, and selling turnkeys to investors.

• Grounded in values from his upbringing, Dave sees ethical decision-making as a cornerstone of long-term success in real estate.

About Dave Ferris:

A graduate of Iowa State University in Entrepreneurship and Finance, Dave Ferris began his career in tech and business analysis before stepping into real estate investing in 2004. In 2020, he left his W2 job to go full-time. Today, he co-leads an investment company alongside partners Junior Ibarra and Ryan Cahoy, running a successful cash-offer program and mentoring other investors. With a passion for building wealth through real estate—and helping others do the same—Dave is as committed to growth as he is to giving back.

Contact Info:

Email | dave@teamirg.com

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/dave.faris.923

What does a Gyro stand, a vineyard, a bar, and a multimillion-dollar portfolio have in common? They’re all chapters in Todd Millang’s real estate story. In this episode, Todd shares how he went from a curious college student to Senior VP at CBRE, unpacking the highs, lows, and everything in between. From restaurant ownership to farmland investing, Todd’s journey proves that relationships, resilience, and reinvention are just as important as returns. Whether you’re in brokerage, investing, or simply exploring your next move—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

What You’ll Learn:

• Todd opens up about his first investment, the lessons learned from deals that went sideways, and how failure can become your best teacher.

• Learn how Todd transitioned from early brokerage challenges into a multifaceted real estate career spanning restaurants, agriculture, and long-term portfolio growth.

• Why your network—mentors, partners, and peers—can be the most valuable investment in your success.

• Todd and Neil reflect on how real estate ambition must be balanced with wellness, community, and life beyond the office.

• Discover how technology, collaboration, and community impact have reshaped the real estate industry—and how Todd is staying ahead of the curve.

About Todd Millang:

Todd Millang is Senior Vice President at CBRE, one of the nation’s leading commercial real estate firms. Over his career, Todd has completed 450+ commercial transactions totaling more than $1 billion. Known for his deep integrity, strategic thinking, and relationship-first approach, Todd brings a unique mix of market savvy and entrepreneurial spirit. His portfolio spans office, retail, restaurants, and even farmland—proof that success in real estate is about more than square footage; it’s about building something that lasts.

Contact Info:

Email | todd.millang@cbre.com

Phone | (515) 988-8810

What do a gym whistle, short-term rentals, and house hacking have in common? For Ryan Hoover—broker, investor, and all-around real estate enthusiast—they’re all key stops on the journey from PE teacher to powerhouse property pro. In this episode, Ryan dives into the decisions that changed his life, the lessons he learned from growing up on a farm, and how he turned hustle, humor, and heart into a thriving real estate business. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your portfolio, this conversation is packed with strategy, motivation, and a few good laughs.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Ryan’s small-town roots and early lessons in discipline and teamwork shaped his real estate leadership style.

• Why house hacking and short-term rentals weren’t just income strategies—they were stepping stones to long-term vision and freedom.

• Ryan breaks down how enthusiasm, relatability, and a bit of humor help him build trust and lasting client relationships.

• From teaching to finance to founding a brokerage, Ryan shows how following your curiosity can lead to unexpected success.

• Visualization, intentional goal-setting, and surrounding yourself with opportunity-rich communities like Ankeny can fast-track growth in real estate and life.

About Ryan Hoover:

Ryan Hoover is the Broker/Owner of Weichert, Realtors – The 515 Agency, serving clients across Iowa with offices in Ankeny and Algona. With a background in physical education and financial services, Ryan brings a rare mix of heart, humor, and hustle to every transaction. A skilled investor and seasoned agent, he’s passionate about empowering others to take control of their financial futures—one property at a time.

If you’re ready to approach real estate with more purpose, energy, and fun—this episode is your playbook.

Contact Info:

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/ryan.hoover.984

| https://www.facebook.com/515RealEstate

Phone | (515) 341-3849

What happens when a trusted real estate attorney takes the reins of one of Des Moines’ most influential development firms? You get Gerry Neugent—visionary leader, community builder, and strategic thinker. In this episode, Gerry opens up about his transition from practicing law to leading Knapp Properties through decades of growth, market shifts, and city transformation. With a deep commitment to legacy and integrity, Gerry shares his reflections on leadership, land development, and why real estate is a long game rooted in relationships.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Gerry’s legal background helped shape his strategic approach to risk management and decision-making in real estate.

• Why land acquisition and infrastructure planning are key to long-term city development—and Knapp Properties’ future vision.

• Gerry shares why the evolution of the office market isn’t a setback, but an opportunity to reimagine how we use space.

• Discover how community service, philanthropy, and integrity are deeply woven into Gerry’s leadership philosophy.

• A reflection on the city’s transformation since the 1990s—and the strategic patience it takes to make an enduring impact.

About Gerry Neugent:

Gerry Neugent is the Co-Chairman of Knapp Properties, LC, a legal expert turned executive with a lifelong dedication to real estate development and community growth. With a JD from Drake University and decades of legal and executive experience, he’s guided some of the most significant commercial projects in Iowa. Outside of the boardroom, Gerry’s commitment to civic leadership is unmatched, serving on dozens of boards and receiving numerous accolades for his contributions to Greater Des Moines.

This episode is a masterclass in leadership, foresight, and the true meaning of building something that lasts.

Contact Info:

Website | https://www.naproperties.com/

What do you get when an agricultural engineer mixes hustle, strategy, and a bit of “Rich Dad Poor Dad” wisdom? Chad Daniel. From a small-town Iowa upbringing to leading a growing real estate investment group, Chad shares how he turned his commute-time audiobook inspiration into a diversified, multi-state portfolio. In this episode, he unpacks the power of collaboration, the challenges of shifting markets, and how syndications are shaping his next big move.

What You’ll Learn:

•How Chad and his wife Krissy scaled their portfolio using the BRRRR method and naturally evolved into turnkey providers for out-of-state investors.

•Why starting an investment group helped Chad move faster, share risks, and grow collectively with like-minded peers.

•How shifting economic conditions prompted Chad’s group to pivot from buying to strategic selling.

•Chad breaks down how syndications work, who they’re for, and why they’re becoming the next step in his investing journey.

•From third-party property managers to vetted contractors, Chad shares how the right team makes scaling possible—without burnout.

About Chad Daniel:

Chad began his real estate journey while still working full-time as an engineer. What started with a single property in Des Moines has expanded into a multi-market portfolio across several states. Alongside his wife Krissy, he’s used the BRRRR strategy and turnkey approach to generate cash flow and help other investors do the same. Now, with eyes set on syndications, Chad’s passion for education, adaptability, and teamwork is taking his investing to the next level.

Whether you’re new to real estate or ready to expand beyond single-family homes, this episode offers the roadmap—and mindset—you need to grow with purpose.

Contact Info:

Email | chad@turnkeyiowa.com