“The Real Deal: The Life of Bill Knapp,” which was written by award-winning author and Simpson College history professor William B. Friedricks, is an inspiring story on the personal history of Bill Knapp and provides readers with an inside look at the growth and development of Greater Des Moines over the past 80 years. The Book depicts a scrappy, hard-working Allerton, Iowa farm-boy who left by way of the United States Navy to pave a new path toward financial independence and entrepreneurial success. Despite the many challenges along the way, Knapp turns each into opportunities for capitalization. His tenacity and vision drives his transformation into the real estate tycoon and community philanthropist we know today. “Bill Knapp has always had an “aura,” a “presence” about him that spoke of strength and confidence, of purpose and direction, and yes, of deep feeling and compassion. William Friedricks’s excellent biography captures both the wellspring and life development of the Bill Knapp “aura.” A great history of the person and the growth of Central Iowa. I loved every page!” -Tom Harkin, United States Senator from Iowa

The Real Deal: The Life of Bill Knapp

Biographies & Memoirs

Friedricks, William B.

Professionals & Academics

Business Publications Corporation Inc.

This biography studies the 90-year life of the hard-charging businessman and philanthropist who built a one-truck hauling company into one of the nation's leading truck leasing and logistics companies. In forming a portrait of one of Iowa's most famous citizens, Friedricks (history, Simpson College) uses interviews with Ruan, family, and friends, and accesses privately held papers and corporate records. The story of Ruan's perseverance and business successes and failures may appeal to entrepreneurs and general readers interested in business and history. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

In for the Long Haul: The Life of John Ruan

Historical

Iowa State Pr

Covering Iowa: The History of the Des Moines Register and Tribune Company, 1849-1985

History

Americas

Wiley/Blackwell

Henry E. Huntington and the Creation of Southern California (Historical Perspectives on Business Enterprise Series)

Ohio State Univ Pr

Henry E. Huntington and the creation of southern California (Historical perspectives on business enterprise series)

Ohio State University Press

What started with a single man seeking opportunity in the new capital city of Des Moines, eventually grew into one of the largest construction firms in the country. Through its 160 year history and four generations of family leadership, the Weitz Company has survived war, the depression and loss. “The book is rich in in lessons about sharing a vision, trusting in family, adapting to change, and planning for an unknowable future. Bill Friedricks has captured the unique culture of the Weitz Company and the qualities of the Weitz family who built one of the nation’s great construction companies.” - Steve Zumbach, Belin McCormick Law Firm

Constructing a Legacy: The Weitz Company and the Family who Built it

For decades, the Iowa State Fair was considered the classic summer exposition; it was what most Americans envisioned when they thought of a state fair. But years of neglect almost destroyed the once grand, turn-of-the-century fairgrounds. After a number of efforts to save the facility failed, the Iowa State Fair Board created the Blue Ribbon Foundation, hoping it could raise millions of dollars needed to restore the grounds. It worked, succeeding beyond the board’s wildest dreams. Under the longtime leadership of John Putney and now guided by Peter Cownie, the foundation has raised an amazing $135 million since its creation 25 years ago. Author William Friedricks takes you behind the scenes of the roller coaster ride of ups and downs of the Iowa State Fair’s long history, leading up to the Blue Ribbon Foundation and the remarkable renaissance it brought about at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, now bigger and better than ever.

A Great State Fair: The Blue Ribbon Foundation and the Revival of the Iowa State

                     Driven by grit and determination during the Depression, John Ruan parlayed a one-truck business into Ruan Transportation Management Systems, one of the nation’s leading trucking, leasing, and logistics companies. The trucking business made John Ruan one of the wealthiest and most influential people in Iowa and was the foundation for his vast fortune which included interests in insurance, banking, financial services, international trade, and real estate.   In the 1970s and 80s, Ruan led Des Moines’s renaissance with the construction of the 36-story original Ruan Center, the Marriott Hotel tower, and the Two Ruan Center office complex. But his contributions reached far beyond the confines of Iowa. As a philanthropist, Ruan was a long-time sponsor of the World Food Prize, which recognizes the importance of a nutritious and sustainable food supply for all people.   Based on extensive interviews with Ruan, family members, business associates, friends, and colleagues, as well as privately held papers and archives, In for the Long Haul presents a discerning portrait of this hard-charging yet compassionate businessman.  

In For The Long Haul: The Life of John Ruan

University Of Iowa Press

Driven by grit and determination during the Depression, John Ruan parlayed a one-truck business into Ruan Transportation Management Systems, one of the nation’s leading trucking, leasing, and logistics companies. The trucking business made John Ruan one of the wealthiest and most influential people in Iowa and was the foundation for his vast fortune which included interests in insurance, banking, financial services, international trade, and real estate.   In the 1970s and 80s, Ruan led Des Moines’s renaissance with the construction of the 36-story original Ruan Center, the Marriott Hotel tower, and the Two Ruan Center office complex. But his contributions reached far beyond the confines of Iowa. As a philanthropist, Ruan was a long-time sponsor of the World Food Prize, which recognizes the importance of a nutritious and sustainable food supply for all people.   Based on extensive interviews with Ruan, family members, business associates, friends, and colleagues, as well as privately held papers and archives, In for the Long Haul presents a discerning portrait of this hard-charging yet compassionate businessman.  

In for the Long Haul: The Life of John Ruan (Bur Oak Book)

Unstoppable is the first in-depth biography of Roxanne Barton Conlin, who rose from a difficult childhood where she faced an abusive father, to become a leading Iowa attorney, feminist, political candidate, and community leader dedicated to fighting for the underdog. Her lifelong passion of stomping out injustice and lifting people up has given a voice to the voiceless.There were bumps in the road and failures along the way, but Conlin persisted, breaking glass ceilings and opening doors for women while battling for civil rights for all. Drawing on extensive interviews, private and public papers, and a vast array of secondary sources, author William Friedricks weaves together a penetrating and colorful story of one of Iowa's most prominent figures.

Unstoppable: The Nine Lives of Roxanne Barton Conlin

Community & Culture

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Books by Friedricks, William B.