Elbert Hubbard Backstories: Bill Knapp Memories
- Bill Knapp, a real estate titan and influential figure in Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Saturday at the age of 99. Known for his shrewd business acumen,...
- Knapp's ability to leverage influence was famously summarized in a 1990 quote to Ken Pins during research for a Des Moines Register article profiling the city's power structure:...
- While frequently enough perceived as a fierce competitor - even engaging in a physical altercation with a fellow real estate agent in 1957 - Knapp also possessed a...
Bill Knapp: A Des Moines Power Broker
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Bill Knapp, a real estate titan and influential figure in Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Saturday at the age of 99. Known for his shrewd business acumen, willingness to wield power, and surprising generosity, Knapp left an indelible mark on the city’s landscape and its peopel.
Knapp’s ability to leverage influence was famously summarized in a 1990 quote to Ken Pins during research for a Des Moines Register article profiling the city’s power structure: “There are a lot of people who have a lot of money, but they couldn’t get a traffic ticket fixed. They don’t know how to use it. So what good are they to the community?”
While frequently enough perceived as a fierce competitor – even engaging in a physical altercation with a fellow real estate agent in 1957 – Knapp also possessed a “soft touch,” according to Roxanne Conlin. Iowa Resources Chairman Mark Putney contrasted Knapp with john Ruan, noting Knapp was more likely to use charm, but also more willing to “threaten a politician or government bureaucrat.”
Knapp’s early life shaped his perspective. Growing up on a southern Iowa farm during the Great Depression, he witnessed his parents struggle to hold onto their land.He served in the Navy during World War II, piloting a landing craft during the invasion of Okinawa, an experience that deeply affected him.
Bill Friedricks documented Knapp’s life in two books: “The Real Deal: The Life of Bill Knapp” (2013) and “The Making of Bill Knapp” (2021), tracing his evolution from a hard-nosed entrepreneur to a community benefactor.
Key Principles from Bill Knapp
- do What You Want and It Will Never Be Work
- You Can’t Do It All by Yourself
- Buy and Hold Land
- Close Deals Quickly, and Aim for a Win-win
- Don’t Hold Grudges
- be prepared for Bad Times
- Court the Media
Comparison to John Ruan
| Feature | Bill Knapp | John Ruan |
|---|---|---|
| Tenacity | Very High | Very High |
| Approach | Charm & Threat | More reserved |
| Register Ranking (1990) | #1 | #2 |
| Register Ranking (1976) | N/A | #1 |
Knapp’s life serves as a compelling case study in the exercise of power and the responsibilities that come with it. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape Des Moines for years to come.