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