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THE BOOK THAT WHISPERED “DREAM BIGGER” What a Forgotten Book on a Shelf Taught Me About Success
Life has a funny way of surprising you when you least expect it. For me, that moment came in 1991 when I was working as a prison guard in Iowa, fresh out of college with a criminology degree. It was my first “real” job — stable, respectable, and everything I thought I wanted. But sometimes, the universe has bigger plans, and mine started with a single book. With March 2 being Read Across America Day, I thought I’d share the story about one book everyone in my life knows. Here’s the setup: An empty liquor bottle turned up near my post in the prison. It was considered contraband, and although I had nothing to do with it, I found myself in the hot seat. Three days of intense questioning, just like you see in old movies with a bare bulb hanging over a small table. Obviously, I was innocent, but the prison higher-ups were convinced that I was the one who brought in contraband! By the end, I was cleared, but the whole experience left me questioning where I was headed. After the ordeal, I was waiting outside the warden’s office with his secretary for a final meeting to wrap things up when my eyes landed on a book on a nearby shelf: “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. The title caught my attention. I pulled it off the shelf, skimmed a few
pages, and thought, “Hmm, this is interesting.” Then, I was called into the warden’s office and everything was resolved; no hurt feelings. But, when the meeting ended, I left the warden’s office, and the secretary left the room. I stepped out of there with a sigh of relief and the book tucked under my arm. That book changed my life. I read it cover to cover, not once, but twice in six months. Hill’s words opened my eyes to a truth I hadn’t fully embraced: Success isn’t about luck or waiting for the perfect moment — it’s about action, mindset, and persistence. It was like a lightbulb went off. Why couldn’t I pursue something bigger? Why not real estate? At the time, I had a 6-month-old baby, a mortgage, and a wife who, understandably, wasn’t thrilled when I told her I wanted to leave the prison for real estate. It took a lot of heartfelt conversations, but eventually, she said, “If this is what you really believe is best, I’m with you.” That support gave me the courage to leap. My first year in real estate wasn’t glamorous. I earned just $6,400. But I stuck with it. Year by year, I learned more, worked harder, and built the career I’d envisioned while reading that book.
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Now, as a real estate investor, I look back and see that moment as the catalyst that changed everything. I still have the copy on my bookshelf today, and I cannot even count how many times I’ve read it since then. What if I hadn’t picked up that book? What if I had ignored that spark of curiosity? It’s a reminder that sometimes the smallest moments — a book, a conversation, or even a wild idea — can set your life on an entirely new path. If you feel that nudge to try something new, listen to it. You never know where it might take you. For me, it started with one simple question: Why not? –Darin Garman
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Many say Christmas is the most wonderful time of year. However, if you’re a college basketball fan, it’s safe to say that March Madness is your favorite season! Millions of fans come out to support their favorite teams and fill out brackets to guess the national champion. But the history of college basketball’s biggest tournament might surprise you. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS March Madness originated in Illinois as an annual high school tournament sponsored by the Illinois High School Association. It went from HOW THE NCAA EVOLVED INTO A BASKETBALL POWERHOUSE Start Your Brackets! It’s March Madness
a small invitational in 1908 to over 900 schools participating by the late 1930s. It wasn’t until 1939 that high school official Henry V. Porter called the tournament “March Madness.” THE EMERGENCE OF MARCH MADNESS FOR COLLEGES March Madness wasn’t nationally known or associated with the NCAA until CBS broadcaster Brent Musburger used the term while covering the 1982 spring tournament. Since then, the term has been synonymous with the event, and college basketball has never been the same. THE FIRST MARCH MADNESS CHAMPIONS Before UConn, Kansas, Baylor, and Virginia became NCAA men’s basketball champions, the University of Oregon paved the way. On March 27, 1939, the University of Oregon defeated Ohio State University, 46–33. Ohio State’s star forward, Jimmy Hull, was named the
tournament’s Most Outstanding Player — not bad for a 2007 Ohio Basketball Hall of Famer.
EVOLUTION OF TOURNAMENT EXPANSIONS Only eight teams played in the 1939 tournament; by 1951, the number of teams doubled to 16. It wasn’t until 1985 that the 64-team tournament emerged. Further tournament expansion concluded in 2011, with 68 teams participating in college basketball’s big dance. MARCH MADNESS TODAY March Madness isn’t exactly what it used to be 40 years ago, from the hoopla and controversy of Selection Sunday (March 16 this year) to the chaos and parity caused by NIL (athletes’ pay for “name, image, and likeness”). Nonetheless, the tournament’s foundational values of camaraderie mixed with a bit of friendly competition and, of course, the love of watching basketball remain as prominent as ever.
ACCURATELY DECIDING WHAT YOUR 2025 WILL LOOK LIKE NOW
Why Manifestation Without Action Is Just Daydreaming
One thing that people get screwed up with is the concept of “manifesting” or “manifestation.” Hundreds of books, courses, and even six-figure coaching/consulting programs are designed around this one thing — manifestation. In short, it is making what you want appear how you want and at the time you want. To simplify it, think about what you want, and the more you think and act like you have what you want, the faster your want will come to you, almost like magic! We ALL WANT this to be the case, and we all WANT this to be true, but we know it is not true. We know that no matter how hard we picture a red Lambo in our driveway, it will not appear next week, next month, or by the end of 2025 by simply picturing it in our driveway unless we first do the amount of work necessary to get that Lambo. Once the required work is done, then the Lambo will come, but not until the job is done. I realize this is obvious to us, but remember, most people are not us. One of the first self-help programs I invested in was Earl Nightingale’s “Lead the Field.” To give you an idea of how long ago, I bought it from a company called Nightingale-Conant in a six-cassette tape case in 1993. I believe N/C is still around with a catalog of programs that can still be purchased online. I listened to that program well over a hundred times in my car cassette player as I drove from appointment to
appointment. When I was not in my car, I put it in my Sony Walkman and listened that way.
there. He sees the end of 2025 and is doing the necessary work now to MANIFEST.
This is still a great program that I made mandatory for my son to listen to. One of the main things I remember from Earl’s program is the delusional concept of expecting the results BEFORE putting in the work necessary. Earl used the analogy of expecting results before doing the necessary work is like expecting your fireplace to give you heat BEFORE cutting the wood and putting it in the fireplace. The truth is many people, day after day, sit in front of their proverbial fireplaces before putting any wood in them, expecting heat and wondering why they have no heat. In my past newsletters, I have recommended an absolute must-read: “Elon Musk.” Walter Isaacson’s 2023 authored book about Elon will give you the EXACT idea of what it takes to be worth billions. This is not me fawning over Elon; more importantly, what you find out is just how much of his time, effort, and energy he needs to give to succeed with all his companies. You may think you have an idea, but I assure you that you really don’t. My point: HE IS MANIFESTING . One of the reasons why the stock in these companies continues to perform is that investors believe that Elon knows exactly where he will be by the end of 2025 and is working like hell to get
Do you have to be Elon, work 100+ hours a week, and oversee billion-dollar companies to get what you want? YES, it would help! But my friend, I assume you do not want to run four billion-dollar companies or do the necessary work. So, how should you manifest? Here is your simple plan: 1. Decide what it is you want to manifest. 2. Decide how much work, time, and energy you will REALLY need to invest to manifest what you want. 3. Decide if you realistically want and can put that amount of time, work, and energy into what you want. In other words, are you prepared to pay the price to manifest what you want? 4. If the answer is NO, you’re not prepared to pay that steep price. Then, you need to change what you want to manifest to something in line with the price you are willing to pay. 5. If the answer is YES, get to work and
manifest! Remember: working = manifesting.
IT IS THAT EASY!
–Darin
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SOLUTION
Spring is near, so it’s time to get outside and enjoy all the fun our state offers — with your furry best friend by your side! From craft breweries to scenic wineries, Iowa boasts dog-friendly spots where you and your pup can soak up the sunshine and good vibes. EAGLES LANDING WINERY — MARQUETTE Eagles Landing Winery is more than just a place to sip award-winning wine. Their pet-friendly vineyard and patio invite you to share a fresh pizza, enjoy stunning Mississippi River views, and unwind with your canine sidekick. Whether you’re exploring the historic charm of Marquette or hiking nearby trails, this spot makes for a perfect pit stop for you and your pup to recharge. WEST O BEER — MILFORD At West O Beer, you’ll find a perfect blend of fun for everyone in the family. Kids can sip on root beer and play games while adults savor locally brewed craft beers. And the spacious patio? It’s a dream for dogs. Located near the Okoboji lakes, West O Beer is the ideal place to kick back with friends, family, and your loyal four-legged pal after a day of lakeside adventures. BIG GROVE BREWERY — SOLON, IOWA CITY, CEDAR RAPIDS, AND DES MOINES Big Grove Brewery’s locations are your go-to spots for beer and tail wags. Perfect for your pup to sprawl out, this brewery turns a casual beer run into a dog-friendly adventure. In Iowa City and Des Moines, treat your furry companion to something off their dog menu, like banana and pumpkin pup- sicles. Bonus points for the Spent Grain Treats from Woofables Gourmet Dog Bakery — because your pup deserves a snack, too! TOPPLING GOLIATH BREWING CO. — DECORAH Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. is where award-winning beers meet wagging tails. Grab a pint of their famous brew, indulge in a tasty meal, and let your pup bask in the spring sunshine on their dog-friendly patio. With a welcoming environment and top-notch drinks, this spot will have tails wagging and glasses clinking in no time. RAISE A GLASS (AND A PAW!) From bold craft beers to scenic vineyards, Iowa’s pet-friendly destinations are perfect for making memories with your furry friend this spring. Grab the leash, bring your appetite, and head out for an unforgettable day of paws, pints, and pure joy!
5 PLEX SOLD & ACQUIRED!
24 UNITS SOLD & ACQUIRED!
48 UNITS SOLD & ACQUIRED!
CONTACT DARIN TODAY AT 319-350-5378 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE INVESTMENTS!
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Darin and Isaiah Garman: Heartland’s Most Trusted Multi-Family Investment & Property Management Advisors HEARTLAND INVESTMENT COMPANIES
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1350 Boyson Rd. A1 Hiawatha, IA 52233 DarinGarman.com 319-540-9070
Page 1 A Simple Book Pick Sparked the Boldest Decision of My Life Page 2
The History of College Basketball’s Rise to Riches Accurately Deciding What Your 2025 Will Look Like Now Page 3 Dogs Welcome! Iowa Breweries and Wineries Perfect for Pet Lovers Apartment Investment Success Page 4 Pit Stops Along the Alaska Railroad You Can’t Miss
ALL ABOARD THE ALASKA RAILROAD! WHY TRAVELING ALASKA BY TRAIN BEATS THE CRUISE SHIP
For those drawn to Denali’s majesty, the Denali Star is your ticket. This flagship route connects Anchorage to Denali National Park, offering stops like Talkeetna, a charming artsy town and basecamp for climbers scaling Denali. It’s a 12-hour journey of awe-inspiring landscapes and rich history. The Glacier Discovery route takes you south from Anchorage to Girdwood, Whittier, and the Spencer Glacier. Whittier is a standout destination with its sleepy charm and world-class Alaskan fish. This train provides remote access to places you can’t reach by car, making the trip a unique experience. And if you’re looking for an offbeat adventure, the Hurricane Turn and Aurora Winter trains cater to locals and intrepid travelers alike, offering stops by request and transporting you into the heart of Alaska’s untamed backcountry. With the Alaska Railroad, the journey is as memorable as the destination. Whether you’re marveling at wildlife, enjoying a sit-down meal, or booking excursions to explore iconic landmarks, every mile of track is packed with adventure.
While Alaskan cruises get all the buzz, traveling the Last Frontier by train offers an equally breathtaking — and perhaps more intimate — experience. With panoramic views, unforgettable pit stops, and access to remote regions, the Alaska Railroad delivers a journey unlike any other. Imagine gliding through the rugged wilderness in a GoldStar Dome car, where glass ceilings offer a 360-degree view of snow-capped peaks and glistening glaciers. For the adventurous, the outdoor viewing platform lets you immerse yourself in the stunning scenery while breathing in the clean, crisp Alaskan air. Whether you choose the premium GoldStar class or the more budget- friendly Adventure Class, you’ll be awed by Alaska’s natural beauty. The Alaska Railroad operates year-round with five seasonal routes, each brimming with wonder. The Coastal Classic is any traveler’s dream, winding from Anchorage to Seward along the Turnagain Arm waterway. Highlights include spotting bald eagles and hopping on a boat at Resurrection Bay to explore Kenai Fjords National Park, famous for its orca whale sightings.
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AND I GOT LAST!
Dear Friends,
Well, I was optimistic! This was the 7th year in a row that we hosted this tournament, and I thought this year was going to be “MY YEAR” for finishing in the top three in the annual Garman Family and Friends Christmas Eve Bench Press Tournament . It was a lot of fun! This year, we had 11 competitors in both the men’s and women’s Divisions, which was great! Each of our contestants gets three chances to lift (bench press) the heaviest weight they can, and the person who lifts the highest weight is declared the winner.
We don’t get formal with this. There are no age divisions, weight divisions, or anything like that — it’s just a lot of fun!
Here are the winning lifts:
Men — Mundo Vasquez — 330 Pounds. Women— Madisen Mysak — 150 Pounds. Darin’s Lift? — 220 pounds. I went for 243, but I missed it! We are looking forward to this again next year and, of course, invite any of our friends to join us. It always takes place at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve in Hiawatha, IA.
Maybe see you next year?
darin@heartlandinvestmentpartners.com P.S. The bench press tournament is all on video. If you want to watch the Bench Press tournament and get caught up in the drama of who will win, here is the video link to watch anytime joinnow.live/a/eGJDNk . –Darin Garman
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