Post by Felix Gbagbo

22nd Street in the Carpenter neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. a place once defined by such intense violence, drug dealing, and prostitution the city eventually capped both ends of the street. Growing up in such an environment makes one question humanity itself, though I have grit, for those were the days that made today. A piece of advice shared with me during a site walk at the upcoming Drake Farms has been my guiding virtue: "Don't attach your identity to the physical development… That goes both ways."- Jeremy Hudson, Co-founder and CEO of Specialized Real Estate Group Last year, I returned to 22nd Street to observe the redevelopment of a parcel once occupied by a Kum & Go. The project is being developed by Danny Heggen , CFO, Co-founder @ DEV Partners , who has since become a good friend. As I sat on the curb where I once lived, I breathed in deeply, feeling a sense of peace as the memories of my past converged with the hope of future renewal. Fast forward to today, Walking a project as intense as Drake Farms. Has engraved a philosophy in my mind, that the greatest visions find those who have discerned entirely that it’s in their hands to create a better world for all. “Many of our best opportunities were created out of necessity. The things that we were forced to learn and do, because we started out under-financed and undercapitalized in these remote, small communities, contributed mightily to the way we’ve grown as a company.” - Samuel Moore Walton (Made in America) Northwest Arkansas… While the region now attracts and is fueled by ambition, a fundamental truth persists: it rewards the humble, as humility is the very foundation upon which it was established. I’m excited to be a part of such growth.