Watts 40 Years 12.3.18

1978 2018

Congratulations
to Watts Group on 40 years!
Coralville
401 2nd Street
319-354-4344
Cedar Rapids
280 Blairs Ferry Road NE
319-393-1400
Carpet | Tile | Hardwood | Window Treatments
randysflooring.com

A Letter From Gary Watts
As Watts Group celebrates 40 years, I am both thankful and humbled by the many
relationships I have built along the way. While the company has grown to where it is today,
it is the people I have come to know and respect that truly make Watts Group successful.
Thank you to the many customers, vendors, business consultants and employees who
are not only my friends, but my biggest supporters helping Watts Group build a better
tomorrow for our communities and families. We are proud to be the Corridor’s “one-stop
shop” for all things real estate.
History of Watts Group
1978 - Gary started his career in real estate embarking on his career adventure
1980 – Gary earned his broker’s license allowing him to own different real estate companies
1993 – Founded his development company
1994 – Founded his residential construction company
2015 – Expanded to include his commercial construction
2015 – Embarked into Property Management including residential and commercial properties
2017 – Started Watts Group Realty (Led by his son, Brian)
2018 – Company celebrates 40 years in business with over 30 employees
Over the years, Watts Group has been responsible for over 23 subdivisions in Iowa City,
Coralville, and North Liberty; built over 2,500 homes, built large commercial projects; and has
grown their realty division to be one of the most competitive in the area.
We believe in projects like the Iowa River Landing, which brings people together to dine,
shop, live, and work. We are proud to help transform this area into a new community hub that
is continuing to grow.
Becky has been my business partner for
the past 40 years and my best friend for
the past 42 years of marriage.
We believe in helping individuals and families find long-term housing. With over 1,200
units throughout Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Coralville and Cedar Rapids, we have a
rich variety of rentals with desirable aspiration for everyone.
We believe in helping clients find or build a house they are proud to call home. We have
extensive real estate listings and an award-winning portfolio of custom homes. No matter the
price point, we believe homeownership should be an attainable aspiration for everyone.
We believe in helping cities grow. When designing a new subdivision, we create a
vibrant neighborhood where happy memories are made. Walling trails, water features and
playground equipment provide residents with places to relax and unwind.
WATTSGROUP.COM
425 E. OAKDALE BLVD. | SUITE 101
CORALVILLE | (319) 338-4100
We believe in helping businesses expand in the Corridor. When we partner with businesses
that want to expand in our markets, we are there to help create a new space. From car
dealerships, hotels, or customized office space, we take the stress away so you can continue
to grow your business.
We believe in giving back to others and our communities. We find ways to volunteer
together as a company by rolling up our sleeves and doing manual work for non-profits
and individuals who can’t do the work themselves. We support different organizations with
financial contributions. We want to help create a better place for those who would not
normally have that opportunity on their own.
We believe in our employees. We want our people to grow personally and professionally.
We have so many talented people who use their strengths to make Watts group successful.
They are the driving force of the company.
December 2018
An advertising supplement of
the Corridor Business Journal
Writer: Jennie Morton
Photographer: Impact Photo / Joe Photo
Designer: Becky Lyons
Media Consultant: Judith Cobb
WATTSGROUP.com 3

Four Decades of Real Estate Excellence
Gary Watts has been “building a better
tomorrow” since 1978. Over four
decades, he has positioned the Watts
Group as the Corridor’s only local firm that offers
land development, residential and commercial
construction, real estate sales and property
Gary Watts, Duane Musser,
Brian Watts and Adam
Hahn at Watts Group’s
newest development The
Preserve in North Liberty.
management. While the real estate industry is
always evolving, Watts has seen one constant – the
importance of strong relationships. It’s an unwavering
mantra for a business owner who started as a real
estate agent, became a broker and moved into
community development.
40
community. commitment. collaboration.
CONGRATULATIONS
Iowa City | Cedar Rapids | Des Moines | Madison
opnarchitects.com
4 WATTSGROUP.com

Congratulations on
40 successful years
from your friends at
Concrete Central
Local concrete contracting company
Exceptional customer service and dependability
Full service
From Excavation to Foundations to Flatwork
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PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Coralville | 319-545-4150

Gary Watts in
the early days.
Embracing Change
From shag carpet in yellows and browns to
the minimalist white-and-black kitchens of
today’s homes, Watts has seen many design
styles come and go in his four decades.
Watts and his team are constantly honing
their insights into consumer mindsets so
they can offer designs that match their
clients’ needs and lifestyles.
“Traditional two-story houses and ranches
still stand the test of time,” Watts noted.
“We are also starting to see home buyers
gravitate to a more modern style that
borrows industrial design elements from
commercial architecture, such as gabled
shed roofs and horizontal windows.”
Watts has witnessed how rising costs have
reduced the average size of property lots
and houses. At the start of his career, a
duplex lot was around $9,000-10,000 and a
single-family property was $10,000-12,000.
Today’s prices are nearly eight times higher,
with a duplex starting at $80,000 and
$75,000 minimum for a single-family home.
PAGE 8
Gary and son Brian work closely together,
playing off of each other’s strengths.
6 WATTSGROUP.com

Congratulations
on your
40
TH
Anniversary
We are PROUD to be your longtime partner.
Discovering what’s important to you,
because that’s important to us.
www.awwelt.com
Iowa City | Muscatine | Iowa Falls | Kalona
WATTSGROUP.com 7

“We are also seeing a shift in
demographics. Baby boomers want
a home where they can age in place.
They need features like wider hallways,
zero-step entryways, lever handles on
doors, shower grips and higher counter
heights,” explained Watts. “By contrast,
millennials are attracted to downtown
living in mixed-use properties.”
Watts started as a real estate agent and has
been a broker since 1980. The early 1990s
was his first venture into development and
construction with the Windsor Ridge and
Mormon Trek Village subdivisions.
Brian Watts, Mike VanDyke, Gary Watts and Adam Hahn look over building plans in Gary’s office.
“Our relationship with our customers is unique,
many of our customers start as renters, graduate to
homeownership, upgrade to a larger property and
build a custom home all with us.”
- Gary Watts
“I’ve always seen the advantage of
vertical integration in real estate. After
15 years of selling and working alongside
other developers, I felt it was my time to
move into development. From a business
perspective, creating my own subdivision
means I can control the listings and be
more competitive with prices,” Watts
noted. “Offering an entire progression
of housing needs also has long-term
gains. Our customers can start as renters,
graduate to homeownership, upgrade
to a larger property and build a custom
home all with us.”
PAGE 22
Happy 40th Anniversary to
Gary Watts and the Watts Group!
Happy 40th Anniversary!
Now In Our 70th Year Of Business
425 Highway 1 West | Iowa City, IA 52246 | 319-337-3800
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The Pinnacle of Quality
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Superior Interior &
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8 WATTSGROUP.com

Congrats Watts Group
Distributing Top Quality Vinyl, Wood
and Commercial Aluminum Windows and Doors
930 S Market St | Solon, IA 52333 | 319-624-2253

WATTS GROUP DEVELOPMENT
Land & Site Development
As Watts Group’s first
large venture in Windsor
Ridge, this east side
subdivision boasts
sprawling lots, walking
and biking trails, a
sparkling pond, mature
trees, and a serenity
unmatched by many east
side locations.
Watts Group is available to help you in all aspects of land
development, making sure the land reaches its full potential while
providing benefits for the community and owners. The detailed land
development process includes scouting the best parcel of land,
making necessary improvements and subdividing the parcel into lots
for neighborhoods and commercial areas. In addition to designing
the land for optimal use, our expert team serves as a liaison with the
Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council on your behalf.
Old Town, Coralville
Mormon Trek Village offers prime west side location and a myriad
of housing options, including condos and duplexes. This community,
nestled just off of Mormon Trek Boulevard, provides options for all.
10 WATTSGROUP.com

WATTS GROUP DEVELOPMENT
Highland Park, Coralville
Beautiful single-family homes, duplexes, multifamily buildings,
a park, pond and walking trails are just a few of the amenities
available to homeowners in Liberty Centre. Great views,
spacious lots and ample green space make this development a
centerpiece in North Liberty.
Westside Estates, Iowa City
Country Club Estates, Iowa City
Neighborhood Development
Many of the subdivisions created by Watts Group include
walking trails, large ponds perfect for relaxing by or fishing
and convenient access to parks, schools, shopping centers,
restaurants, the interstate and other amenities. We know
how important it is to own a home in an area that you and
your family will love and be able to create memories.
Watts Group broke ground in late 2018 on its latest
venture, The Preserve in North Liberty.
WATTSGROUP.com 11

WATTS GROUP DEVELOPMENT
Riverview Plaza located on First
Avenue in Coralville is a great
example of a redevelopment after the
floods of 2008 (see the inset photo).
Old Town, Coralville
Commercial Development
Focused on growing the local economy and supporting business in
our community, we partner with you to develop land for commercial
use. Our team offers building site analysis, recommendations for best
use and pricing to make sure the development is created to optimize
each business.
Iowa River Landing in Coralville is a flourishing
mixed-use development in a prime location, located
just off Interstate 80. With panoramic views of the
Iowa River, UIHC, Trader Joe’s, the upcoming Iowa
Arena and various hotels, restaurants and retail
stores, this trendy development has a little bit of
something for everyone!
The Austin in Coralville is a
mixed-use development with
a great location on the city
bus route, just off Interstate
80. Amenities include
neighborhood association
and secure entry.
12 WATTSGROUP.com

WATTS GROUP COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION
Randy’s Flooring, Cedar Rapids
La Montessori Nurtury, North Liberty
Residence Inn - Hawkeye Hotels, Cedar Rapids
Watts Group, Coralville
Junge, North Liberty
Commercial Construction
Watts Group commercial construction projects range from simple
tenant office space improvements to a complete design and
construction of large developments. We are proud to have built
a variety of projects ranging from our own office space as well as
car dealerships, hotels and more. Go to our website, wattsgroup.
com, to see a complete list and pictures of projects and services.
Lululemon, Coralville
WATTSGROUP.com 13

WATTS GROUP COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION
The Madison - Iowa River Landing (2018), Coralville
The Landing - Iowa River Landing (2015)
Melrose Terrace, North Liberty (2015)
Old Town, Coralville (2016)
14 WATTSGROUP.com

WATTS GROUP RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
Residential Construction
Our team approach to the residential
construction makes the process go
seamlessly from start to finish. We take the
warranty work extremely seriously, ensuring
our customers have a worry-free experience
for years to come.
WATTSGROUP.com 15

WATTS GROUP RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
16 WATTSGROUP.com

WATTS GROUP REALTY
Realty Services
Whether you are looking to purchase a new home or sell your current one, your
experience with the Watts Group Realty team will make it an easy and seamless
experience as we walk you through every step of the process. Selling homes since
1978, our team will work to find the right home for you and make sure the sale of
your home exceeds your expectations.
As part of the selling process, Watts Group Realty will analyze the market to give
you recommendations on how to prepare and market your home, provide activity
reports and offer complete closing services.
Custom Home
Building
At Watts Group we sincerely believe
a home should be more than just a
dream -- it should be an affordable,
realistic aspiration for everyone. We
put forth every effort to ensure the
home you desire is exactly what you
receive. You know what you want. It’s
our job to make it your reality.
Watts Group Realty
team Karlie Throckmorton
and Brian Watts.
WATTSGROUP.com 17

WATTS GROUP CURRENT PROJECTS
The Austin - Iowa River Landing (2019)
Mixed-Use - First Avenue, Coralville (2019)
Riverview Plaza II, Coralville (2019)
18 WATTSGROUP.com

WATTS GROUP CURRENT PROJECTS
Harvest Estates, North Liberty
The Preserve,
North Liberty
Westside Estates, Iowa City
WATTSGROUP.com 19

WATTS GROUP PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Residential Leasing
You can choose what best fits you from more than 1,000 rental properties across Iowa
City, Coralville, North Liberty, Cedar Rapids and Tiffin. Whether you are looking for
an apartment, condo, townhome, duplex or single-family home, we help you find a
comfortable rental with all of the amenities you need. Watts Group keeps high standards
with each property, making sure we meet the needs of each renter. We ensure there is
no smoking on our properties and have both pet and non-pet communities available.
Property
Management
Watts Group offers commercial and
residential property management
services, taking the stress off
your hands. Our seasoned team
focuses on helping you minimize
your operational costs, maximize
efficiency and protect your property.
Our full-service operation includes
24/7 facilities management and
maintenance, rent collection and
accounting services, tax management,
insurance maintenance, marketing,
leasing, tenant services and more.
Commercial Leasing
Renting commercial space can be an important
factor in determining the future success of your
business. Our team at Watts Group partners with
you to ensure the lease will fit your business and
its needs. In addition to evaluating what you need
for physical space, length of lease and amount of
rent, Watts Group also provides:
n Market Analysis
n Marketing & Advertising
n Property Management
20 WATTSGROUP.com

Happy 40th Anniversary
to Watts Group!
JUNGE NORTH LIBERTY BUILT BY WATTS GROUP IN 2018
NORTH LIBERTY
525 N. MADISON AVE, NORTH LIBERTY
SALES: (319) 626-9500
Jason Junge

Today, Watts Group has left its mark on
Corridor communities with 23 subdivisions
and more than 2,500 homes and condos.
The company is especially proud of its role
in helping Johnson County to thrive.
Today, Watts Group has left its
mark on Corridor communities
with 23 subdivisions and more
than 2,500 homes and condos.
The company is especially
proud of its role in helping
Johnson County to thrive.
“The Iowa River Landing is a
real highlight in our portfolio.
When I moved to Iowa City
in the ’70s, this area was
mainly industrial and only
had businesses like a truck
stop, towing company, a
country-western bar and
an oil company,” Watts
recalled. “This mixed-used
development is now home
to a vibrant hospital, multiuse
buildings, restaurants,
residential space and the
upcoming Iowa Arena. The
Watts Group is honored to be
part of this revitalization.”
PAGE 24
HAPPY 40TH
ANNIVERSARY
Congratulations
ON 40 YEARS!
Fire Protection-Life Safety-Consulting
Industrial - Commercial - Utility - Residential
Agricultural - Service - HITECH Communications
319-393-6406
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• Fire Sprinkler Systems
• Backflow Testing
• Fire Alarms & Detection
• Card Access
• Fire Extinguishers
• Kitchen Suppression Systems
319-665-4330
4161 Naples Ave SW Iowa City, IA 52240
SReese@SummitCoUS.com
24 HOUR SERVICE, INSTALLATION – INSPECTION
22 WATTSGROUP.com

Happy 40th Anniversary
Landscaping Services
design planting trees & shrubs perennials and groundcovers
brick patios garden ponds retaining and garden walls stonework
landscape lighting arbors, pergolas, fencing
Grounds Care Services
lawn program core aeration tree & shrub care program mulching
pruning mauget tree injections commercial mowing
NORTH LIBERTY
suburbanlandscape.com
MAKE YOUR
MOVE
TOWARD YOUR FINANCIAL SUCCESS
119 2nd St., Suite 100, Coralville
(319) 688-6200
NXTBANK.NET
You have goals,
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providing business
& consumer services.
● Commercial RE Loans
● Operating Lines of Credit
● Remote Deposit Services
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● Online Services
● Consumer Loans
● Checking & Savings
Congratulations
to the Watts Group
on 40 years of Success.
WATTSGROUP.com 23

Growing Community Roots
Beyond its real estate contributions to the Corridor, the Watts Group is also invested in
giving back. Employees donate their time and raise funds every year for several local
charities, including Toys for Tots, Shelter House and the Community Foundation of
Johnson County. The company recently completed a service day at Camp Courageous
in Monticello, setting up event tables, building steps and mucking barn stalls.
As a prostate cancer survivor, Watts also has strong connections to the University
of Iowa’s Department of Urology. Indebted to the medical care he received, Watts
created an endowment that has helped the university further its research.
“I am passionate about saying ‘thank you’ and giving back to a community that’s been
so good to us. We simply can’t do enough of it,” he said. “In the business world,
you’re always looking at economics and doing deals. But it’s just as important to have
a mindset of giving and help your neighbors in need.”
PAGE 28
“I am passionate
about saying ‘thank
you’ and giving back
to a community that’s
been so good to us.”
- Gary Watts
Congratulations
Watts Group
on 40 Years of
continued growth!
Member FDIC
NMLS ID:
402178
24 WATTSGROUP.com

Congratulations to
the Watts Group for
40 years of success.
MidWestOne.com
Member FDIC
Congratulations Watts Group
from
40 on years
Congratulations on leading the community in building quality homes. We are
proud to partner with Watts Group in providing dependable Lennox equipment.
WATTSGROUP.com 25

Watts Group Team
BACK ROW: Kye Grenko, Mike Van Dyke, Jerod Lyons, Tyler Todd, Charles Lair, Steve Stewart
SECOND ROW: Dallas Lumpa, Adam Hahn, Donna Coblentz, Olivia Stoutner, Clint Meade, Brian Hagarty, Adam Flockhart, Terry Warder
FRONT ROW: Brandi Webster, Katie Nguyen, Karlie Throckmorton, Becky Watts, Gary Watts, Brian Watts,
Brenda Ferrie, Stevie Dimery, Savannah St. Clair, Don Nichols
KUDOS ON 40 YEARS!
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www.abcsupply.com
319-364-5037
26 WATTSGROUP.com

Congrats
ON 40 YEARS!
Congratulations
on 40 years!
FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT
North Liberty, IA
319-626-6855
www.advancemillworkofiowa.com
JOHN
Cress
PAINTING
Since 1984
INTERIOR • EXTERIOR • NEW CONSTRUCTION
319-331-2401 IOWA CITY
Congratulations
Watts Group on 40
years in business!
Your Hometown Electrician since 1959
Congratulations
Watts Group on 40 years in business!
TYPES OF WORK
UNDERGROUND UTILITY INSTALLATION
SITE GRADING
STREET RECONSTRUCTION
Service Calls • New Construction
Remodels • Commercial • Free Estimates
Call: 338-8913
www.homewoodelectric.com
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1320 North 8th Avenue Washington, Iowa 319-653-3334
WATTSGROUP.com 27

Building a Lasting Legacy
Watts Group has no plans of ramping down its real estate growth.
The firm’s immediate vision is focused on two to three years down
the road while the long-term view is 10 years out.
“The developments we are completing now were started several
years ago. Subdivisions aren’t overnight deals – it takes a lot of lead
time to locate available ground, make sure it’s properly zoned and
plotted and build the infrastructure,” Watts explained. “A project’s
financials can also be impacted by increases in construction costs,
tariff changes, oil prices, interest rates and trade labor shortages.
There’s a lot of risk but there’s also a lot of reward.”
Watts credits his staff as the foundation to the firm’s continued
success. His primary role is to use financial resources to secure a
project but then defer to his team to handle development.
“If you are going to sustain a business for
40 years, you also need to have personal
faith to draw on during tough times. If
you’re good at what you are doing, keep at it
and take one step up the ladder at a time.”
- Gary Watts
“I am blessed to be surrounded by outstanding, talented leaders
who are invested in the long-term viability of our company,” he said.
Watts encourages other business owners to form strong
relationships. He recommends not only having one mentor, but two
or three and taking their counsel to heart.
“You can never have enough solid relationships. Shoot straight with
people and be honest with them – you don’t have a second chance
to make a first impression,” Watts emphasized. “If you are going
to sustain a business for 40 years, you also need to have personal
faith to draw on during tough times. If you’re good at what you are
doing, keep at it and take one step up the ladder at a time.” n
Congratulations Watts Group!
Your friends at Pugh Hagan Prahm
When it comes to advising our clients,
Your Business Matters SM
- Real Estate, Construction & Land Use
- Commercial Business Transactions
- Finance & Banking
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(319) 351-2028 PUGHHAGAN.COM
28 WATTSGROUP.com

Happy 40th
Anniversary!
Thank you
to our customers, clients and
vendors. We are proud to be a
part of your community.
Mulford
Plumbing & Heating Inc
Dedicated to your satisfaction!
721 Camp Cardinal Blvd., Coralville
319-338-8366
www.mulfordplumbing.com
1917MmSiNc2017$
Congratulations
to Gary and Watts
Group on 40 years serving
the Corridor
Grow Your People. Grow Your Business. Grow Your Future.
DEVELOP PEOPLE
CREATE ACCOUNTABILITY
ENGAGE TEAMS
DELIVER RESULTS
FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT
Engaging. Proven results.
Award winning programs.
Karen Schumacher, Owner
(319) 431-4148
Sales@CrescendoLD.com
People and organizational
development.
Crescendo
Leadership Development
“Turn your learning into action.”
www.CrescendoLeadershipDevelopment.com
WATTSGROUP.com 29

CONGRATULATIONS
ON 40 YEARS IN THE CORRIDOR
(319) 338-7410
Happy 40TH
ANNIVERSARY
WATTS
GROUP
CORRIDORKITCHENS.COM 650 PACHA PARKWAY, SUITE 6 NORTH LIBERTY 319-665-8300
30 WATTSGROUP.com

CONGRATULATIONS
TO THE WATTS GROUP
The University of Iowa Community Credit Union’s Commercial
Services team would like to congratulate the Watts Group on
their 40th year in business. We look forward to many more years
of working together to serve the needs of our community.
Scott Wilson
NL Financial Center
W: 319.341.3074
C: 319.541.8649
SWilson@uiccu.org
Jen Stull
NL Financial Center
W: 319.248.7047
C: 319.333.8360
jenstull@uiccu.org
Aaron Friederich
NL Financial Center
W: 319.248.5856
C: 641.590.4579
AFriederich@uiccu.org
Sam McSorley
NL Financial Center
W: 319.248.5872
C: 319.850.2928
SMcSorley@uiccu.org
YOU CAN JOIN if you live or work in Iowa.
WATTSGROUP.com 31

Congratulations
on your 40th anniversary!
It has been a pleasure partnering with Watts
Group on so many projects over the years!
Over 25 Years Experience
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