Yes — Houdini did perform his famous upside‑down straitjacket stunt in Minneapolis.
On September 29, 1915, he was suspended by his ankles about 45 feet above the street from the Minneapolis Evening Tribune building. Strapped tightly in a regulation straitjacket, he wriggled free within minutes before cheering crowdsarchive.org+14harryhoudinicircumstantialevidence.com+14culturenow.org+14.
He repeated a similar stunt on February 7, 1923, hanging roughly 100 feet above the sidewalk outside the Tribune Annex (4th St S at Marquette Ave). This time the jacket belonged to the Minneapolis police—he dropped it into the crowd and then went onstage for a matinee at the Hennepin Orpheumtumblr.com+1tumblr.com+1.
These performances were part of Houdini’s signature publicity routine: dangling upside‑down with a timed straitjacket escape in full public view, often staged in front of newspaper offices to maximize attentionpbs.org+5newyorker.com+5culturenow.org+5.
So yes, Minneapolis was one of several cities where Houdini dangled, struggled, and slipped free—for all to see.
Theater Booking Agent – They specialize in securing venues for performers and often have relationships with multiple theaters.
Venue Manager or Theater Manager – The person who runs the day-to-day operations of the theater and handles rentals, bookings, and shows.
Artistic Director – The creative lead of a theater who selects shows and books performances. They often network heavily within the local arts community.
Production Manager – They coordinate performances and technical aspects, and often have a say in what gets staged and where.
Event Producer or Show Producer – They may not work directly for the venue but regularly book and stage events and know who to talk to.
Stage Manager – While more hands-on during productions, they’re often well-connected to the behind-the-scenes theater world.
Promoter – Someone who produces or promotes live shows and works closely with local venues.
Executive Director – Common in nonprofit arts organizations, they often manage relationships and collaborations with venues.
👀 Other Types of People to Network With:
Local Performing Arts Organizations like:
Minnesota Theater Alliance
Twin Cities Theater Bloggers
Springboard for the Arts
Talent Agents or Talent Scouts in the live entertainment scene.
Arts Commissioners or those in city arts councils (Minneapolis or St. Paul).
University/College Performing Arts Departments – Their faculty often have relationships with professional venues.
People involved in Fringe Festivals or local theater festivals – they’re often super-connected.
If you’re the one looking to make those connections or build a network for something like a “Minnesota Magic Month” or theater-based productions, you might label yourself as a:
🪄 Live Show Producer 🎭 Entertainment Connector 📅 Event Promoter 🧩 Synergy Coordinator (in your style) 📣 Magic & Variety Show Agent 🤝 Arts Community Liaison
Fantasy Sports vs. Real Bets: What’s Legal in Minnesota 🧾
🔍 The Legal Landscape: Real Bets Are Still Illegal in MN
As of mid‑2025, Minnesota has not legalized sports betting—online or in-person. Current state laws, including Minnesota Statutes § 609.75–.76, classify placing bets on sports as a felonyreddit.commndaily.com+2selectionsthemagazine.com+2sportsbookreview.com+2. Legislative efforts like HF 2000 (2022–23), SF 3414 (2025), and bills by Sen. Matt Klein & Sen. Jeremy Miller stalled due to disputes over who’d control licenses—tribes, racetracks, or commercial operatorsselectionsthemagazine.com+5mndaily.com+5hudsonreporter.com+5. So unless you’re heading across the border, no legal sportsbook apps—Minnesotans must wait for a licensed, regulated market.
🎯 Fantasy Sports: Legal & Flourishing in a “Gray Area”
Meanwhile, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) like DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog, PrizePicks, Sleeper, and Betr Picks continue to thrive—even though Minnesota hasn’t passed specific DFS lawsspokesman-recorder.com+4sportshandle.com+4lineups.com+4.
Why are they still legal? The 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act exempts fantasy sports, defining them as games of skill, not gamblingselectionsthemagazine.com+12cbsnews.com+12en.wikipedia.org+12. That distinction keeps DFS platforms operating here—even unregulated.
🤔 What About Offshore Betting & Social “Sweepstakes” Apps?
Calls to legalize sports betting face resistance—from problem-gambling advocates citing financial harm, to tribes and racetracks clashing over revenue‑sharingsportshandle.com+15axios.com+15hudsonreporter.com+15. Any future legalization bills aim to include strong age restrictions, addiction protections, tax breaks for youth sports, and revenue directed toward problem‑gambling treatment .
✅ Play DFS legally—skill-based, operating freely despite no state oversight.
✅ Use social sportsbooks like Fliff & Rebet—they offer cash prizes with no legal risk.
❌ Avoid real-money sports betting—both online and in person are illegal here.
⚠️ Stay away from offshore/VPN sites—they’re illegal and can expose you to scams or fraud.
Minnesota’s betting landscape is evolving—keep an eye on state legislation, because it may finally open the door to regulated sports betting. Until then, DFS and social apps are your safe bets.
Garrett Hilton: Real Estate & Fridley, Minnesota Insights
Looking to capitalize on the Fridley real estate market or elevate your career as a new real estate agent? Garrett Hilton isn’t just another REALTOR®—he’s a premier guide with deep roots in the Twin Cities and a passion for mentorship and market mastery.
Proven Results: Closed around 68 deals totaling nearly $20M, with active listings valued from $199K to $750K .
📍 Spotlight: Fridley, Minnesota
Strategically located near Minneapolis, Fridley offers:
Affordable housing options—from cozy bungalows to townhomes.
Ideal for first-time homebuyers and investors seeking value in the $200–400K range.
Growth potential with accessible amenities, schools, and parks.
Garrett’s local expertise ensures clients confidently navigate Fridley’s changing market—essential knowledge for new agents building lasting client relationships.
Comprehensive Transaction Experience Skilled across first-time buyers, foreclosures, short sales, multi-family investments, and new constructionhomes.com+1thebridgerealty.com+1—ideal for agents keen to diversify their portfolios.
Client-Centered Philosophy Known for being “extremely responsive,” realistic, and optimistic—qualities that new agents can emulate to build strong reputations .
Strategic Marketing Insight Garrett stays ahead by leveraging digital marketing and community storytelling—vital for agents looking to stand out in a competitive market.
🛠 Fridley Market Insights to Share with Clients
For Buyers: Emphasize Fridley’s affordability and commuter convenience. Highlight properties trending between $200K–$400K.
For Sellers: Showcase how proximity to Minneapolis, updated schools, and local amenities drive buyer interest.
For Investors: Demand for rental units and entry-level homes makes Fridley an attractive investment location.
“Real estate mentorship,” “learn from seasoned REALTOR®,” “Fridley real estate training,” “start as a real estate agent,” “Bridge Realty agent career,” and “Garrett Hilton team”.
Use these in your blog titles, SEO meta descriptions, and agent recruitment content to draw motivated, career-building professionals.
Garrett Hilton stands out as both a market expert in Fridley and a mentor to aspiring agents. By joining his team or tapping into his resources, you’ll gain:
A hands-on, nurturing training environment
Broad market knowledge across deal types
Deep insight into Fridley’s real estate trends
A brand known for responsiveness and client advocacy
If you’re aiming to grow your real estate career while learning from the best in the Twin Cities, Garrett Hilton and the Hilton Family Professionals are the ones to watch.
Ready to elevate your real estate career or learn more about Fridley’s market?
Contact Garrett at (763) 221‑4009—and don’t forget to use those high-impact keywords like learn from a seasoned REALTOR® to connect with driven, growth-minded agents.
There’s a saying in real estate: “The best time to buy was yesterday. The next best time is today.” And I couldn’t agree more. While many agents and clients are waiting for “the right time,” savvy professionals know the real estate game doesn’t stop—it shifts. And right now? It’s my favorite time to be in the business. Here’s why.
🕵️♂️ The Market Isn’t Crowded
When the market is hot, everyone jumps in—agents, investors, and bargain hunters flood the scene. But during market shifts or seasonal slowdowns (like summer lulls or late Q2 adjustments), competition thins. That’s when opportunity whispers instead of shouting. It’s a prime time to:
Find hidden gems (off-market listings, expireds, and FSBOs).
Negotiate stronger deals for your buyers.
Get serious attention for your sellers.
💌 Direct Mail Magic Still Works
In slower months, inboxes and newsfeeds are saturated with digital noise. But mailboxes? They’re wide open. Smart agents are using direct mail postcards to capture attention and generate leads. It’s personal, tangible, and memorable—and with automated tools, it’s easier than ever to deploy.
🧠 Serious Buyers and Sellers Are Active
People moving now aren’t dabbling. They’re motivated—maybe they’re relocating for a job, downsizing, or making a lifestyle pivot. That means less wasted time and more real conversations with decision-makers. As an agent, this is golden: every lead is warm, every showing matters, and every deal has momentum.
📉 You Can Zig While Others Zag
While the average agent pulls back during uncertain times, top producers double down. This is the moment to build relationships, sharpen skills, and invest in marketing. When the wave rises again (and it always does), you’ll be the one in position—not playing catch-up.
🚀 This Is When True Professionals Shine
Anyone can sell homes in a seller’s market. But a shifting market? That’s when real estate becomes an art form—and a science. Pricing strategy, creative financing options, staging hacks, and local knowledge all matter more now than ever.
This is your chance to stand out and serve at a higher level.
🔑 Final Thought
Real estate isn’t just about timing the market. It’s about showing up with the right mindset, tools, and strategies—especially when others don’t. That’s why NOW is my favorite time. It’s not easy. It’s not obvious. But it’s rewarding.
So if you’ve been waiting for the “perfect” moment? Stop waiting. Start moving. The real opportunity is already here.
Business Expansion: Serving Wisconsin & Minnesota Clients with Direct Mail Marketing
Introduction As the real estate industry evolves, smart agents and brokers are looking for ways to expand their reach beyond city lines and across state borders. If you’re a real estate agent or broker working in Minnesota or Wisconsin—or both—now is the time to embrace direct mail marketing to grow your client base. In a world flooded with digital noise, direct mail stands out as a highly targeted and personal way to connect with homebuyers and sellers.
While social media ads and email campaigns can help, direct mail postcards consistently deliver high response rates, especially in local and regional markets. It’s tangible. It’s targeted. And it works.
According to the Data & Marketing Association (DMA), direct mail response rates are up to 9 times higher than digital marketing methods. That’s a major win for real estate professionals looking to establish trust and visibility in specific neighborhoods.
If you’re licensed in both Wisconsin and Minnesota, you’re in a prime position to grow your business by:
Marketing to border towns like Hudson, WI and Stillwater, MN
Showcasing your knowledge of both state markets in a single campaign
Offering relocation guidance to clients moving between the two states
With direct mail, you can segment by ZIP code, income level, homeownership status, and even recent mortgage activity. That means you can craft messages that speak directly to motivated sellers, first-time buyers, or even vacation property investors.
✅ Hyper-Local Targeting Target specific communities, neighborhoods, or rural areas that may not respond well to digital ads.
✅ Build Your Brand Become the go-to expert in both Wisconsin and Minnesota by showing up regularly in their mailbox.
✅ High ROI Potential With automation tools, direct mail can now be just as scalable as email, but far more effective in building rapport.
✅ Less Competition While everyone else fights over Facebook leads, you’ll be in the mailbox—and top of mind.
Automation Tools for Direct Mail
Direct mail isn’t the slow, manual process it once was. There are now automated postcard marketing platforms built for real estate agents. You can upload your list, design your postcard, and schedule recurring mailings in minutes.
Platforms like Mailbox Power, Corefact, or ProspectsPLUS! allow you to:
Use templates designed for real estate
Include QR codes that drive traffic to your listings
Track campaign results and ROI
Pro Tip: Personalize Your Message
Don’t just send a generic “Just Sold” card. Make it local. Include a neighborhood name. Mention a recent home you sold near theirs. Offer a free home valuation. Use phrases like:
“Thinking of selling in Hudson or Stillwater?”
“Licensed in both WI & MN—I know the market on both sides of the river.”
“Buy your next home across the border with confidence.”
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to expand your real estate business in both Wisconsin and Minnesota, direct mail marketing is a tried-and-true strategy that delivers results. It cuts through the noise, creates trust, and gets your name in front of the right people—consistently.
✉️ Ready to automate your outreach and start landing more listings? Use the power of direct mail to scale your business in both states and stand out as the go-to real estate expert in the Midwest.
In today’s volatile market, many real estate agents are struggling. From rising interest rates and tighter lending practices to growing competition and online advertising fatigue, staying ahead of the curve is more challenging than ever.
If you’re a Realtor feeling the pinch, you’re not alone. The landscape has shifted, and what once worked—door knocking, cold calls, digital ads—isn’t producing the same results. Fortunately, there’s a timeless marketing tool that savvy agents are turning to once again: direct mail postcards.
Digital Fatigue: Potential clients are bombarded by digital ads daily. It’s easy to scroll past a Facebook ad or ignore an email.
Online Competition: Zillow, Redfin, and national franchises dominate online search. Independent and local agents struggle to stand out.
Low Inventory = Fierce Competition: With fewer listings available, more agents are chasing fewer leads.
Trust Gaps: Consumers are skeptical. Flashy online ads don’t always build the trust needed for a major decision like buying or selling a home.
The Solution? Direct Mail Postcards
While agents chase leads in the crowded digital space, smart Realtors are revisiting old-school methods with modern automation: direct mail postcards.
Here’s why it works:
1. Physical Mail Gets Seen
Unlike an email lost in the spam folder, a postcard gets held in someone’s hand. It’s tangible, and it gets noticed—especially with bold design and a clear call-to-action.
2. Hyper-Targeted Local Marketing
With direct mail, you can focus on specific neighborhoods, zip codes, or even homeowners who meet certain criteria (like those who’ve lived in their home for over 5 years). This laser-focused approach delivers your message directly to high-quality leads.
3. Consistent Branding
Regular postcard campaigns help establish name recognition and trust. When a homeowner finally decides to list, you’re the familiar face they remember.
4. Automation Makes It Easy
Thanks to tools like the MagicMarketingTool, you don’t have to lick stamps or stuff envelopes. Set it and forget it. New listings, just solds, or market updates can go out automatically every month while you focus on closing deals.
5. FSBOs and Expired Listings? Perfect Targets.
Many agents overlook these lead sources. But with the right postcard campaign, you can show these sellers that you’re the local expert who can get the job done.
If you’ve been relying solely on social media and online ads, you might be missing out on the real connection that comes from something personal—something printed.
Direct mail postcards aren’t a thing of the past—they’re your secret weapon in a modern market. And with automation tools available, it’s never been easier to set up and scale a campaign that works while you sleep.
Need help getting started? Discover how the MagicMarketingTool can automate your postcard campaigns and keep your pipeline full.
📬 Ready to stand out in a crowded market? It’s time to bring your business back to the mailbox.
Avoid BPOs: Focus on FSBOs and Expired Listings for More Real Estate Deals!
Attention Real Estate Agents: Want More Listings and Less Wasted Time? STOP Chasing BPOs and START Focusing on FSBOs and Expireds!
If you’re a real estate agent grinding through Broker Price Opinions (BPOs) hoping they’ll lead to business, it’s time to rethink your strategy. While BPOs might bring in a few dollars here and there, they rarely turn into full commission-paying clients. The truth is, BPOs are a time-suck that can keep you stuck in low-reward territory.
If you’re serious about growing your real estate business and closing more deals, it’s time to shift your energy toward FSBOs (For Sale By Owners) and Expired Listings — two of the most powerful and profitable lead sources for real estate agents.
Want to scale without burning out? Combine your FSBO and Expired strategy with:
Direct mail postcards (branded, consistent, automated)
CRM follow-up campaigns
Email drip systems
SMS/text message follow-ups
With the right tools, you can stay top-of-mind and close more listings on autopilot.
💡 MagicBrad’s MagicMarketingTool makes this whole process seamless. Real estate agents are using it to automate their postcard campaigns and follow-up, without lifting a finger. (Ask for a demo!)
Then it’s time to ditch the BPOs and go all-in on the strategies that work.
🎯 Keywords to Attract Like-Minded Agents:
real estate agent marketing tips, get more real estate listings, FSBO lead generation, expired listing scripts, real estate lead automation, stop doing BPOs, real estate postcard marketing, real estate business growth tips, how to get more seller leads, realtor tools that work.
Final Thought: Stop settling for low-paying tasks. If you’re serious about building a profitable real estate career, focus on what works. FSBOs + Expired Listings = Real Opportunity.
🔥 Ready to turn your pipeline into profits? Let’s talk about how automation and smart marketing can transform your business. Reach out to MagicBrad for tools, tips, and turnkey solutions.
