Iowa Powerball Winner's $28M Jackpot Started With a Cruise for His Closest Friends

Timothy Schultz was 21 years old and working behind a gas station counter in Iowa when his life changed forever. In 1999, a 40-cent Powerball ticket turned into a $28 million jackpot, and the young Iowan made sure his closest friends got to share in the excitement.

Schultz, who now works in journalism, recently opened up about his windfall on his YouTube channel. During a live Q&A, he revealed that one of his first moves after winning was taking a group of friends on a cruise, a gesture that left them stunned.

From Gas Station Clerk to Millionaire Overnight

Schultz was clocking in at a local petrol station when his lucky numbers came up. The sudden wealth felt surreal, especially for someone so young.

“It was like going from being a gas station clerk to being able to not only afford to do it but to bring the people that I was closest with and go out on the ocean and do this,” Schultz said. “It felt amazing and it was just, you know, it was 1999 and we were partying like 1999.”

He described the trip as his best vacation ever, not just because of the luxury, but because he could share it with the people who mattered most to him.

Treating Friends to World Series and UFC Events

The cruise wasn't the only generosity Schultz showed. He also treated his mates to tickets for major events, including the World Series and UFC fights. To celebrate his win, he bought himself some new clothes and a Nintendo 64, a console that was all the rage at the time.

While his friends were still studying or just starting their careers, Schultz found himself in a unique position. He admitted it felt like he was already retiring while everyone around him was just getting started.

Learning to Spot Fake Friends After Winning Big

But the money also brought challenges. Schultz said he had to shrink his circle of friends and learn to deal with people who treated him differently because of his wealth.

“I did notice the different way that some people would treat me. A lot of people would treat me a little differently, and that took some getting used to. Some people treated me exactly the same, and I respect those people so much. But some people did treat me differently,” he said.

In the months after his win, Schultz struggled with trust issues.

“Right after I won, I had a really hard time trusting people. So I didn't let anybody in, you know, to be too close,” he admitted.

The Hardest Lesson: Saying No

When asked about the most valuable lessons he learned from winning the lottery, Schultz pointed to self-respect and financial responsibility. He said one of the hardest things was turning down requests for help.

“Some people I had to say no: 'You know, look, I can't help you.' And that was one of the hardest things for me to learn how to do. It was really difficult because you know, you feel sorry for somebody and you want to help them out. For me, that was a learning curve,” he said.

Schultz's story serves as a reminder that sudden wealth comes with its own set of challenges, even for those who handle it well. His decision to share his experience openly offers a rare glimpse into the ups and downs of winning big.

What Happened to Timothy Schultz After the Lottery?

Schultz transitioned into journalism after his win and has continued to reflect on that transformative period. He has used his platform to talk about the realities of sudden wealth, from the joy of generosity to the pain of navigating changed relationships.

His story resonates with many Iowans who dream of hitting the jackpot, but it also carries a cautionary note: money can change everything, including the people around you.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Iowa Powerball Winner

How much did Timothy Schultz win in the Powerball?

Timothy Schultz won $28 million in the Powerball lottery in 1999. He purchased the winning ticket for just 40 cents while working at a gas station in Iowa.

What did Timothy Schultz do after winning the lottery?

After winning, Schultz quit his job at the gas station, took friends on a cruise, attended events like the World Series and UFC fights, and eventually transitioned into a career in journalism.

What lesson did Timothy Schultz learn from winning the lottery?

Schultz said the most important lessons were self-respect and financial responsibility. He also learned how difficult it can be to say no to people asking for financial help.