John Pappajohn probably is more famous on Wall Street than on Locust Street.

The 65-year-old Des Moines resident is a venture capitalist, one of an elite breed of businessmen who bankroll speculative young companies.

In his specialty, the health-care industry, he is at the top of his field. A self-made millionaire many times over, Pappajohn says he has people "waiting at my door" to do deals. They know he has the connections and the vision to create a company that will succeed.

This humble son of Greek immigrants has amassed an astonishing track record. By one estimate, more than 90 percent of his investments make money. More important, his deals have helped build some of the foremost medical companies in the country.

"I think I have a knack, a good nose, for finding good deals," Pappajohn said.

But that doesn't begin to explain his phenomenal success. "John has created several millionaires in his life, over a hundred, probably more," said Antone Lazos, chief executive of a Pappajohn company in San Diego called Medical Imaging Centers of America.

Yet he's hardly a household word in Iowa. He's out of town four or five days a week, jetting to Southern California to consult with one of his companies or overseeing a stock offering on Wall Street.

When he's back in Iowa, he generally keeps a low profile, although he's becoming one of the biggest contributors to his alma mater, the University of Iowa. Several new campus buildings carry the Pappajohn name in tribute to his generosity.

"His desire is to make money to give it away," said a friend, David Miller, president of West Bank in West Des Moines.