Dr. Fleitas had a long-standing goal of building his own pediatric dental practice space. With the help of his lender and SBA loan consultant Helena Hauk, he was able to secure SBA 504 financing to purchase land and construct a new $490,000 facility. The process went smoothly, and Dr. Fleitas was able to open his new state-of-the-art practice on time in early 2011 while continuing to run his existing practice. He credits Helena and her expertise with making the complex construction and loan process simple to understand. The new facility has allowed Dr. Fleitas to expand his practice and provide an enhanced experience for his young patients.

1. 1
From Vision to Reality
Case Study July 2011
Realizing a Vision
Dr. Fleitas knew from the time he
opened his pediatric dental practice
back in 1997 that he eventually
wanted to build his own medical
space. According to Dr. Fleitas the
goal of building a space was
“instilled in us as dental students
from the beginning of our training.
Creating a vision and then designing
and overseeing the construction of
an office to suit my idea of modern
dentistry was a natural progression
for me.”
Still, Fleitas recognized the
challenges of managing a growing
dental practice and a construction
project at the same time. Says Fleitas,
“The process of building is one of
the most fearfully exciting challenges
a dentist will undertake in their
careers.” He knew he was stepping
into new territory, so naturally he
went to his lender for help.
Moving Forward
Making the Connection
“The process of building is one
To continue to grow his practice
of the most fearfully exciting
based out of LaVernia, Texas, Dr.
Fleitas decided that he needed to
challenges a dentist will
build his facility in a high traffic area,
one closer to the schools many of
undertake in their careers.”
his patients attend. He located a
parcel of land in and ideal location.
Next, Dr. Fleitas approached his
Continued on page 2

2. 2
5th Gear Consulting
lender with his plans to build a new 2700 sq/ft space
in the heart of rustic LaVernia. As new construction
facility, the total proposed project included $100,000
for the purchase of the land, $340,000 for construction
of the new facility, and an additional $150,000 for
equipment and furnishings for the new space.
After assessing Dr. Fleitas’s needs his lender, familiar
with the opportunities available with the SBA,
suggested that Dr. Fleitas contact Helena Hauk with
5th Gear Consulting. Says Fleitas, “I was introduced to
Helena after contacting my credit union and was
impressed with her professional and personal
demeanor. She was able to quickly grasp the unique
aspects of my profession and my financial situation.
After several meetings it was apparent that Helena was
going to do everything possible to make this project a
success,” even taking his calls on a Saturday.
In May of 2010 Helena and her team went to work,
“It is amazing how it coordinating her efforts with the lender Security
all came together!” Service FCU and pulling together the necessary
elements and managing the process of procuring an
SBA 504 loan for Dr. Fleitas’s entire project. “The
David L Fleitas DDS process overall went very smoothly,” says Fleitas.
“Helena and her team were very thorough in ensuring
that all the proper documents and forms were
Dr. Fleitas and his team specialize in pediatric complete and accurate and submitted in a timely
dentistry. His staff of competent and licensed fashion.” In July of 2010 Fleitas closed on his loan and
dentists and professionals creates a fun and began building his new dental office.
comfortable environment for children of all
Helena’s team stayed on board throughout the
ages. From cleanings and whitening, to tooth process, ensuring that funds released in a timely
extractions and braces, Fleitas and his team manner and that they were applied as specified in the
handle all of you child’s dental needs. Their loan agreement. Everything went according to plan. By
new, expanded space in La Vernia, Texas is early 2011 Fleitas opened the doors to his new 2700
designed specifically with children in mind, sq/ft. state of the art family dental office, complete
so that going to the dentist isn’t scary and it with kid friendly elements and new equipment.
makes learning about good dental hygiene
When asked if the project turned out as he hoped,
fun! Fleitas responds, “It sure did. Despite the reality that
there are so many different components to a project of
this magnitude that are beyond your control, it is
To set up an appointment or to learn more amazing how it all came together.” His experience
call 800-647-8160 or visit their office at goes to show that any business owner can continue
101 Juniors Place, La Vernia, Texas 78121. practicing and handle a commercial real estate project
at the same time, if they have the right team in place.
2

3. 5th Gear Consulting
SBA 504 Loans
The SBA 504 program exists to
promote economic development and a
sustainable tax base as well as to meet
several public policy goals. Among
those goals are:
Job Creation
New jobs contribute to the overall
economy and reduce the burden on
government programs.
Reduced Energy
From One Dentist to LEED certified buildings and new or
upgraded facilities that reduce energy
usage by 10% or more all help to ensure
Another the sustainability of valuable resources
and reduce the drain on public utilities.
When asked what advice Dr. Fleitas would give to another dentist Rural Development
considering building his or her own space, he replies “Several of my Poverty is an issue among rural areas.
professional colleagues were able to remodel or build their offices with SBA backed economic development
SBA and conventional commercial financing, but I say speak to Helena helps to drive growth in underserved
first! She really has very expansive knowledge that would be extremely areas.
important which can be overlooked.” Too often the loan process is
slowed or stopped by small details. In business and especially real
estate timing is everything. One hang up can have devastating Revitalization in Declining
consequences. Regions
According to Fleitas, having Helen on his side made a huge difference. Once vibrant economies can decline
“She made the entire loan process simple to understand,” says Fleitas. due to market shifts and changing
“I always felt she had the competency to see the project through and industries. The SBA seeks to breathe
resolve any unforeseen issues that might arise.” Even though he new life into declining areas.
undertook a major construction project, having someone to rely on
made it possible for Dr. Fleitas to maintain his practice and transition
Promoting Entrepreneurship
smoothly to the new space. With a new state of the art facility, the
future looks bright for Dr. Fleitas and his growing practice. The SBA supports small businesses that
create jobs, add to the tax base, and
grow economies. This includes special
programs for women, minority, and
Not sure if your business military veteran owned businesses.
qualifies for an SBA loan? To learn more about the SBA 504
program and how to qualify visit:
You’d be surprised what projects
qualify. Visit www.sba.gov or talk to www.5thgearconsulting.com
5th Gear Consulting to learn more.
3

4. 5th Gear Consulting
5th Gear Consulting
Putting Your Business in Overdrive
5th Gear Consulting is the premier business consulting
firm specializing in SBA loans, strategic planning, and
economic development. Founded by Helena Hauk, the
San Antonio SBA District’s Financial Services
Champion for 2011, 5th Gear Consulting is a champion
for small businesses in Texas and throughout the
United States. In addition to their in-house services, 5th
Gear Consulting regularly teaches workshops and
writes articles on all things related to business finance
From left to right: and development for such outlets as the Boerne Business
Monthly, Sharp Skirts, Commercial Real Estate Women, Up
COO Lore Goodson, Terri Balster, and Running, Austin and San Antonio Communities, and
Krystal Loyd, and CEO Helena Hauk more.
Ready to put your business in overdrive? Then
Visit www.5thgearconsulting.com to learn more!
This Case Study Prepared By:
Brass Knuckles Media
An uncensored PR & Marketing firm catering to
innovative and socially conscious experts and businesses.
www.brassknucklesmedia.com
512-551-4023