2012 CREW National Economic Impact Award-Entrepreneur

2012 SABJ Women’s Leadership

Award-Entrepreneur

2011 SBA San Antonio Financial Services Champion

And More!

1

A powerhouse in commercial

lending and business development,

Helena Hauk helps grow the Texas

economy by assisting small to mid

sized businesses with capital,

strategic management and planning,

and no-nonsense business

development advice. As the

President and founder of 5th Gear

Consulting Helena has facilitated the

injection of over $60 million in SBA

lending since she opened her

company in July of 2009; thus

Put Your Business in Overdrive Helena Hauk founded 5th Gear Consulting in order to use her knowledge in SBA and business financing, strategic planning, project management, and group leadership to help small to mid sized businesses propel their organizations to the next level, benefiting not only them but also the communities around them. Learn more at www.5thgearconsulting.com.

Helena Hauk

Expert on:

• SBA 504

• SBA 7a

• Strategic Planning

• Leadership

• Business Financing

• Commercial Real Estate

• Business Planning and

Management

• Economic Development

• Project Management

2

spurring job creation, commercial

real estate, environmental upgrades,

and economic development

throughout Texas. Helena also

serves as a model for youth

leadership and women-owned

businesses through her involvement

in groups such as CREW, NAWBO,

CTAGGL, and local chambers and

through her presentations and

workshops. Learn more at

www.5thgearconsulting.com.

The Short Story

Helena Hauk

1

Even at a young age, Helena Hauk

showed an unwavering

commitment to a strong work ethic

and business development. A

stalwart in FFA, at 13 Helena

wrestled livestock and champion

debaters while also working part-

time. After high school she jumped

right into hospitality management.

At 19 she became one of the

youngest Directors of Membership,

Activities & Marketing at the

Houston Club, one of Houston’s

premier social clubs. From there

she pursued her interests in

Economic Development working

for the Calgary Chamber of

Commerce and then serving as the

Executive Director for the Kyle

Chamber of Commerce at just 23

years old.

Helena’s commitment to economic

development, project management

and marketing skills, and ability to

connect with a variety of people

attracted the attention of a recruiter

from Capital Certified

Development Corp. Interested in

learning more about small business

2

lending Helena joined CCDC,

helping them open up a new

market in San Antonio, Texas

while learning the ins and outs of

SBA lending.

While at the CCDC Helena saw

that, in addition to funding, many

of the businesses she helped

needed quality assistance

managing the projects funded and

strategically planning out the

resulting growth. It was also during

this time that Accion, a multistate

nonprofit that consults and assists

small businesses with their financing

needs, contacted Helena. With

Accion as a partner Helena saw an

opportunity not only to support and

encourage small business

development, but to also make her

dream of becoming an entrepreneur

a reality.

So in 2009 Helena decided to take

her expertise and launch 5th Gear

Consulting, a business consulting

firm specializing in business finance

and strategic growth. Since her

launch Helena has helped dozens of

businesses grow and facilitated over

The Whole STory

3

$60 million in SBA loans resulting in

economic development and job

creation throughout Texas.

Committed to helping small

businesses, Helena has made

education a significant part of her

company’s focus. Through articles,

presentations, and workshops, Helena

helps to educate lenders, real estate

professionals, and small business

owners on the opportunities available

through the SBA. Helena is also

passionate about leadership and

frequently mentors and educates

other women and young professionals

on how they too can accomplish great

things by encouraging others. Learn

more by visiting

www.5thgearconsulting.com.

3

Commitment to Leadership

CREW-San Antonio: 2011 Past President, 2010 President, 2009 Charities Director/President Elect, 2008 Co-Chari Charities

Kyle Economic Development Board: 2005-2010

CTAGGL & NAGGL: CTAGGL Board Member 2011, CTAGGL Vice President 2012, CTAGGL President 2013

Mid America Lenders Conference: Golf Tournament Chair, Planning Committee Member

CCIM San Antonio: Member

Boerne Toastmasters: Member 2010-2011

Awards and Recognition

Winner Commercial Real Estate Women National Economic Impact Award-Entrepreneur 2012

Winner San Antonio Business Journal Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Award 2012

Winner of the SBA-San Antonio Small Business Financial Champion of the Year Award for 2011

Finalist for Texas Women’s Chamber Blazing Star Award 2011

Nominated for the San Antonio Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list in 2009 and 2010.

Nominated to the CREW Network “20 Under 40” list in 2009 and 2010.

Finalist in the NAWBO Entrepreneurial Spirit Rising Star Award in 2010

Nominated for the North Chamber’s Athena Award in 2010

Recipient of CREW-San Antonio’s Outstanding Member of the Year in 2008

CREW Innovator Award in 2009 and 2011.

Nominated for the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce WOW Promise Award ‘10 and ‘11.

Nominated for North San Antonio Chamber Athena Award 2011

“She made the entire loan process simple to understand and always felt she had the competency to see the project through and resolve any unforeseen issues which might arise.”

--Dr. David Fleitas, D.D.S.

“They established clear timelines from the beginning and stuck with them. It turned out better than expected. We have a great facility!”

--Jim Kickertz, K & J Woodworks

“Helena was amazing! She walked us through the process and worked directly with our bank and SBA office The whole process was really easy. Helena and her team handled everything and always acted in our best interest.”

--Julissa Carielo, Tejas Premier Building Contractors

Helena Hauk

Testimonials

“It is this passion and insatiable drive to assist small business owners that propelled

Ms. Hauk to start 5th Gear Consulting. She is knowledgeable and innovative when

it comes to helping small businesses market for maximum growth.”

Kara Clayton

President, Express Metalwork

“Helena is making a difference for small business owners helping them find their way through an overwhelming financial world. Helena has been fearless in her

efforts and has proven herself as a small business owner.”

Jennifer Bailey

Vice President, Texas Capital Bank

“She is a true champion for small business owners.”

Jason McClain

Assistant Vice President, Texstar National Bank

“Helena is truly a ‘one-in-a-million’ resource person and an excellent

representative for small business owners.” Connie Raub

Vice President, Investment Realty Co

“Thanks to your presentation I now feel

more confident about running more effective meetings for my new position.”

Jennifer Hammonds

Boerne YMCA

Additional Article and Presentation Topics

How to Orchestrate an Effective Meeting The Five C’s of Applying for Credit

Building a Strategic Business Network Youth Leadership

Innovative and Effective Strategic Planning Myths and Misperceptions About SBA Lending

Ins and Outs of SBA Loans Managing Growth

Project Management: Making the Timeline Work for You

Publication Credits

Regular contributor to Up and Running

“Five Reasons Your Business Is Turned Down For A Business Loan” San Antonio Business Journal September 2011

Quoted source “Six Tips for Getting a Small Business Loan” on Investopedia May 4, 2011

“Business Plans vs. Strategic Plans,” Boerne September 2010

“Best Kept Secret in Real Estate,” Boerne Business Monthly, Co-author with Lynda Kohler, April 2010

“Commercial Real Estate and CREW,” Insert in San Antonio Business Journal, Featured Expert, March 12, 2010

Expert Source for “With 504, Lending Wells Not Running Dry,” San Antonio Business Journal April 3, 2009

“A Conversation About Giving,” Interview for San Antonio Business Journal, March 13, 2009

**Article clippings available upon request

Speaking Credits

Show Me the Money and Introduction to SBA Loans for Sharp Skirts

Orchestrating Effective Meetings Boerne Chamber of Commerce Leadership Summit with ASU SBDC

Business Plans vs. Strategic Plans Kyle Chamber of Commerce

Co-Panelist Casting a Net That Works: Using Volunteer Membership to Build Your Business Dahill Office Solutions Corporate Training Retreat

Panel Commercial Lending Realtors Commercial Alliance

Panel Commercial Lending CCIM and CREW-SA

Monthly presentation on 504 loans--venue rotates among banks, SBDCs and other business service and community outlets.

Interested in an

Interview, Article or

presentation from

Helena?

Contact her Manager

Shennandoah diaz

210-679-4621 x 1

10010 San Pedro Ave, Suite 101

San Antonio, TX 78216

sdiaz@5thgearconsulting.com

Images and article clippings available upon request.