ROSSFORD - Don Helvey is a medical office space developer who recently opened his own business, NuEquity Developments, LLC. His business gives doctors and medical practices an opportunity to participate in an equity position in a leased space, without risks of vacancies and build-out costs associated with new construction.
 "We deal with medical brain drain," Helvey said. "So many new doctors get out of medical school without a place to practice. They leave the area and we need them here."
Helvey worked for St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo for 32 years, the last 12 of which were spent managing medical office buildings. Since leaving the hospital, he has accumulated 100,000 square feet of medical office space with several clients and he is eager to take more.
According to Helvey, only 5 percent of University of Toledo medical graduates stay in the area. One reason, he said, is because there are not enough resident slots for the new physicians.
Physicians who sign on with Helvey show no money out of pocket which is especially helpful for young doctors who have student loans.
According to Helvey, this plan isn't only sufficient for young doctors but also for older doctors who are on the brink of retirement. Those doctors can sign on for a short-term lease to bring in income as well as practice on their own time.
Cardiologist Fadhil Hussein, of Toledo said having a personal developer allows a doctor to focus more on the patient, instead of the paperwork.
 

"They provided a turn key opportunity that allows me to focus on my practice while they handle all the day to day business activities of our real estate partnership," he said.
Helvey is busy working on major partnerships with the University of Toledo Medical Center and other hospitals in the area. Once a partnership is formed, committees will be created which will host seminars to upcoming graduates on the importance of being in an owner-occupied space in the area.
"Banks aren't loaning project money out unless the space is owner occupied," Helvey said. The physicians have a better chance of getting financed and job security in this declining health market.
Being in the medical field for a long time helps someone to know what the industry needs, Helvey said. And that is to offer services which deliver peace of mind to their clients.
"I'm at a point in my life where I'm giving back and doing what I can as a member of this community," Helvey said. "I'm a business man, and my main goal is helping the medical community reach some of their own financial goals."