Meet Brian Novy
Austin Healthcare Think Tank member
Q: Tell us a bit of your background.
A: I grew up in Central Austin. My family was in the scrap metal/pipe and supply business and had real estate holdings. After I graduated UT with a BBA in Business and finance background in 1978, I went to Dallas for 3 years and worked for a friend of mine at a company called Royal Optical. During this time frame, jobs and wage scale was better in Dallas and Houston. I always wanted to come back to Austin. I had been married for a short time and moved back to Austin. I set up my wife with a really cute boutique high-end toy store called Favorite Things on Kerby Lane. Shortly afterwards, I got divorced and took over the store and successfully ran it while “dabbling” in commercial real estate part-time. In 1987, I was asked by a good friend to join what turned out to be one of the most successful privately-owned commercial real estate companies in Austin. The late 80’s was a devastating time for real estate. High interest rates, foreclosures. It was also the time to get into the business. I worked with that company from 1987 to 1992 and it then disbanded. I decided to work on my own and handled various foreclosed properties for banks and insurance companies. Commercial real estate was exciting because it incorporated marketing, finance, legal, architecture and construction. A mentor told me that if I got into the real estate business, I need to find a niche and be the expert. Since I grew up in Central Austin, I was familiar with property owners and realized central Austin was the medical hub. I quickly realized there were few brokers that worked with doctors and healthcare and/or had the patience to work with doctors.
Flex service Center: R & D, Bio Science, Distribution/Warehouse, land primarily for a user that wants to do a build-to-suit for their business. A broker’s job is to help a client with market information and renegotiate their existing lease, negotiate a new lease to relocate or satellite office, buy a facility for the business or real investment. I also raised millions of dollars during the dot.com era. Blockbuster, I had invested in. Another company I invested in at that time was called Tele Radiology. Unfortunately, way before it’s time. Not now! I am still involved in a durable medical equipment company. I am very entrepreneurial.
Obviously, healthcare is my niche. I have been involved with projects such as free standing ER’s, urgent care, rehab hospitals, surgery centers and senior living projects. Since Central Texas is “booming,” it is difficult for professionals and doctors to find the office facility and location they need. Thus, I partner with developers and put together medical office projects and syndicate the ownership to the doctors or a condo scenario. I am working on various projects from Austin to Kyle, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown and San Marcos. I also make available my various resources for banking, legal, architecture, contractors, and other consultants. I am well known and respected throughout the medical and business community. I am typically referred to as the “go-to guy” for medical real estate. That’s great, but I don’t want to be labeled. I have been in business for 30 years. Here are a few of my clients: Well Med, Urology Team, Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology, Tree House Pediatrics, Balcones Pain (Waterleaf Davis Lane and South Mopac 26,000 sq ft build to suit clinic, pharmacy, and surgery center).
Q: What do you hope to accomplish within the next year?
A: 2018 real estate goals: Finalize the following medical projects in Leander, by the North Austin Medical Center, and a surgical hospital in Central Austin. I want to be a part of the Brackenridge Redevelopment Team. I would love to have the opportunity to work with life and biosciences companies.
Q: What do you value most about the Healthcare Think Tank culture and vision?
A: Healthcare Think Tank has introduced me to a vast array of people and companies. The speakers are amazing as well as the field trips. AHTT is not your typical networking organization. You have an opportunity to learn from the experts about various topics and issues that most people would not have access to. I enjoy and look forward to AHTT meetings and field trips. I have made a lot of good friends. I am working on developing those relationships.
Q: Have you made connections/relationships through AHTT?
A: The challenge for me is to let people know who I am and what I do. They may not need my services, but ideally I would like for them to refer me to friends and clients. This is a very difficult and expensive real estate market. Much different than San Antonio, Dallas or Houston. Having a real estate broker with a tremendous amount knowledge and experience is critical. I perform the same services as the big real estate companies but with personal and better service.
Oh, and I also have a wedding to pay for my daughter next year and my younger son going to medical school. Referrals are welcome!
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: I love music, sports and movies. I have 3 dogs. I also enjoy good food and wine, traveling and working out.
Call Brian any time at 512-750-5587 or visit his website at: www.thenovycompany.com
