CATCHING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL BUG

An innate interest in tinkering led Highland Park native Susie Spigelman to a career in startups. Her latest startup, Beacon, aims to make the world a healthier place.

Launched in 2021 by Spigelman and co-founders Brian and Andrea Clark, Beacon created a hand-sized, wall-mounted smart device that simplifies daily cleaning routines. Operated by a phone app, Beacon helps eliminate germs and viruses in the air and on surfaces without the need for harsh cleaning products like bleach.

“There are no chemical-free options for keeping people safe from the spread of illness. This is something that impacts us all, particularly essential workers and underserved populations, who are hit the hardest in the throes of pandemics like COVID-19,” Spigelman says of the impetus to form Beacon.

“We’re seeking to revolutionize the way we fight germs through simple, intelligent technology. We want to be the next ‘Alexa’ in every house and business,” she explains. “A consumer said Beacon ‘feels like an Apple product.’ That’s a massive compliment. Customers like our product because we’ve built something that looks good and is effective.”

As germs are a collective and societal problem, Beacon donates up to 5 percent of all proceeds to bring the device to underserved communities. The startup’s admirable “Beacon for Good” mission states, “Our commitment is to empower everyone to gain control over their health, thus improving overall community health.”

Spigelman’s path to Beacon began with a resume roadblock. After receiving her B.A. at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her M.A. at National Louis University, Spigelman struggled to find a teaching job following the 2000s recession.

She managed to find temporary work at Walgreens, as an admin in the facilities division. She eventually worked her way to a full-time position on the corporate sustainability team, where she coordinated solar panel installation projects with renewable energy startup SoCore Energy.

“SoCore installed solar at stores across the country,” Spigelman says. “When I started working alongside their team, I discovered a desire to be involved with startups—a chance to put my curiosity to work.”

Spigelman joined SoCore in 2013 and kickstarted the startup’s Project Development Team.

“I spent my days problem-solving and getting stuff done with teammates who were just as passionate about building a business as I was,” she recalls. Spigelman was eventually named SoCore’s chief of staff.

She later joined the Chicago startup Green Thumb Industries (GTI), a national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and retailer.

Spigelman served as GTI’s vice president of operations, then went on to lead partnerships at climate tech investment nonprofit Evergreen Climate Innovations serving under its CEO, Erik Birkerts.

Beacon co-founder Brian Clark knew Spigelman during their days at the University of Illinois and reached out to her at the start of the pandemic to start building Beacon.

“Brian came across research on Beacon’s underlying technology and realized it could help slow the spread of viruses like COVID,” Spigelman says. “Our incredible founding team is now bringing that technology to life. Brian is a serial entrepreneur with deep financial and regulatory expertise, his sister, Andrea Clark, has a decade of public health experience, and I’m focused on operations, communications, and customer experience.”

“We’re loving every minute of building Beacon, even the long days—they’re all worth it.”

For more information about Beacon, visit beaconlight.co.