Our Story
Brian Melanson founded The Local Beacon in 2023 and it was approved as an official 501(c)(3) non profit organization in May 2025. But our story began much earlier...
Amy and Brian met in 2017 and quickly realized they had the same passions. They both appreciated authentic and natural energy in the form of Independent Music, Nature, Locally own restaurants and small cities and towns with vibrant and sustainable downtowns. Brian grew up south of Boston in a small town called Walpole but made his way to NH in 1999. Amy grew up in Hudson, NH. Little did they realize, they frequented the same restaurants in Nashua, never officially meeting until years later.
Brian has worked in IT Digital and Business Consulting Services for more than 25 years. He started as a Software Engineer and shifted into several roles building and implementing Financial and Employer Services solutions for Global Enterprises. His journey continued with delivering Digital Health, Operational Excellence and Digital Marketing services before he started his own consulting business, ClockwiseIT, in 2020.
Brian's interest in Engineering and Technology started in the early 80's when he wrote his first line of BASIC code on an early Texas Instruments personal computer. As an 8 year old, he made a robot dance on a black and yellow screen and it seemed to be the coolest thing ever. But when he tried to enroll in computer classes at his public school, because there was minimal interest by others, they canceled the classes. Brian experienced a void in STEM learning for the first time.
Both Amy and Brian have found music to be an important outlet for themselves. It has always been something to turn to during tough times, to bring back memories and to engage with a deeper spirit. Brian began booking local musicians (and playing with them) in 2010, making connections with several Independent Labels and dozens of Independent artists in New England. 2 of the musicians even played at their wedding. In 2011, Brian ran an Art and Music event in Nashua, showcasing 3 local musicians and 5 artists. The event also included more than 20 local business sponsors.
Giving back is a principle both Amy and Brian grew up with. Amy's dad was a devote christian always supporting the church's most important missions. Brian's dad volunteered as a coach and directed the basketball program in his home town. In 2004, Brian became a Big Brother, serving as a mentor for a 10 year old boy who lost his father to cancer a few years prior. Brian learned years later that he could not have children and Amy experienced 2 miscarriages. When they met, they talked about an empty void and an interest in adopting.
On October 10, 2022, Amy and Brian adopted Henry after fostering him. Children who enter the foster care system are missing foundational building blocks, on social, emotional and even physical levels. Couple a tough background and a lost year of school during COVID, Henry needed structure, love and important outlets to build confidence. Henry's happy place was building with legos so Brian introduced a STEM program at Henry's school levering FIRST Lego League programming to support his journey. What we discovered was that even though STEM is a critical skill to now learn as a child, there was very little offered in the area.
All of the above were key drivers for creating The Local Beacon. We invite you to join us on our journey. There is a lot in this world that is out of our control but we do have the freedom to make small changes locally if we have the will. Those small steps forward by many in a collaborative fashion can move mountains. We ask individuals to take care of your neighbors, for neighborhoods to support your local businesses and local businesses to think outside of the box to support local artists and families nearby. Think Local. Buy Local.
