Teen entrepreneur’s business busts germs

Nic Brown is only 17 and already owns two businesses.

Even before he turned 17 on Feb. 24, Notre Dame Prep junior Nic Brown could add “entrepreneur” to his early resume.

He already had a car-detailing business and from that has come up with a company that fights germs.

His company, Connect UV sells products that rely on powerful microbe-killing UV-C light.

UV-C light is naturally occurring shortwave light created by the sun, that is filtered by the atmosphere before it can reach the earth. According to the FDA, this powerful light destroys the DNA in microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria, rendering the agents unable to reproduce or infect.

 “I first discovered UV-C light when I was researching cleaning methods for my car detailing company,” Nic said. “When COVID hit, I realized that I was in a position to help solve the problem of harmful germs on day-to-day items. And Connect UV was born.”

The whole idea behind Connect UV is for people to connect, clean and charge. 

“While mobile devices are stored in Connect UV sterilizing charging carts, my hope is that people will connect with each other instead of staring at the phones, and their phones will get sanitized and charged at the same time,” he said.

Nic donated three industrial UV sanitizing carts and 12 desktop units to Notre Dame Prep on his birthday.

“What a great testimony to the faith of our school, that Nic would give back to Notre Dame Prep on his birthday,” said Lisa Johnston, NDP finance director. 

“We also encourage our students to be innovative thinkers and leaders. We are very proud of Nic’s entrepreneurial spirit and our ability to share his hard work with others,” she added.

Notre Dame Prep has taken many safety measures to remain open for in-person learning since Sept. 8.

 “Nic’s generous gift provides us with another means for reducing the spread of viruses,” Johnston said, noting his devices sanitize other items such as keys, masks and glasses.

When Nic entered Notre Dame Prep as a freshman, he was enrolled in the school’s Gonzaga Program for students with academic promise but need a little help acclimating to its rigorous college preparatory curriculum.

 “I was really struggling at first, but the Gonzaga Program and my teachers helped me get caught up and I’m so grateful for that,” he said. 

Now Nic has matriculated into honors and AP classes and has excelled in entrepreneur class and personal finance. 

“Without the Gonzaga Program, I would not be where I am today,” he added. 

 “I’ve always been inspired by great entrepreneurs,” he said. “I’m always thinking of the next thing.”

Connect UV sells products ranging from sanitizing lamps and boxes for home use, to large charging lockers and carts for school and business use. The company’s mission is to allow people to charge, clean and connect safely and easily.