About Pilotlight
Climate change is an existential threat to our planet— and Pilotlight wants to do our part in driving the change that is needed. Our mission is to accelerate the decarbonization of buildings that account for 37% of global carbon emissions.
Pilotlight is purpose-built for CPA firms that represent millions of decades old public and commercial buildings in need of modernization and energy-efficiency upgrades and retrofits. Pilotlight simplifies and accelerates this process by connecting the key people and required steps into a unified and secure platform, allowing CPA firms to scale tax incentives to their construction and real estate clients.
The Spark Behind Pilotlight
The Situation
Buildings are a major contributor to climate change, and we know that buildings are old and getting older. As of 2013, the median building age was 32 years old.
— The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
The Problem
Buildings contribute 37% to GHG emissions and on average waste 30% of the energy they use. Our best strategy to fight climate change is to use less energy by upgrading our buildings to make them more efficient.
— The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Decarbonizing the built environment.
The Opportunity
Only 3% of building owners are capitalizing on energy tax benefits. Pilotlight changes that by unifying and automating the interactions between the end client and CPA to maximize available tax incentives.
Learn How
Our Values
We pride ourselves on fostering a welcoming environment for all, in and out of the workplace.
Community
Valuing people, partnership, & working together, not apart.
Stewardship
Taking responsibility for caring for our world.
Excellence
Striving for the highest quality in everything we do.
Leadership
We are authentic, transparent, and inclusive.
Meet the Team
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Jeff Nichols
Managing Partner and Co-Founder
Jeff Nichols is a seasoned software and people management veteran with over two decades of leadership experience at fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft, and Armanino. Jeff’s sees climate change as the single most important challenge of our lifetime—and this focus drives his passion and commitment toward developing and leading people to recognize their value and achieve the impossible.
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Taylor Gordon
Partner and Co-Founder
With extensive expertise in cloud solutions, automation, and complex system integrations, Taylor oversees Pilotlifght’s platform development and technical capabilities. A seasoned leader with a background in various industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and digital technology, Taylor excels in managing and mentoring teams while driving strategic initiatives.
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Lizzy Ellingson
Head of Design / Advisor
Lizzy Ellingson has over twenty years of experience in design and digital product solutions. She was most recently the Chief Digital Experience Officer at David’s Bridal, where she led the transformation of their ecommerce, planning, and digital products.
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Eugene Vyshegorodtsev
Senior Project Manager
With over 10 years of experience building web and mobile applications, Eugene is an accomplished Project Manager, Business Analyst and Engineering Team Leader. Eugene is hands-on and has a range of industry experience across FinTech, Manufacturing, Aviation, Digital Commerce and Cyber Security.
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Eric Opel
Senior Director of Marketing
Eric provides his passion, expertise and support across Pilotlight’s marketing and client services group. His people-first philosophy and track record of collaboration spans over twenty years with senior roles at Microsoft and several UK-based digital advertising agencies.
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Jane Johnston
Marketing Intern
Jane is a rising sophomore focused on environmental studies and politics at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. She brings her creativity, organizational skills, and writing experience to Pilotlight's marketing team stemming from her experience at TEDXYouth@BainbridgeIsland, Model UN, and Blue Moon, Whitman College’s literary magazine.