In this episode of the Doo Doo Diva’s Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Shane Jacobson and Jacob Swanson, founders of Light Ring Inc., to discuss a groundbreaking innovation transforming manhole safety, visibility, and efficiency across the wastewater and utility industries.
What began as a simple question on a job site “Isn’t there a better way to light a manhole?” evolved into a multifunctional safety solution now gaining traction with municipalities, contractors, and utility crews nationwide.
Shane shares his journey from operating a sewer maintenance company in Iowa to inventing the Light Ring, a hands-free lighting system designed by contractors for contractors. Together with Jacob, they explain how real-world field testing shaped the product into far more than just a light becoming a safety barrier, tool protector, aerosol shield, and productivity enhancer all in one.
Throughout the conversation, the group explores how the Light Ring improves job site safety, reduces confined space risks, prevents tool loss, minimizes jetting aerosol exposure, and even solves cold weather fogging issues during CCTV inspections. The bright safety orange design, non-slip surfaces, raised edges, and quick release features make it a practical and OSHA compliant addition to manhole operations.
Host: Suzan Chin-Taylor | Guest: Shane Jacobson & Jacob Swanson
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Key Discussion Points:
- The origin of the Light Ring and how a real job site challenge inspired its invention
- The importance of hands-free lighting in manhole and underground utility work
- How the Light Ring enhances safety beyond illumination
- Preventing tool and nozzle loss inside open manholes
- Reducing aerosol spray exposure during jetting operations
- Improving visibility and reducing lens fog during winter CCTV inspections
- The role of bright safety colors and raised edges in job site awareness
- Protecting pedestrians and bystanders from open manhole hazards
- How operator feedback shaped product development and design improvements
- Additional Light Ring safety products including the Torch and Torch Light
- Eligibility for safety grants across many states
- The value of contractor-built solutions tested in real field conditions
- Future innovations focused on safety and productivity in the utility industry
Key Takeaway:
Innovation has the greatest impact when it comes directly from the field. The Light Ring was created by contractors who understood the daily safety risks of manhole work and transformed a simple lighting challenge into a multifunctional solution that improves visibility, reduces hazards, protects workers and the public, and makes underground utility operations safer, more efficient, and more reliable.
Connect With Shane Jacobson & Jacob Swanson:
Light Ring, Inc.
Email: shane@lightringinc.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-jacobson-8b149882/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/light-ring-inc
Website:lightringinc.com
Conclusion:
This episode highlights how real-world experience and problem solving can drive meaningful innovation in the wastewater and utility industries. By identifying everyday safety challenges and designing solutions that crews will actually use, Light Ring Inc. has created tools that reduce risk, improve efficiency, and protect both workers and the public. As the industry continues to evolve, practical innovations like the Light Ring demonstrate that safety, productivity, and smart design can work together to create safer job sites and stronger communities.
Until next time—keep growing, and keep it flowing. 💧
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Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva’s Smells Like Money Podcast:
Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/
Email: raven@creativeraven.com
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