Jon Stojan
We’ve all been on the road at one point or another and encountered delays because of road work or an accident. These delays become greater while we try to navigate through the lane closures and redirections, especially when we don’t know exactly where we are going. Such a scene inspired the team at Pi-Lit® to develop products that not only make navigation easier but also safeguard those who find themselves working on the road or waiting for help.
The inspiration for Pi-Lit® struck the Selevan family during a drive on a two-lane road in their hometown, where an accident had occurred. The chaotic scene, with blinding lights and confusing signals, prompted the Selevan family, who all have engineering backgrounds, to rethink road safety.
Although they encountered the typical array of safety measures such as reflective triangles, cones, and flame flares as they drove past the scene, these traditional tools proved insufficient and overwhelming. They quickly realized there had to be a better way to guide drivers without causing confusion or blinding them. This resulted in the creation of a sequential lighting system —think of runway lights on a landing strip but for guiding drivers through temporary traffic incidents seamlessly.
Instead of the traditional reflective triangles and flame flares, this sequential lighting system synchronized lights to flash sequentially, creating an attention-grabbing pattern to guide drivers where to go. As a testament to the innovation behind this system, Pi-Lit® achieved a significant milestone – the acquisition of their first patent. The innovators now have 50 issued patents that widen their moat.
Receiving their first patent for the sequential lighting system was a confidence boost for the team. It confirmed they had developed a solution that could substantially impact road safety. With this newfound confidence, they made a significant decision – transforming their concept into a business. With the patent in hand, the startup team saw the potential to address a critical need in the market, and Pi-Lit® was born.
Pi-Lit®’s evolution continued with a strategic expansion from its initial work zone solutions to the development of handheld sequential flares, also reminiscent of runway lights, which became a popular product offering. These handheld devices were designed with police departments, utility services, and others involved in traffic control and management in mind.
The company takes road safety to another level by adding impact sensors to its product line. The sensor is designed to notify transportation authorities immediately when critical safety assets like crash cushions are struck. In doing so, the Department of Transportation can identify and repair these assets promptly, preventing potential fatalities.
Leading the way to safer roads by steering the company’s operations and decision-making is Pi-Lit®’s executive team. The company’s CEO, Jim Selevan, has a background encompassing electrical engineering, medical training, and a wealth of entrepreneurial experience. As the former CEO of Monarch Healthcare and a seasoned professional in multiple startups, Jim’s leadership is marked by financial conservatism, strategic oversight, and a keen understanding of negotiations, ensuring the company’s stability and growth.
Adam Selevan is a driving force behind Pi-Lit®’s technological innovations. After graduating from Carnegie Mellon, Adam’s insights from grad school propelled Pi-Lit® into cloud-based solutions, placing the company at the forefront of technological advancements in road safety. He holds the position of CTO, driving technological development, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
Daniel Selevan, the COO, plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operations and sales leadership of Pi-Lit®. With a background in operational and sales leadership and a degree from Boulder, Colorado, Daniel’s early involvement in motivating state departments of transportation laid the foundation for Pi-Lit®’s success.
The family dynamic, rooted in a shared engineering background, creates a cohesive and supportive work environment, fostering trust, collaboration, and a commitment to Pi-Lit®’s success. The family’s inclusive approach to shared responsibility and rewards strengthens internal cohesion and resonates with external stakeholders.
From a family-driven idea to a company with a growing presence, Pi-Lit® continues to shape the road safety technology landscape, guided by a vision of minimizing accidents and ensuring safer roadways for all. To learn more, visit pi-lit.com.