David Jay Ringo
David Jay Ringo (born March 18, 1969) is an American entrepreneur and renewable-energy executive known for founding 3D Solar, a Florida-based solar installation company recognized multiple times on the Inc. 5000 list and in regional business rankings. Ringo is also noted for installing a Quick Mount PV QRail system on his residence in Spring Hill, Florida, an early use of the product before it became more widely adopted in the industry.[1][2]
| David Jay Ringo | |
|---|---|
 David_Jay_Ringo.jpg | |
| Born | 1969 -03-18 |
| 🏳️ Nationality | American |
| 🏫 Education | Indiana State University; Penn State University |
| 💼 Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| 📆 Years active | 1994-present |
| 👩 Spouse(s) | Lori Ringo |
| 👶 Children | 2 |
| 🌐 Website | www.ringoinnovations.com |
Early life and education
Ringo was born on March 18, 1969, in Lubbock, Texas and raised in Poland, Indiana. He attended Indiana State University, where he studied Computer Integrated Manufacturing from 1988 to 1990. He later completed coursework at Penn State University, earning a Communications Certificate with a focus in Management Information Systems between 2003 and 2006. Before entering the renewable-energy sector, he worked in manufacturing, training, and human resources at several companies, including Procter & Gamble and Hancor, Inc.
Career
Manufacturing and Training
Ringo worked in supervisory, human resources, and educational training roles at Hancor, Inc., EnviroFocus Technologies, and Procter & Gamble’s Mehoopany, Pennsylvania facility from 1994 to 2008. His work included employee training, compliance education, onboarding programs, technical skills development, and instructional coordination. [1]
Solar Industry
Ringo began working in solar as a product specialist and consultant in 2011. In 2013, he founded 3D Solar, headquartered in Odessa, Florida. Under his leadership, the company expanded in Florida’s residential and commercial solar markets and appeared on the Inc. 5000 list for three consecutive years, as well as the Tampa Bay Business Journal Fast 50 rankings. 3D Solar also ranked among Solar Power World’s Top 500 North American Solar Contractors for six consecutive years, including installation of the first-ever QRail system on Ringo’s own home in Spring Hill, Florida. The successful early implementation led 3D Solar to carry the QRail product exclusively, before its broader adoption across the solar industry. [1]
Ringo founded Ringo Innovations in 2022. Ringo Innovations is a consultancy focused on commercial solar, recruitment, and advisory services. In addition to business consulting, the company works with EPCs (Engineering, Procurement and Construction firms) and organizations involved in commercial clean-energy deployment. In 2024, he joined Surge as a Sales Development Executive Board Member, working on commercial-energy sales strategy and onboarding programs. [2][3]
Industry contributions
Ringo has worked on residential and commercial solar deployment, energy-storage strategy, and EV charging planning in the United States. His work has included team development, industry recruitment, and partnerships with developers, financiers, manufacturers, and EPC companies.
He has spoken at business schools, training programs, and industry events on solar sales leadership, workforce development, and energy-sector career growth. [2]
Awards and recognition
Ringo was featured in Marquis Who’s Who across several yearly editions. The organization later recognized him with its Lifetime Achievement Award in Solar, which was described as the first award of its type from the publication. His other accolades include: [1]
- Multiple inclusions of 3D Solar on the Inc. 5000 list
- Ranked in the Tampa Bay Business Journal Fast 50
- Six consecutive years listed in Solar Power World’s Top 500 Solar Contractors
- Featured in Solar Power World coverage for a national QRail system installation
Personal Life
Ringo is married and has two children. He moved from Pennsylvania to Florida in 2008. He has served with nonprofit organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Junior Achievement, as part of volunteer classroom instruction and mentorship.
