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Smart Start, Inc.

American manufacturer of alcohol-monitoring technology

American manufacturer of alcohol-monitoring technology

FieldValue
nameSmart Start LLC
typePrivate limited company
industryAutomotive accessories, Alcohol-Monitoring technology
foundedin Irving, Texas, United States of America
founderBettye & Jay D. Rodgers
hq_location_countryGrapevine, Texas, United States
key_peopleAlbert Morales (CEO)
productsIgnition Interlock Devices, portable alcohol-monitoring devices
parentApollo Global Management
website

Smart Start, Inc. is an American manufacturer of alcohol-monitoring technology, including Ignition Interlock Devices and portable alcohol breath-test devices. It provides services and technologies that prevent intoxicated drivers from operating a vehicle. In almost all cases, these devices are installed by court order due to DUI or DWI violations.

History

Smart Start Inc. was founded and incorporated in September 1992 in Dallas–Fort Worth by Bettye Rodgers and Jay D. Rodgers under the name “1A Smart Start, Inc.”

On August 21, 2015, 1A Smart Start, Inc. was acquired by ABRY Partners, becoming 1A Smart Start, LLC. In 2021, it was acquired by the Apollo Impact platform, managed by Apollo Global Management.

Smart Start claims to have installed over 200,000 ignition interlock devices. The devices are in use in Canada, the United States, and Australia.

In June 2025, Smart Start announced Albert Morales as the company's new CEO.

Devices

In 1998, Smart Start began manufacturing National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) certified Ignition Interlock Devices. In 2008, Smart Start became the first Ignition Interlock provider to offer a camera with its Ignition Interlock, allowing authorities to monitor alcohol testing via photo.

Smart Start introduced its IN-HOM™ portable alcohol monitoring devices in 2009, rebranded as SmartMobile™.

References

References

  1. Curry, By Kerry. (2018-07-19). "The Sober Business of Ignition Interlocks".
  2. (2018-10-05). "CORRECTING and REPLACING Smart Start Canada ULC Becomes New Private Manager of Quebec's Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program". Financial Post.
  3. "Apollo acquires Grapevine alcohol management solutions firm".
  4. "PE Firm Apollo Buys Alcohol Breath Test Company from ABRY Partners - SWFI".
  5. "Smart Start IN-HOM? Alcohol Monitoring System".
  6. "Minnesota legislators say they'll introduce bill over location-tracking ignition systems". Star Tribune.
  7. Carey, Adam. (2016-12-11). "Life really blows for growing number of drivers on alcohol interlock program". The Age.
  8. Start, Smart. "Smart Start Names Albert Morales as Chief Executive Officer".
  9. "Michigan's Ignition Interlock Law".
  10. (7 February 2012). "StackPath".
  11. "SmartStart".
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