Smart Start, Inc.
| Company type | Private limited company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive accessories, Alcohol-Monitoring technology |
| Founded | 1992 in Irving, Texas, United States of America |
| Founder | Bettye & Jay D. Rodgers |
| Headquarters | Grapevine, Texas, United States |
| Products | Ignition Interlock Devices, portable alcohol-monitoring devices |
| Parent | Apollo Global Management |
| Website | www |
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.”[1]
On August 21, 2015, 1A Smart Start, Inc. was acquired by ABRY Partners, becoming 1A Smart Start, LLC.[2] On Nov. 8, 2021, the Apollo Impact platform, managed by Apollo Global Management, acquired Global IID Holdco and its subsidiaries, including 1A Smart Start, LLC.[3]
Smart Start claims to have installed over 200,000 ignition interlock devices and reports that these devices have prevented over 7 million vehicle starts due to potential drivers being over the approved limit.[4][5] The devices are in use in Canada, the United States, and Australia.[6]
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.[7]
Smart Start introduced its IN-HOM™ portable alcohol monitoring devices in 2009, rebranded as SmartMobile™.[8][9]
References
- ^ "CORRECTING and REPLACING Smart Start Canada ULC Becomes New Private Manager of Quebec's Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program". Financial Post. 2018-10-05. Retrieved 2022-02-17.
- ^ "Apollo acquires Grapevine alcohol management solutions firm". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2022-02-17.
- ^ "PE Firm Apollo Buys Alcohol Breath Test Company from ABRY Partners - SWFI". www.swfinstitute.org. Retrieved 2022-02-17.
- ^ "Smart Start IN-HOM? Alcohol Monitoring System". Archived from the original on February 2, 2013. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
- ^ "Minnesota legislators say they'll introduce bill over location-tracking ignition systems". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2017-07-30.
- ^ Carey, Adam (2016-12-11). "Life really blows for growing number of drivers on alcohol interlock program". The Age. Retrieved 2017-07-30.
- ^ "Michigan's Ignition Interlock Law" (PDF). michigan.gov.
- ^ "StackPath". www.officer.com. Retrieved 2022-03-09.
- ^ "SmartStart" (PDF). justicespeakersinstitute.