Minnesota's Premier Ignition Interlock Provider Smart Start MN was founded in 2006 by Ed Cohen and Mike Friedberg. Established before the State of Minnesota had established an interlock program, Smart Start MN began operations to service out-of-state interlock orders for Minnesota residents and to work with probation departments to make ignition interlock part of a DWI probation. In 2007, the State of Minnesota began a Pilot Project in Hennepin and Betrami Counties and Smart Start MN was the sole provider to that program. In 2009, a Statewide Ignition Interlock program began and Smart Start MN has opened service centers throughout the State of Minnesota. Currently, Smart Start MN has 13 shops located throughout Minnesota with others coming on-line regularly. On July 1, 2011, a permanent statewide Interlock Program will begin, and Smart Start MN anticipates significant growth in the coming year.