Urbandale’s Intoxalock aims to reduce alcohol-related road deaths
A business in Urbandale plays a key role in helping consumers bounce back from alcohol issues and other situations with its ignition interlock device.
"It's a breathalyzer for automobiles. It's used by people who have been arrested for a DUI or if someone knows they have a drinking problem, they'll get it installed on their vehicle, blow into the device and if it's above a certain level, the car will not start," said Kimberly Williams, chief executive officer of Intoxalock.
Not only is the company's headquarters located in Urbandale, but the devices are manufactured there, too, just a mile from the office.
"Iowa is a great location for our business. We're working with people who are going through a really traumatic time in their lives, so when they call us, it's embarrassing and emotional. The Iowans we have working for us are very empathetic, hardworking and know they play a role in helping people get their lives back together," Williams said. "They are a dream to have as employees."
Williams spoke with The Des Moines Register about the business.
Q: Who are your customers?
A: It could be someone who is being treated at an alcohol treatment center that has had it suggested that one be installed. It could be someone who has been arrested for a DUI and contacted us. In many states, it's mandatory that they get an ignition block. Johns Hopkins came out with a study on the impact of ignition interlocks and determined that they successfully reduced alcohol-induced fatalities. They help keep people from drinking and driving and helps with behavior modifications. We have customers in almost every state.
Q: Do you work with the judicial system?
A: There are some people who are on parole after being released from prison and in most cases, it's a probation officer who monitors them and requires them to use such a device. If someone is at a high risk to reoffend and do other things like commit child abuse or spousal abuse when drinking, they would be monitored more closely. The devices are connected to the internet, so we communicate with the devices all the time.
Q: How many employees do you have?
A: We have 350 employees and about 310 of them are in Iowa. We have engineers, researchers, marketers, sales professionals and customer service experts.
Q: Who installs the devices?
A: A trained service center, usually an automotive repair shop, completes it. It takes 30 minutes to 1 1/2hours, depending upon the type of vehicle.
Q: What is Intoxalock's vision?
A: One of my wishes is that we can do more with the DUI laws here in Iowa. There are people arrested for drinking and driving more than once and never had an ignition lock installed. They're not getting the behavior modification they need. Other states have compliance-based removal rules whereby you have to keep it on your car until you've demonstrated that you can operate it responsibly and Iowa doesn't have that. We're very passionate about this subject.
Intoxalock
LOCATION: 11035 Aurora Ave., Urbandale
HOURS: Customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
BUSINESS HISTORY: Intoxalock has been manufacturing ignition interlock devices (car breathalyzers) for more than 20 years.
OWNER: CST LLC
CONTACT: 888-283-5899, www.intoxalock.com