Gold Coast, Queensland - Ron Mulder, the founder of Affordable Interlock Systems (AIS), didn’t set out to build a business; he set out to solve a problem that hit far too close to home.
Today, as AIS announces its planned 2026 expansion into Western Australia and the Northern Territory, Mulder is opening up about the deeply personal motivation behind the company’s "warm and empathetic" approach to drink-driving rehabilitation.
While many view the alcohol interlock industry through a purely commercial lens, for Mulder, the stakes are personal.
Following the loss of a family member to a drink-driving incident, the former Blackhawk Engineer for the Royal Australian Air Force found himself drawn to a sector that many avoid.
"It started as a business endeavour, but it quickly became a personal one," says Mulder.
"Having experienced that tragedy, I have a great deal of empathy for why these devices need to be on the road. They aren't just tools for punishment; they are tools for keeping families whole."
One of Mulder’s primary missions for 2026 is to challenge the societal stigma associated with interlock users.
Throughout his tenure at AIS, Mulder has seen a revelation in the data; 95 per cent of users don't fit the "stereotypical" profile.
"People would be surprised to know that our clients include doctors, lawyers, CEOs, and nurses. It could be your next-door neighbor or your own son or daughter," Mulder explains.
"Life is complicated; finance, housing, and personal stress roll into a ball that can lead to one poor decision at a lunch. Nobody deserves to be talked down to because of a mistake and we are here to facilitate the next step in their journey, not point fingers."
Mulder’s professional background reads like a masterclass in operational excellence.
From 12 years in the Air Force to building Australia’s largest privately-held calibration company, his "gut feel" is backed by a double Masters and a stint as a Salesforce consultant.
This unique combination has turned AIS into a tech-forward powerhouse, with it streamlining the entire participant journey through a paperless, AI-driven platform.
"My background in the military drilled lifetime skills into me - calibration, quality assurance and strategy," Mulder said.
"We’ve taken those high-level standards and applied them to a ISO 17025 (Endorsed Laboratory Environment) ISO9000 (Quality) and 1002002:2014 (Customer Complaints). We use the most sophisticated handsets in the world, featuring failsafe mechanisms like moisture detection and integrated cameras that ensure the system can’t be bypassed."
As of February 2026, AIS is moving toward total mainland coverage, with operations already established in QLD, NSW, and the ACT.
Mulder confirms that Western Australia and the Northern Territory are "days and weeks" away from going live, with Victoria and South Australia applications currently in the final stages.
"We provide a service that makes people feel comfortable during a difficult time," says Mulder.
"When technology enhances real human relationships and keeps the community safe, everyone wins."
For more information on the Founder's Story or the AIS 2026 roadmap, visit affordableinterlocks.com.au.
About Affordable Interlock Systems
Affordable Interlock Systems (AIS) was established to help people during a difficult time. We've partnered with a leading provider of ignition interlocks who has decades of experience in the field. The quality, ease of use and flexibility of the ALCOLOCK product line make them the devices of choice for drivers worldwide.
AIS makes it easy for individuals convicted of drink-driving offences to adhere to their jurisdictional program requirements and work towards reinstating their driving licence. Seeing an opportunity to help more Australians easily reinstate their licences after a drink-driving conviction, and without the customer feeling embarrassed, Ron Mulder established Affordable Interlock Systems in 2019.
With decades of experience across many different areas of business, Ron is so passionate about customer service and customer well-being that his personal motto has become “If it’s not right for the customer, then it’s not right for the company”.
For all media enquiries, images, or interviews, please contact e enquiries@affordableinterlocks.com.au p
