Seattle, WA – March 26, 2026 – It is with profound sadness that SmartPlug Systems announces the passing of Ken Smith, Founder of SmartPlug Systems and a visionary force in marine and RV electrical safety. Ken passed away on March 16, 2026. His passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, one defined by ingenuity, determination, and an unwavering commitment to safety.
Ken brought more than 40 years of experience in the marine industry to SmartPlug. As founder and longtime owner of Ocean Marine, a Seattle-based boat rebuilding company, he spent the last eight years of that career repairing yachts that had been devastated by fire, and time and again the culprit was the same: a faulty shore power connection. Where others saw an unavoidable recurrent situation, Ken saw a solvable problem.
In late 2007, starting with nothing more than a pencil sketch, he set out to design a better plug built from the ground up for the marine environment, incorporating every safety and reliability improvement he could envision. What followed was remarkable: in less than 14 months, Ken took his concept from initial sketch to a finished product on the market. In March 2009, SmartPlug Systems introduced its first marine shore power product to the U.S. market, the 30 Amp Inlet and Connector.
The product replaced a twist-type shore power standard that had been in use essentially unchanged since 1938. His SmartPlug design addressed the root causes of marine electrical fires: loose connections, corrosion, and overheating. With its straight-in sleeved design, triple weatherproof seals, multi-point locking system, and significantly greater metal-to-metal electrical contact than traditional connectors, SmartPlug became a new standard in shore power safety.
Ken founded SmartPlug Systems LLC in November 2007 in Seattle, Washington. Under his leadership as Founder and CEO, the company earned ETL and ETL Marine test certifications, ABYC E-11 standard compliance, and U.S. Coast Guard certification. SmartPlug products were approved for sale through the federal GSA Advantage program, and the company formed OEM relationships with leading marine manufacturers. The innovation Ken pioneered drew widespread industry recognition, including the Emerging Manufacturer of the Year Award from Seattle Business magazine in 2011. Smartplug continues to gain recognition for its novel designs, winning the top Innovation Award at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2026.
Today SmartPlug products are installed as original equipment by over 120 boat manufacturers and over 50 RV manufacturers, with a broad aftermarket presence; a remarkable legacy that began with Ken’s original pencil sketch which hangs in the SmartPlug offices as a reminder of his original mission.
SmartPlug was truly a family endeavor. Multiple members of the Smith and Austin families contributed to building the company over the years, a reflection of how deeply Ken’s passion for the work inspired those closest to him.
Ken stepped back from day-to-day involvement at SmartPlug in later years, with the company continuing to grow under subsequent leadership. But his original vision remains the foundation upon which everything SmartPlug has built rests.
He is survived by his wife, Lynn Austin, and Ken’s sons, Aaron and Matt Smith and other beloved family members.
Contact:
SmartPlug Systems LLC
2500 Westlake Ave. N, Ste. G
Seattle, WA 98109
206-285-2990