Marlene Carlson married Willard Smith, founder of Plastic Products Company, in 1973, and after his untimely death in 1975 she assumed control of the business. She diversified its client base and transformed the struggling company into a thriving award-winning enterprise with nine factories in six states. Plastic Products Company became one of North America's largest manufacturers of custom plastic, metal, and ceramic injection molding products. After retiring, she sold the company to its employees through an employee stock ownership plan. She was among the earliest members of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, was inducted into the Minnesota Women Business Owners Hall of Fame in 2014, and belonged to the invitation-only Committee of 200. Her influence in the Chisago Lakes Community extended beyond business through wide-ranging philanthropy and support for local causes. Passionate about local history, she spent more than two decades preserving historic buildings and landmarks that drew thousands of visitors, and her generosity helped turn Lindstrom's water tower into a Swedish coffee pot, a project the company continues to maintain. She regarded her four children, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren as her proudest accomplishment.