Bloomberg Businessweek Bloomberg Businessweek Weekend - August 8th, 2025
Aug 8, 2025
Aaron Yachtfeld, CEO of Generac, discusses the rising demand for backup power solutions as energy shortages hit homes. Rick Smith, CEO of Axon Enterprise, shares insights on innovative public safety tech, underscoring the need for non-lethal options. Kate Gulliver, Wayfair's CFO, highlights the company's stock surge and evolving retail strategies, while Martin de los Santos reveals optimistic trends in Latin American fintech. Allie Anderson, CEO of Craftco, navigates the impact of tariffs on the spirits industry and the shift towards low-alcohol options, showcasing innovation and adaptability.
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From Taser To Sensor Network
- Axon evolved from Tasers into a sensor and cloud-software platform powering cameras, drones, and AI.
- The company now positions itself as a neural network of public-safety sensors across agencies.
Personal Mission Behind Axon
- Rick Smith started Axon motivated by personal losses to reduce gun deaths with less-lethal tech.
- He set a public goal to cut police gun deaths by 50% by 2033 using tasers and new tech.
AI That Writes Police Reports
- Axon's DraftOne uses bodycam audio to generate 80% of police reports via AI, cutting paperwork time.
- The tool claims 60–70% time savings so officers can spend more time on policing.