Early Life
Rick Smith was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He studied biology at Harvard University and later earned an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. His interest in public safety and innovation led him to explore non-lethal technologies.
Rise to Success
Smith co-founded TASER International with his brother Tom Smith in 1993. The company went public in 2001. He spearheaded the company's growth from electroshock weapons to a broader portfolio of digital evidence management and body camera technologies. The company rebranded as Axon in 2017 to reflect its wider mission. Axon's revenue for the twelve months ending December 31, 2024, was $2.08 billion, a 33.44% increase year over year.
Key Business Strategies
Key strategies for Axon include a focus on integrated hardware and cloud-based software solutions. The company has expanded into digital evidence management and body camera technology, with the Evidence.com cloud platform being a major tool for law enforcement. Axon's goal is to integrate technology to improve safety and accountability in policing. Axon's Software & Services revenues surged 39.6% year over year in the first nine months of 2025.
Philanthropy
While specific amounts are not available, Axon has initiatives promoting mental health and wellness support for first responders and their families.