Months after the public spat, Axon is confident in its long-term vision for its Scottsdale headquarters

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – When CEO Rick Smith said Axon Enterprise Inc. explored markets outside Scottsdale for the company’s long-term headquarters, he was prepared for contingencies.

But the company, which makes Taser weapons and other products for the law enforcement industry, ultimately decided to go ahead and revise its plans to try to make it work in the Valley.

“We’ve been approached by a lot of people… these are pretty coveted jobs.” said Smith. “Our goal is to get it done here. We know there will be plenty of other options, but I want to stay focused.”

The Phoenix Business Journal spoke with Smith at Axon’s current headquarters in Scottsdale on Oct. 28, months after a icy reception at a meeting on January 24 from the Scottsdale Planning Commission, where it proposed its new global headquarters and mixed-use development on about 74 acres near the southeast corner of Loop 101 and Hayden Road.