New Faces & Strong Foundations at AXXIS INC: Louisville’s Full-Service Production Partner for 30+ Years

By VOICE-TRIBUNE Photos By Matt Johnson 

When it comes to live events and audio-visual integration, AXXIS has set the standard in Louisville for over three decades. “Our high standards and commitment to quality have always been at the heart of what we do—and that’s something we’ll never compromise,” says Ken Rousseau, Managing Partner, who oversees integrations while also contributing to the company’s overall direction and operations. “But what truly sets us apart is our deep connection to Louisville. We were born here, raised here, and became experts here. For over 30 years, we’ve been woven into the fabric of this community, sharing in its growth and supporting its unique spirit.” 

AXXIS describes itself as a “full-service production company, from the conceptual design and planning all the way through the execution” of live events, and its team takes that promise seriously. “We are a team of dedicated professionals and creative problem solvers who love this industry and the challenges and possibilities that it represents,” Rousseau explains. “With a corporate client, oftentimes our conversations begin with just a concept or an idea. We take a great deal of pride in being able to not just understand that idea or concept, but having the knowledge and expertise to ask the right questions, to anticipate potential challenges and needs, to make sure their budget goes as far as possible, and ultimately being able to turn that idea into an experience that exceeds what they may have thought was possible.” 

For clients who already have a creative partner, AXXIS can step in as “the equipment experts.” But if a client needs a complete show from design to execution, they can deliver it all. “The beauty being our design may be able to incorporate a particular unique expertise or product that makes everyone shine,” says Rousseau. 

The company operates through two interconnected arms: a live production division and an installation/integration division. On the live events side, AXXIS arrives at a venue ready to set up everything from sound and lighting to video walls, stages, signage, and rigging. “We produce the show and when it’s over, we tear it all down and take it all back to the warehouse,” Rousseau notes. On the integration side, AXXIS designs and installs permanent systems for corporate, healthcare, higher education, and government clients. “We may be part of the construction team working with the architects, electricians, engineers, etc., to integrate audio, video, lighting, control, videoconferencing, digital signage, etc., into your building for a number of years.” 

Having both divisions under one roof enhances AXXIS’s capabilities in ways few competitors can match. “Although we work with Audio Video Lighting on both sides, the knowledge and expertise required are fundamentally different. But the synergies we get from those differences can be of great value to our company and clients,” says Rousseau. For example, a live event expert can train integration clients to a level “not available to the normal integration company,” while the integration side provides buying power and early access to new equipment for evaluation and testing. 

Axxis’s long history is a critical part of its approach to projects. “30 years in our industry teaches you a lot,” Rousseau reflects. “We have learned what works and we have learned a lot of things NOT to do. We have learned how to honestly and effectively communicate with our clients and use that experience to help them achieve the most effective message possible, as well as avoid pitfalls we may have stumbled through in the past. Experience is a great teacher.” 

That expertise shows in standout integration projects, like the recent rework of the Metrosafe Emergency Services facility. “It was an opportunity to deploy almost all aspects of the technologies we offer into one facility. Sound, Lighting, Video walls, Videoconferencing, Electronic Glass, Digital Signage, and a few others,” Rousseau says. The project required careful coordination to avoid downtime in the 911 Call Center and Emergency Management areas, and the result was “an extremely clean and simple interface for a very complex system.” 

In live production, AXXIS approaches each event with the same attention to detail and creativity. “A memorable event is about more than just getting the technical pieces right—it’s about creating an experience that truly supports and amplifies the message,” Rousseau explains. “Video adds scale and emotion, lighting sets the mood and directs attention, audio makes sure every word lands, and scenic elements give the space its personality and depth. When those pieces are thoughtfully integrated, the room itself becomes the canvas.” 

AXXIS also takes pride in community engagement, particularly nonprofit and fundraising events. “We believe in giving back to the neighbors and organizations that make our community strong. These events have the power to truly change lives. Philanthropy shapes the future of our community, and we are honored to play a small part in that,” says Jason Shaw, an Account Director with AXXIS, “Even though we do this every day, we understand that for most of our clients, this is the biggest day of their year, and we do not take that responsibility lightly.” 

“Behind-the-scenes challenges can range from equipment failures to last-minute changes. Those 30 years of experience we spoke of earlier come into play here. The knowledge to know what has the potential to fail and be prepared with redundancies ahead of time, the ability to work around problems, and handle changes is the maturity you will find in our team.” 

Looking ahead, AXXIS is focused on growth and deepening its roots in Louisville. “Our goal is to help showcase Louisville in an authentic way—not just as a host city, but as part of the experience itself. We want to be partners with local venues; together we can create events that feel seamless, distinctive, and unmistakably Louisville. When people leave, we want them to remember not only the event, but the sense of place that came with it.”

So, before you look outside of the city to New York or Chicago, consider this: “A partner of mine once said to me that we suffer from the ‘500 mile expert syndrome.’ That is, that people here in Kentucky feel you need to go 500 miles in any direction to find someone with enough competence to provide your technology. We are here to say that is not the case. Reach out and we will discuss your project and prove that everything you need is right here in Downtown Louisville,” says Rousseau. 

Whether it’s a corporate AV integration, a large-scale live production, or a nonprofit gala, Axxis delivers with experience, creativity, and a commitment to its community. With three decades of expertise under their belt, this Louisville-based team is proving that you don’t have to travel far to find world-class production talent. 

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS: 

“Axxis has truly been my right hand for more than 20 years. They are the only company I trust with my event AV needs. When I work with Axxis, I have complete confidence that everything will be done right. Their team consistently goes above and beyond to anticipate our needs and deliver flawless execution. What we have is more than a vendor relationship — it’s a true partnership!” 

Storey O’Barr YPO Bluegrass Chapter Manager 

“After two decades of collaboration, we consider Axxis more than just a vendor—they are a trusted extension of our team. We wholeheartedly recommend them to any organization looking for a dedicated, forward-thinking, and experienced event partner.” 

Ronee Baxter Assistant Athletic Director, Events & Premium Services Louisville Athletics 

“I have had the pleasure of working with the team at AXXIS Inc. for nearly 15 years, and their consistency, professionalism, and technical expertise continue to exceed expectations. From our Commencement ceremonies that occur twice a year to three Presidential Inaugurations, they have proven time and again to be an indispensable partner.” 

Stephanie Reibert Assistant Director of Events, Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement University of Louisville