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07.16.25
Business Insights and Spotlights
Livewire: Elevating Events Across Fargo-Moorhead and Beyond
By Livewire staff
Members of the Livewire team in Downtown Fargo at the Red River Market, celebrating the company's 25th year in business.
Some entrepreneurial stories begin in college dorms or garages. Livewire's story began with an 11-year-old in Alexandria, Minnesota, who had a knack for audio systems and PA setups. Twenty-five years later, that kid—now President Kent Kolstad—has built something remarkable: a full-service event production company that's redefining what it means to bring events to life.
"Word got around quick," Kolstad reflects on those early days, when his ventures ranged from installations to DJing at weddings and schools. What started as local recognition has evolved into a company that serves everyone from community nonprofits to global giants like Amazon, Microsoft and Google.
The Secret Sauce: People
In an industry where many companies rely heavily on freelancers and rental equipment, Livewire took a different path. They built a full-time team of 45 people who act like owners of every event they touch.
"Our people make the difference," Kolstad explains. "One could have all the best equipment in the world, but without the right people in the right seats, making connections between our technology, our creative, and our clients, it's worthless."
This philosophy resonates deeply with clients. As Brittney Hogan, Director of Business Development, puts it: "We're magicians in the world of events." But the real magic isn't just in the technical execution—it's in how the team develops genuine relationships across their entire client base.
"We offer consistency that other companies simply can't, whether it be in equipment or staffing," Kolstad notes. This consistency has become Livewire's calling card, especially as they've expanded beyond their North Dakota and Minnesota roots to serve clients nationwide.
"Niche Events Are Our Niche"
Livewire's setup and production of a previous TEDxFargo event.
While many event companies across the nation chase the biggest, most glamorous productions, Livewire found their sweet spot in specialized events that others might overlook. From sustainable aviation fuel conferences to bank automation summits and equipment finance gatherings, they've become the go-to choice for organizations in unique, specialized fields.
"We're seeing a lot of events that are fairly niche-related," Kolstad observes. This trend toward focused, in-depth explorations of specific topics represents a departure from generalized event content, and Livewire has positioned itself perfectly to meet this growing demand.
Their expertise spans far beyond traditional corporate events. They've powered mainstage acts at the Red River Valley Fair, provided all production for The Lights venue in West Fargo, built custom tradeshow exhibits that travel across the country, and even developed heavy-duty convention power solutions for complex vendor setups.
See the various event formats Livewire works with
The "We Do That, Too!" Philosophy
Livewire's production for a Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC event in 2025.
Perhaps nothing captures Livewire's spirit better than their "we do that, too!" approach to client requests. This isn't just about saying yes—it's about genuinely understanding each client's mission and message, then finding creative ways to bring their vision to life.
"We're adaptable to almost any event request," Kolstad explains. "If we haven't done it before, we will find a way to bring your vision to life." This adaptability has led them into custom scenery construction, virtual and hybrid event production, and even temporary power solutions for outdoor markets.
The company's mission statement captures this perfectly: "To create dynamic, meaningful, and engaging live event video production that betters our clients, team, and the world."
Built to Last: 25 Years of Continuous Growth
What's perhaps most impressive about Livewire's story is how they've maintained their core values while scaling dramatically. Their deep roots in the Fargo-Moorhead community remain strong, with significant networking support from the local business ecosystem that helped fuel their early growth.
Yet they've expanded far beyond regional boundaries. Today, Livewire provides turnkey event production for corporate events, nonprofit initiatives, and community gatherings not just locally and regionally, but throughout the entire country. Their client roster includes some of the world's most recognizable brands, yet they maintain the same personal touch that built their reputation in Minnesota and North Dakota.
Surprising Accessibility
One of the biggest misconceptions about Livewire? That premium quality comes with premium prices. "We are affordable!" Kolstad emphasizes. "Many assume that our events cost an arm and a leg. Many of our clients find that we regularly come in well under their budget."
This accessibility, combined with their full-service capabilities in audio, video, lighting, staging, and custom scenery, makes them uniquely positioned to serve organizations of all sizes with the same level of excellence.
Looking Ahead
As Livewire continues to grow, they're staying true to the entrepreneurial spirit that started it all. They're not just keeping up with industry trends—they're helping define them, particularly in the specialized event space where deep expertise and genuine relationships matter most.
From that 11-year-old setting up sound systems in Alexandria to a 45-person team serving clients across the nation, Livewire's journey proves that sometimes the best businesses are built not by chasing every opportunity, but by consistently delivering excellence in everything you choose to do.
Whether you're planning a corporate summit, a nonprofit gala, a specialized industry conference, or something completely unique, Livewire's quarter-century of experience and "we do that, too!" approach means your vision can become reality.
Ready to bring your next event to life? Connect with the team at livewirenow.com and discover what 25 years of innovation and relationship-building can do for your organization.
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