The Passing of Our Founder

 With great sadness and heavy hearts, we woefully share the news of the sudden passing of our founder, John Corn. We cannot express enough with words what he meant to this company, this industry, and most of all his family. 

 While picking up the pieces is going to be a long difficult process, we are committed to continuing what he created with pride and humble gratitude. His legacy is one of ambition, relentlessness, servitude, and strong foundational beliefs. 

 Born in Atlanta, GA and working in the family business, John Corn soon found that his soul was destined to be out west where pioneers, cowboys, and explorers went generations before. After serving in the Colorado Air National Guard, it was time to forge a new path, and for the Corn family that meant starting a business. For over 50 years, he made his way in this industry, starting with his first business in the early 70's, Trappers Rendezvous in Denver, CO. A black powder store which had multiple franchisees. This was of course back when Denver was still a cowboy town and there were a wild bunch of friends around John.

 In the 80's he made his way back to Georgia to start a family, had three sons, and started another very successful company in the cowboy clothing business, Tombstone Outfitters, as well as a firearms store. Specializing in authentic designs, leather goods he made, and a true to history representation of the era. His biggest clients came from the cowboy action shooting sport, reenactments, and Hollywood. If you've seen the movie Tombstone (if not, shame on you) then you have seen some of John's Corn work being worn in that timeless classic. 

 All the while living in Georgia, his heart was being pulled back west, and in the early 2000's he made his way back and landed in northern Wyoming. Living in the wide open rawness of Wyoming, the mountain man in him started calling again and so he decided to add survival and preparedness products to his business, forming the company Essential Gear Outfitters. He developed products like pocket survival fishing kits, perimeter alarms, and carried a host of off grid items, first-aid, and survival gear. 

 One thing from earliest venture on his own was still missing though, and that was the ammunition. He never did anything conventionally, so when forming an ammunition business he of course focused on the most effective and special types of ammo you could imagine. From that Phoenix Rising...rose? Yep, Phoenix Rising Exotic Ammunition was off and running. The name is actually inspired by his roots in Atlanta, GA which is known as the Phoenix city after being burned down in the Civil War, and rising back from the ashes again. The brand has since taken on many forms and but tends to stray far away from anything typical. 

 He finally settled down in New Mexico, where he felt right at home amongst the legends of the wild west. Where he poured his blood sweat and tears into Phoenix Rising. He refused to retire, hardly took a vacation, and worked non-stop to ensure that the highest standards were met, most amazing products were available, and that as many people as possible could enjoy what the brand had to offer. That's where he left us, and that's where we intend to pick up and carry the torch for as long and far as this industry and this world will allow.

 Thank you to all of our past, present, and future customers for choosing to do business with the Phoenix Rising brand. It was his pride and joy, of which quality and performance were never sacrificed. 

 Sincerely with Gratitude, 

                 Aaron Corn, Son

                   Phoenix Rising