Thunderbird Firearms Academy

Aug 24, 2016
Ryan Pennock
Thunderbird Firearms Academy

James “Ryan” Pennock, Co-Owner/President Thunderbird Firearms Academy

Ryan is a 20-year veteran of the sales industry, with direct experience in the hunting, outdoor and shooting industry. His background has included positions such as owner, estimator/ engineer, outside sales and producer. Ryan' experience has crossed many diverse areas of responsibility including sales, strategic planning, policy and procedural development, merchandising, purchasing, forecasting, vendor management. Ryan started a video production company called DuckZone in 2002. Cabela’s and Bass Pro picked up the videos to sell in their stores nationwide. DuckZone moved onto produce a national television show called Team DuckZone in 2004. Team DuckZone secured corporate sponsorship with Mossy Oak Camo, River's West apparel, Hevi-Shot, Mathews Archery, and several other large companies. The show ran for three seasons. Ryan owned and operated Communication Systems LLC located in Hutchinson Kansas for four years. The business was family owned and operated for nearly 37 years. This business dealt directly with Law Enforcement agencies throughout the state, providing them with equipment and service needs. Ryan was responsible for introducing some of the first patrol vehicle cameras into the state.

Ryan and Jennifer successfully launched Thunderbird Tactical Inc. in September 2010. Ryan has taken a startup business to largest shooting & training facility in Kansas within 5 years.

Thunderbird has become recognized nationally has one of the top tier training facilities.

There have been several key points on the timeline to success through the years. Here are the notable ones.

  • 2012, 2013 Became the #1 Primary Weapon Systems Dealer in the U.S.
  • 2013 Hired a nationally recognized instructor and developed current training curriculum.
  • 2014 Sold 80% of the suppressors sold in the state of Kansas.
  • 2015 Opened Thunderbird Firearms Academy. The state’s largest shooting and training facility. 27,000 s.f. dedicated to helping people live safer lives.
  • 2015 Ryan Pennock was selected to be Secretary of the Board for the American Firearm Retailers Association.
  • 2016 Ryan Pennock was asked to be part of the Presidential Town Hall meeting in Washington with President Obama to discuss gun control.
  • 2016 Jennifer Pennock was selected to go to Washington and meet with the Administration on the Firearms Industry
  • 2016 Thunderbird was selected to be the Central States satellite for the prestigious Gunsite Training Academy.
  • 2016 Developed a strategic alliance with Cabela’s.
  • 2016 Selected by Sig Sauer to be the Law Enforcement Distributor for Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas.
  • 2016 Thunderbird was selected to train the Marine Presidential Guard at Camp David.

Today Thunderbird is growing. From the humble beginnings Ryan has created the largest shooting and training facility in the state of Kansas. The $7.5 Million dollar facility is over 27,000 s.f., has 28 lanes of climate controlled shooting and over 5,300 s.f. of retail. Thunderbird trains more people each year than any other group in Kansas. They employ around 25 people. They are family owned and operated and started right here in Wichita! Ryan and Thunderbird have become a voice for the 2nd Amendment in the state and the nation.

Ryan is 41 years old and married to Jenny with a 4-year old son, Barrett.  They are expecting their second child in January.