Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Landrum.
Hi Karla, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
What started as a fun weekly hobby quickly turned into something much more for my husband and me. We became regular players at trivia nights in Pensacola, FL—sometimes as much as three nights a week. Just six months later, I found myself stepping into the role of host in our local region.
It wasn’t long before I discovered there were opportunities to license the Team Trivia® software in other areas, a company that has been doing trivia for over 30 years! Around the same time, we realized how much Cleveland had become a second home for us. We’ve traveled there frequently over the years, drawn not just by great friends but also by the vibrant culture, entertainment, and energy of the city.
We decided to blend our love of trivia with our love for Cleveland—and just like that, my “early retirement” evolved into a side business driven by passion. Now, we proudly bring the fun and excitement of Team Trivia NEO (being sci-fi nerds, couldn’t resist using the acronym for the Northeast Ohio area), connecting people through friendly competition and community spirit.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any new venture, launching Team Trivia NEO in a new market came with its share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been helping venues truly understand the excitement and value our gaming software brings to their business. That energy and engagement is hard to convey through emails or phone calls—it really needs to be experienced in person.
Because of that, we’ve spent a lot of time traveling between Florida and Ohio since launching in April. Our next trip will be an extended one, so that we can meet with venue owners face-to-face, host demo games, and help owners/managers see firsthand how all our game show options are a great solution for building community and to bring in loyal customers.
This journey has reaffirmed what we already knew: when you’re passionate about something, the extra effort feels worth it. We’re excited and are committed to continue bringing people together—one show at a time!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Before I retired, I had already experienced what it was like to turn a hobby into a career. I was deeply involved in the data community, organizing free events called SQLSaturdays—a passion project that quickly gained traction. These events were created to connect data professionals and provide free training and networking opportunities across the globe.
After a few years, SQLSaturdays became part of PASS (Professional Association for SQL Server), a Microsoft-founded organization. Recognizing the growing momentum, PASS created a new role just for this mission—Community Evangelist—which I was honored to fill. My job was to help expand these events worldwide, and that led to an incredible journey for me and for many others who found opportunities, education, and community through these efforts.
That experience—of seeing a grassroots idea grow into a global movement—taught me so much about the power of connection, passion, and community-driven growth.
Now, with Team Trivia NEO, I’ve found myself once again turning something I love into a platform that brings people together. Just like with SQLSaturdays, it started with a hobby. And just like before, it’s become something bigger—something meaningful. Whether we’re bringing trivia and music bingo shows to new venues or traveling between Florida and Cleveland to meet partners in person, the goal is the same: create fun experiences that bring people together and helps local businesses attract new regulars.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Passion fuels consistency, and consistency builds trust. And when people trust you to show up, bring value, and create a great experience, success naturally follows.
My passion for creating lively, welcoming spaces through Team Trivia® shows, is my driving force that has always been the same: connecting people. That sense of purpose makes the long hours, travel, and uncertainty not only manageable—but meaningful. I look forward to growing Team Trivia NEO and bringing some epic fun and memories to everyone!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.teamtrivia.com
- Instagram: @teamtrivianeohio
- Facebook: @teamtrivianeohio
Image Credits
Perdido Key Sports Bar photos provided by Team Trivia Pensacola host Kathie McCollough.
