We had the good fortune of connecting with John Marsaglia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Ever since I turned 21, I’ve been an avid bar trivia player. My teammates and I would play upwards of three times a week. We went to different cities, a couple tournaments and everything in between. When the pandemic hit in early 2020, we took a break from playing. Once life started to get back to normal, I started working in the trivia business for other companies. That was all fine and well, until one day I decided that I had all of the tools to do it on my own. Ever since then I’ve been writing and delivering my own brand of questions with my own personal touch. It’s been fun so far, and I think the public response has been positive.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I moved to California from Illinois to pursue my MFA at Chapman University’s prestigious film school. I studied producing. Since graduation I have had the pleasure of producing many short films and music videos, some of which were for Grammy award winning artists. Even though I still have this producing career, I found that I was able to pursue trivia as well during my weeknights. What sets my trivia company apart from other is authenticity and personality. We don’t necessarily adhere to a corporate style of trivia. This means that if you have an issue with anything we do, you’ll be talking directly to me. Additionally, my regular players have picked up my trends and quirks. So if the question pertains to a midwest city, then the answer is most likely Chicago. It hasn’t been the easiest road, but my weekly regulars stick through it with me and keep me afloat.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I happen to live in Huntington Beach, California which is a big destination city for many. I’m a big craft beer guy so I would likely take someone a few miles up PCH to Riip Beer Co. I host trivia there on Wednesdays, but it’s also one of the premier breweries in all of southern California.

Outside of beer, I’m a huge sports fan, and Orange County has several professional teams, so I’d likely take someone to Angel Stadium to watch Ohtani slam a couple homers while striking out 10 or more.

The food in Southern California is also fantastic. There’s this fantastic chain called Chipotle. Try it!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt, my families deserve all the credit in the world. I say “families” because I am originally from Illinois outside of Chicago. Making the move out west wasn’t the easiest transition, but since doing so, I have developed another family that is my support system when my parents are 2K miles away. Starting Good Question Trivia Co. was something I did on a wing and prayer, but without the people behind me, none of this would be possible. They pump me up and help me to keep this train on its tracks every single day.

Instagram: @goodquestion_triviaco

Image Credits
I own the rights and permissions to all photos

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