When Sarah Trocolli graduated from Baylor University in 2018 with a degree in journalism, she did some of the usual things one would expect—like managing media relations for Texas State Technical College in Waco and serving as the marketing manager for Magnolia Real Estate, also in Waco.
The last thing she expected, however, was a future working at a gun club. But now, as the director of events and membership at Waco’s Republic Gun Club, she is having a blast.
“I had worked at Cabela’s for two years but never thought it would lead to this by any means. When I saw the advertisement for this job, I saw an opportunity to work for a new business in town,” Trocolli says.
Trocolli knows from experience the impact of a new business. “I was working at
a hotel downtown when the Magnolia Silos [an upscale outdoor shopping and dining district in Waco] opened. I remember it vividly, it was crazy, there were tons of people, and it was pouring down rain. Our shuttle ran continuously back and forth,” she says. “I knew then that Waco was going to change, I knew it would never be the same. But it’s also because of that change that new businesses like this can start and flourish.”
The two conference rooms and gun range at the Republic Gun Club can provide space to think differently. “It can change things up for corporations to come someplace like this, to get away from the day-to-day and get those creative juices flowing,” Trocolli says.
One of the most popular itineraries for groups is to host meetings in classrooms, followed by a team-building activity at the shooting range. A range safety officer is always provided to ensure attendees’ safety.
Oppositely, one of the more unusual uses for the space has been for baby showers.
“I never thought in a million years we would see that,” she says, laughing.
Trocolli’s favorite part of the job is helping individuals and groups figure out creative ways to use the facility. “I want this place to become the one that people think of whenever they are wanting somewhere out of the ordinary. We make events easy, flawless, and fun.”
