The Municibid Podcast

Greg, Jameel, and Sophie make the biggest announcement in Municibid history: the Municibid app is officially live in the App Store for iPhone and iPad, with Android coming soon. Bidders can pin favorite categories, save searches and filters, watch items, and get real-time push notifications so you never miss an auction, while sellers can create listings and upload photos right from their phone.

The team also recaps the Municibid 20th Anniversary Picnic, from the rain that split right around the party to the Nick Greeley Trio (dubbed the Municibid Trio for the day), the coloring contest, the Yeti cooler raffle, and the bidder who first heard Greg speak as a high school student back in 2012. Photos are up now at municibid.com/20

This episode features active auctions worth watching, including a 2014 Case 580N Backhoe, an International tanker fire truck with a 1,500 gallon tank, a New Holland tractor, and two all-black former police vehicles.

Rounding out the episode: we checked back on Greg's Rolex predictions. He came in a little ambitious, but both watches found happy new owners. This week, Jameel's Pick of the Week brought some personal nostalgia: a right-hand drive Daihatsu Hi-Jet micro van from Bucknell University, a rare JDM find that reminded him of growing up in Southeast Asia. He's predicting $8,200. We'll check back next week to see how he did.

Key Takeaways:

• We welcomed 11 new government sellers from Pennsylvania, Washington, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
• Jameel's Pick of the Week: a right-hand drive Daihatsu Hi-Jet micro van. With the 25 year import rule on these vans, it’s one of the rarest finds we've seen on Municibid.
• Sophie's closed auction highlights included a John Deere tractor with Alamo arm mower, a 2020 Thomas school bus, and a 1987 military Unimog.
• The Municibid mobile app is available now. If you enjoy it, leave a five-star review to help us get the word out.

Additional Resources:

Download the Municibid app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/municibid/id6773067678 

Explore government surplus auctions at Municibid: https://municibid.com

Got feedback or want to be a guest? Email us at [email protected].

On this Municibid Live, Greg, Jameel, Jackie, and Sophie discuss one of the most talked-about surplus finds to hit the marketplace: two Rolex Datejust watches being sold by the West Milford Township Police Department in New Jersey. Complete with box, papers, and warranty cards, what collectors call the holy grail of owning a pre-owned Rolex, these watches sparked a deep dive into the history of Rolex, invention of the perpetual rotor, and even the original James Bond watch.

This episode features active auctions worth watching, including a 2016 Polaris Outlaw 110 ATV from a New Jersey police department, a 2007 KME Predator Heavy Rescue Fire Engine from West Manchester Township Fire Department in Pennsylvania, a 2001 John Deere 6410 with Alamo boom mower from Marion Township, Pennsylvania, and a 2004 Case MXC100 roadside mower from the town of Hanover, New Hampshire.

Rounding out the episode: Jameel checked in on his Pick of the Week from last week, a sousaphone and drum set from Governor Mifflin School District. He predicted $750. It was already at $1,150 with two weeks still to go. This week, Greg turned his prediction skills toward the two Rolex Datejusts and guessed $26,000 for the chocolate brown dial and $21,000 for the Wimbledon version. We'll check back on July 6th to see how he did.

Key Takeaways:

• We welcomed new government sellers from Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, Maryland, and Maine, including a sewer authority, a public library, a fire department, and a school district.
• Jameel's Pick of the Week: two Rolex Datejust watches with box, papers, and warranty cards, up for auction by West Milford Township Police Department, New Jersey.
• Sophie's closed auction highlights included fire hoses that sold for $775, a 2009 Harley Davidson police motorcycle for $4,200, a 2018 Kawasaki Teryx UTV for $7,900, and a 2022 International plow truck for $50,000.
• Jackie's Tip of the Week: inspect before you bid. Most sellers will arrange in-person inspections, and the Q&A section on each listing is a great resource when you can't visit in-person.
• The Municibid 20th Anniversary Picnic is this Saturday with live music, local food vendors, lawn games, and surprises in store.
• Next live stream: Monday, July 6th at noon Eastern. Don't miss the big announcement.

Additional Resources:

Explore government surplus auctions at Municibid: https://municibid.com

Got feedback or want to be a guest? Email us at [email protected].

On this Municibid Monday, Greg, Jameel, and Jackie discuss one of the most unique surplus items to hit the marketplace recently: an inflatable firefighter training house. Designed to help firefighters practice navigating unfamiliar environments, the training structure sparked plenty of conversation, including whether it might double as a bouncy house.

This episode features active auctions worth watching, including a 2025 Diamond cargo trailer, more than 1,500 Chromebooks, a 1987 military Unimog equipped with a loader and backhoe, vacant land in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, multiple dump trucks from Mine Hill Township, and a collection of musical instruments highlighted by Jameel's Pick of the Week.

Jameel is attending the Rhode Island Public Works Association Conference this week. It’s a great show that we’ve been joining for many years. We hope to see you there at Crown Plaza in Warwick, Rhode Island.

Rounding out the episode: we looked back at Greg's auction prediction for a 2014 Kubota excavator. Greg guessed $4,800, but the auction closed at $16,100. Listen to hear the team's reaction and discussion about how unpredictable auction markets can be.

Key Takeaways:

• We welcomed 11 new government sellers from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New Hampshire.
• The team highlighted recent improvements to the Municibid Chrome Extension and support resources.
• First-time seller listings included dump trucks, Cat5 cables, and an inflatable firefighter training house.
• Active auction highlights included a Diamond cargo trailer, 1,500+ Chromebooks, a military Unimog, and vacant land in Pennsylvania.
• Jameel's Pick of the Week was a sousaphone and drums.
• Greg's prediction for a Kubota excavator fell well short of the final sale price, demonstrating the power of competitive bidding.

Additional Resources:

Explore government surplus auctions at Municibid: https://municibid.com

Got feedback or want to be a guest? Email us at [email protected].

On this Municibid Monday, Greg, Sophie, and Jackie spotlight a Kawasaki Bayou four-wheeler with a wild backstory. It was ditched in a field after a police chase and is now up for auction with an official police bill of sale.

This episode features active auctions worth watching, including a 2014 Kubota excavator, a 2015 Ford F-750 electric bucket truck, a 2021 Ford Explorer hybrid police interceptor, a 2003 HME/Central States fire truck, and a 2015 GMC Sierra 3500HD with plow.

Plus, Sophie shares her cool item of the week: a large lot of retired fire hose with potential for dog toys, wallets, bags, belts, or other upcycled products. The team also discusses how unexpected surplus items can create surprising value for both sellers and buyers.

Rounding out the episode: we looked back on the 2015 Salem Hemisphere Lite Travel Trailer to see how close Greg’s guess of $17,500 was to the winning bid. Listen to find out!

Key Takeaways:

• We welcomed new sellers this week from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
• First-time listings included an arrow board, surplus concrete, a Mack dump truck, and recycling totes.
• Auction highlights included a police chase four-wheeler, Kubota excavator, electric bucket truck, fire truck, and GMC Sierra.
• Sophie’s cool item of the week was a lot of retired fire hose with strong upcycling potential.
• Recent sales included a police motorcycle, bleachers, Jaws of Life tools, police interceptor, plow truck, and travel trailer.

Additional Resources:

Explore government surplus auctions at Municibid: https://municibid.com

Got feedback or want to be a guest? Email us at [email protected].

On this ladies-only Municibid Monday, Sophie and Jackie set sail with a 1983 Seafarer sailboat that was sitting at just $100 when they found it. With summer around the corner, they discuss its potential as a starter boat, a restoration project, or even a unique Airbnb rental.

This episode features active auctions worth watching, including a 2021 Ford Transit cargo van, a 2014 Chevrolet 3500 ambulance, a 2009 Harley-Davidson Police Electra Glide, a 2020 Bobcat mini excavator, and a 2005 Mack Granite dump truck.

Plus, the team recaps notable sales from the past week, including a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe, a lightweight maintenance enclosure, a 2010 John Deere tractor with a Tiger boom mower, and a 1986 AM General Hummer.

Rounding out the episode: a practical explanation of how proxy bidding works on Municibid, why bidders may be instantly outbid, and how adding a few extra dollars to a proxy bid is a great winning strategy.

Key Takeaways:

• We welcomed new sellers this week from Pennsylvania, Missouri, New York, and Massachusetts.
• First-time listings included cargo vans, ambulances, buses, and public works equipment.
• Auction highlights included a $100 sailboat, a police motorcycle, a newer Bobcat mini excavator, and multiple ambulances with strong reuse potential.
• Recent sales included a Chevrolet Tahoe, maintenance enclosure, John Deere tractor, and AM General Hummer.
• Proxy bidding lets bidders enter their true maximum while the system bids only as much as needed to keep them in the lead.

Additional Resources:

Explore government surplus auctions at Municibid: https://municibid.com

Got feedback or want to be a guest? Email us at [email protected].

The team welcomes new government sellers from Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington, Vermont, and beyond, highlights first-time listings and first-time sales, and explains why so many agencies continue discovering Municibid through referrals from other local governments.

This episode features active auctions worth watching, including a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, a 1986 AM General Hummer, a 2016 Dodge Charger, a 2019 Ford E450 Horton ambulance, and a 2015 Salem Hemisphere Lite travel trailer. Plus, the team recaps several notable sales from the past week, including a walk-in boat, a mobile restroom trailer, a lot of police patrol bicycles, and a 2022 Ford Super Duty F-550 dump truck with a plow and spreader.

Rounding out the episode: an update on the Municibid mobile app, which is getting closer to launch after clearing an important Apple approval step and a quick tutorial on how to move and customize the live activity alert bell on Municibid.

Key Takeaways:

• Municibid continues to welcome more than 50 government sellers each month, many through referrals from other agencies.
• New sellers and first-time listings this week included dump trucks, fire vehicles, a street sweeper, a backhoe, toner cartridges, and more.
• Auction highlights included a 1986 AM General Hummer, a Horton ambulance, a Dodge Charger, and a travel trailer just in time for summer.
• The Municibid mobile app is coming soon, with the team sharing that it cleared an important Apple approval step.
• The live activity alert bell can be moved, customized, or turned off, and future versions will include more personalized alerts.

Additional Resources:

• Explore government surplus auctions at Municibid
• Sign up to be the first to know when our mobile app launches: https://info.municibid.com/municibid-mobile-app

Got feedback or want to be a guest? Email us at [email protected].

Greg Berry recaps all 11 features shipped during the 20 Days of Municibid, a campaign celebrating the company's 20th anniversary. From the Chrome Auction Assistant and dark mode to an interactive auctions map, personalized homepage, and overhauled search, the team walks through every update and explains how each one was driven by real customer feedback.

The episode also includes a live debut of Municibid's newest feature: a real-time activity alert widget that surfaces live bids, new listings, and closing auctions right on the page. Plus, the team previews the long-awaited Municibid mobile app, coming soon to iPhone and Android, with customizable push notifications for outbid alerts, closing soon reminders, and more.

Rounding out the episode: highlights from last week's top auction sales, a warm welcome to new government sellers joining from across the country, and the team's personal picks for the coolest items currently on the site.

Key Takeaways:

• Municibid launched 11 new features in 20 days to celebrate its 20th anniversary, all shaped by customer feedback.
• New tools include a Chrome Auction Assistant, interactive map, personalized homepage, bid timeline, metrics dashboard, and AI-powered search via ChatGPT and Claude.
• A real-time activity alert widget launched live during this episode and it's fully moveable and customizable.
• The Municibid mobile app is coming soon to iPhone first, then Android, with push notifications you can tailor to your bidding interests.

Additional Resources:

• Explore government surplus auctions at Municibid
• Our Google Chrome Extension: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/municibid-auction-assista/ondmchdgnobfaclnmecghmkpanlpmchh?pli=1
• Check out our full auctions map: municibid.com/map
• Try our completely overhauled search: municibid.com/search
• Explore our AI tools to search Municibid: https://info.municibid.com/municibid-chatgpt-app
• Sign up to be the first to know when our mobile app launches: https://info.municibid.com/municibid-mobile-app

Got feedback or want to be a guest? Email us at [email protected].

In this season 1 finale episode, we take a look back at some of the most memorable stories and insights from our exploration of government surplus auctions. From creative repurposing to community impact, we revisit the fascinating world of Municibid and the unique opportunities it provides.

We heard from Tony Powell about his experience driving a 1969 brush truck won from the Burton Fire Department, highlighting the unique challenges and joys of operating such a vintage vehicle. Ken Johnson and his daughter Tatiana shared their heartwarming cross-country journey in a fire truck they won, complete with impromptu light and siren displays at state lines and a touching tour of a fire station. 

Jackie Blaskovich, Municibid's Director of Customer Success, revealed some of the most unusual items that have appeared on the platform, including Santa's throne and a child-sized suit of armor, showcasing the diverse range of surplus items available. We also delved into how organizations are adapting to supply chain issues, with Troy Bartron explaining Upper Mount Bethel Township's strategy of ordering and then selling a 2025 Mack truck to manage their equipment needs.

The creative repurposing of surplus items was a recurring theme, exemplified by Gavin Lingo's account of how his landscaping company utilizes fire trucks for various purposes beyond their original intent. Lastly, we gained insights into the military surplus world from Adam Hoke, who shared information about the best-selling Mickey Mouse boot at Coleman's Military Surplus, renowned for its extreme cold weather protection.

These stories collectively illustrate the innovative spirit and practical problem-solving that government surplus auctions inspire across diverse sectors and communities.

About the Speaker:
Greg Berry, CEO and Founder of Municibid, is an entrepreneur with a passion for the auction industry, particularly in the government surplus sector. He started the company in 2006 after serving on the town council for the Borough of Pottstown in Pennsylvania. Over the past 17 years, Municibid has grown to serve nearly 6,000 governments across the US and has become a trusted platform for buying and selling government surplus.

Key Takeaways:

• Government surplus auctions provide a win-win situation for municipalities and buyers.
• Creative repurposing of surplus items can lead to innovative solutions for businesses and individuals.
• The impact of these auctions extends beyond financial benefits, fostering community engagement and sustainability.

Looking Ahead:
Stay tuned for the upcoming Season 2, where we'll continue to uncover more fascinating stories from the world of government auctions. Until next time, explore the wild world of government surplus at Municibid.

Got feedback or want to be a guest? Email us at [email protected]

Greg Berry dives into the world of retired school buses and explores the creative ways they can be repurposed. From converting them into food trucks or mobile shops to transforming them into RVs known as "skoolies," Greg shares valuable insights on what to consider when purchasing a used school bus at auction.

Greg discusses the benefits of using a school bus, such as ample interior space, abundant natural light from the windows, and the potential for customization. He also addresses the importance of considering factors like size, engine type (front or rear), and the presence of heating or air conditioning when selecting a school bus for your specific needs.

While school buses offer a blank canvas for creative projects, Greg also highlights some potential drawbacks, such as the lack of built-in storage, difficulty in towing, and the need for insulation when converting them into RVs. He provides tips on overcoming these challenges, such as adding storage compartments, replacing windows with double-pane glass, and installing proper insulation.

Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to start a mobile business or an adventurer seeking a unique RV experience, Greg Berry's insights will help you make an informed decision when purchasing a retired school bus at auction.

About the Speaker:
Greg Berry, CEO and Founder of Municibid, is an entrepreneur with a passion for the auction industry, particularly in the government surplus sector. He started the company in 2006 after serving on the town council for the Borough of Pottstown in Pennsylvania. Over the past 17 years, Municibid has grown to serve nearly 6,000 governments across the US and has become a trusted platform for buying and selling government surplus.

Key Takeaways:

• Retired school buses can be repurposed for various applications, such as food trucks, mobile shops, or unique RVs known as "skoolies."
• School buses offer benefits like ample interior space, abundant natural light, and the potential for customization.
• When purchasing a retired school bus, consider factors such as size, engine type, heating or air conditioning, and potential challenges like the lack of built-in storage and insulation.
• With proper planning and customization, a retired school bus can be transformed into a one-of-a-kind mobile business or RV experience.

Additional Resources:

• Explore the wild world of government surplus at Municibid
• The Different Types of School Buses: https://blog.municibid.com/do-you-know-the-different-types-of-school-buses/
• How to Start a Food Truck: https://blog.municibid.com/how-to-start-a-food-truck-business/

Got feedback or want to be a guest? Email us at [email protected]

A box arrives on your doorstep, labeled "keep frozen." Your well-meaning neighbor, trying to do you a favor, takes the package and puts it in their deep freezer. The catch? The box was recycled to ship a military-grade cold weather parka from Coleman's Military Surplus.

This is just one of the many amusing anecdotes Adam Hoke, the sales manager at Coleman's Military Surplus, shares in today's episode. But the story of this company is much more than a collection of funny tales—it's a testament to the power of adaptation, the thrill of the treasure hunt, and the enduring value of preserving history.

Coleman's Military Surplus has been a fixture in the world of surplus goods for over half a century. What began as a modest operation run out of a chicken coop has evolved into a thriving ecommerce business, continually navigating the challenges of an ever-changing industry.

In this episode, Adam takes us on a journey through the ups and downs of running a surplus business in the digital age. He reveals the strategies that have kept Coleman's Military Surplus competitive in an era where customers expect fast shipping and low prices, and shares insights into the company's best-selling products and most unusual finds.

But more than that, Adam showcases the passion and dedication that drives the team at Coleman's Military Surplus. From the thrill of sourcing one-of-a-kind items at government auctions to the satisfaction of providing value to their customers, the story of this company is one of resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to the treasure hunt.

So join us as we explore the fascinating world of military surplus, where every item has a story and every sale is an opportunity to connect with history. Who knows? You might just be inspired to embark on your own treasure hunt.

About the Guest:
Adam Hoke is the sales manager at Coleman's Military Surplus, a leading retailer of military surplus goods with over 50 years of history. With a decade of experience at Coleman's, Adam has played a key role in the company's transition from a small brick-and-mortar store to a thriving ecommerce business. In his role, he oversees various aspects of the company, including people management, inventory management, and logistics, while remaining passionate about preserving history and providing value to customers by sourcing unique, high-quality military surplus items from around the world.

Chapters:
The Origins of Coleman's Military Surplus (1:56)
Navigating the Challenges of Ecommerce (4:14)
A Day in the Life at Coleman's Military Surplus (6:57)
The Treasure Hunt: Mickey Mouse Boots to an Airplane Propeller (9:19)
Surplus Auctions and Government Contractors for Sourcing Inventory (13:23)
Adam's Love for Auctions (14:48)
Advice for Auction Newcomers (20:00)
The Future of Coleman's Military Surplus (21:10)
Funny Stories and Memorable Moments (22:14)

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about Coleman’s Military Surplus
• Explore the wild world of government surplus at Municibid
• Learn more about Government Surplus Vehicles: https://blog.municibid.com/the-government-surplus-vehicle-guide/ 

Got feedback or want to be a guest? Email us at [email protected]