The Municibid Podcast
We dive into the wild world of government surplus and uncover the creative ways people are utilizing the items they win at auctions. From a city bus transformed into a luxurious RV, to an ambulance repurposed as a work truck, and even a used car dealership thriving by winning auctions and reselling decommissioned police vehicles, we've got some amazing stories to share.
Episodes
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 challenge...
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 w...
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 th...
Greg Berry shares his insights on purchasing retired ambulances at auction. He explores the various ways these vehicles can be repurposed, from mobile businesses to unique RVs, and provides tips on what to look for when buying a used ambulance.
Greg discusses how ambulances can be converted into mobile workshops, food trucks, or even tailgating vehicles. He highlights the advantages of using an ambulance, such as spacious interiors,...
Gavin Lingo shares his 38 years of experience in building and growing his landscaping and nursery company. He highlights some of his favorite projects, such as a large cobble driveway on a farm, which involved complex elevations, grades, hardscaping, and lighting. He also mentions big pond jobs with walls, retaining walls, and integrated lighting and audio systems. Gavin emphasizes the importance of logistics and coordination in ex...
Troy Bartron and Cindy Beck from Upper Mount Bethel Township share insights into the challenges and successes of managing a rural township's projects and resources. With a strong focus on community development and fiscal responsibility, they discuss Upper Mount Bethel Township's projects, including the restoration of a 60-acre park and the ongoing maintenance of their municipal fleet.
In this special episode of the Municibid Podcast, the Municibid team comes together to celebrate the company's 18th anniversary. Founder and CEO Greg Berry is joined by Jackie Blaskovich, Jameel Farruk, Sam Penkacik, and Sophie Eden to share their experiences, favorite memories, and dreams for the future of Municibid.
The team reflects on their initial exposure to government auctions and how their understanding has gr...
Jackie Blaskovich, Director of Customer Success at Municibid, celebrates her 8th Municiversary (Municibid anniversary). She shares her experiences working with bidders and sellers, the wildest items she's seen up for auction, and her dreams for Municibid's future.
Jackie highlights the excitement of watching auctions heat up in the final minutes and shares stories of bidders addicted to the thrill of winning. She highlight...
Greg Berry shares his insights on purchasing retired fire trucks at auction. Berry explores the unique features of these vehicles, the reasons fire departments sell them, and what to consider when buying one for personal or business use.
Berry discusses the various types of fire trucks available, from aerial trucks to water tenders, and how they can be repurposed for different applications, such as landscaping, farming, or even conv...
Jameel Farruk uncovers the trends he’s seeing in government surplus and the services for the public sector. He notes the rapid innovation in technology solutions designed to help governments operate smarter, more efficiently, and cost-effectively. He shares highlights from the government conferences he has recently attended and the ones he is looking forward to in the near future.
If you’re at the Government Purchasing As...
Justin McMinn shares the story of his company, Mobility of Denver, and their mission to provide affordable wheelchair accessible vehicles to individuals and families in need. McMinn and his partners started the business in 2014, initially selling used trucks and vans before recognizing the substantial demand for lower-priced mobility vehicles. In 2017, they formed a partnership with manufacturer VMI to offer both new and used wheel...
Greg Berry explores the advantages and potential drawbacks of purchasing a retired police vehicle at auction. Berry breaks down what sets police cars apart from their civilian counterparts and offers insider tips on what to look for when considering bidding on a decommissioned cop car.
Berry also delves into the most iconic police car models throughout the decades, from the classic Dodge Polara of the 1960s to the iconic F...
Michel Kershner provides an illuminating insider's perspective on the realities and challenges of police work. Kershner shares his journey from being inspired by his uncle, a retired Pennsylvania State Police Trooper, to navigating the initial culture shock of entering law enforcement from the Marine Corps.
Kershner emphasizes the importance of officers approaching each situation with empathy, thick skin, and adaptability, as n...
Derrick Hall shares how his non-profit agency, Greater Valley EMS, repurposed a coroner’s office pickup truck into a paramedic response vehicle. Derrick won a 2013 Chevy Silverado truck through a Municibid auction, attracted by the Stryker Power-LOAD stretcher system included, which they transferred to one of their ambulances. With ample storage for rescue equipment, the Chevy Silverado supports their ambulance crews on critical ca...
Richard Twomey, a structural fire protection engineer, shares his unique passion for locating, restoring, and reinstalling retired Federal Signal fire sirens in towns with volunteer fire departments. Twomey's journey began with winning a 1983 siren from central Pennsylvania at a Municibid auction, which he meticulously restored and donated to the Jamesburg Fire Department in New Jersey after their existing siren failed.
Twomey&...
Ken Johnson shares his story of purchasing a 2001 Chevy 3500 fire truck from the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Department in Pennsylvania. He explains his motivations for wanting a diesel truck to tow his family's boat and why he felt confident bidding on this former fire department vehicle.
Ken and his 11-year-old daughter, Tatiana, recount the memorable experience of picking up the fire truck, getting a tour of ...
Ryan Greene shares the story behind the creation of Kaniksu and how his desire for better internet service led him to start the company. He explains the process of installing wireless antennas and fiber optic connections, highlighting the challenges and opportunities he encountered along the way. Ryan also discusses the unique choice of using an ambulance as a work truck for his business and the benefits it provides.
From climate co...
Greg Berry, CEO and Founder of Municibid, shares his unique journey from vocational technical high school to establishing his own business. He discusses the benefits of trade schools, entrepreneurism, and the many opportunities within the trade sector.
Greg touches on his experiences and the practical skills he acquired at a vocational technical high school, which propelled him into a successful entrepreneurial career. He reflects o...
Jason Bobst gives a rare behind-the-scenes look at the intricacies of municipal governance and the forward-thinking strategies for managing township resources. With his deep understanding of public administration, Jason brings to light the dynamic range of services his township provides, along with engaging tales of West Norriton's historical roots linked to Thomas Jefferson.
Jason discusses the day-to-day operations of managin...
Gene Irvin, Fleet Supervisor of Springfield Township, shares an insider’s view on managing a municipal fleet and the benefits of using online auction platforms for handling government surplus. Gene details the nuances of vehicle maintenance within the township, shares intriguing historical facts about Springfield, and highlights the significant cost savings from shifting the police fleet to hybrid vehicles.
Get an inside look at Spr...
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