The Municibid Podcast

Municibid
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Automotive
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 2d ago

    The Holy Grail of Rolex Collecting Found in a Police Auction

    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 marketing@municibid.com.

    45 min

  2. Jun 16

    Would You Turn This Inflatable Firehouse into a Bounce House?

    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 marketing@municibid.com.

    48 min

  3. Jun 8

    Police Chase Four-Wheeler, Fire Hose Dog Toys & More Wild Auctions

    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 marketing@municibid.com.

    52 min

  4. Jun 1

    Could You Turn This Sailboat Into an Airbnb?

    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 marketing@municibid.com.

    40 min

  5. May 26

    The Crabulance, Hummer, Camper: Summer Auction Finds

    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 MunicibidSign up to be the first to know when our mobile app launches: https://info.municibid.com/municibid-mobile-appGot feedback or want to be a guest? Email us at marketing@municibid.com.

    40 min

  6. May 18

    New Tools to Help You Win on Municibid

    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 MunicibidOur Google Chrome Extension: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/municibid-auction-assista/ondmchdgnobfaclnmecghmkpanlpmchh?pli=1Check out our full auctions map: municibid.com/mapTry our completely overhauled search: municibid.com/searchExplore our AI tools to search Municibid: https://info.municibid.com/municibid-chatgpt-appSign up to be the first to know when our mobile app launches: https://info.municibid.com/municibid-mobile-appGot feedback or want to be a guest? Email us at marketing@municibid.com.

    35 min

  7. 06/27/2024

    Season 1 Finale: Highlights of the Wild World of Government Surplus

    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 marketing@municibid.com

    10 min

  8. 06/20/2024

    The Pros and Cons of Buying a Retired School Bus

    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 MunicibidThe 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 marketing@municibid.com

    13 min
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Municibid
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Municibid Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Municibid Podcast

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