In a special episode of the Municibid Podcast, the team comes together to celebrate Municibid’s 18th anniversary and share their experiences, memories, and hopes for the future. Founded in 2006 by Greg Berry, Municibid has become a leading online government auction platform, connecting buyers and sellers across the United States. The company's success is rooted in its commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and community impact.
Navigating Challenges
Throughout its 18-year history, Municibid has faced its share of challenges, but the team's resilience and adaptability have always shone through. One of the most significant tests came during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jameel noted that “In 2020, when the pandemic hit, I was in my second year on the job, there was an initial level of uncertainty. And also I think just questions amongst all of us as to what direction are we going to take or what are we going to do, or what impact is this going to have? And Greg had come up with this idea where he had this sentiment that don't worry, we're going to ride through this and everything's going to be okay. And we're going to find ways to innovate.”
The team launched Municibid Connect, a free service that connected government agencies with suppliers of personal protective equipment (PPE). Greg Berry recalled the team's unanimous support for the initiative, stating, "There wasn't a single person who had any hesitancy or pushback on it. Everybody just agreed that it was the right thing to do." This moment exemplified Municibid's commitment to serving its customers and communities, even in the face of adversity.
The Power of a United Team
Despite their diverse backgrounds and personalities, the team members have formed a close-knit bond. Jackie Blaskovich, Director of Customer Success, shared a heartwarming story about how her colleagues attended her wedding, demonstrating the depth of their connection.
Greg and Jameel at Jackie’s wedding.
The company retreats have been a cherished time for the team to come together in-person. From arcade games to sailboat adventures, there’s never a dull moment during the Municibid retreats. Jackie said, “So my favorite memories are definitely the times that we get to be together and bond. We also spend a lot of that time talking about our ideas for Municibid, which I think is great. It's easier to discuss our ideas when we're face to face and everyone's able to chime in. But also being off the clock and enjoying time together. My favorite thing that's coming to mind is when we went to see Greg and we went to that place that had the game. We played skee ball and all those games. And I had a really great time that night.”
The Municibid team playing Skee Ball at a company retreat.
One particularly amusing story involved a team sailboat outing that turned into a rocky adventure. Jackie recalled being thrown across the boat into the captain, fearing she might go overboard.
The Municibid team on their sailboat adventure.
Despite the chaos, the team emerged unscathed and with a stronger bond, as Jameel noted, "It was, in some ways, a good team-building exercise in the sense that we all somehow survived fear and panic together."
Memorable Moments
From Jameel's humorous story about asking about backhoes on his first day to Greg's chance encounter with a Municibid customer at an Apple store in Las Vegas, these moments have become cherished memories that reflect the company's quirky and niche business.
The team tackles challenges, innovates, and grows together, all with a bit of quirkiness. As Jameel Farruk, Director of Sales, put it, "Our quirkiness is our strength because it allows us to think outside the box." The team's ability to work harmoniously has been a driving force behind the company's achievements.
Innovation and the Future of Municibid
As Municibid looks ahead to the future, innovation remains at the forefront of the company's plans. The team is excited about the potential for growth and the integration of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance the platform and user experience.
However, the team also recognizes the importance of maintaining a balance between technological advancements and personalized service. As Sam Penkacik, Head of Design, pointed out, "Good design shouldn't really be felt. It shouldn't be something that people really notice because you kind of get into the site and it's a tool that's so ergonomic that you're building out of a website that it just kind of fits."
The team's commitment to innovation is matched by their dedication to their customers and mission. Sophie Eden, Director of Marketing, expressed her excitement about the Share Your Story annual contest and the podcast, where she connects with bidders and sellers and learns about the creative ways they utilize the items they've won, showing their impact on communities nationwide.
The team hoping to reel in a shark off the NJ coast at one of their company retreats.
The Municibid story is one of innovation, growth, and community impact. Through the hard work and dedication of its quirky yet united team, the company has become a leader in the online government auction industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of what's possible and setting the standard for excellence. Municibid has not only helped government agencies maximize their returns on surplus assets but also provided countless opportunities for buyers to acquire unique items and give them new life.
This sense of purpose is what drives the Municibid team to continue innovating and growing. As Greg Berry stated, "Municibid offers us as a company endless opportunities for growth, for innovation, and to be able to provide better services or new services and the opportunity to help governments and help buyers."
As Municibid looks to the future, the team remains committed to its mission of supporting local communities and businesses, while also embracing new technologies and opportunities for growth. With a strong foundation built on 18 years of success and a talented team dedicated to making a difference, Municibid is grateful to continue to serve and positively impact communities for years to come.
