Military Surplus Trends and the Thrill of the Treasure Hunt

The Municibid Podcast

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/

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