Greg Schwabe’s StorageTreasures Journey: From Book Lover to Nationwide Auction Pro
When Greg Schwabe joined StorageTreasures in 2020, it wasn’t because he had a fascination with storage auctions—it was because he had a passion for books. Greg runs Schwabe Books, a thriving business with retail stores, an online operation that ships worldwide, and a warehouse holding more than 3 million books. But even with decades in the book business, finding unique and high-value inventory was a constant challenge.
That’s where StorageTreasures came in.
“I was looking for a way to find inventory for my stores,” Greg says. “I’d never bought books from storage units until the auction option came along. I started searching for units with books, and it opened up a whole new sourcing channel.”
The Thrill (and Strategy) of the Bid
Greg has won nearly 500 auctions on StorageTreasures. While he admits the bidding can get competitive, his approach is all about discipline.
“I come up with a number in my head and I don’t go above it,” he explains. “You can’t get caught up in the emotion. If you’re in this for the long term, you have to buy at a price that makes sense.”
Of course, there are moments when temptation strikes—zooming in on a photo at the last minute to see if there’s something he missed—but Greg knows the value of sticking to a plan.
Treasures Found and Lessons Learned
Over the years, Greg has uncovered everything from rare first editions and signed books to vintage toys and pop culture collectibles. Sometimes, those treasures are hidden in plain sight—other times, they’re tucked between book pages or in envelopes buried in a box.
“You have to be thorough,” he says. “I’ve found money hidden in books. You can’t assume that if you can’t see it, it’s not there.”
Not every unit is a home run, and Greg is the first to admit there are disappointments. But in his view, that’s part of the game—you roll with the bad and get ready for the next great find.
Sourcing Across the Map
Greg’s ProBusiness membership allows him to search nationwide and see every unit on the platform, no matter the distance. That’s a game-changer for someone willing to hop on a plane for the right auction.
“I’ve bought a unit at noon, caught a red-eye, and been at the facility when it opened the next morning,” Greg says.
Once on-site, Greg uses a network of local contacts to pack and palletize his finds, ship them back, and keep his inventory pipeline strong.
Advice for Newcomers
Greg’s guidance for anyone starting out is simple: buy what you know.
“If you know clothing, shoes, electronics—start there. Don’t overpay. Buy one unit, see how it goes, and build slowly. The opportunities are there if you’re smart about it.”
Why StorageTreasures?
For Greg, the answer is easy:
“It’s the #1 platform in the industry. At any time, there can be 30,000 units posted—more than anywhere else. If you want the most selection and the best chance to grow your business, you start with StorageTreasures.”
After four years of bidding, sourcing, and shipping inventory from all over the country, Greg has turned his StorageTreasures journey into a vital part of his business strategy. He is even on the StorageTreasures Auction Buyer Council– helping to improve the platform for all bidders. For him, each auction is more than just a bid—it’s the next chapter in a career built on finding value where others might overlook it. To watch his full interview click here. Wanting to score like Greg? Start bidding today!
