Exploring Life & Business with Peter Palazzolo of Michigan Military Supply LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Peter Palazzolo.

Hi Peter, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been fascinated by military history—the gear, the stories behind it, and the craftsmanship you just don’t see anymore. That interest naturally turned into a side business online, where I started selling surplus items I had collected or sourced. But the more I got into it, the more I noticed something: military surplus stores were disappearing across Michigan. The few that were left either didn’t carry the real-deal gear anymore, or they were closing up altogether.

When I saw the opportunity to open a physical location, it felt like the right move—not just for my business, but for the community. I wanted to create a space that brought back that old-school surplus store experience, where you can actually pick something up, feel the weight of it, and know it was built to last. A place where every piece has a story, and where people who are into this kind of gear—collectors, veterans, reenactors, or just folks who appreciate quality—can come in and find something unique.

Opening the shop was a leap of faith, but it’s one I’m glad I took. There’s something special about offering people a place where they can step into a different world for a bit—whether they’re hunting for rare gear or just soaking in the atmosphere. This store isn’t just about selling things—it’s about keeping a piece of history alive.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been easy, but I wouldn’t expect it to be. Running a small business—especially in a niche like military surplus—comes with its fair share of challenges. Finding authentic gear takes time and effort. It’s not something you can just restock with a click. Every shipment is a bit of a treasure hunt, and that’s part of what keeps it interesting.

Opening a physical store added some real logistics to figure out—balancing overhead, getting foot traffic, handling all the behind-the-scenes work solo. But I’ve learned a lot along the way, and every obstacle has helped me get sharper, more efficient, and more dialed-in to what my customers are looking for.

It’s not always a smooth ride, but that’s part of what makes it worthwhile. You adapt, you figure things out, and you keep moving forward.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Michigan Military Supply LLC?
I run a military surplus store that offers a mix of authentic surplus gear and new tactical equipment. I focus on quality and originality—real military gear with history behind it, and modern tactical gear that’s built to perform.

I carry everything from uniforms and field gear to packs, helmets, body armor, and more. Some of it’s vintage, some of it’s brand new, but all of it is carefully chosen. What sets my shop apart is that I don’t just sell gear—I know what it is, where it came from, and what makes it worth owning.

I’m proud of the shop I’ve built. It’s the kind of place I always wished existed—something you don’t see much anymore. Whether you’re a collector, a reenactor, someone who works in the field, or just someone who likes solid gear, there’s something here for you.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve wanted to run my own business ever since I was a kid, watching my dad build and run his. Seeing how hard he worked and how much pride he took in it really stuck with me. That was a big influence on me—it made owning a business feel possible, and worth striving for.

I’ve also had a lot of help from friends who supported me from the beginning. Some helped with the physical setup of the store, others pitched in with ideas or just kept me going when things got overwhelming. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without them.

And then there are the customers who’ve supported the shop since day one—people who keep coming back, spread the word, and genuinely care about what I’m building here. That kind of support means a lot, especially in a niche like this.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.MichiganMilitarySupply.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michigan_military_supply/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086640879731
• Twitter: https://x.com/MIMilSupply
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/michigan-military-supply-nunica?osq=Military+Surplus