From Dealership Floors to Auction Blocks: The Journey of John Kraman

This episode of the Break/Fix features John Kraman, the voice of Mecum Auctions, who shares his fascinating journey in the world of classic cars and broadcasting. Raised in Los Angeles during the 1960s and 70s, Kraman’s early exposure to automobiles at his father’s dealership cultivated a lifelong passion for cars. He discusses his career evolution from a car sales manager to an aircraft mechanic and ultimately joining Mecum Auctions in 2006. John has been a commentator on Mecum Auctions broadcast since 2008 and provides insights into the dynamics of auctioning classic cars, the transitions in his career, and the growth of Mecum Auctions into a leading entity in the collector car industry. Throughout the episode, he reflects on significant cars from his personal collection and provides anecdotes about his experiences in the auction world. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet John Kraman: From Dealerships to Mecum Auctions 01:49 John's Early Car Influences 03:33 Iconic Cars of the 60s and 70s 04:45 The Evolution of Car Dealerships 06:16 Memorable Car Models and Personal Stories 11:59 John's Career Shift to Aircraft 12:46 Joining Mecum Auctions 14:24 The Corvette vs. 911 Debate 16:25 Funny Auction Stories 17:37 Transitioning to the Voice of Mecum 17:52 Becoming the Voice of Mecum 18:15 First TV Experience 19:57 Challenges of Live TV 20:37 Transition to Lead TV Commentator 22:45 Behind the Scenes of Mecum Auctions 27:35 Unique Auctions Across the Country 29:37 Impact of TV and Technology on Auctions 32:00 Expanding Beyond Cars 33:20 Shoutouts and Acknowledgements 34:38 Conclusion and Future Prospects ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram This episode has been brought to you by MECUM Auctions the world leader of collector car, vintage and antique motorcycle, and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has specialized in the sale of collector cars for more than 35 years, now offering more than 22,000 lots per year and averaging more than one auction each month. Mecum Auctions is headquartered in Walworth, Wisconsin, and since 2011 has been ranked No. 1 in the world with the number of collector cars offered at auction and is host to the world's largest collector car auction held annually in Kissimmee, Florida, as well as the largest motorcycle auction held annually in Las Vegas. Mecum's Road Art and Mecum On Time divisions offer a wide-variety of collectibles for live and online auctions. This episode is sponsored in part by Garage Style Magazine. Since 2007, GSM has been the definitive source for car collectors, continually delivering information about Automobilia, Petroliana, Events and more... because after all, what doesn't belong in your garage?