November 08, 2023

The Voice of MECUM Auctions (John Kraman)

39 minutes

Raised in auto-obsessed Los Angeles during the 1960s and ‘70s, our guest spent his youth hanging around the dealerships where his dad sold cars. This experience bred a lifelong interest in both the cars and the business of selling them. He enjoyed a long and successful career first as a sales manager for retail auto sales, and later shifting gears to work in aircraft sales.

Joining the Mecum team in 2006, John Kraman served as the co-director of consignments for Mecum Auctions alongside Frank Mecum. Beginning in 2008 and continuing today, Kraman has been the commentator of Mecum Auctions broadcast on NBC Sports Network, MotorTrend TV and others. And he’s here to tell us all about his fascinating career journey in the world of classic cars and broadcasting.

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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

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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?

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