John Kraman was nicknamed The Professor. I was unaware of the moniker but well aware of another. John, who died on January 12, was a “go-to” guy.

 A network broadcaster for Mecum Auctions on its variety of broadcast outlets, Kraman became an industry friend. He was always available, always enthusiastic, always willing to share his knowledge of cars and the industry. His enthusiasm was like being on the receiving end of an unofficial pep-talk.

John and I met about 10 years ago and had spoken on the telephone several times before we met in person. David Morton, the Mecum communication director, called one day and invited me to lunch in Monterey. For nearly 10 years, I wrote a weekly column for the San Jose Mercury and other Bay Area News Group publications. Bruce Aldrich and I also co-hosted The Weekly Driver podcast for about seven years.

Morton was promoting the upcoming Mecum Auctions event, then still new to the Monterey Peninsula. I invited Bruce; David invited John. The two-hour lunch seemed like it lasted five minutes. John and David had plenty to share. Bruce and I learned about the company, how its auctions work and the evolving trends in the vintage car industry.

Through the years, John was a guest on our podcast several times and an expert for several columns I wrote on Monterey Auto Week. 

Last August, John Berg, publisher of drivingthebackroads.com., Bruce and I met in Monterey on the first day of the Mecum Auction. John Kraman had a busy schedule, but he met with the three of us to talk cars. As always, he was full of energy. John likely stayed to talk longer than his schedule allowed. But he did it anyway. The four of us talked about the auction world, travel, rock music, and, of course, cars.

I always thanked John for his time after every interview. It was the right thing to do. But I also had an ulterior reason. After I thanked him, John always said the same thing, “You’re welcome. Anytime for you, brother.” He may have said it to other reporters, but it didn’t matter. He was sincere and it felt good to hear the words.

That was John. He loved his job and loved talking to people. He was a “go-to” for many. It was an honor to know him.

Here are links to several articles and podcast episodes that included John’s expertise.
2024: Auctions Thrive at Monterey Auto Week https://www.siliconvalley.com/2024/08/25/auctions-thrive-at-monterey-auto-week/

2023: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-weekly-driver/267-the-voice-john-kraman-o3DgCw1aG2r/

2021: John Kraman talks Monterey Auto Week https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/440cef83-206b-46bf-a090-4ab72321dffa/episodes/b053cdbd-5d64-4711-a7b6-94c18688b40f/the-weekly-driver-podcast-188-broadcaster-john-kraman-talks-mecum-auctions

2018: Mecum Auctions: Everyman’s Show in Classic Car Week https://theweeklydriver.com/2018/08/mecum-auctions-everymans-show-in-classic-car-week/

2017: Mecum Auctions Offers Best Bargain at Monterey Auto Week https://theweeklydriver.com/2017/08/mecum-auctions-offers-best-bargain-monterey-auto-week/