San Antonio, Texas, United States
As the eldest daughter of Daniel Kruse, co-founder of Kruse International, I was literally born into the burgeoning collector car auction industry. At age five, I was already running clerk tickets at the Auburn Auction over Labor Day weekend. Every summer was spent on the road with my father, who personally trained and mentored me. From clerk and bidder assistant to ringman, auctioneer, and ultimately Chief Operations Officer—I’ve held every role on the auction floor and in the back office. There isn’t a single position in this business I haven’t experienced firsthand. Over my 30+ year career, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many of the industry’s leading auction houses, renowned collectors, and their families. As a third-generation member of the Kruse legacy, these experiences have given me a deep, uncommon perspective on both the art and the business of collector cars. I’m happy to provide professional and personal references, expand on any part of my background, or share a detailed résumé upon request.
Manage a wide range of aspects for a boutique collector car auction company holding four annual auctions with annual sales of $5,000,000-10,000,000 million. • Coordinate physical auction sites including identifying markets, renting facilities, acquiring permits and required licensing, site logistics, and hiring safety and security personnel. • Recruit and supervise expert staff. • Support the development of corporate branding, print and digital advertising, email and SMS campaigns, social media, and public relations. • Build and maintain industry and client relationships. • Negotiate private sales of vehicles. • Appraise collectible, vintage and luxury vehicles, automobile related memorabilia and privately held collections. • Direct corporate utilization of online platforms for virtual auctions including creation of online catalogue, assisting clientele, and formalizing sales paperwork.
Operations and sales director for online auction house. • Executed the full sales process with consignors and buyers. • Oversaw and designed social media and digital marketing. • Content writer for blog.
Consult on business practices, sales processes, business procedures and conflict resolution. • Guided ownership and employees on best business practices. • Supervised management of onsite auction office. • Facilitated both consignors and buyers with the auction process.