NOJO Spotlight : Sales Broker Kevin Kramer
Northrop & Johnson spotlights Sales Broker Kevin Kramer. Kevin was born in California and raised in Newport Beach. Kevin’s lifelong love of the sea and interest in yacht design drew him to a career in luxury motor yachts.
How did you get into the yachting industry and what led you to where you are today?
I started working on commercial dive boats when I was 15 and loved the ocean. I grew up going to the local bookstore to read Boat International magazine and was amazing at design and engineering. After 5 years on commercial boats, I took the leap into yachting with my USCG 100-ton license in hand and never looked back. I have a 5-year-old son now and when he had his second birthday I decided to commit to a shore-based position and joined N&J.
What do you think makes N&J special?
The family atmosphere at Northrop & Johnson is what makes the company stand out. Although it’s a large and now a public company, it still feels like a boutique shop where everyone, from the CEO to assistants, is approachable.
What do you like most about your job?
Traveling. I was told early on to work hard and travel even harder but that’s my favorite part. And the boats I guess…
What is your favorite cruising destination and why?
Summers in Alaska are my favorite. They offer fresh seafood all summer long, warm weather, icebergs, whales, and no one around.
If you had a yacht, what type would you have?
I would have an expedition-style for sure, one offering long-range with big tenders and a helicopter, of course.
If you had a yacht, where would you spend the most time aboard?
I heard Myanmar is amazing, but I haven’t been there yet. I would most likely spend time aboard the yacht surfing in the South Pacific or I would take the yacht somewhere I can heli-ski.
What’s your favorite activity you enjoy with friends/family?
I do most of my sporting activities, like running, surfing and snowboarding, solo so when I’m with friends and family, it’s all about food and drink.
What is one fun/unique fact about yourself?
I have a rescue dog named Abalone that never leaves my side.
What is one tip for first-time clients?
This should be fun! Clients work hard in order to purchase, so the process shouldn’t feel painful. My best advice is to work with good, trustworthy brokers, hire professional crew and buy for the “value,” not the “deal.”
