Dean Kruse
Dean V. Kruse | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1941 |
| Occupation(s) | Auctioneer, businessman, politician |
| Years active | 1957–2010 |
| Known for | Auctioneer, former CEO of Kruse International, Indiana State Senator |
Dean V. Kruse (born 1941) is a retired American auctioneer and former chief executive officer of Kruse International. His professional journey began within the family-owned auction enterprise established by his father, Russell W. Kruse, where he ultimately ascended to the role of president. Often referred to as the "Dean of Auctioneers," Kruse gained recognition as a leading personality in the classic car auction industry.
After graduating in 1957 from the Reppert School of Auctioneering located in Decatur, Indiana, Kruse achieved the milestone of conducting his 5,000th auction by 1987 in Houston, distinguishing himself as one of the youngest individuals to reach this accomplishment.
Between 1966 and 1970, Kruse held office as an Indiana State Senator, elected at 25 years old as a member of the Democratic Party. He has also been honored as a past president and inducted into the hall of fame of the Indiana Auctioneer's Association, joining his father Russell and brother Dennis Kruse in this distinction.
In 1999, Kruse orchestrated the sale of Kruse International along with Billpoint to the online marketplace leader eBay for $275 million. He later repurchased the company in 2002. The capital from this transaction supported the establishment of two Auburn-based museums: the World War II Victory Museum and the Kruse Automotive Horse Power and Carriage Museum.
On May 25, 2010, following complaints regarding unpaid consignors at his auctions, the Indiana Auctioneer Commission imposed a two-year suspension on Kruse's personal license and permanently revoked the license held by Kruse, Inc.