"Tuned" chronicles the life lessons learned from a career of fascinating international work experiences while remaining grounded in strong family and personal values. Kevin Cramton's rise to CEO positions details tactics of risk taking and open communication that made him successful. Working together with him was fun and now I know why he made a great executive."

 

- Thomas Stallkamp, former President of Chrysler Corp and DaimlerChrysler Corp.

Wow, if you want to read a very interesting book with a little dose of cars, a healthy dose of Motown music and a very large dose of common sense and advice about family, business and life in general, read “Tuned” by Kevin Cramton. Kevin writes in an easy to read and enjoyable style, and I often found myself stopping to think about what he had written. Kevin’s story is the story of adaptation and living the “American Dream” from the rough streets of Detroit to the highest level of business and society.    

 

- Randy Foutch, Oil and natural gas entrepreneur, decent cowboy, much better pilot and an avid reader of good books

Buckle up for a fast ride! Kevin invites us to sit up front for an authentic American success story. His telling offers rich lessons and valuable takeaways, all shared in a spirit of adventure and gratitude. Working with Kevin for years in a public company board room, I've watched him contribute sound judgment, rich wisdom, and insightful guidance that only comes from sitting in the driver's seat. He delivers all that and more to his readers as he shares his deep experience while genuinely prioritizing his faith and family. A rare feat. This is a timely and fun read. Take the road trip!

 

- Hans Helmerich, Chairman of the Board, Helmerich & Payne

Kevin’s incredible storytelling ability shines through from the first page, and had me captivated as I anticipated what else he would share about his upbringing and how it influenced his choices and direction his life would take, making him the accomplished person he is today . As he told his story and rolled what he learned into practical and actionable advice on effective leadership, it made me reflect on the excellent experiences we shared while working together at Ford leading the company into the next generation of automotive technology. It was a journey to introduce new powertrain and vehicle technologies and partnerships into Ford’s product portfolio, with Kevin bringing his global experiences, business acumen, and keen sense of humor to help us navigate all the challenges. The way he integrated his love of his family into the book is foundational to who he is as a person, and a defining character trait of the person who I am so proud to call my good friend. 

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- MaryAnn Wright, Automotive industry veteran and board director

This is a classic American feel-good story. From the humble beginnings of a Midwest boy from Detroit to the boardrooms in Paris, Tokyo and London, it transcends business — it’s ultimately a story about how to live a good life.

 

- Gary Silberg​, Retired Partner, Global Head of Automotive, KPMG LLP

“Get Ready” to be entertained and educated, as Kevin relates his life journeys to his experience-learned “four keys to the Dream”. You will appreciate and enjoy the healthy doses of insight, inspiration, and motivation; for me, the wide-ranging benefits of (and guidelines for) “taking smart risks” resonated the most. And the introduction (or re-introduction) to the wonders of classic Motown music will be a delightful cherry on the sundae. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to keep you from this book!

 

- Mark Malcolm, Former colleague & CEO

Kevin Cramton’s successful journey in Corporate America reinforces one of my strong beliefs in life- that if you believe strongly in your mission, you have to embrace a simple concept: to never accept “NO” as an answer. One needs to convert a no to a yes.Kevin’s journey embodies my philosophy- a “NO” is a bridge to a “YES”.  Tuned was that bridge. 

 

- Fares Noujaim, Vice Chairman, Guggenheim Partners

Cramton's thrilling account of his journey from the streets of Motown to the boardrooms of Tokyo, Paris, New York, and London is a testament to his strong leadership and commitment to family. Having the opportunity to work with him directly and witness first-hand how he transformed private equity-owned businesses to engineer success and generate great returns for his partners was truly inspiring. Cramton deftly navigated senior positions in expat roles and major domestic corporations. “Tuned” is a must read for anyone in private equity, corporate America, or finance seeking to learn by example how a person can thrive both personally and professionally in any environment. 

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- Michael Duran, Founder, Mill Point Capital

Kevin Cramton’s book "TUNED” is an inspiring journey of personal growth and professional success that will resonate with readers from all walks of life. This captivating memoir captures Cramton’s remarkable and engaging story of rising from working-class roots in Detroit to becoming a global business leader, weaving in the rhythms of Motown as a metaphor for life's challenges and triumphs.  

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The book’s four key lessons for leadership and life, illustrated through insightful business and personal examples, will help anyone seeking to learn, grow, and achieve excellence.  Part memoir, part leadership guide, and wholly inspiring, "TUNED" is a great read with powerful life lessons!  

 - Michael Meese, Retired General, President, AAFMA

With his humble beginnings, "Tuned" shares Mr. Cramton's keen insights gleaned from years of hard-knock experiences that he accumulated while competing globally against the world's shrewdest bankers. Never losing sight of his strong work ethic or integrity, instilled in him at a young age growing up in the Motor City, he eschews arrogance as he drives home numerous, practical remedies. This book is a delight for anyone, and a special treat, for those fortunate enough to reminisce about simpler days growing up in Detroit.  In true, classic modesty, the author recalls a time when he held up the groom in a chair at a wedding.  In fact, over the years, it was Mr Cramton who supported the dreams, wishes and future for many who interacted with him.  The book "Tuned" will allow many others in the future, to stand tall on his shoulders.    

 

– Joel Shulman Ph.D., CFA | Founder/CIO, EntrepreneurShares LLC

This book will grab you and pause the time around you. It gifts you with powerful business and leadership lessons with vignettes gently interspersed between brave life adventures (of a loving family man), whilst delightfully combining local Motown music themes and American lifestyle based around friends, sport and teams. It is equally meaningful across generations, providing life-transforming pearls of wisdom whether facing decisions about what university to attend or running companies. This learning can positively influence creativity and courage. It uncompromisingly pushes you to be fearless and to be an active player who can embrace even failures without losing enthusiasm, and to maintain a curious and explorative mind. It encourages you to strive to achieve your dreams and make an impact on the world.

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- Dr. Lucia Batty, Physician, London England

In this age of Nepo babies, Kevin Cramton’s story can inspire everyone to achieve success in multiple aspects of life, not just the boardroom.  As “Dr. K’s” creator, I have seen over the last four decades how his hard work, meeting the Redhead and seeking spiritual direction have helped Cramton stay grounded, while attaining success inside the corner office and at home.  His accounts and life lessons tell an inspiring story for readers of all ages and backgrounds.

 

- Steve McGowan, Former VP Univision, PBS and Discovery Communications

Kevin Cramton's four ways to become "Tuned" will entertain, inform and inspire, but that's not all. There's a fifth lesson you'll discover when reading about his extraordinary journey with his beloved wife, Faye. Their acts of faith and generosity for family, friends and especially those less fortunate will leave a lasting impression and will be the legacy of this book.

They've been an inspiration for me and I hope you'll discover the same thing. Well done, my friends.

 

- Mark Falkner, The Detroit News, Assistant Sports Editor

Get ready to be inspired as Kevin shares his incredible life journey in this book. Packed with invaluable wisdom and real-life insights, this is a must-read for anyone looking to achieve success in every aspect of life!

 

- Tim Duncan, Successful Industry Executive, Business Consultant, Executive Director Industry Association, and Nonprofit Board Chairman

Kevin Cramton’s Tuned inspires us to align our talents and interests, reminding us that trying new things and lifelong learning are crucial to finding the right path for our careers and lives. As a fellow Motown kid and Ford colleague, I can attest that Kevin's leadership lessons are invaluable for anyone seeking to grow both personally and professionally.”

 

- Kenneth Behr, Executive Director of Faith Dialogue, friend and former Ford colleague of the author

Tuned is an excellent read and provides important insights into the value of building relationships and smart risk taking. The concepts outlined provide a framework for developing successful relationships and strategies for accessing intelligent risk analysis.  The techniques for both topics can be applied on a daily basis through the life journey.

 

- Kevin Bagby, Former Public and PE CFO

Navigating today’s dynamic, complex operating environments requires street wisdom, global corporate wisdom, and board wisdom. My friend and colleague, Kevin Cramton, has a stronghold on all three! His work in “Tuned” will deliver a leadership ride that provides humor, heart, and a toolbox of Motown classics to enhance the ride on your leadership road ahead.

 

- Richard S. Lytle, Ph.D., President and CEO, CEO Forum, Inc.; Director Emeritus, Lytle Center for Faith and Leadership   

I found this book absolutely fascinating as a record of a life well lived, full of hard-won practical experience and smart advice applicable to us all. It's much much more than just another Business Manual.  It's a stimulating autobiography of a family man of principle and belief who shares some great global business strategic insights; tracking his personal experiences and philosophy development across the continents and different industries at key junctures in history with some fabled major players. Kevin clearly comes across as a well-respected proven global leader with integrity, energy and a track record of delivery achievement, but who has never forgotten his roots. 

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- John Hitcham, Managing Director, specialist UK based Automotive Consultancy

A must-read for any business leader. Tuned presents captivating, personal, and compelling insights to become a more effective, successful, and transformative business executive.

 

- Matthew Wirgau, Founder and CEO, Midwest Financial M&A.

This book would be an entertaining read for anyone. However, the stories told, and the lessons imparted would be most helpful to someone thinking about where they want to go in life or early in their career. 

 

- David Jansen, Past Chairman, National Polish American Sports Hall of Fame

"Tuned" is an inspirational book following the rise from Motown to being involved with international business. Keeping his focus on success in both business and his personal life, he continues his journey to the top of the business world. The vision presented is one that can be followed by individuals seeking to rise in the world of business.

 

With a blend of humor and Motown music, Kevin shares his journey from his early years to his rise to the top of the business world. Sharing both personal and business stories, he clearly illustrates the keys to success that aspiring executives can follow for success. It can be seen as a reference handbook for future executives.

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Tim Lewis, Mayor, Charlotte, MI

Kevin blends tenets of success in life with family antidotes and business strategy that makes for an enlightening journey. It creates a model for others seeking business success and success in life to follow.

 

- Nancy Lewis, First Lady

A most incredible book! I love the fact that Kevin made it very clear from the get-go about his faith, and also his incredible relationship with Faye and that she is the cornerstone relationship. That’s an amazing thing. 

 

I also love his illustrations throughout the whole of the book. I imagined being on the basketball court when he’s talking about having to go home in his bloodied body. All of these experiences on the basketball court helped him to be a very good negotiator, even within the ranks of the car plants in Japan. So many of his younger days in Detroit as a young guy helped him to be the guy he is — Corporate CEO, leading companies, helping companies out of crisis.

 

I love seeing how our lives had many similarities, Japan, Melbourne, The Beatles; all of this has brought us together as good friends. I’m feeling very privileged that I met him when I did, back in the ‘90’s. I’ve learned so much from Kevin. I’ve been mentored, encouraged, and I hope that I’ve encouraged him in my own way. Reading this book has enthused me — I read it from cover to cover without putting it down. I saw so many new things. His wife Faye is Baptist; he’s Catholic. My wife was Catholic, I was Baptist but I grew up as a Catholic. We can both see these interacting lives, and how our life-long partners have been the backbone of everything we’ve done.

 

I love the part where Faye asked him to go to the homecoming dance; to see them on that first night out. I’ve never seen Kevin’s hair that long! It's been a privilege to be part of the Cramton family life. To marry Claire , baptize Rose — these are highlights of my life. He’s a huge sponsor to our church and we are grateful for his sponsorship. I look forward to how this book will be blessed by others, I’m sure they’re going to be encouraged, enthused and challenged. 

 

- Ian Batty, Reverend, Abbey Road Baptist Church, London England