Who is this Guy?
Paul Cramer lives in the Midwest with his amazing wife and three boys, who are way cooler than he was at their respective ages. His wife created an environment of “Why not?” which has led Paul and his family to pursue several entrepreneurial and artistic adventures.
Paul can often be found at local coffee shops with family and friends, bantering about music, movies, remember-whens, what-ifs, and next big ideas. Storytelling and laughter are constants. If he isn’t working or hanging out with family and friends, he can be found trying to make his wife and boys laugh as they wonder about town.
Influences
Catcher In the Rye
Catcher in the Rye was the first book I ever read based on a friend's recommendation. I was immediately drawn to Holden Caulfield. His ability to describe the setting around him and the thoughts he was having as others were engaging with him, blew me away. Oftentimes I felt like it was me, rather than Holden Caulfield who was talking. Pure paper magic!
Bob Mould
The cool thing would be for me to say that I first learned of Bob Mould when he was in Husker Du. That wasn’t the case. His first solo album, Workbook was my first exposure. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I could relate to the angst of his voice, the distortion of his guitar, and the genius in his ability to do what he wanted to, regardless of what he had done in the past. Not to mention he can scream in tune - so freaking cool.
The Outsiders
I was introduced to the book The Outsiders by watching the movie first. I had never sought out a book prior to The Outsiders. I was completely immersed in the story. I imagined myself being like Dally, even though I was the furthest thing from tough or a greaser. It was the first book I read where I imagined, unabashedly, about being someone other than myself. I felt cool!
Janes Addiction
Uninhibited, wild, and mysterious is what I thought when I first heard Janes Addiction. My music tastes were pretty rigid until I heard them. They inspired me to think different. Instantly I started to consume music differently. I embraced my old favorites while indulging into the new. It was ok to be a rock guy, a pop guy, a punk guy, an alternative guy, all at the same time.
Death of a salesman
Senior year of high school we had to read Death of a Salesman. I remember my teacher saying that he could tell I was changed as a result of that play. It was the first time reading where I could feel the characters. I felt like I knew them. I experienced the saying “art mirrors life”.
Lou Reed
I was in the basement of a buddy’s house. He had cool older brothers. He grabbed “Lou Reed Live” and turned up the volume. “Vicious” started to blast through the speakers. I was instantly teleported into the coolness of the city. I felt different. I felt confident. I felt, for a moment, that I belonged.
The Goal
The Goal was the first business book I ever read. The author, Eliyuhu M. Goldratt cleverly wrote a fictional business novel to help explain the Theory of Constraints. I was enthralled. I felt smart. I felt like I knew something no one else did. Surprisingly I was able to understand complex ideas. It got me excited about learning. I didn’t fear topics or ideas that I didn’t know. I started to seek new ways of thinking out as a result of The Goal.