Go with a good neighbor

Frank Trunzo, owner of Krazy Kup in Plant City, is the head auctioneer for Sotheby’s Concierge Luxury Real Estate Auctions. Trunzo’s path to this auspicious role has been an interesting one.

Trunzo grew up in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He worked as a railroad brakeman and a lead singer in a production rock band in Texas. The latter did not last long, and he moved back to Pittsburg, where became an antique dealer. He was then hired on to be an auctioneer apprentice. He became a prominent auctioneer in Pittsburg and then landed in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he became the go-to celebrity auctioneer. He was thriving in the business.

Unfortunately, his personal life was not so successful. Following a divorce from his first wife, he moved back to Pittsburg, where he met the love of his life: his wife, Wenda. Trunzo explained, “During our time in Pittsburg, my antiques and auction knowledge landed me a position as head auctioneer of the then world-famous Great Gatsby Architectural Antiques Auction in Atlanta.”

Trunzo continued, “A sudden death of the owner ended that quest but opened a door to become head auctioneer at Dargate Galleries, a newly formed upscale antiques and art gallery in Pittsburg.”

Trunzo was then ofered a job in Florida. “In 10 days, I won the state auctioneer championship and two auto auctioneer jobs,” Trunzo explained. “Success of a contract auctioneer was mine. I was working contract auto auctions throughout the East Coast every day. Then, to my dismay, the internet captured the market. Trunzo then established a benefit auction business, which took of. Then, another opportunity presented itself. “I was ofered head auctioneer of a newly formed luxury real estate auction company. It was a big gamble,” Trunzo said.

“I have pedigree now. I went from selling items for one dollar in a country hall auction barn to selling multimillion dollar properties,” Trunzo said.

Trunzo has conducted over 5,000 auctions valued at over 5 billion dollars. “I hold the world record for the most expensive properties sold at live auction. I have conducted two historic auctions at Sotheby’s New York gallery and one in London,”

To keep up the energy he needs Trunzo owns the popular Krazy Kup cafe offering live music, authenic cofee, events and private rooms, located at 101 EJ Arden Mays Blvd. Plant City. For info, visit www.krazykup.com.

By Kathy L. Collins

Lions Club International is the world’s largest service club organization, having more than 1.4 million members in 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries. Locally, there are several vibrant Lions Clubs that strive to do good work for the community. These include the Plant City Lions Club, the Brandon Lions Club and the Fishhawk Lions Club.

Lions Club International has thousands of members and clubs globally, including three in our local area. Tese service clubs include the Plant City Lions Club, the Brandon Lions Club and the Fishhawk Lions Club.

The Plant City Lions Club was established on April 4, 1929.

Bridget Zickefoose with the Plant City Lions Club said, “Lions Clubs worldwide has made a significant impact in servicing those who are visually impaired as well as fight hunger, childhood cancer, humanitarian eforts, disaster relief and diabetes. It is through fundraisers such as the Florida Strawberry Festival Queens Pageant, Florida Strawberry Festival Food Booth [and] annual golf tournament the Plant City Lions Club can help contribute to the Lions’ mission.”

The Plant City Lions Club meets at Mt. Zion Assembly of God on the first Thursday of each month at 12 Noon and on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please visit www.plantcitylions.org.

The Brandon Lions Club was established in 1954. While the club has many services and activities, its primary focus is assisting those in need relating to sight conservation, prevention of blindness and dealing successfully with the loss of sight.

Joe Kuebler, treasurer for the Brandon Lions Club, said, “The main thing that could be said for the Brandon Lions Club is that we follow our Lions motto of ‘We Serve.’”

The Brandon Lions Club meets at 610 Limona Rd. in Brandon on the first and third Thursday of each month for dinner at 6:30 p.m. and a meeting at 7:30 p.m. For more information, please email brandonlionsclub@gmail.com.

The Fishhawk Lions Club, the newest area club, was established in 2020. This club contributes financially to traditional Lions charities, including the Lions Eye Institute in Ybor City.

Jack Bello, president of the Fishhawk Lions Club, said, “The Fishhawk Lions Club has served the community’s food banks, local charities and schools. The club’s latest projects include supporting foster children in local schools with its project of screening children’s eyes for numerous conditions. This endeavor will begin in the next few months.”

The Fishhawk Lions Club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at Grace Community United Methodist Church, located at 5708 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia. For more information, please visit www.Fishhawklionsclub.com.