Coffee Cup Conversations

[jimm127]

Everyone has an interesting story to tell, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Where we were educated, our profession, our passions - these things often define us and make us the unique individual that we are. The calm and cool exterior of Adolf Kohn hides a colourful past that includes over a decade in America as a pawnbroker. Considering what he is up to now on our small island, it seems that life isn't all that different today! Over a cup of black coffee Adolf begins by telling me that he originally comes from Germany. He also tells me that he has a background in finance. His banking career with various international companies meant that he developed many overseas connections; he even lived and worked for awhile in Luxembourg. Eventually his worldly travels took him to California, America, where he ended up spending many happy years. The warm weather and the relaxing lifestyle kept him contended, but his job made life in the USA even more exciting. It's not every day that you get to meet someone who once owned a pawnbrokers shop in Southern California. In some ways the basic principles in running a pawnbrokers is similar to banking - the lending of money to those in need. According to Adolf the pawnbrokers industry in America is big. He informs me that around twenty percent of Americans don't have a bank account. As a result of this many Americans go to pawnbrokers for some quick cash in times of need. A customer would come to Adolf's shop with an item, say a watch. The watch is valued and money is given to the customer in exchange for the item. The pawnbroker would keep the watch, and if the seller wants to buy it back, they can, if not, the said item is sold on by the pawnbroker. Adolf learnt a lot in the 'land of the free.' Whilst in America Adolf made a Turkish Cypriot friend who told him about the island of Cyprus. After visiting the TRNC Adolf decided that he wanted to move out to live permanently. Residing in the Girne area, Adolf eventually came across 'Ian's Auction' in Ozanköy. With a keen eye for high quality goods and an interest in second hand items, Adolf not only attended the auctions but in 2009 he became the owner of the company. The auction has been a popular venue for many years and there are hundreds of goodies up for grabs. Furniture is always popular, as are seasonal items like fans and garden furniture in the summer and gas heaters in the winter months. 'Ian's Auction' is held on the first Sunday of every month, usually starting at about 11am and lasting for at least two hours. Items can be delivered and added to the sale right up until the Thursday before the event. Viewing is open to the public on the Saturday before the big day. Adolf conducts the auctions himself and he also offers to collect and deliver items that are too large to be transported in a regular family car. Adolf is keen to keep the popularity of the auctions alive and has many creative ideas. For example, with social media and the Internet the way forward, it is hoped that an online catalogue of the items included in the auctions will be developed soon. Adolf and his staff at Ian's Auction look forward to meeting old and new friends at the first auction of 2016, to be held on Sunday the 3rd of January. That's one date to circle in red on the new calendar you receive this Christmas and New Year.