Born and raised in the Netherlands, Johannes Krane witnessed firsthand the atrocities of World War II and the Nazi occupation that scarred his childhood. But instead of succumbing to the traumas of war, Johannes channeled his strength and perseverance toward building a new life in America.

With an unyielding spirit, he excelled in his education and later as a successful entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. His passion for art led him to establish galleries showcasing breathtaking works worldwide. As a true visionary, Johannes even anticipated the rise of online bookselling, founding Elephant Books during the early days of Amazon. Through it all, he remains a shining example of resilience and the strength of the human spirit to overcome adversity.