Since we first saw him flexing his infamous muscles on our television screens for Fitness Made Simple in the early 2000s, John Basedow has evolved into a jack-of-all-trades, and a master of most. His latest accomplishment, a live auction show called JB’s Fantastic Finds, is an unexpected turn in his continuously impressive road to success as an entrepreneur and television personality.
JB’s Fantastic Finds combines the worlds of myth and fantasy with jewelry and trinkets from all over the world. Basedow himself goes ‘treasure hunting in the wild’ to find many of the exceptional pieces. Though his passion for finding treasures began as a young child, this new route to create a career out of it seemed surprising to most considering his past resume as a fitness guru.
“When I was a kid I’d see extremely bright, talented folk grow up, enter the business world and basically taper down every edge that made them unique to become an unknown cog in the wheel of society. Whether it was a consequence of trying to be like everyone else or the aftermath of facing challenges in achieving their dreams, they lost their shine and what made them special. I decided early on I would not be one of those people. I define success as being able to do what you love, make a living at it and have a positive impact on others, while being at the mercy of no one. JB’s Fantastic Finds is a bizarre twist in my journey that I wanted to explore, and I hope its success will inspire others to follow their dreams as well,” said Basedow.
Basedow’s passion and overall ability to create a fun environment in the show is said to be its most valuable aspect by many viewers. The combination of informative gem lore, comedy and entertainment from Basedow allows them to experience joy from the comfort of their homes. The impact JBFF has had on its viewers is impressive to say the least.
“I’ve watched JB’s Fantastic Finds evolve since I was just a buyer at the very start of the show. I initially came to shop, but was captivated by John’s friendly and personable approach, his knowledge of the gems and the environment overall. I haven’t missed a show since I started watching. If my friends ask me to go out on a Saturday, I always have plans, and those plans allow me to have the most fun and enjoyment I have all week with John and the rest of the Fantastic Finds family,” said JBFF viewer Gaye Koutrelakos.
Throughout his expansive career as an entrepreneur, John Basedow makes one common theme apparent… to create a positive influence in the world. With JB’s Fantastic Finds, Basedow has created friendships and a community where everyone who’s anyone can enjoy the humor, fun and valuable items it has to offer. Viewers rave about the enthralling experience that makes it so much more than your typical talk show.
“It’s a safe-zone where you never feel judged. You can joke with others and create real friendships on top of the beautiful artifacts. John is an exceptional human and host. He is always so enthusiastic and everyone is always reciprocating that attitude. I’ve made so many wonderful friends that I talk to on a regular basis now. Who would have thought all that good could come from just one show?” said viewer Sonia Engle Murphy.
The safe zone environment Basedow has created for viewers of Fantastic Finds can also be a safe zone for your wallet. Treasures for purchase start at prices as low as just a few dollars and go up to hundreds.
“Whether it’s the beauty, style, history or metaphysical properties, there is something for everyone to find. What’s really cool from the responses I see is that each treasure folk win becomes a tangible reminder of the joy they had at the show,” said Basedow.
A quick scan over the plethora of viewer posts and comments gracing the JBFF Facebook Group Page reveals the level of that joy.
“I am always like a child in candy store when I open my packages. Thanks JB. Keep bringing these wonderful treasures!” – JBFF viewer Chantel Hogan
“Over the moon with happiness! Your finds are our enjoyment! Love all of them and thank you so much for the fantastic surprises… made me smile from ear to ear!!” – JBFF viewer Lisa Wait
“John Basedow is the man, the myth and legend of this show and his Fantastic Finds are just the bonus. Million thanks John and I truly love every piece I got.” – JBFF viewer Janice Marek
Industry insider Christine Drawdy, who’s been in the jewelry auction business for years and collected gems, rocks and fossils since childhood, adds she has great respect for Basedow. “He’s obviously a showman. Definitely someone that’s meant to draw an audience and a lot of people, but he actually comes with the facts and that’s what impresses me. He is undeniably authentic and genuine as his word,” expanded Drawdy.
JBFF viewer Sonia Engle Murphy echoes Drawdy’s sentiment… “He is as genuine and authentic as the gems. What I appreciate even more is how much he retains about his viewers. He can remember so many of us by name and state, and there was one occasion where he even remembered my ring size. You don’t find hosts like John on other shows. You can feel that he puts his heart and soul into everything he does. It doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes! JBFF is truly like therapy.”
As a maverick of the industry, Basedow was the first to use traditional media to market a new media platform with JB’s Fantastic Finds. After creating a ‘Discover Your Treasure’ themed television commercial for the show and running that nationally, JBFF saw an exponential increase of Facebook members and viewers.
“As someone who has known John for years, his success and courage to make bold moves has never ceased to amaze me. He was able to manifest viewers to an entirely new platform that lacked exposure with his television commercial for JB’s Fantastic Finds. I’ve never seen such explosive success,” said viewer Andrea Lee.
Since the JBFF TV spot, which added the infectious ‘Sold Sold Sold’ catchphrase to our pop culture lexicon, first aired in late 2021, JB’s Fantastic Finds grew from 400 to 25,000 plus members. Basedow and the rest of the Fantastic Finds viewers welcome others to come ‘join the family’ because there is treasure to be found for everyone.
To join JB’s Fantastic Finds and discover your treasure, click here to become a member of the JBFF Facebook Group, where you can view the show every Tuesday and Saturday.
