Life at OPENLANE Mental Health Awareness Month Edition: Q&A with Krysten Hohl, Market Sales Director

To wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, we’ll check in with Krysten Hohl, Market Sales Director at OPENLANE. She talks about her career journey, the power of positivity and the importance of mental wellness in the workplace.

What has your journey at OPENLANE looked like? 

I have technically worked for this company twice. I started in our physical auction business in 2014. I left briefly, but came back in 2019 when we introduced our digital dealer-to-dealer marketplace — then called TradeRev — to the area. And I’ve been saying yes to opportunities within this company ever since! I’ve had the privilege of working across four different geographical areas and managing three different teams so it has been quite an exciting journey.

What’s one thing you’re most proud of during your time here?

I’m most proud of being able to participate in the MentalWellness@OPENLANE employee resource group (ERG). Out of all my time spent with the company, being in this ERG is the most connected I’ve felt, especially being a remote worker. These ERGs are just so important because they connect people that may never have crossed paths otherwise.

What’s a piece of advice for newcomers to the company?

It can be hard being new so I always want to emphasize ways people can get connected and the Hub (our intranet) is a great place to start. That’s usually my first recommendation to my new hires. If you’re looking for something, the first place to start is the search bar on the Hub. There is a good chance you’ll find what you are looking for.

What does Mental Health Awareness mean to you? 

Mental health or wellness is such a broad term because it can mean something different to everybody. We all experience stress and the ups and downs of life and work at one point or another — sometimes that’s you, and sometimes that’s a friend, a coworker or a family member. The MentalWellness@OPENLANE ERG is that safe space where everybody can be vulnerable and connect with each other. It’s so important to recognize mental wellness in the workplace.

Do you have a favorite mental health quote or words to live by? 

I’m big on manifesting and daily affirmations — I always say, “Speak it into existence.” I also believe in the power of positivity. It’s all about what it is you’re going through that day and what speaks to you based on those circumstances.