Life at OPENLANE: Q&A with Michele Wedemire Senior Manager VLC Operations, OPENLANE Canada
In this Life @ OPENLANE feature, Michele Wedemire shares her incredible journey from OPENLANE’s early days to leading the Ottawa VLC. She reflects on what drives her, the lessons she’s learned, and what makes her most proud of her team and career.
What has your journey at OPENLANE looked like?
I actually started with OPENLANE in 2006 before it was even called OPENLANE!
Since then, I’ve moved around within the industry, but I returned to OPENLANE in 2023 as part of the Canadian Remarketing team, managing our inherited vehicle sales. In November 2024, I relocated my entire family to Ottawa, where I now have the privilege of leading our Ottawa vehicle logistics centre (VLC).
What does your role as Senior Manager of VLC Operations involve?
As Senior Manager of VLC Operations, I’m responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations at our Ottawa site. This role involves leading all departments on site, from managing customer escalations to overseeing vehicle storage and coordinating all remarketing activities in the Ottawa area.
What is something you are most proud of during your time here?
I’m most proud of the connections I’ve built with our employees. I’m often out in the yard and really value the hard work our team puts in to represent the OPENLANE brand. I also recently had the opportunity to serve as the interim operations manager at our Montreal site and that was especially rewarding — seeing the positive shift in culture and engagement was incredible. I’m proud of both the Ottawa and Montreal teams for embracing change and working together to make wholesale easier for our customers.
What do you like the most about working at OPENLANE?
The best part of working at the Ottawa VLC is the daily interaction with our staff and customers. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow. I feel incredibly supported by our team and leadership, and it’s been great reconnecting with dealers and meeting new colleagues. It’s also my first fall in Ottawa, the weather has been amazing, and I love being in our nation’s capital.
Out of the four values and qualities that make up our Forward Together culture, which do you think best describes you?
I’d say Smart Risk-Taking. I like to challenge the norm and look for ways to improve the process for both our customers and employees. Coming from a history of physical auctions, shifting to a digital model gives us a chance to innovate, increase efficiency and rethink the old “we’ve always done it this way” mindset.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever heard?
“Manage your manager.” It sounds harsh, but it’s really about being proactive, anticipating what your manager will ask, coming prepared for meetings and adapting quickly when priorities shift. By staying one step ahead, you not only make your manager’s job easier but also show that you’re a reliable, valuable team member.
What is the last show/movie you binged?
“And Just Like That”
I’ve followed this series since its Sex and the City days; it’s been part of my life for years! My friends and I watched it together, then the movies came out, and now the reboot continues the story. Even after moving to Ottawa, I still text my friends updates. What can I say, Carrie and her shoes keep me coming back!
