If there's anything Kristina Prichard is open to, it's acknowledging just how hard a sales job really is. 

When Area Sales Manager Kristina Prichard talks about having an “open door policy,” she’s not just talking about an office door being ajar. She’s offering an open invitation: to collaborate, to connect, and to grow together as a team. It’s a leadership style rooted in trust, mutual respect, and the shared challenges of the sales journey.

An open invitation means creating an environment where reps feel safe to speak up, supported to grow, and encouraged to bring their full selves to the conversation.

An Open Path to Trust.

Kristina believes that an effective open door policy starts with trust. Not just the kind earned over time, but the kind nurtured daily through honest conversations, shared experiences, and being present in the lives of her team members.

“If you have trust,” she says, “reps can talk to you about anything, whether it’s work or something personal. Without it, it’s hard to move the conversation forward.” She works hard to strike the balance between professionalism and genuine friendship, creating a space where reps feel heard, supported, and empowered.

An Open Mind for Empathy.

Kristina knows what it’s like to face a long day in the field. She hasn’t forgotten the realities of knocking on doors, battling 100-degree heat, or facing a string of rejections. That shared experience informs how she mentors.

“I give advice through the eyes of a sales rep. I try to remember what they’re going through every day,” she explains. “It helps me stay realistic, stay grounded, and be helpful in ways that actually resonate with them.”

An Open Space to Connect.

Every Monday morning, Kristina meets with each of her reps individually. Not just to talk business, but to check in as people. “There’s always a ‘how was your weekend?’” she says. “I want to know what’s going on with them and their families. Sales is such a mental game. If something personal is happening, I want to understand how that might affect their day-to-day.”

These meetings may last two minutes or twenty, depending on the conversation. But they always cover three things: forecasts, obstacles, and strategy. The goal is to partner with each rep in closing more deals and getting stronger week by week.

An Open Hand to Help.

Kristina doesn’t lead from the sidelines. She works on proposals. She rides along in the field. She’s hands-on with training. And she’s always looking for ways to help reps grow, in their role, in their income, and in their confidence.

“To be a leader, you have to be selfless,” she says. “I just felt like I could help. If I can teach something new or help someone hit their goals, that’s the reward for me.”

An Open Exchange of Ideas.

Kristina credits her own development to the open-door leaders she’s worked with, especially Ken Allison and Cody Simon. “Ken taught me hundreds of things that I carry over today, starting with just being real with people,” she says. “Cody’s door is always open. Before I make any major decision, I’ll walk in and ask, ‘Can I bounce this off of you?’ It’s not about one style being right. It’s about having different viewpoints and learning from each other.”

An Open Invitation From The Top.

Kristina also sees the open door policy lived out at the highest levels of leadership. “I still feel like I can walk into Barry Simon’s or David’s office. That accessibility at every level is something special. We’re lucky to have so much tenure and wisdom at Datamax, and I value every bit of it.”