Devyn Pelter of Highlands Ranch on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Devyn Pelter and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Devyn, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
As someone who works closely with small businesses and service professionals, I’ve noticed a few key struggles that many people tend to hide, even though they have a significant impact on their success.

First, self-doubt is one of the biggest struggles people face, particularly in small businesses. Many entrepreneurs feel like they’re not “enough”—not experienced enough, not creative enough, or not tech-savvy enough. They worry that their business isn’t up to par with their competitors. What’s interesting is that, while these feelings are very common, they’re often not shared because people don’t want to seem vulnerable or unprepared.

Second, overwhelm is a huge issue. Running a business means wearing a lot of hats—marketing, customer service, bookkeeping, and more. Many business owners secretly feel like they’re constantly running on empty, trying to keep all these plates spinning. The truth is, it’s impossible to do everything perfectly on your own, but they’re reluctant to delegate or ask for help because of fear that they might lose control or not get the quality they want.

A third area that people don’t always admit to struggling with is staying current with technology. In the world of digital marketing, trends change quickly. Many small business owners feel the pressure to stay on top of every new platform, tool, or algorithm update, but it’s overwhelming. A lot of people are secretly falling behind on the tech side but feel embarrassed to admit they don’t fully understand how to navigate these new systems, even though it can greatly affect their business’s success.

Lastly, fear of failure is something people deal with internally. They may have a lot of dreams and aspirations for their business, but the fear of not meeting expectations—either their own or others’—keeps them paralyzed. They don’t always say it out loud, but it’s that undercurrent of anxiety that can affect how they make decisions, sometimes holding them back from taking the risks necessary to grow.

The bottom line is, people often struggle with feeling like they’re not enough, keeping up with the demands of their business, managing new technology, and dealing with the fear of failure. The good news is, recognizing these struggles is the first step in overcoming them. We help our clients by providing the right tools, guidance, and support to navigate these challenges effectively, which ultimately allows them to break free from those hidden barriers.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Devyn Pelter, the founder of Digital Devyn LLC, a Colorado-based digital marketing agency focused on helping small businesses, especially those in the service and trade sectors, thrive online. We specialize in providing tailored digital solutions like SEO, website design, social media marketing, and paid advertising. Our mission is to make digital marketing accessible and effective for small business owners who want to grow their presence, attract more customers, and build long-lasting success.

What makes Digital Devyn LLC unique is our personalized approach. We don’t just provide a one-size-fits-all solution; we get to know our clients, their businesses, and their specific challenges before creating a strategy that fits their goals. We focus on practical results—helping our clients improve their visibility, attract qualified leads, and build trust in their brands.

I started Digital Devyn LLC with the belief that every business, no matter how small, deserves the tools and strategies to succeed in today’s digital world. I’ve worked with everything from general contractors to local retailers, and each project is a chance to help a business stand out in a crowded market.

Right now, we’re working on expanding our SEO services to help even more local businesses, particularly in the Denver area, enhance their online presence. We’re also working on launching a new resource center on our website where small business owners can find helpful tips and guides to navigate digital marketing on their own.

It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m really proud of the work we do for our clients. At the end of the day, our success is measured by how much we help our clients succeed. That’s what keeps us motivated!

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think at the core, miscommunication and lack of trust are the biggest factors that break bonds between people. When there’s a breakdown in communication, whether it’s due to misunderstandings, assumptions, or lack of clarity, people can feel alienated or unheard. In business, this often happens when expectations aren’t set clearly or when promises aren’t kept, leading to frustration and disappointment.

Additionally, betrayal or dishonesty can shatter trust completely. If someone feels like they’ve been misled, either by words or actions, it can create a permanent rift. This can happen in personal relationships but also in business partnerships or client relationships. Once trust is broken, it can be extremely difficult to rebuild.

On the flip side, honest communication and transparency are the keys to restoring bonds. When both sides are open, listen to each other, and show genuine understanding, it’s easier to heal wounds. In business, we emphasize this with our clients—being upfront about challenges, setting realistic expectations, and being transparent in all communications. When there’s mutual respect and a willingness to work together, trust can be rebuilt, and the relationship can grow even stronger.

Another thing that helps restore bonds is shared experiences and empathy. When people take the time to understand each other’s perspectives and offer support, it creates a sense of connection that can’t easily be broken. In a personal sense, this means offering emotional support in tough times. In business, it’s about showing clients that you care about their success and are invested in their growth.

At Digital Devyn, we focus a lot on building and maintaining trust with our clients. Our goal isn’t just to provide a service, but to create long-term relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. We aim to help our clients feel heard and valued, which is key to a successful partnership.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a pivotal moment in 2021 when I was first laid off. It was a difficult experience. Losing a job, especially when you didn’t see it coming, can really shake your confidence. I found myself questioning everything, whether I was on the right path or if I’d made the wrong choices. The feeling of uncertainty and fear about the future was overwhelming.

But in the midst of that, I realized that being laid off could be an opportunity in disguise. It forced me to take a step back, reevaluate my career, and think about what I truly wanted. The layoff gave me the push I needed to finally start my own business. I realized that I had been holding myself back from fully pursuing my passion for digital marketing and helping small businesses succeed.

There were definitely moments when it felt like a big leap, and I struggled with self-doubt. But in the end, the experience was one of the catalysts for starting Digital Devyn LLC. It taught me that setbacks, while painful, can also be the turning point for something better.

Looking back now, I’m grateful for that experience. It helped me find my true calling and gave me the chance to build something that was truly my own. I think it’s a reminder that sometimes, what seems like a setback can actually be the beginning of something great.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
There are definitely a few misconceptions in the digital marketing industry that I believe need to be addressed. One of the biggest lies is the idea that SEO results happen overnight. It’s often marketed that way to clients, but in reality, SEO is a long-term strategy. It requires consistent effort, updates, and adjustments to see lasting results. Expecting quick fixes can lead to disappointment and misunderstanding of what’s involved. That’s why I make sure my clients understand the timeline and effort that goes into creating sustainable growth.

Another lie is the idea that there’s a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Many companies out there sell pre-packaged digital marketing strategies as if they’ll work for every business, but each company, each market, and each audience is unique. What works for one business might not work for another, so a tailored approach is essential. I truly prioritize this with my clients. Every client deserves a strategy that’s specific to their business goals and needs.

There’s also the misconception that social media is all you need for digital marketing success. While social media is a great tool, it’s not the only piece of the puzzle. Many businesses focus too heavily on social media and neglect other vital elements like SEO, website performance, or content marketing. Without a comprehensive approach, you’re only hitting one part of the equation.

Lastly, the industry sometimes tells itself that the client is always right. While it’s important to listen to clients and understand their goals, the reality is that not all client requests are feasible or aligned with what will actually drive results. As an expert, I have a responsibility to provide advice that’s based on experience and data, even if it means pushing back on a client’s initial ideas for the sake of their business growth.

Overall, the biggest lies in the industry come from oversimplifying digital marketing, promising instant results, and not being honest about the complexity of creating long-term success. I aim to break these myths by providing transparent, data-driven, and personalized strategies for each of my clients.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I believe my clients would miss the personalized attention and the direct, hands-on approach that I bring to every project. I make it a point to truly understand each client’s unique business challenges and goals. I’m not just another vendor for them—I’m a partner in their success. They would miss the fact that I’m always available for their questions, concerns, and guidance, ensuring they feel supported throughout the process.

I think they would also miss the transparency I offer in our communications. Whether things are going well or facing obstacles, I make sure to keep my clients informed every step of the way. It’s not just about providing a service; it’s about building a relationship based on trust, and I’ve always worked hard to maintain that trust.

Additionally, clients would likely miss the quality and results-driven focus I bring to each project. I’m not just ticking boxes. I’m committed to making sure the work I do delivers meaningful results, whether that’s driving more traffic to their website, improving their SEO rankings, or increasing customer engagement on social media. I think they’d miss having someone who genuinely cares about their growth and success.

In short, if I retired tomorrow, my clients would miss the commitment to excellence and the fact that they were never just another project to me, they were always a priority.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.digitaldevynllc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitaldevyn
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitaldevyn