From Navy Ships to Fearless About AI
- Jennifer McPherson
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
Devon Hayes is the Co-founder of Elevation Marketing, a Denver-based digital marketing agency specializing in smart, data-driven marketing for contractors and home service businesses. Under her leadership, Elevation Marketing has built a strong reputation for long-term client retention and results-driven strategies, with most clients working with the agency for over five years. Devon brings a unique blend of technical expertise from her background in the Navy and deep experience in SEO, digital strategy, and client education, recognized for her practical approach and clear communication style.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
[01:36] How Navy experience led Devon Hayes to entrepreneurship
[05:48] The mistake of ignoring SOPs and its lasting impact
[07:46] Why expertise is an ongoing journey
[12:39] Avoiding costly hiring pitfalls with Devon’s unforgettable “wake of destruction” story
[19:13] Why promoting from within can be a smarter hiring strategy
[21:13] A real agency owner’s perspective on the rise of AI tools
[31:48] Embracing “gap and gain” thinking for more fulfillment as an owner
In this episode…
From coordinating missions at sea to navigating the chaos of a growing business, some careers take unexpected turns that shape how we handle change. What does it really take to move from structured routines to boldly stepping into uncertainty and innovation?
According to Devon Hayes, a veteran of the Navy turned marketing agency co-founder, the key lies in embracing flexibility and curiosity. She recalls confidently tackling every challenge head-on early in her career, only to realize that building repeatable systems and processes saves more time than improvising. This mindset shift — seeing obstacles as learning opportunities rather than setbacks — has been central to her growth and ability to guide her team through change.
In this episode of Own Your Next, Jennifer McPherson is joined by Devon Hayes, Co-founder of Elevation Marketing, to discuss moving from military precision to business leadership, navigating costly hiring mistakes, and leveraging AI as a tool rather than a threat. Devon also shares insights on mindset shifts that turn challenges into opportunities.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Quotable Moments
"And I was like one of those people that didn't know what they wanted to do in life."
"So like anything they needed, our ship's mission was to tend to the submarines."
"I confidently thought that I guess I could just do things as the need came up."
"Even as refined as AI gets, I just I'm just not worried about it."
"Problems are always going to kind of come up and happen, but what are you going to learn from them?"
Action Steps
Build repeatable processes early: Developing SOPs from the start reduces confusion, saves time, and prevents errors as your business grows.
Embrace flexibility in problem-solving: Staying curious and adaptable allows teams to navigate changes in client needs, technology, or market trends.
Leverage AI as a productivity tool: Using AI to automate repetitive tasks frees time for strategy and creative decision-making.
Hire thoughtfully and define roles clearly: Detailed job descriptions and thorough reference checks prevent costly mistakes and ensure team alignment.
Treat challenges as learning opportunities: Focusing on solutions instead of dwelling on problems strengthens resilience and continuous growth.
Sponsor for this episode...
Chickenango helps brands connect with their communities through thoughtful, strategic communication.
Specializing in public engagement, branding, and messaging for sectors such as transportation, infrastructure, energy, and government, Chickenago turns complex projects into stories people can understand and care about.
With decades of industry experience, their team builds trust through authentic storytelling and genuine collaboration.
Discover how they’re making a difference at chickenango.com.
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