Erica Haferkamp is a distinguished leader in the digital marketing field, bringing over two decades of expertise to her role as Creative Director at Sagentic Web Design. Co-founder of the agency, Erica's career is a showcase of pioneering strategies and innovative solutions in web design and digital marketing. Her journey, which began with her military service in the United States Marine Corps transitioning to build her own marketing agency from the ground up, blends a strong foundation in strategic marketing with a deep commitment to client success, making her a respected figure in the industry.
A Military Foundation for Business Success
The journey from Marine Corps percussionist to Creative Director of Sagentic Web Design is as unique as it is inspiring. Erica Haferkamp's military tenure, marked by discipline and precision, set the stage for her later success in the digital realm. After a medical shift redirected her career from music to technology within the Marines, Erica embraced the challenge, evolving from managing IT operations to spearheading web projects. This unexpected pivot was not just a job change but a call to her future in web design and digital marketing.
Establishing Sagentic Web Design
In 2003, Erica and her husband, Kenny, embarked on a venture that would transform the web design landscape for small businesses. Founding Sagentic Web Design in their garage, they faced the initial challenge of convincing local businesses of the internet's potential. They overcame skepticism by:
- Demonstrating the tangible benefits of online presence through strategic, fully managed web design solutions.
- Engaging in community projects to build credibility and showcase their capabilities.
- Innovating with a retainer-based business model, ensuring ongoing support for clients.
Their approach was not merely about selling websites but fostering digital transformations that propelled client businesses forward. In 2019, Erica and Kenny decided to relocate their web design agency to Cañon City, Colorado to fulfill a life long dream of living near mountains and nature. This move has been extremely beneficial, allowing them to build new customer relationships while maintaining the majority of their clients from Texas.
Integrating Marketing Expertise and Design Innovation
Erica's academic background in marketing profoundly influences her creative strategy at Sagentic. With a BBA in Marketing, she masterfully blends market insights with creative execution to develop compelling logo design and brand identities for clients. Her design philosophy involves:
- Color Psychology: Utilizing colors that evoke the right emotions and actions from viewers.
- Font Harmony: Choosing complementary fonts that enhance readability and aesthetic appeal.
- Continuous Learning: Keeping up-to-date with the latest design trends and technologies by engaging with online communities and ongoing education.
This meticulous attention to detail ensures that each project is not only visually stunning but strategically effective.
Creative Leadership and Community Impact
As Creative Director, Erica’s role is pivotal in guiding the aesthetic and functional aspects of all projects at Sagentic. She takes great pride in projects that amplify the missions of non-profit organizations, leveraging web design to enhance their social impact. Her leadership style is deeply influenced by her military experience, emphasizing precision, reliability, and teamwork.
Building Client Relationships
Erica's approach to customer service is driven by the philosophy of creating "raving fans." This entails:
- Proactive problem-solving.
- Transparent communication.
- Ensuring that every client interaction adds value.
An example of her effective client management is her ability to transform potentially negative situations into opportunities for relationship building and service enhancement.
Expanding Creative Frontiers: Founding DARE Print & Sign Co.
After solidifying Sagentic Web Design as a leader in digital marketing, Erica Haferkamp further broadened her entrepreneurial landscape by launching a new company: DARE Print & Sign Co. in 2020. Located in the heart of downtown Cañon City, Colorado, DARE Print & Sign Co. extends the innovative spirit of Sagentic into the realm of physical marketing materials, offering custom print and signage solutions that complement digital strategies.
Bridging Digital and Physical Branding: Erica's vision for DARE Print & Sign Co. was to create a seamless branding experience for clients, bridging the gap between online presence and physical marketing materials. By aligning web design with customized printing solutions, Erica ensures that client brands resonate consistently across all platforms.
- Family Collaboration and Expertise
A unique aspect of DARE Print & Sign Co. is the collaborative dynamic between Erica and her daughter, Jeorjia "Dare" Ewing, who serves as the Agency Traffic Manager and namesake for the company. With three years under her belt at the company, Jeorjia not only oversees project workflow but also brings her own creative flair as a talented graphic designer. This mother-daughter team exemplifies the blend of strategic management and artistic skill that defines the company. - Customized Print Marketing Solutions
From eye-catching business cards to expansive outdoor banners, DARE Print & Sign Co. provides a comprehensive range of print products that embody the quality and creativity Erica's ventures are known for. The company specializes in both small and large format printing, offering everything from brochures and flyers to custom signs and trade show displays. Business has been so demanding that they have also had to incorporate - Commitment to Customer Service Excellence
Under Erica's leadership, DARE Print & Sign Co. adheres to the same high standards of quality and customer service that have made Sagentic a success. This commitment ensures that every project not only meets but exceeds client expectations, reinforcing Erica's reputation as a leader in both the digital and print marketing industries.
This new venture reflects Erica's holistic approach to marketing and brand management, emphasizing her ability to master and integrate multiple aspects of the industry to better serve her clients' diverse needs. Through DARE Print & Sign Co., Erica continues to demonstrate her adeptness at not just following market trends, but creating them, ensuring her businesses and their clients stay at the forefront of the marketing landscape.
Future Aspirations: Educator and Innovator
Erica Haferkamp is not only a pioneer in digital marketing but also an aspiring educator and mentor within the industry. As she looks to the future, Erica is passionate about taking a more pronounced role in educating others, using her vast experience to empower businesses to thrive online.
- Empowering Through Education
Erica is in the process of authoring e-books and comprehensive guides designed to unravel the complexities of digital inbound content marketing, local SEO, and social media for small business owners. These resources are crafted to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to excel in the digital realm. - Engagement Through Speaking and Teaching
With a deep commitment to promoting digital literacy, Erica actively seeks opportunities to share her expertise through speaking engagements and teaching seminars. Her presentations are tailored to inspire and inform, covering effective strategies in online marketing and social media management.
Erica’s vision extends beyond her immediate impact; she aims to cultivate a legacy of innovation and excellence that influences future generations of marketers. This includes mentoring aspiring professionals like her daughter, who already shares her passion for marketing and excellence in customer service.
Invite Erica to Illuminate Your Event
Are you looking for an expert who can transform complex digital marketing concepts into actionable insights? Invite Erica Haferkamp to speak at your next conference or lead a workshop. Her engaging sessions are sure to enlighten your audience and elevate your event. Contact Erica today to schedule an appearance or discuss potential collaboration opportunities.
Erica Haferkamp's journey—from serving in the Marine Corps to leading Sagentic Web Design—epitomizes resilience and adaptability. Her ongoing influence ensures that Sagentic remains at the cutting edge of digital marketing, continuously evolving to meet the challenges of the future while committing to community service and business empowerment.