Welcome to a behind-the-scenes look into the journey and vision of a digital marketing leader who’s reshaping how local businesses grow online. In a recent episode of Insights in Action by Orange 142, Nikole Haumont, Founder and CEO of Shield Bar Marketing, shared her story, values, and expertise in the world of small business marketing.

With roots in rural South Dakota and a career path that has taken her from print and tech to entrepreneurship and acquisitions, Nikole’s leadership approach combines old-school integrity with modern marketing strategy. This article captures the key takeaways from the conversation and explains how Shield Bar Marketing is empowering small business owners to thrive in today’s fast-paced digital environment.

Nikole’s entrepreneurial journey began in western South Dakota, where she co-founded and eventually sold a horse publication in her twenties. From there, her career evolved through roles at a regional printing company and GoDaddy, until motherhood inspired her to launch her own remote-friendly agency in 2013: Shield Bar Marketing.

What began as a solo operation is now a growing, full-service marketing agency supporting clients across the U.S., Canada, and northern Mexico. Her first client from over a decade ago is still with the agency today, a testament to the lasting relationships Nikole and her team cultivate.

When the Haumont family relocated to Sahuarita, Arizona, Shield Bar Marketing’s presence blossomed. Within a year, Nikole was recognized as the New Business of the Year and later as one of the Most Influential People in the AZ-19 Region. She also founded the Advantage Alliance, a referral network for local businesses.

Community engagement continues to be a cornerstone of her work. Just recently, Shield Bar Marketing earned the Readers’ Pick for Best Marketing Services in the AZ-19 region for the third consecutive year.

While many agencies chase volume or vanity metrics, Shield Bar Marketing focuses on authenticity, education, and measurable results.

Nikole’s upbringing on a cattle and sheep ranch still guides her philosophy: do what you say you’re going to do. At Shield Bar, that means transparency, education, and a results-first mindset. Clients are walked through every decision, from SEO to advertising, and are shown metrics that demonstrate real return on investment.

“Marketing isn’t a cost,” she explains. “It’s an investment. And our job is to make sure that investment pays off.”

Shield Bar’s clients benefit from a single point of contact across all digital services: web design, SEO, Google Business optimization, PPC, social advertising, and CRM setup. This holistic approach removes the need for juggling multiple vendors and helps streamline marketing operations for busy business owners.

One of the agency’s core niches is helping businesses that serve a local area, especially in regions like the Midwest and Southwest where seasonal demand impacts marketing strategy.

Nikole and her team work with clients to:

• Optimize for active buyers (those urgently searching for services) and passive brand awareness

• Maximize visibility on platforms like Google Business, Apple Business Connect, and local directories

• Deploy remarketing strategies to re-engage past customers

• Implement self-liquidating funnels that cover ad costs while upselling future services

It’s about meeting customers where they are, online and in-the-moment, while keeping long-term relationships strong.

Nikole is passionate about educating clients to avoid the traps that many small business owners fall into, such as:

• Paying for fake reviews

• Hiring underqualified individuals based on low rates

• Chasing follower counts instead of focusing on lead generation

Especially in an AI-driven world, she stresses the importance of human oversight. Tools like ChatGPT or automated ad platforms are useful, but only in the hands of experienced professionals who understand real buyer behavior, compliance standards, and local market nuances.

A major growth driver for many of Shield Bar’s clients has been CRM-driven remarketing. One garage door company, for example, had over 5,000 contacts sitting untouched in their system. After launching a combined email and SMS reactivation campaign, 35% of their monthly calls now come from returning customers.

It’s a simple yet powerful reminder: your best customers might be the ones you’ve already served.

With six years until her son graduates high school, Nikole has a clear vision: continue expanding Shield Bar Marketing through acquisitions and organic growth, while preparing her COO to eventually take over as CEO. This leadership evolution would allow her to step into an advisory role while ensuring the agency’s values and mission endure.

And it’s not just about growth for growth’s sake, it’s about impact.

“We’re affecting people’s lives,” she explains. “From creating great jobs for our team to helping other small businesses thrive, every success story we’re part of has a ripple effect.”

Nikole Haumont and Shield Bar Marketing are proof that old-fashioned values still have a place in the modern digital world, especially when paired with cutting-edge tools and a client-centric mindset. Their success is built not just on skills and services, but on trust, results, and a deep understanding of what small businesses truly need to grow.

If you’re a business owner looking for a marketing partner who will treat your goals like their own, it may be time to book a discovery call with Shield Bar Marketing.

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What industries does Shield Bar Marketing specialize in?
Our services are applicable to any small business looking for long-term growth.

Is Shield Bar Marketing a fully remote agency?
Yes. We were built to operate remotely from the beginning, making us adaptable and accessible across North America.

What services do you offer?
We’re a full-stack agency offering SEO, website design, Google Business optimization, social and PPC advertising, CRM implementation, reviews management and more.

Can you help me if I’ve been burned by another agency?
Absolutely. We frequently work with clients who’ve had poor past experiences. Transparency, education, and accountability are part of every engagement.

Do I need a big budget to get started?
We work primarily with businesses earning $1M+ in annual revenue and teams of 5–49 employees, but we also offer email tips and resources for smaller businesses preparing to grow.

How do I know you’re the right agency for me?
Book a free discovery call and let’s talk through your goals. If it’s a fit, great. If not, we’ll point you in the right direction.