Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melissa Rathbun. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Melissa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The risk I took in creating NewWard Development, LLC wasn’t just in the strategies I adopted or the pivots I made—it was in the decision to start the company in the first place. At that time, I was a single mother raising two young daughters, trying to provide for them and balance the demands of parenting. I had spent years in corporate America, and returning to that world seemed like the safest option. Corporate jobs offer a steady paycheck, benefits, and the kind of stability that any parent would naturally prioritize, especially when their children are depending on them.

But deep down, I knew that path wasn’t right for me. I wanted more than just a job; I wanted to build something meaningful, something that allowed me to pursue my passion for digital marketing while creating a life that worked for my family. More importantly, I wanted to set an example for my daughters—a lesson in courage, resilience, and the importance of following your dreams. So, against conventional wisdom and with no guarantees, I took the leap and started NewWard Development from scratch.

It was a decision filled with uncertainty. Financially, it was a huge gamble. As the sole provider, there was no safety net. I was also venturing into unfamiliar territory. While I was confident in my skills, building a business from the ground up was a completely different challenge. And then there was the emotional toll of balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with motherhood. My daughters were still young, and I knew that starting a business would mean long hours and sacrifices.

I began NewWard Development at my kitchen table working on client proposals and website designs. There were times when the pressure felt overwhelming when it seemed like I was juggling too much, and I questioned whether I had made the right choice. But I kept going. I reached out to anyone who would listen, took on every project I could find, and poured everything I had into building a reputation for delivering exceptional results. Slowly but surely, those efforts began to pay off.

NewWard Development grew. Each small victory—a new client, a positive testimonial, a successful campaign—felt monumental. As the business took off, I began to see the impact not just on my clients but on my own family. I was able to provide for my daughters while also being present for them in ways I couldn’t have been if I’d stayed in corporate America. I attended their school events, helped them with their own projects, and showed them what it looked like to turn a vision into reality.

Looking back now, I can see how transformative that decision was. Today, NewWard Development is thriving, having celebrated 25 years of success. More than that, it’s a testament to the fact that taking risks—even when they’re scary and uncertain—can lead to incredible rewards.

This risk wasn’t just about starting a company; it was about taking control of my life and creating a future for my family that aligned with my values. It was about proving to myself and to my daughters that when you trust your instincts and are willing to work hard, you can overcome fear and uncertainty to build something extraordinary.

Melissa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Melissa Rathbun, and I’m the founder and co-owner of NewWard Development, LLC, a digital marketing agency that has been helping businesses thrive online for over 25 years. My journey into the world of digital marketing began in the late 1990s when the internet was still new to most people. I was fascinated by the possibilities it offered—how it could connect people, amplify voices, and provide businesses with a platform to reach their audience in ways that traditional methods never could.

At the time, I was a single mother raising two young daughters, and I wanted to create a career that combined my passion for creativity and strategy with the flexibility to be present for my family. Leaving the security of corporate America to start my own business was a leap of faith, but I knew it was the right path. I started small, but over time, NewWard Development grew into a trusted partner for clients across a range of industries.
At NewWard, we specialize in digital marketing strategies tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Our services include website design, search engine optimization (SEO), social media management, email marketing, and pay-per-click advertising. What sets us apart is our personalized approach—we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we work closely with our clients to understand their goals, their audience, and their challenges, and we craft strategies that deliver measurable results.

One of the problems we solve for our clients is helping them stand out in a crowded digital space. Whether it’s building a website that converts visitors into customers or creating a social media campaign that tells a compelling story, we ensure that our clients not only reach their audience but connect with them in meaningful ways. I’m especially passionate about helping businesses in niche industries who often feel overlooked by larger agencies.

What I think truly sets NewWard apart is our commitment to our clients’ success. I believe in building long-term relationships based on trust and results. When you work with NewWard, you’re not just hiring an agency; you’re gaining a partner who is genuinely invested in your growth.

I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had, both professionally and personally. From helping a snowmobile tour company in Quebec triple its online bookings to guiding a nonprofit in creating a digital presence that drives donations, the work we do makes a tangible difference.

On a personal level, I’m proud to have built a business that has allowed me to be a present and engaged mom while also creating a legacy of success and service.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients to know about me and NewWard, it’s that we’re passionate about helping businesses and organizations tell their stories and achieve their goals. We believe in the power of digital marketing to transform ideas into reality, and we bring that enthusiasm and expertise to every project we take on. Whether you’re a small business owner looking to grow your brand or a nonprofit trying to amplify your impact, we’re here to help you navigate the digital landscape and reach new heights.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

One key factor that helped build my reputation in the market—one I recognized early on—was the power of presenting and public speaking as a marketing tool. Long before it became a widely recognized strategy, I invested in a speaking coach to refine my skills and develop my confidence as a presenter. This decision wasn’t just about improving how I communicated; it was a deliberate move to position myself as a trusted expert in the emerging field of digital marketing.

Early in my career, I began offering educational workshops, seminars, and presentations for business owners and organizations. At the time, many businesses were just beginning to explore the internet as a marketing platform, and the concept of leveraging digital tools to grow a brand was unfamiliar and often intimidating. Through my presentations, I broke down complex topics like SEO, social media marketing, and website development into practical, actionable insights that made sense to my audience.

These presentations served multiple purposes. First, they showcased my expertise, demonstrating that I understood the intricacies of digital marketing and could explain them in a way that connected with people. Second, they helped build trust. By standing in front of an audience, answering questions, and sharing valuable knowledge, I positioned myself as someone who wasn’t just selling a service—I was genuinely invested in helping others succeed. Third, they opened doors to new opportunities. Attendees often approached me after presentations to discuss their specific needs, which led to direct client relationships and referrals.

What made this strategy particularly powerful at the time was that it was ahead of the curve. Today, speaking engagements are a common marketing tool, but back then, it was an innovative way to establish credibility and build a brand. It set me apart from competitors who relied on traditional networking or cold calling to attract clients. Instead, I was using education and thought leadership as a way to bring people into my orbit.

The investment in a speaking coach also paid dividends in how I approached communication across all aspects of my business. Whether I was leading a team, pitching to a potential client, or explaining a strategy, I knew how to engage people, convey confidence, and connect on a deeper level. This ability to communicate effectively and passionately has been a cornerstone of my success.

Looking back, I can see how these early decisions helped shape the trajectory of NewWard Development. By embracing speaking and education as core marketing tools, I not only established myself as a leader in my field but also built lasting relationships and a reputation for being a trusted advisor. It’s a strategy that continues to influence how I approach my work, ensuring that value, authenticity, and connection remain at the heart of everything I do.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The first three years of starting NewWard Development, LLC were anything but easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I found myself navigating the delicate balance of building a business while ensuring I could still provide for my family. To make ends meet, I took on a part-time virtual job to supplement my income. It wasn’t glamorous, but it allowed me to keep the lights on while I poured my energy into growing my business.

Every day was a juggling act. I’d spend my mornings and evenings working on client projects and my afternoons fulfilling the responsibilities of my part-time job. It wasn’t sustainable long-term, but it gave me the stability I needed during those early years. Slowly but surely, I began to see positive results. New clients came in, projects grew larger, and my confidence as a business owner grew.

One pivotal moment stands out as a marker of success. I realized that my part-time job was no longer a financial necessity—it was costing me more in lost opportunities with my business than it was bringing in. Letting it go was a small but significant victory. It was the moment I knew I’d crossed a threshold, where NewWard Development was no longer just a dream or a side hustle—it was a viable, growing business.

That’s not to say the journey was without setbacks. One of the hardest decisions I had to make during those early years was firing my first client. Financially, it was a tough call. Losing that revenue felt like a step backward, especially at a time when every dollar mattered. But the truth was, the relationship was draining—unrealistic demands, constant stress, and a lack of alignment with my values. Keeping that client would have cost me far more in peace of mind than I was willing to pay.

Letting them go was difficult, but it was also empowering. It taught me the importance of valuing my time, my expertise, and the kind of work environment I wanted to cultivate. That decision set the tone for how I run my business moving forward—focusing on partnerships built on mutual respect and shared goals.

Looking back, those first three years were critical and shaped me and my business. They taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of knowing when to let go—whether it’s a part-time job or a toxic client. Those early struggles weren’t just challenges to overcome; they were lessons that built the foundation for the success and growth that followed. Today, I’m proud of what NewWard Development has become, but I’m equally proud of the journey it took to get here.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://newward.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissawardrathbun/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newward
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/newward/
• Twitter: https://x.com/newward
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtCnhACwsGf1e4r1UbT6gHQ/

Image Credits

Professional photos by Susan Blackburn, Blackburn Portrait Studio.