Looking Back, Moving Forward: Eternity’s 25-Year Celebration

As we celebrate 25 incredible years here at Eternity, we wanted to mark this milestone in a meaningful way. After all, reaching a quarter-century of growth, innovation, and teamwork is no small feat, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the vision and leadership of our one and only founder, Mike Lannen.

To honor this special occasion, we decided to do something a little different: a candid interview-style blog with Mike himself. In this conversation, Mike reflects on the journey that started it all, shares insights into the challenges and triumphs along the way, and gives us a glimpse into the future of Eternity. From the company’s humble beginnings to its evolution into the dynamic force it is today, Mike’s story is one of resilience, inspiration, and a relentless commitment to excellence.

Join us as we celebrate 25 years of Eternity by hearing from the person who envisioned it all. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or joined our journey more recently, we’re excited to share this behind-the-scenes look at how Eternity has grown—and where it’s headed next.

Eternity’s Beginnings

What inspired you to start this company?

Honestly, it all started with a mix of curiosity, necessity, and a little bit of rebellion. Back in 2000, I was just a college student trying to figure out my path, and I realized there was this massive potential for helping nonprofit organizations build an online presence. The internet was still this shiny, exciting frontier, and most people had no idea how to navigate it.

I started by creating free websites for nonprofits—just to see if I could do it and to give back. That first project, a site for Camp Sloane YMCA, really lit a fire in me. Seeing how something I built could help an organization connect with people and grow was incredible. That, combined with my mentor Ella Meach encouraging me to dive in head-first, made me realize this was what I was meant to do.

So, I dropped out of college to focus on building Eternity full-time. I wanted to create something meaningful, not just for me but for the businesses and communities I could help. Nearly 25 years later, that passion hasn’t faded—it’s grown stronger.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early days?

Oh, the early days were a rollercoaster of "What am I doing?" and "Why am I doing this?" Starting Eternity straight out of college meant I was figuring everything out on the fly. There wasn’t a handbook on how to run a business, especially not for a 20-year-old who decided to drop out and go all in.

One of the biggest challenges was earning trust. I was this young, scrappy kid walking into meetings with nonprofits and small businesses, trying to convince them that their website—a concept many didn’t fully understand—was worth investing in. There was a lot of skepticism. I had to overdeliver on every project to prove myself and build that reputation.

Another challenge was balancing everything. I wore all the hats—designing, coding, managing clients, marketing myself—it was overwhelming at times. I also didn’t have much capital, so I had to bootstrap everything. Every dollar mattered, and every project was critical.

And let’s not forget about imposter syndrome. I questioned whether I could really turn this into a career. But those moments of doubt fueled me to work harder, learn more, and keep pushing forward. Looking back, those challenges shaped me and the business into what we are today.

Did you ever imagine the company would grow to what it is today?

Not even close. When I started Eternity, my vision was pretty small—I just wanted to make a living doing something I loved while helping organizations that made a difference. I thought maybe I’d build a few websites here and there and be content working solo.

But as things grew, I started to realize that this could be so much more than just me. I saw opportunities to create jobs, expand our services, and make a real impact in the community. When I hired my first team member, it hit me: this wasn’t just a side project anymore; it was a full-blown business with the potential to do something amazing.

Now, here we are—over two decades later, a team of 12 incredible people, working with some of Vermont’s most respected organizations and businesses, and even donating hundreds of hours of pro bono work each year. I could never have imagined this back in 2000, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s been humbling and inspiring to see how far we’ve come.

Our Journey

What has been your proudest moment in the past 25 years?

That’s a tough one because there have been so many moments that have made me step back and think, Wow, we actually did this. But if I had to pick one, it would probably be the day I realized that Camp Sloane YMCA, the very first client I ever built a website for, was still with us nearly 25 years later. That’s a full-circle moment that hits hard.

It’s not just about longevity—it’s what it represents. It shows that the relationships we build, the quality of our work, and the way we show up for our clients create something lasting. Knowing that we’ve played a small role in their growth and success for so many years is incredibly rewarding.

Were there any pivotal moments that changed the direction of the company?

Absolutely. There were a few moments that really stand out as game-changers for Eternity.

One was the decision to shift from being a solo operation to building a team. For the longest time, I was doing everything myself, but I realized that if I wanted to grow the business and offer even better service, I needed help. Hiring my first employee was terrifying—what if I couldn’t afford it? What if it didn’t work out? But it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. That move allowed Eternity to grow from just a small web design studio to a full-service digital marketing agency.

A more recent shift was embracing AI and automation in our services. I’ve always been fascinated by technology, and seeing how AI could transform our industry was exciting. By incorporating AI into what we do—like creating more efficient workflows and offering AI-driven solutions to clients—we’ve stayed ahead of the curve and added even more value to our work.

What lessons have you learned as a business owner over the years?

Oh, where do I even start? Being a business owner is like getting a crash course in life, over and over again. Here are some of the biggest lessons I’ve picked up along the way:

Relationships are everything. It’s not just about the work you do; it’s about how you treat people. Clients, employees, partners—those relationships are the foundation of any business. When you focus on building trust and showing genuine care, everything else falls into place.
You can’t do it all. I learned the hard way that trying to wear every hat is a fast track to burnout. Delegating isn’t just about offloading work; it’s about empowering others to do what they’re great at so the whole team can succeed.
Failure is part of the process. I’ve made mistakes—some big, some small—but every single one has been a learning opportunity. The key is to own up to them, fix what you can, and move forward smarter and stronger.
Give back. Investing time and resources into the community isn’t just good karma—it’s good business. Some of the most fulfilling work we do is for nonprofits, and it reinforces why I started Eternity in the first place.

Company Culture

What makes you most proud about the team or company culture today?

I’m proud of the culture we’ve cultivated. Eternity is a place where people feel supported, valued, and encouraged to be themselves. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we take our work seriously. There’s this energy of mutual respect and trust, and I think that’s why we’ve been able to achieve so much as a team.

How do you ensure the company stays true to its mission as it grows?

Staying true to our mission as we grow is something I think about constantly. It’s not something that just happens—you have to be intentional about it. For me, it starts with remembering why I started Eternity in the first place: to create meaningful connections, help businesses and nonprofits succeed, and make a positive impact on the community. That "why" is at the heart of everything we do.

Here’s how I make sure we stay aligned with that mission:

Hiring the right people. It all starts with the team. I look for people who not only have the talent but also share our values—people who genuinely care about the clients and communities we serve. When everyone is aligned with the mission, it naturally flows through everything we do.
Keeping the focus on relationships. Whether it’s a client, a partner, or a team member, we prioritize building genuine, long-term relationships. That’s why we still have clients who’ve been with us for decades. We don’t just check the box; we go the extra mile.
Giving back. Donating over 500 hours of pro bono work every year isn’t just a feel-good effort—it’s a reminder of what’s important. It keeps us connected to the community and reinforces why we do what we do.
Continuous reflection. As we grow, I regularly take a step back and ask, “Are we still on the right path? Are we living up to the values we set out with?” This reflection helps us course-correct when needed and stay true to our roots.
Leading by example. I make it a point to live out the mission every day, whether that’s by being transparent with the team, staying involved in community projects, or just showing up for our clients. Actions speak louder than words, and I want the team to see that our mission isn’t just lip service—it’s who we are.

Growth is exciting, but it’s also easy to lose sight of your foundation if you’re not careful. By staying intentional and always prioritizing our mission, we’ve been able to grow without losing the heart of what makes Eternity special.

Challenges and Growth

What were some of the toughest decisions you’ve had to make as a leader?

Being a leader means making tough decisions—ones that keep you up at night and force you to weigh your values against practical realities. Here are some of the hardest calls I’ve had to make:

Letting someone go. This is, without a doubt, the hardest part of leadership. There have been times when someone wasn’t the right fit for the team or their performance wasn’t meeting expectations. Letting them go was never easy, but I knew it was necessary for the health of the company and the rest of the team. I always approach those conversations with empathy, but they’re still gut-wrenching.
Prioritizing team well-being over profit. There have been times when I could’ve pushed the team harder to squeeze out more productivity or profits, but that’s not how I want to run this company. Choosing to prioritize things like mental health, work-life balance, and flexible schedules sometimes meant short-term sacrifices, but it’s built a stronger, happier team in the long run.
Navigating the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most challenging periods for me as a leader. Deciding how to support the team, keep the business afloat, and help our clients through their own struggles—all while dealing with the uncertainty of the moment—was incredibly tough. But it also taught me resilience and the importance of adaptability.

Every tough decision has been a lesson in leadership. They’ve taught me to trust my instincts, lean on my values, and remember that doing the right thing isn’t always the easiest thing.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

If I could give one piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, it’s this: Start before you’re ready and figure it out as you go. Perfection is a myth, and waiting for the “right time” will just hold you back. You’ll learn so much more by taking action and adapting along the way.

That said, here are a few more nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up over the years:

Build relationships, not just a business. Your network will be one of your greatest assets. Treat people with respect, listen to them, and show up for them—whether they’re clients, partners, or team members. People do business with people they trust.
Be willing to fail. Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of the process. Every mistake is a chance to learn, grow, and improve. The key is to bounce back quickly and use those lessons to move forward.
Find your “why.” Know why you’re starting this journey. When things get tough—and they will—it’s your “why” that will keep you going. Whether it’s passion, purpose, or freedom, keep it front and center.
Take care of yourself. It’s easy to let the hustle consume you, but burnout isn’t a badge of honor. Make time for yourself, your family, and the things that recharge you. A healthy, happy entrepreneur builds a healthier, happier business.

The difference your company has made in your industry or community.

The difference Eternity has made in our industry and community is something I’m incredibly proud of. It’s not just about the websites or marketing campaigns we create—it’s about the ripple effects of our work and how we approach it with heart, integrity, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. We work with countless nonprofit organizations that make a true change in the community around us and that makes it all worthwhile.

At the end of the day, the difference we’ve made isn’t about flashy numbers or awards (though we’ve won a few of those!). It’s in the trust we’ve built, the lives we’ve touched, and the fact that our work truly matters to the people and organizations we serve. That’s what keeps me and my team inspired every day.

Personal Reflection

How has running this company changed you personally or professionally?

Running Eternity has changed me in ways I never could’ve imagined, both personally and professionally. It’s been a journey of growth, challenges, and constant learning, and it’s shaped me into the person I am today.

Personally:

It’s taught me resilience. Starting a business from scratch and keeping it thriving for over two decades hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced setbacks, made mistakes, and dealt with moments of doubt, but each challenge has made me stronger. I’ve learned that failure isn’t the end—it’s just a step in the process.
I’ve become a better leader. I started as a one-person operation, and now I lead a team of incredibly talented people. That shift has forced me to step up in ways I never expected—learning how to empower others, communicate effectively, and set the tone for our company culture. Leadership is something I work on every day, and it’s deeply rewarding.

Professionally:

I’ve gained confidence. When I first started, I was just a kid trying to prove myself. Over time, seeing the impact of our work and hearing the feedback from clients has helped me trust my instincts and believe in my abilities. It’s also taught me to be unapologetically proud of what we’ve built.
I’ve embraced adaptability. The digital world evolves constantly, and running this company has taught me how to pivot, innovate, and stay ahead of the curve. Whether it’s adopting new technology like AI or navigating unexpected challenges like the pandemic, I’ve learned to thrive in uncertainty.

Ultimately, running Eternity hasn’t just been about building a business—it’s been about building myself. The journey has pushed me to grow in ways I never thought possible, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

What keeps you motivated after 25 years?

What keeps me motivated after 25 years is simple: the impact we make and the people I get to work with every day. That spark—the excitement of creating something meaningful—has never faded. Here’s what drives me:

The thrill of solving problems. Every project, every client, every challenge is an opportunity to create something unique. I love figuring out how to take a client’s vision and turn it into something impactful. Whether it’s a stunning website or a strategic marketing campaign, that moment when everything clicks keeps me going.
The relationships we’ve built. Some of our clients have been with us for decades, and that level of trust and partnership is deeply motivating. Knowing that we’re not just a service provider but a true partner in their success inspires me to keep delivering at the highest level.
The team. Our crew at Eternity is a constant source of energy and inspiration. They’re talented, passionate, and bring fresh ideas to the table every day. Seeing them grow, thrive, and do incredible work reminds me why I love what I do.
The opportunity to give back. Our pro bono work for nonprofits is one of the most fulfilling parts of what we do. Knowing that our skills can directly support organizations making a difference in the community keeps me grounded and grateful.

What do you hope your legacy will be as the founder?

What I hope my legacy will be as the founder of Eternity goes beyond just the websites we’ve built or the clients we’ve served. Don’t get me wrong, I’m proud of those things, but I want my impact to be more personal, more lasting, and more meaningful.

A company that values people over profits. I hope Eternity is remembered as a business that always put relationships first—whether it was with our clients, our team, or our community. I want people to think of us as a company that truly cared, that went the extra mile, and that delivered value with integrity and heart.
Empowering others to succeed. Whether it’s helping a nonprofit expand their reach, enabling a small business to thrive, or mentoring a team member to grow in their career, I hope my legacy includes lifting others up. If I’ve inspired even one person to believe in themselves and their potential, I’ll consider that a success.
A champion for accessibility and inclusivity. Making the web more accessible for everyone has been a cornerstone of our work, and I want that to be a defining part of my legacy. I hope Eternity is remembered for leading the charge in creating digital spaces that welcome and empower people of all abilities.
An example of balance and purpose. I’ve always strived to build a company that reflects my values—a place where people can do meaningful work without sacrificing their well-being or their personal lives. I hope Eternity stands as proof that you can run a successful business while staying true to who you are and what matters most.
Giving back to the community. Our pro bono work is a big part of what makes Eternity unique, and I want that spirit of generosity to define my legacy. I hope people look back and see a company that used its talents to make the world a little better, one project at a time.
Inspiring the next generation. Whether it’s my kids, my team, or future entrepreneurs, I hope my journey encourages others to take risks, follow their passions, and create something meaningful. If someone looks at Eternity and thinks, I can do that, too, then I’ll know I’ve made a difference.

In the end, I want my legacy to be about more than the work—we’ve done plenty of great work—but about the impact we’ve had on people’s lives. That’s what truly matters to me.

If you could go back in time to yourself when you first started the company is there anything you would change or do differently?

If I could go back in time to when I first started Eternity, there’s definitely one big thing I’d do differently: I would hire employees sooner and take risks earlier.

Back then, I thought I had to do everything myself—every line of code, every client meeting, every invoice. I was hesitant to bring anyone else in because I was afraid of the financial risk, or maybe I thought no one would care as much about the work as I did. Looking back, I realize how much that mindset slowed things down.

If I had hired earlier, I could’ve focused more on growing the business and less on juggling every little detail. Surrounding myself with talented people has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and if I’d done it sooner, Eternity might have hit its stride even faster.

The same goes for taking risks. Early on, I played it safe, turning down opportunities because I was afraid of failing. But the times I’ve taken risks—whether it was expanding services, investing in new technology, or tackling bigger projects—those are the moments that pushed Eternity to the next level. I wish I’d had the confidence to lean into those risks earlier.

What advice would you give yourself?

If I could give myself advice back then, it would be this: Be kinder to yourself. You’re going to make mistakes—lots of them—and that’s okay. Mistakes aren’t failures; they’re lessons. Instead of beating yourself up, focus on what you can learn and how you can grow. Power through, because you’re stronger than you think, and every misstep is just part of the journey.

Don’t be afraid to ask others for help. You don’t have to do everything alone, and reaching out doesn’t make you weak—it makes you smart. There’s no shame in leaning on others for advice, support, or collaboration. In fact, some of the best breakthroughs will come from those moments when you invite others into the process.

And seriously, start delegating sooner—earlier than you think you need or want to. Trusting others with pieces of the puzzle will free you up to focus on the bigger picture. Letting go of control isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. You’ll find that the people around you are more capable than you realize, and together, you can achieve so much more.

About the Future

Where do you see the company in the next 25 years?

In the next 25 years, I see Eternity becoming a trailblazer in helping businesses deeply embrace AI to transform how they work. The future isn’t just about building websites or managing marketing campaigns—it’s about empowering organizations to do less with more by leveraging AI and automation in ways that are both strategic and sustainable.

We’ll be at the forefront of training businesses and their employees to integrate AI into their workflows, enabling them to work smarter, not harder. Whether it’s automating repetitive tasks, optimizing processes, or unlocking new creative possibilities, our role will shift toward being educators and partners in helping businesses harness the full potential of this technology.

What excites you most about the future of the company?

What excites me most about the future of Eternity is the opportunity to redefine what’s possible—not just for our clients, but for the industries we touch. The rapid pace of innovation, especially with AI and automation, opens up endless possibilities for how we can help businesses do more with less effort, work smarter, and connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.

Finally, what excites me most is the team. Their passion, creativity, and ability to adapt inspire me daily. Together, we have the chance to shape not just the future of Eternity but the future of how businesses use technology to thrive. The best is still ahead of us, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.

Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey

As I reflect on 25 years of Eternity, the overwhelming feeling is gratitude. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible people who have been part of it—our employees, customers, and partners. Thank you for believing in the vision, sticking with us through challenges, and celebrating our successes along the way.

To our crew, you are the heart of this company. Your creativity, passion, and hard work make Eternity thrive. To our clients, your trust and collaboration inspire us daily and you’ve been integral to our success.

A special shoutout to my family, who’ve supported me unconditionally through this wild ride. Mollie, Claire, and Ella—thank you for your patience, encouragement, and love. You’ve grounded me and reminded me of what’s most important.

And finally, to Ella Meach, my high school mentor—you were the spark that lit this fire, and your guidance continues to inspire me every day.

Here’s to everyone who has made this journey possible. Eternity isn’t just my story—it’s our story. Thank you for being part of it.

Eternity Turns 25 in 2025!