Inspired by the vast and vital Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System, the name "Seaway" embodies the essence of connectivity, expansion, and innovation. Based in Southeast Wisconsin along the shores of Lake Michigan, the business reflects the rich maritime heritage of the region, where waterways serve as lifelines linking local ports to the global marketplace. Just as the Seaway facilitates commerce, enabling smaller Great Lakes ports to trade internationally, technology plays a similar role in breaking barriers for small businesses—providing them with tools to compete on a worldwide scale.
Like the ships that navigate the Seaway, carrying goods and opportunities far beyond their starting points, today's digital tools empower businesses to extend their reach, transcend geographic limitations, and engage with customers across continents. Whether through e-commerce, digital marketing, or cloud-based solutions, technology functions as the modern Seaway, guiding businesses toward growth, resilience, and unlimited possibilities.
Seaway is more than a name—it's a commitment to progress, a nod to the company’s roots, and a bold vision for the future. Just as the waterways define the economic lifeblood of the Great Lakes region, technology ensures that businesses, no matter their size, remain interconnected, dynamic, and poised for success in an evolving global landscape.
Seaway was founded by Eric Thomas, a seasoned technology professional with degrees in biomedical engineering and computer science from the University of Iowa. Over the course of 12+ years, Eric has built a career working with large companies, applying cutting-edge solutions to complex challenges. Yet, despite his success in the corporate world, his true passion has always been in supporting small businesses and helping them harness technology for growth.
The inspiration for Seaway took root during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Eric witnessed firsthand the resilience of small business owners navigating shutdowns and restrictions. Their determination to adapt, innovate, and push forward despite all of this uncertainty struck a chord—cementing his belief that technology could play a crucial role in empowering local businesses to not only survive, but thrive.
In 2023, after relocating to Southeast Wisconsin, Eric and his wife immersed themselves in the community, exploring neighborhood shops and connecting with local entrepreneurs. Their love for the small business scene, combined with Eric’s expertise in technology, led to the creation of Seaway—a company dedicated to bridging the gap between technology and opportunity. For Eric, Seaway isn’t just another business venture—it’s a mission to uplift and empower. By leveraging smart digital solutions, Seaway helps small businesses expand their reach, improve efficiency, and navigate an increasingly digital world with confidence.
Shannon brings a unique blend of experience to the team, having worked in fields ranging from exercise physiology to technology. Her diverse background includes running social media for a wedding planning company in Kansas City, where she honed her eye for aesthetics and branding. This combination of technical expertise and creative vision gave her knack for crafting engaging and appealing brand identities.
A good boy.