Michael F. Stevens (1966-2024)

As we remember Michael and celebrate his birthday on May 18, we reflect with deep appreciation on the visionary leadership and personal values that continue to inspire our team, our software, and the industry we serve. 

Michael F. Stevens was more than a founder — he was a visionary leader who transformed the way the construction industry builds. As the driving force behind UDA Technologies, Michael’s mission was clear from the start: to revolutionize construction project management through practical, powerful software solutions designed for real builders working in the real world. With bold creativity and unwavering resolve, he reshaped what was possible in construction technology.

In 1999, drawing on more than a decade of experience as an architect and builder, Michael established UDA Technologies (originally United Design Associates Technologies). At the time, professional-grade construction software was often expensive, disconnected, and difficult to use. Michael saw an opportunity to level the playing field by creating tools that empowered professionals at every level of the industry — whether they were running a large commercial firm or building custom homes. His guiding belief was that technology should lower the cost of construction while elevating project success.

Imagine a job site where seemingly every detail is in place, the materials on hand are top-notch, and the schedule is running smoothly. Yet, an overlooked precaution, a moment of complacency, or a rushed decision could unravel everything. This Construction Safety Week, an industry-wide campaign observed May 5th - 9th, we recognize that creating a truly safe work environment involves more than the plans and materials - it fundamentally hinges on the people. Embodying this year's theme, "All In Together," UDA believes in the power of collective effort. That's why ConstructionOnline™ cultivates this spirit, fostering the connected and proactive safety measures that enable construction teams to Plan effectively, Own their actions, and Commit to a safe workplace. 

Wondering why construction safety demands your utmost attention? 

• The construction industry consistently has the highest number of workplace fatalities, and a concerning number of workers, nearly 1 in 10, experience a non-fatal injury each year. 
  

The statistics paint a clear picture: the consequences of ignoring safety are severe. The high rates of fatalities and injuries underscore the need for every individual and process to prioritize safe practices. Furthermore, a strong safety culture isn't just ethically sound; it's financially prudent. Construction companies can save significantly for every dollar invested in protecting their workforce. Strong safety records often lead to fewer delays and higher productivity, contributing to overall success. 

Keep reading to discover how ConstructionOnline fosters team-driven safety that protects your people and your profits - 

In honor of Star Wars Day - celebrated across the galaxy each year on May 4th - we thought it would be fun to take a look at one of the greatest construction fails in cinematic history: the Death Star. You know, the giant, planet-exploding space station that was destroyed by a single well-placed shot? That Death Star. 

Now, let’s be clear - the ConstructionOnline Team does not support the Galactic Empire’s project goals here (or the whole “planet killer” vibe). But if you're going to sink that much time, manpower, and government funding into building a space station, you better have the right construction management software. Unfortunately for the Empire, they didn’t. So, let’s explore how ConstructionOnline could have prevented this infamous, catastrophic failure - and the serious dent it put in the Empire’s reputation. 

In construction, even the smallest communication breakdown can snowball into costly delays, missed deadlines, or frustrated clients. With teams spread across job sites, offices, and everywhere in between, staying connected isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

That’s why forward-thinking construction businesses are turning to centralized project management platforms like ConstructionOnline® to streamline communication and keep everyone on the same page—from the field to the office. In this article, we’ll show you how powerful tools like Messages, GamePlan™, Daily Logs, Punch Lists, and Photos work together to transform how your team communicates… all in just a few minutes a day.

Are you tired of inefficient project management? Are you tired of ripping your hair out and losing sleep because you are drowning in past due schedule tasks, over-budget change orders, a construction team that’s always asking you repetitive questions, and hunting down that one crucial document among multiple drives, folders, and software platforms?

If so, we’ve got 5 timeless strategies that will help you manage construction projects without being overwhelmed and stressed to the max, plus you’ll discover a single tool that will help you implement all 5 strategies in one place. Keep reading to learn more:

You’ve heard a lot about construction management platforms like ConstructionOnline and Buildertrend, but how can you be sure which one is worth the investment for your team?

ConstructionOnline is clearly the better choice for your business when it comes to value for your money, ease of use, customer support, and a robust set of features that make managing teams and projects a breeze.

Don’t believe us just yet? Keep reading!

Every construction professional who has signed a contract should understand the critical role of submittals. These are essential documents—ranging from shop drawings and material samples to product data and test reports—that contractors provide to architects, engineers, or consultants before work begins. Submittals allow these professionals to verify that the proposed materials and methods comply with the project specifications, ensuring that construction proceeds as planned.

You’ve heard a lot about both ConstructionOnline and Procore as far as construction management platforms go, but how can you be sure which one is worth the investment for your team?

ConstructionOnline is clearly the better choice for your business when it comes to value for your money, ease of use, customer support, and a robust set of features that make managing teams and projects a breeze.

Don’t believe us just yet? Keep reading!

You’ve got questions, we’ve got all the answers (and vice versa)! 

“How long has UDA Technologies been in business?”

“Why should I choose ConstructionOnline over the other platforms out there?”

“How can I find out which pricing plan is right for my business?”

“I don’t need all of the advanced tools you guys have. Can I just use the basic tools without paying for everything else?”

This article answers all of those questions and more! IBS 2025 was full of valuable insights for both our team and our booth visitors; attendees got to see how ConstructionOnline, the leading construction management platform in the industry, helps builders win more jobs and make more money, and we learned what builders like you need and want in a software like ours.

Keep reading to find the answers to all of the FAQs we heard from builders like you at the show, and to find out what we learned from our conversations, all of which will help your business be more successful. Even if you didn’t come to IBS this year, this information is still important and insightful, so here’s what you need to know:

Imagine witnessing the future of residential construction before your eyes. That’s exactly what the record-breaking 2025 NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS) delivered - the largest show in 17 years! 14 members of our team here at UDA Technologies were immersed in the electric atmosphere of the West Hall, capturing the wave of innovation firsthand. Couldn’t make it? Here’s an inside look at what you missed. 

Picture this: 728,000 square feet buzzing with over 81,000 industry professionals. The show was a hub of activity. Our team had the pleasure of engaging with hundreds of attendees throughout the week – many of whom were our very own clients – showcasing several of ConstructionOnline’s newest features, hearing how much our software has helped different types of builders grow their businesses, and having lots of fun in the process. 

Keep reading to discover the highlights and impactful moments from IBS 2025 in Vegas, and get a glimpse of why you should join us for IBS 2026 in Orlando, FL!