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.