Our Story

It All Began With a Dance

When Dale first danced with Suzi, back in 1981, he didn’t want to let go. Dating, a proposal, and marriage followed.

Meantime Suzi was turning her love for dance into a flourishing dance school business. Word spread, more clients enrolled, and the tedious burden of business administration took up an increasing amount of Suzi’s time and energy. She turned to Dale for help.

As a software engineer, Dale knew what features would be most valuable for a dance studio owner, but when he scanned the marketplace there was nothing suitable. So he rolled up his sleeves and started coding. That was the beginning of Akada Software, a suite built by dance studio owners for the specific needs of dance studio management. The founders incorporated as Akada (pronounced A-KAY-DA) which is an acronym for their children’s names, Amy-Kate and Dale Allan!

As Dale and Suzi neared retirement, their son DJ and son-in-law Brett took over leadership. While the product evolves and improves continuously, the team continues as a family-owned business with a deep and sincere care for the satisfaction and success of customers.

The Akada Software Team

A Family-Owned Business Focused on Customer Success

DJ Roedger

President

DJ (shortened from “Dale, Jr.”) is not just our curmudgeonly leader; his names also represent the “DA” in Akada (Dale Allen). DJ took on the leadership of Akada when our founders transitioned to retirement. DJ is an avid runner, and has completed multiple marathons. He also enjoys football, soccer, and riding bikes with his son Porter. DJ graduated from the University of Florida with both a BA and a JD.

Brett Stuckey

Director of Support and Marketing

A key member of Akada’s second-generation leadership team, Brett brings over 20 years of experience in customer support. Brett stays active outdoors. He has completed four Ironman races, and numerous other triathlons, but you’ll most likely find him pedaling trails on his mountain bike. Brett is married to Amy-Kate (the “AK” in Akada). Their daughter, Caroline, is in her first season of company dance. Brett graduated from Auburn University in 2007.

Mark

Product Developer

Mark helps us continually add new features and capabilities through the Akada Software product roadmap. His experience includes over 20 years in the software industry. He enjoys yoga, running, eating his favorite meals, and watching movies with his wife. Mark graduated from the University of Georgia with a BS in Computer Science.

Yolanda

Customer Success Specialist

Yolanda brings over 30 years of customer and client support experience to the team. When she’s not helping customers, Yolanda enjoys zumba, shopping, and traveling. She also loves spending time with her family that includes her husband, two adult children, their spouses, and four grandchildren. Yolanda attended the College of Coastal Georgia.

Anji

Customer Success Specialist

Anji has over 20 years of customer service experience. She studied at Johnson C. Smith University. Our resident book and music enthusiast has a love for all things Wonder Woman. When not helping dance studio owners build their business, Anji does some performing of her own - entertaining her daughter with pop-up performances!