Risk Data Analytics builds credential and risk management tools that start with the skilled worker and reach the company, broker, and insurer.
Safety Thru Knowledge — verified people, usable risk data, before the loss.
Risk Data Analytics exists to prevent accidents in crane, rigging, and heavy-haul operations by turning verified credentials and real jobsite data into predictive risk intelligence.
We equip companies, brokers, insurers, and defense counsel with evidence-based tools that make verified credentials the foundation of every assessment, convert operational data into actionable foresight, and place objective intelligence at the center of how risk is managed, priced, and defended.
Our purpose is straightforward: fewer assumptions, clearer decisions, and measurably fewer incidents.
President/CEO, Founder
Michael Hopwood stands as a seasoned technology executive at the forefront of Risk Data Analytics (RDA), bringing a wealth of experience in semiconductors, Software as a Service (SaaS), Industrial Automation, and IoT Networks to guide RDA's innovative vision. Mr. Hopwood is dedicated to unifying and advancing the company's vision, bringing his extensive experience and unique perspective to foster innovation, growth, and strategic risk management solutions. His leadership is defined by a commitment to excellence, integration of cutting-edge technology, and a focus on delivering value to clients across diverse industries.
Before joining RDA, Mike's career included Intel (Sales Engineer, Networking and CPU markets); PLX Technology (VP of Sales and Business Development, helping take the company from startup to Nasdaq); Platte River Systems (Founder and President/CEO of an early SaaS platform for enterprise sales, design, and commissioning); Entomo (VP of Sales, Fortune 500 channel partnerships); Invar (Site Manager and Automation Engineering Director for Simplot warehouse automation across North America); and Rigado (Worldwide Business Development Director for IoT Network technology).
Michael holds a B.S. Degree in Physics/Engineering from Pacific Lutheran University.
Founder, Executive Board Member
Richard Emery is the owner and Managing Director of Emery & Karrigan, Inc., a leading insurance agency specializing in Crane Insurance, Crane Service, Crane Rigging, Heavy Hauling, and Millwright Insurance. With over two decades of experience in the insurance field, Richard has positioned Emery & Karrigan as the foremost agency in the country for the placement of these specialized insurance products, licensed to operate in 48 states. Under his leadership, the company has earned a reputation for providing reliable, innovative coverage tailored to the unique needs of the crane, rigging, and heavy hauling industries.
Richard drives Emery & Karrigan's mission to innovate coverage options, addressing deficiencies in standard insurance products to the advantage of its insureds. This focus reflects the company's core values of empathy for clients facing unjust liabilities, a sense of urgency in meeting their needs, and a commitment to serving as a trusted advisor.
Richard holds a B.A. Degree in Accounting from Pacific Lutheran University.
Technical Advisory Board
Suresh is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Incent4, Inc., an enterprise software company delivering cutting-edge data management and revenue recognition solutions to Fortune 500 companies worldwide.
Suresh is an inventor and architect with a remarkable ability to transform concepts into scalable, commercial-grade solutions. His entrepreneurial, committed, and hands-on leadership style has enabled him to develop highly configurable, fault-tolerant, and distributed enterprise applications for the cloud and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications.
Under his leadership, both Entomo, Inc. and Incent4, Inc. have emerged as leaders in providing state-of-the-art software solutions tailored to the complex needs of global enterprises. Suresh’s contributions extend beyond his company, as he is the recipient of multiple patents and has authored published papers presented at major international conferences, cementing his influence in the technology and business communities and empowering some of the world’s largest corporations.
Advisory Board
Jim D. Wiethorn is an Engineering Specialist and third-generation general contractor in the family business who has been involved in crane use and operations during his entire career. Dr. Wiethorn has analyzed over 1,300 crane accidents during his forensic career and published Crane Accidents: A Study of Causes & Trends to Create a Safer Work Environment-1983-2013 in 2014. Dr. Wiethorn's dissertation, An Analysis of Critical Factors of Lift Planning to Improve Crane Safety Based on Forensic Causation of Crane Accidents -2018, is based on his 35-year crane study database of over 700 crane accidents.
Dr. Wiethorn is a main committee member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME B30), as well as sub-committee member of ASME B30.3-Tower Cranes and ASME B30.29-Self Erect Tower Cranes. Dr. Wiethorn also serves the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) Tower Crane committee and Rigging Task Force committee.
Dr. Wiethorn is licensed as a professional engineer in 35 states and has testified in over 130 trials and 320 depositions. Dr. Wiethorn holds four patents associated with crane safety operations and telematics, as well as collaborating with a major university to house the largest crane accident database in the world. In 2022 Dr. Wiethorn was inducted into the National Academy of Construction based on his research and findings associated with crane accidents.
Advisory Board
Stephen serves as a valued advisor to Risk Data Analytics, bringing over four decades of experience in the construction and engineering industries to his role. His extensive expertise spans civil engineering, construction and project management, claims analysis, and transportation engineering.
Stephen's project portfolio is diverse and impressive, encompassing bridges, ports and harbors, rail and transit systems, roads and highways, sewage systems, renewable energy projects, stormwater handling and facilities, urban renewal and development, water supply infrastructure, and hazardous materials management across the United States.
Recognized as an expert in bridge construction and pre-construction, Stephen excels in project planning, contract preparation, negotiation, and award, as well as personnel administration and development for multimillion-dollar public works projects. Stephen holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from California State University, Sacramento, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in both California and Idaho.