# Mike Rydin

> Mike Rydin founded construction software company HCSS in 1986 and led it until 2022. A philosophy and mathematics graduate, he built the business around estimating tools, round-the-clock support, employee ownership and leadership development. His later public work includes education philanthropy, an offshore-wind investment and support for conservative organizations.

- **Role:** Founder and former CEO of HCSS
- **Organizations:** HCSS, I Build America, Vistage, Entrion Wind
- **Education:** B.A. in Philosophy, Oklahoma State University, B.S. in Mathematics, Oklahoma State University
- **Known for:** Built HCSS from a home-based startup into a construction software business with more than $100 million in 2020 annual revenue., HCSS recognized among the Wall Street Journal’s 15 Top Small Workplaces in America in 2009., Vistage Lifetime Achievement Award, 2021.

## Career timeline

- **1981** — Developed estimating software for his construction-company employer.
- **1985** — Rewrote the estimating software for personal computers in the evenings.
- **1986** — After being laid off, founded HCSS from his home.
- **1989** — HCSS moved into its first office building.
- **1991** — Sophie Rydin joined the business, five years after its founding.
- **1996** — Joined Vistage to improve his approach to management and delegation.
- **2016** — Founded I Build America and was recognized as an Oklahoma State distinguished alumnus.
- **2021** — Received Vistage Lifetime Achievement Award; invested in Entrion Wind; Thoma Bravo completed acquisition of HCSS on November 16.
- **2022** — Retired as HCSS CEO; Steve McGough succeeded him on April 19.
- **2023** — Received Vistage Legacy Award.

## Achievements

- Built HCSS from a home-based startup into a construction software business with more than $100 million in 2020 annual revenue.
- HCSS recognized among the Wall Street Journal’s 15 Top Small Workplaces in America in 2009.
- Vistage Lifetime Achievement Award, 2021.
- Vistage Legacy Award, 2023; award profile credited HCSS with helping make 70 millionaires through its sale and employee ownership.
- Founded I Build America in 2016.

## Latest updates

- **2026-07** — HCSS, which Rydin founded and left as CEO in 2022, was acquired by Nemetschek effective July 1; this is a company update rather than a new role for Rydin.
- **2024-07** — A biography hosted by Texas Public Policy Foundation described support for conservative organizations and properties, including Camp Rydin.
- **2023-11** — Vistage’s 2023 awards e-book recognized him with a Legacy Award.

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/mike-rydin
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-23