19 Years of Building Software.
And We're Just Getting Started.
OWL Computing has been helping businesses solve problems with technology since 2007. We've evolved a lot since then - but our core values haven't changed.
How We Got Here
OWL Computing Development started in 2007 in Walker, Michigan. Back then, we were building websites and basic business applications for local companies who needed technology but didn't have IT departments.
Over the years, we evolved. Websites became web applications. Basic databases became full ERP systems. We started working with larger companies in manufacturing, real estate, and e-commerce - always focusing on custom solutions that fit the business, not the other way around.
We also evolved our team. Today you are working with senior, Michigan-based engineers and system builders, not entry-level web developers.
Started building websites and basic business applications for local companies in West Michigan. Simple work, honest prices, and a commitment to actually getting things done.
Evolved into building custom web applications, database systems, and eventually full ERP solutions. Expanded into manufacturing, real estate, and e-commerce industries.
Nearly 15 years of experience across dozens of industries and hundreds of projects. We knew how to build software. But something was about to change.
When practical AI tools emerged, we didn't wait to see what would happen. We dove in. Today, OWL is an AI-first development shop. Our small team, augmented by AI, delivers what used to require much larger teams.
Small Team. Deep Experience.
We're not a big agency. We don't have account managers, project managers, and layers of overhead. When you work with OWL, you work directly with the people building your software.
Ryan Smallegan
Owner
Ryan has been with OWL since the beginning, wearing many hats: sales, prototyping, development, and client relationships. He's the face of OWL and the person you'll likely talk to first. No gatekeepers - just direct access to the decision-maker.
Dan Stephens
Director of Software Development
Dan runs operations and leads development projects. With deep technical expertise spanning legacy systems to modern architectures, he ensures that what we build actually works - and keeps working long after launch.
Michigan-Based Developers
Senior Engineers
A small, senior team rooted in Michigan. We build complex business systems, integrate legacy platforms, and own the full stack from data to UI.
Our AI Agents
Development Partners
Yes, we count them as team members. They help us write code, review work, research solutions, and process data. They're what allow a small team to punch way above its weight - delivering enterprise-level output without enterprise-level overhead.
How We Think About Work
Build What's Needed, Not What's Trendy
We don't chase shiny objects. We build solutions that solve real problems, using technology that's proven and appropriate for the job.
Be Straightforward
No jargon. No scope creep. No surprises. We tell you what we think, even if it's not what you want to hear. That's how you avoid expensive mistakes.
Stay Small on Purpose
We could grow. We choose not to - because staying small keeps us nimble, keeps overhead low, and lets us work directly with clients instead of through layers of middle management.
Embrace What's Coming
Technology evolves. We evolve with it. AI is the biggest shift in our industry in decades, and we've embraced it fully. That's how we stay relevant after 19 years.
Built in Michigan
We're based in Walker, Michigan - just outside Grand Rapids. We work with clients across the country, but our roots are firmly Midwest.
What does that mean in practice?
- ✓ We show up when we say we will
- ✓ We charge fair prices and do honest work
- ✓ We don't oversell or overpromise
- ✓ We answer the phone (really)
There's no Silicon Valley flash here. Just a team that's been quietly building great software for nearly two decades.
Walker, Michigan
Just outside Grand Rapids
Serving clients nationwide
since 2007
Want to meet us?
We're always happy to chat - whether you have a project in mind or just want to learn more about how we work.