Meet the Team
Within team we have significant expertise for complex problem solving including crop/animal production systems, business analysis and management, economics, genetics, livestock management and health as well as strategic planning.
Yousef Al-Abdalla
Roger Lewer
Rod Stephenson
Yousef Al-Abdalla
Yousef Al-Abdalla grew up in a farming family near the village of Tammoun on the West Bank of the Jordan River. During his early professional life in martial arts, he gained a reputation for diligence and integrity. This lead to him being invited to become an Australian citizen, which he accepted in 1963, Since migrating to Australia 40+ years ago, Yousef has lived and raised a family in Brisbane.
Yousef has developed a large network of contacts, friends and colleagues in both Australia and Middle East countries that provide the basis for trust and confidence in UDC as a partner and service provider in business activities. The concept of UDC was initiated 20 years ago when Yousef was introduced by a friend to Rod Stephenson with respect to potential abattoir, dairy and housing developments in the Middle East.
This relationship established the UDC company which has since expanded into other business ventures.
The three owners of UDC have identified the need for enterprise finance capability. It is in this capacity that Yousef has promoted UDC as a source of information and expertise that provide essential funding for entrepreneurs pursuing new enterprises. He currently spends much of his time based in Jordan, as a pivot for contacts and enquiries throughout MENA,
Roger Lewer
Roger Lewer was originally from a New Zealand farming family. After completing High School, Roger worked on the family farm and for his family’s building company. A short spell in the Royal New Zealand Air Force was followed by a return to farming and several years as a farm manager on dairy, sheep and cattle as well as mixed cropping enterprises.
At 30 years of age, Roger started his academic career and graduated from Massey University with a First Class Honours degree in Science (1975 – Biometry and Animal Production) and a Doctor of Philosophy (1978 – Quantitative Genetics). The next 30 years was devoted to research, research leadership and extension. This included numerous international consultancies in diverse countries in Eastern and Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Towards the end of his research career Dr Lewer developed interests and skills in enterprise analysis where he was able to apply his systems modelling experience to complex business systems as a robust indicator of feasibility and strategic development optimisation.
Dr Lewer now pursues interests in capital management and enhancement and discovery of investments fitting the needs of business clients. In addition, he maintains his interests in strategic planning with a particular focus on large scale livestock production and breeding at the farm, state and national level. However, other commercial enterprise types can fit within his modelling protocols.
Rod Stephenson
Rod Stephenson, originally from a farming family, has forty plus years of experience as a livestock veterinarian in both research and in his own private practice. In addition, he has conducted a number of consultancies for Government and private enterprises both domestic and international as well as providing agencies for the purchase and export of commodities for foreign clients.
This background has provided a basis for familiarity with business governance relating to private enterprises, particularly veterinary, export consultancies, and online rural merchandising. His research experience was largely for Government institutions where he became familiar with official protocols. As example, of current activities, please see www.pacificanimalconsulting.com and www.farmshopaustralia.com Universal Design & Construct [UDC] has been another business focused on international endeavours.
Business experience includes not only hands-on management but also strategic planning and development of promotional and marketing functions, organisational structuring and funding, and evaluation of new business opportunities including feasibility analysis.
Rod, through Yousef has had 4 trips to Middle East Countries. Together with Roger – UDC can contribute value through innovation approaches to business finance, development and market planning.
Next Steps...
Get in touch with the UDC team today to find out how our team can help your next project