Elevating construction with interviews, training, and techniques that will make the build environment better for the workers, our customers, companies, and the industry as a whole. Podcasts are published at 5AM every weekday.
Listeners of Elevate Construction that love the show mention: construction, request, jason, content, awesome, great, like, listening.
The Elevate Construction podcast is an exceptional resource for professionals in the construction industry. From the moment I started listening, I was hooked and couldn't wait to hear more. The host, Jason, does a fantastic job delivering valuable content and insights that are truly helpful and applicable to real-life construction scenarios. His passion for the industry shines through in every episode, making it easy to stay engaged and motivated.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the quality of the information provided. Jason brings in top-tier talent from the construction industry to share their wisdom and experiences. These guests offer invaluable insights that can greatly benefit both entry-level professionals and seasoned veterans alike. The advice given is practical, actionable, and easily relatable to everyday construction projects.
Additionally, the format of each episode is well-structured and easy to follow. Jason covers a wide range of topics relevant to construction professionals, including project management techniques, leadership skills, productivity hacks, and much more. The episodes are packed with valuable information that can be implemented immediately on job sites.
Furthermore, Jason's enthusiasm for teaching and helping others is contagious. He provides not only knowledge but also motivation and inspiration throughout each episode. By sharing his own experiences as well as those of his guests, he creates a supportive environment where listeners can learn from both successes and failures.
As for any potential drawbacks, it's difficult to find any significant negatives about this podcast. However, if there was one thing that could be improved upon, it would be adding transcripts or show notes for each episode. This would make it easier for listeners to revisit specific points or search for particular topics they may be interested in.
In conclusion, The Elevate Construction podcast is an absolute gem for anyone involved in the construction industry. With its wealth of knowledge, practical advice, and motivational content, it has become an essential resource in my professional development journey. I highly recommend this podcast to anyone looking to improve their skills, knowledge, and overall performance in the construction field. Thank you, Jason, for providing such exceptional content and helping others elevate their construction careers.
What if your biggest letdowns were actually your most valuable lessons? In this powerful episode, Jason Schroeder reframes disappointment with one unforgettable truth: Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted. Whether it's a cancelled project, a scrapped plan, or a tough mistake in the field, it's never wasted if your team walked away stronger. Here's what you'll take away: A mindset shift to transform “failure” into long-term leadership growth. How to view cancelled projects and setbacks as crucial training grounds. The hard truth about sub-optimization and how trade contractors can better align. A direct answer to a real superintendent's challenge with flow and mechanical work across zones. Why learning, not just outcomes, should guide your progress in construction. This isn't just another motivational pep talk, it's a real-world lesson from the trenches, filled with practical insights and raw honesty.
If your team is drowning in complexity and still losing clarity, this episode is your wake-up call. We've been trained to worship detail but is more always better? Jason Schroeder unpacks why obsessing over every task, schedule, or CPM activity might actually be slowing your project down… and what real builders do instead. In this bold and practical episode, you'll learn: Why macro-level strategic planning is not optional. How “comfort in detail” kills innovation, overwhelms teams, and delays success. The art form of building trust in zoning, flow, and phase planning. How to break the addiction to premature over-planning and think like a master builder. From boat trips to AI breakthroughs to brutally honest field lessons, Jason takes you behind the scenes on a journey that will challenge your approach to planning and performance. If you're ready to think deeper, lead smarter, and build with clarity, hit play now.
Disagreeing doesn't have to mean disconnecting. In this episode, Jason Schroeder shares powerful scripts and mindset shifts that can transform tension into teamwork and turn conflict into progress. Learn how to: Push back without triggering egos. Use disagreement to build credibility, not break relationships. Navigate critical feedback in high-pressure environments. Stay human, kind, and effective even when emotions run high. Whether you're a foreman, leader, or project manager, this episode is your crash course in respectful dissent with wisdom pulled from Jason's real-world experience and books like How to Win Friends and Influence People and Changeable. If you've ever been told you're “too direct" or you've stopped speaking up to avoid drama, this one's for you.
From Military Grit to Construction Growth: A Deep Dive with Charles McKenna Mid-career in construction? Feeling behind? Think again. In this powerful conversation, Jason Schroeder sits down with Charles McKenna, a military veteran turned project engineer to talk real talk about breaking into the construction industry later in life and still dominating.
“Play Ball!” – What General Patton Can Teach Us About Project Readiness. In this episode, Jason Schroeder shares a powerful story from WWII and how it directly applies to construction leadership today. You'll learn how General Patton's rapid response during the Battle of the Bulge wasn't just history, it's a blueprint for operational excellence on modern jobsites.
When Perfection Gets in the Way of Progress, A Wake-Up Call for PMs. Let's get real: some project managers confuse control with value. In this episode Jason Schroeder calls out the all-too-common trap of nauseating perfection where PMs overprocess, nitpick, and stall teams in the name of looking polishe but not actually building with excellence. Inside this episode: Why over-perfection is waste, not leadership. How credentials and certifications mean nothing without execution. The difference between aesthetic checklists and real project outcomes. Why great builders simplify, reduce, and enable not complicate. A powerful listener story that proves culture and connection drive performance. If you're more focused on dotting I's than delivering results, it's time to step back and rethink your impact.
Passionless Projects Fail. Don't Let Yours Be One of Them. In construction, critique is essential but cutting out the heart of a project in the name of safety or consensus? That's how you kill innovation. In Episode 1378 of the Elevate Construction Podcast, Jason Schroeder draws a bold parallel between Pixar's recent failure with Elio and what's happening on too many job sites: over-sanitized planning, zero boldness, and teams afraid to lead with vision. Tune in to hear: Why PPC (Percent Plan Complete) is overrated and what actually drives performance. How over-engineering risk reviews can leave you with a “milk toast” project. The warning signs that your team is playing it too safe. A powerful reminder from a real-world, passion-filled project (BSRL) that broke the mold.
This episode pulls no punches. Jason Schroeder breaks down a hard truth in the construction world, some superintendents are sabotaging themselves and their teams by clinging to outdated habits, sloppy leadership, and inflated egos. He's not calling out individuals he's calling out the persona that holds this industry back. You'll hear: The brutal contrast between Ego-Driven Fools vs. Superintendents 2.0 & 3.0. Real-life examples of toxic leadership and why it fails. 10 clear traits of ego-driven behavior (and how Jason admits to struggling with a few himself). Actionable ways to ditch the ego and build real influence through humility, planning, and leadership.
Toxic Culture vs. Healthy Accountability. Where's the Line? Not all dissent is healthy. Not all questions are constructive. In this episode, Jason Schroeder takes on one of the most nuanced leadership challenges in construction today: How do you build a psychologically safe culture without letting toxic behaviors grow in the shadows? In this episode, Jason dives into: The fine line between speaking up and sabotaging culture. Why “shadow leadership” and gossip can silently erode trust. A list of 20 toxic workplace behaviors every leader must watch for. How to protect your team's voice without opening the door to dysfunction. A practical script for calling out harmful behavior without becoming toxic yourself.
What if the most powerful leadership move on your jobsite isn't a schedule update or a safety briefing but a heartfelt thank you? In this episode, Mark Story returns to unpack the often-overlooked superpower of appreciation in construction. From walking jobsites with intention to catching workers doing something right, Mark shares real stories that prove how gratitude changes culture, boosts morale, and builds unstoppable crews. Jason and Mark also dive into:✅ Soft skills that separate real leaders from seagulls.✅ The daily rituals that build trust and loyalty.✅ How a two-word phrase can be more valuable than a paycheck.✅ And why your success at work starts at home. Whether you're a general superintendent, project leader, or just getting started in the field this episode will make you rethink how you show up, lead, and connect.
When the project starts slipping and leadership refuses to plan, what do you do? In this raw, honest episode, Jason responds to a powerful message from a superintendent in Brazil caught in the middle of a $1M project with zero systems and a PM who believes planning is the problem. What follows is a masterclass in field leadership, mental resilience, and how to lead up when everything feels like it's falling apart. You'll hear: A clear, step-by-step strategy to get ANY project back on track. What to do right now when there's waste, rework, and no plan in sight. Why “just figure it out as we go” is a toxic excuse (and how to respond when that's the culture). A heartfelt reminder of why systems aren't just tools they're respect for the people who build. This is a must-listen for anyone who's ever felt stuck, unheard, or on the edge of burnout in construction leadership. If you've been told “that's just how it is,” this episode will remind you: it doesn't have to be.
Just made the leap into a superintendent role? Feeling like you're drinking from a firehose? You're not alone and this episode is for you. Jason Schroeder answers a powerful listener message from a newly promoted superintendent who's going from carpenter to commercial GC leader. If you're stepping into leadership in construction (or helping someone who is), this episode lays out the exact resources and habits you need to thrive fast. You'll hear: A full breakdown of free tools, templates, books, and boards for field engineers and supers. The one mindset shift that turns learning into action. Jason's proven “Three Habits of a Builder” that separate great supers from overwhelmed ones. Why he's training ChatGPT to write with his voice and how it's changing the game for industry books. This episode is a real-time masterclass in humble leadership, resourcefulness, and how to grow into a role that scares you (in the best way).
We say value engineering. But what we're actually doing? Design amputation. In this short but fiery episode, Jason Schroeder exposes the ugly truth behind how most construction teams gut their designs under the false flag of "VE." This isn't about optimizing systems or delivering value it's dismemberment engineering, plain and simple. You'll hear: Why traditional "value engineering" is a lie we've all accepted. The brutal consequences of siloed design and reactive budgeting. What true value engineering looks like (spoiler: it starts before drawings are finished). A clear roadmap to integrated, lean-aligned design that actually works. If you've ever seen a beautifully designed project get hacked apart because it was “over budget,” this episode will hit home and give you a better way forward. Listen now to stop the cycle and start building smarter. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
Let's be real. “critical path” thinking is destroying your jobsite. In this punchy, no-BS episode, Jason Schroeder breaks down the dangerous myth of the critical path and introduces something far more powerful: the Path of Critical Flow. You'll hear: Why “knowing the critical path” is actually making you push, panic, and waste time. The brutal truth about crashing schedules (and how it hurts, not helps). The smarter way to plan using buffers, flow, and sequencing. How to spot bottlenecks and fix them without burning out your team. A hilariously sharp analogy involving babysitting, fake kidnappers, and parental panic. If you've ever been told to work weekends, throw labor at it, or just get it done, you need this episode. Forget panic. Plan with flow. Build with sanity.
What happens when a superintendent builds the hospital… and years later, his own daughter becomes a patient there? In this unforgettable episode, Jason sits down with one of his all-time favorite humans: Jake Smaellie, a master builder with a story that will hit you right in the gut. From healthcare construction to personal healing, Jake opens up about: The emotional moment he walked his daughter into an MRI room he built. Why cleaning jobsite bathrooms (yes, really) sets the tone for leadership. The power of saying “good morning” and how it's a secret weapon for team culture. His incredible 180-pound weight loss and training for a 200-mile bike ride. How to lead by example, not by title. Funny. Raw. Inspiring. This is more than construction, it's a masterclass in humility, grit, and taking care of people.
In this episode, Jason responds to two powerful listener messages. First, a PM asks: How do you lead when you're new to a project and the entire team knows more than you do? Jason shares the exact strategy he would use to build trust, gain clarity, and define his role starting with humility and collaboration. Second, a reflection from a $300M industrial project in the Amazon reveals something important: even with advanced systems like BIM, AWP, and Last Planner in place, production suffers when foremen and supervisors lack core skills. Through Kaizen cycles, the team discovered gaps in pre-task planning, tool management, drawing reading, and 3D model usage and solved it with targeted training. Jason connects this insight to real examples like High Street and P1 Group's Forge training facility, emphasizing that skilled people, not just systems make the difference. A powerful reminder that builders need both the plan and the preparation. If you're new to a team or trying to level up field performance, this one's for you. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
This one's going to hit home. We've all seen it, a rude PM, an arrogant superintendent, an aggressive designer on a call, or a toxic leader on a mega project. It's easy to justify behavior like this as “just the way things are” in construction. But Jason reminds us of a deeper truth: how we treat people is part of our job. In this episode: Why communication, kindness, and collaboration are essential job skills. What it feels like to be dismissed or belittled (Jason shares a personal and frustrating visit with a specialist). Why mega projects often bring out the worst behaviors. And why the most noble thing in construction might be leading a small project with stability and dignity. Plus, Jason answers a listener's question about finding the First Planner System book (spoiler: it's now titled Elevating Pre-Construction Planning due to Amazon publishing issues). This episode is for anyone who's ever felt mistreated at work or wants to be a better builder, leader, and human. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
We talk a lot about strategy in construction. Planning, systems, flow, accountability—great stuff. But what if none of it works unless you confront one brutal truth?
Ever been asked to “just redo that in a different format”…for no reason? Or told “we don't have time for planning” even when it's clearly needed? In this episode, Jason calls out the everyday thoughtless requests that chip away at team morale, respect, and productivity in construction. Whether it's lazy leadership, selfish budgeting, or tone-deaf directions, these requests aren't just annoying, they're dangerous. What you'll hear in this episode: The difference between truly thoughtless vs. selfishly thoughtless requests. Why poor communication destroys trust on-site. How “small asks” actually cause massive waste. The one mindset shift that instantly builds respect in your workplace. And why "please" and "thank you" still matter more than ever. If you want to build a high-trust, high-performance team, it starts with what you don't say and what you stop asking others to do. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
“You Can't Make It Up on the Freeway” – The Myth of Going Fast in Construction Ever leave late and tell yourself, “I'll make up the time by driving faster”? Spoiler: it never works and neither does rushing in construction. In this quick but powerful episode, Jason shares a real-life analogy that hits hard: speeding through traffic to make up for poor planning is no different than pushing crews on site without a stable plan. Both lead to stress, risks, and sometimes irreversible consequences. What you'll hear in this episode: A personal story that will shift how you think about “urgency”. Why rushing, pushing, and panicking only look productive. How late starts and poor planning are always the real problem. The dangerous ripple effects of last-minute chaos in construction. If you've ever said “we'll figure it out in the field” or felt the pressure to crash-land a project, this episode is your wake-up call. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
The Lie of Being Unique: Why Construction Keeps Reinventing the Wheel Let's bust a myth that's quietly killing our productivity in construction: “This project is different.” In this eye-opening episode, Jason challenges one of the most common (and dangerous) beliefs in our industry that every project is so unique it can't follow a standard process. But what if that mindset is the very thing holding us back from stability, repeatability, and excellence? He shares: A powerful question from his CEO that sparked this whole reflection. What software, lean systems, and builders like Hensel Phelps already know. Why thinking you're unique can tank your schedule and lead to chaos. The truth about production systems: different buildings, same process. Whether you're a superintendent, project manager, or craftsman aiming to level up, this episode will shift your mindset and sharpen your focus. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
From Hammer to Hero: The Team-Building Genius of Mark Story Ever wondered how the best construction leaders turn chaotic projects into high-performing teams? In this episode, Jason sits down with Mark Story, a 37-year industry veteran with roots in the trades and a reputation for transforming troubled jobs into thriving team environments. Mark isn't just a builder; he's a relationship architect. They dive deep into the habits, mindset, and philosophies that set Mark apart: how he listens to lead, empowers others to win, and creates project cultures where people feel safe, supported, and inspired. From letting people fail on purpose to showing up like their biggest fan, Mark's leadership lessons will change how you think about team dynamics on any construction site. Core Habits for Effective Leadership and Connection: Look, listen, and feel: Stay present and tuned into your surroundings and team. Help people win: Focus on empowering others to succeed. Mark ‘L' at the top of your notepad to remind yourself to listen: A visual prompt to stay in listening mode. Be curious: Approach challenges and people with genuine interest. Ask thoughtful questions: Use inquiry to understand, not to control. Make intentional time to connect: Prioritize meaningful engagement with your team. Watch how you ask: Frame questions in a way that invites honesty and collaboration. Try not to lead the witness: Avoid biasing responses; let insights surface naturally. Let people fail safely: Give room for learning and growth through experience. Care enough to have tough conversations: Address real issues with courage and compassion. Plan using visual learning tools: Make information accessible, clear, and easy to act on. Contact Mark Story: Mark Story. Commercial Construction Services LLC. Construction Consulting. Cell 612-968-0257 Mark@storyccs.com If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
Are you a leader who brings clarity or chaos? In this bold and refreshing episode, Jason Schroeder tackles two tough truths: Why blaming owners for not doing Lean is just an excuse. And what it really means to be a toxic seagull on the jobsite. He unpacks a real conversation with a former CEO who claimed Lean wasn't used because “owners didn't want to pay for it.” Jason respectfully calls BS and explains why doing the right thing isn't optional for real builders. Then it gets personal. Have you ever flown into a project, stirred things up, then flown back to corporate thinking you “added value”? You might be a toxic seagull. This episode will challenge how you show up as a leader, how you serve your team and whether you're dropping solutions… or just dropping crap. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
In this episode, Jason goes off in the best way about a crucial mindset shift: When something breaks down do you fix the system, or blame the people? Do you create buffers or bulldoze schedules in the name of “efficiency”? Do you leador just criticize?
Ever feel like your team is sprinting straight into a wall? In this thought-provoking episode, Jason Schroeder breaks down why rushing without clearing roadblocks is one of the most dangerous habits in construction. Using a powerful analogy (spoiler: it involves smashing into walls), Jason challenges one of the most common misapplications of the Last Planner System and percent plan complete (PPC). Discover how a simple language problem—calling everything a “constraint”—is wrecking your team's ability to plan, prioritize, and stay safe. If you've ever been frustrated with chaotic boards, missed milestones, or wasted effort, this is the podcast that will shift your thinking for good. Ready to stop running into walls and start leading with clarity? Hit play now. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
Why Are Trades Flooding the Jobsite with Inventory? It's Not What You Think… In this eye-opening episode, Jason uncovers a surprising root cause behind excessive trade inventory—and it's not poor planning or laziness. What if the real issue is a lack of rhythm on your jobsite? Discover how chaos in scheduling triggers a domino effect of waste, inefficiency, and frustration. Whether you're a GC or a trade partner, this one insight could change how you view planning forever.
In this podcast we cover: A question from a listener. How to plan temporary cooling. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
In this podcast we cover: What honest debate is. Why we do not criticize or blame people. The proper way to share ideas. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
In this podcast we cover: What is a baseline in CPM? What is a baseline strategy in Takt? If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
In this podcast we cover: Why it is important to innovate from a starting point. How there are no stupid questions, but there are stupid answers, and those are the ones that do not innovate from a base. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
In this podcast we cover: A question from one of our listeners. How to plan for one-off activities that cross multiple zones. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
In this podcast we cover: Why focusing and going slow are important. How clear instructions applies to all types of communication. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
In this podcast we cover: Updates to inTakt that are awesome. What things could go well or wrong with the statement. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
In this podcast we cover: Questions from Listeners. How can you innovate when the company is so stuck on same standards. How can you innovate when the company says, “If it ain't broke, don't fix it.” If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
In this podcast we cover: Questions from Listeners. How to attack the process of reading your drawings. The overall philosophy of how to break it down. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
In this podcast we cover: Advanced Daily Huddle advice. A critique of the 7 rules for daily huddles. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
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