Podcasts about elevate construction

In this episode, Jason Schroeder shares a simple "secret" that prevents a ton of workplace (and relationship) conflict: if two people are doing the same things, they'll step on each other's toes—and contention is guaranteed. He ties that lesson to real examples from project teams, business partnerships, and home life, then connects it to a key Lean idea: when multiple people are responsible for something, it often doesn't happen—so clear ownership and clear role boundaries matter. What you'll learn in this episode: Why overlapping responsibilities create friction, frustration, and constant conflict. How to define clear work assignments while still staying "shared-responsibility" as a team. Why PM/Super pairs (and leadership partners) fight when they're both trying to run the same lane. The Lean takeaway: one clear owner is often the difference between "done" and "never happens". A practical mindset shift to reduce drama and increase production: clarify roles before you escalate emotions. Where are you "stepping on toes" right now and what would change if you clearly owned separate lanes? 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 Schroeder breaks down a common scheduling trap: believing you can be behind in some areas because you're "ahead" somewhere else. He explains why being ahead in a few zones usually creates gaps, not true acceleration, and why most projects only recover when teams pause, map it out, and get back into flow. The real goal isn't pockets of speed — it's stability, leveling, and synchronized trade flow across the whole project. What you'll learn in this episode: Why being "ahead" in one area usually turns into gaps, not schedule recovery. How mapping the sequence reveals constraints you can't see in your head. Why the project's pace is set by the slowest zones and constraints, not the fastest crew. What it means to stabilize, level work, and re-enter flow instead of chasing shortcuts. How to think in synchronized "trains" of trades moving together at a consistent rhythm. If you're "ahead" somewhere but behind elsewhere, are you actually gaining time—or just creating a gap you'll pay for later? 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 Schroeder responds to a listener asking for a practical, step-by-step way to implement Lean on real projects. Jason explains the six-part structure of his new "Elevating Construction the Lean Way" series, then shares his bigger vision: recording real jobsite, step-by-step "how-to" training—from primary control and site setup to meeting systems—so teams can see exactly what "Lean in the field" looks like. He also makes the point that Lean only works when leadership is truly aligned and willing to go all in, together. What you'll learn in this episode: The 6-part framework Jason uses to define Lean in construction. Why "how-to" Lean requires real projects, real crews, and real documentation — not theory. What a step-by-step jobsite video series could cover (from control points to site setup and signage). Why Lean implementation needs leadership alignment and authority—not side efforts. How Jason is building tools, content, and opportunities to showcase Lean at the GC and trade partner level. If you wanted to build Lean "for real" on your site, what would you start documenting and standardizing first? 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 Schroeder unpacks the real tension between high, medium, and low performers—and why those groups often clash even when nobody is trying to be "mean." He shares a story from inside his own organization, explains how high performers experience a real human need when they're paired with someone moving at a different standard, and why resentment and criticism often come from how people feel around excellence. What you'll learn in this episode: Why high performers and mid/low performers often can't "mesh" without alignment. How different work standards trigger real emotional reactions—and why that's normal. Why blame and criticism can be a defense mechanism when people feel "not enough". When "segregation" (separating roles/teams) is a flow decision, not a moral statement. What leaders can do: train, align direction, or reset the system so performance expectations are clear. Where in your team do you need better alignment and training—so high performers aren't carrying frustration, and others aren't stuck feeling defeated? 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 Schroeder challenges the concept of "no school supers"—superintendents who believe they can simply "wing it" on the job without any formal education or training. Jason explains how this mindset is not only dangerous but also incredibly destructive to the construction industry. He emphasizes the importance of learning from mentors, reading, and continuous education to truly succeed in the field. What you'll learn in this episode: Why "winging it" without education leads to poor leadership and destructive practices. The difference between "old school" supers who keep learning and "no school" supers who don't. How to avoid panic, push, and rushing by gaining proper training and knowledge. Why continuous learning is crucial to understanding principles of safety, quality, and production. The impact of not investing in education on project success and team dynamics. What can you do today to start learning and growing as a leader, rather than just "figuring it out" on your own? 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 Schroeder discusses the key elements that ensure a project's safety culture is strong and effective. He shares insights learned from his time at Hensel Phelps and his approach to building a zero-tolerance safety culture out of respect, not punishment. From setting the tone on-site to creating job-specific safety plans, Jason emphasizes practical steps for construction leaders to foster an environment where safety is top priority. What you'll learn in this episode: How to own and lead a safety culture on a construction site. The importance of job-specific, visual safety plans and pre-task planning. How controlling a project site with clear signage improves safety. Why being strict but fair is crucial for maintaining site discipline. The role of senior leaders in ensuring the safety program is well-resourced. What actions can you take today to set a higher standard of safety on your projects? 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 Schroeder discusses the importance of effective site utilization, also known as logistics planning, on construction projects. He dives into the details of optimizing material flow, vertical transportation, and organizing site spaces for maximum efficiency. Drawing from his experiences, Jason emphasizes the role of cleanliness, design, and clear logistical systems in creating a smooth, productive construction site. What you'll learn in this episode: How cleanliness serves as a litmus test for project control. The difference between designing a site and discovering it as you go. Why material flow and sequencing are critical for efficiency. How to optimize vertical transportation for better crane and hoist use. The importance of staging areas and layout in maintaining smooth operations. How can you start improving your site's logistics today to avoid waste and inefficiency? 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 Schroeder discusses the importance of self-reform on construction projects, focusing on the critical elements needed for success. He explores how well-executed self-performed work, when supported with proper planning, materials, leadership, and quality control, can greatly improve project outcomes. Jason emphasizes the need for clear communication, leadership alignment, and a commitment to finishing tasks thoroughly to ensure everything flows smoothly on-site. What you'll learn in this episode: How to create a successful self-reform plan with proper scope, safety, and logistics. The significance of having the right leadership and foreman alignment on-site. Why quality control should be integrated into every stage of construction. How to prevent bottlenecks by identifying and addressing limiting factors. The key to efficient material and tool management for self-performed crews. What can you do today to better support your self-reform teams and ensure they have everything they need for success? 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 Schroeder challenges the common misconception that being "kind" on a project site means avoiding discipline. He argues that true kindness is about creating an environment where workers can succeed—by enforcing safety, cleanliness, and discipline. Drawing on lessons from military leadership and personal experiences, Jason explains how leadership and structure, far from being harsh, are the most respectful and kind ways to support workers on a construction site. What you'll learn in this episode: Why leadership and discipline are forms of respect on the job site. How creating a clean, organized work environment shows true kindness. The importance of clear communication and safety systems in fostering success. Why avoiding zero tolerance or structure is disrespectful to workers. How to establish a stable, predictable environment that helps workers perform at their best. How can you create a more supportive and structured environment on your job sites to truly show kindness to your team? 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 Schroeder dives into a powerful realization about Lean and the concept of throwing people away. He challenges the belief systems that support the idea of people being expendable, whether it's in capitalism, religion, or societal structures. By tying Lean to a deeper respect for humanity, Jason explains why Lean cannot succeed in environments that perpetuate disrespect, and how this toxic mindset is preventing Lean from thriving in the United States. What you'll learn in this episode: Why Lean is incompatible with the idea of throwing people away. The harmful impact of toxic capitalism, religious beliefs, and societal systems on Lean adoption. How respect for people is at the core of Lean's success. The role of institutions and beliefs in creating waste and hindering progress. Why companies that truly care for people are the only ones successfully implementing Lean. What steps can you take today to start respecting the value of every individual and eliminate the mindset that people are expendable? 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 unpacks one of the most overlooked forces quietly destroying schedules, safety, and morale on construction projects: variation. Drawing from real field experience, lean principles, and hard-earned lessons, he explains why buffers alone are not enough and why prevention and stability must come first.  What you'll learn in this episode: Why variation is one of the biggest hidden drivers of chaos, delays, and burnout on projects. The difference between preventable and non preventable variation and why that distinction matters. How preparation, prefabrication, and pre planning create stability before work ever starts. Why relying on buffers without reducing variation is a losing strategy. How stable environments protect safety, quality, mental health, and production. As you reflect on your own projects, ask yourself this: how much variation are you unknowingly allowing, and what would change if stability became your top priority? 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 episode is a heartfelt reminder of what the general contractor truly owes the people on site: a safe, clean, stable, and human environment where workers feel respected and cared for. Jason reflects on real jobsite examples to show how culture, cleanliness, logistics, and daily interactions directly shape morale, safety, and pride in the work. This is not theory or fluff, it is a field-tested standard for what leadership looks like when people actually matter.  What you'll learn in this episode: Why providing a clean, safe, and organized environment is a core responsibility of the general contractor. How small, intentional acts of care create stability, trust, and pride on a jobsite. The connection between jobsite systems, worker respect, and consistent safety behavior. Why many jobsite problems are failures of systems and processes, not people. How leadership shows up daily through environment, rhythm, and human connection. As you think about your own projects, ask yourself this: if someone judged your leadership only by the environment your workers experience every day, what story would it tell? 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 Schroeder breaks down a counterintuitive but powerful idea that explains why so many projects never truly improve: money hides waste. Through real construction examples, including data centers and everyday field decisions, Jason shows how throwing money at problems masks poor systems, bad planning, and missed opportunities for real improvement.  What you'll learn in this episode: Why excess money can prevent teams from seeing and fixing real problems. How rushed, overfunded projects often abandon lean thinking and production systems. The connection between money, time, and other resources masking waste. Why solving problems without money builds better thinking and stronger systems. What Japanese craftsmanship and preservation reveal about waste and value. If money were no longer available as a quick fix, what problems on your projects would finally be forced into the open? 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

When someone new walks onto a job site acting like the hero, it can derail trust, momentum, and real progress fast. In this episode, Jason Schroeder breaks down the "savior" mindset, why it shows up so often in construction leadership, and how it quietly damages teams instead of helping them. This is a candid, field-tested conversation about ego, significance, and the difference between adding value and diminishing people. If you lead work in the field or support teams across projects, this message will hit close to home. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the "savior" mindset shows up so often with new leaders and where it really comes from. How playing hero hurts teams, morale, and ongoing improvement efforts. The clear difference between diminishing leaders and multiplier leaders. Why honoring the work already done is essential before trying to improve anything. What real leadership looks like on a job site: clarity, training, service, and support. The next time you step onto a project, will you try to save the team or help them become stronger? 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 short but powerful episode, Jason Schroeder shares eight Japanese philosophies that can quietly reshape how you live, lead, and show up each day. These concepts focus on purpose, patience, resilience, self-acceptance, balance, and continuous improvement, offering simple wisdom that applies just as much on the job site as it does in life.  What you'll learn in this episode: How ikigai helps you identify your true reason for being beyond work or titles. Why patience and dignity during stress can change how you experience adversity. How embracing imperfections can make you stronger and more resilient. Why comparing yourself to others distracts you from your own path. How small, consistent improvements compound into meaningful life change. Which of these philosophies could you practice today to take a better next step in your life and leadership? 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 Schroeder tackles a common and uncomfortable problem in pull planning: losing confidence when trade durations suddenly explode in the room. He explains why sandbagging hurts everyone, including the trades themselves, and how leaders can prevent surprises before the pull plan ever starts. What you'll learn in this episode: Why sandbagging durations damages trade rhythm, labor efficiency, and project flow. How to set macro phase expectations that create confidence before pull planning begins. What information and data trade partners should bring if they want longer durations. How strong pull plan homework prevents surprises and protects team alignment. How to enter pull planning prepared, supported, and confident instead of reactive. If your pull plans keep stretching instead of stabilizing, ask yourself this: are you setting the conditions for truth and data, or allowing guesses to drive the schedule? 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 short but powerful episode, Jason Schroeder challenges a deeply ingrained leadership myth in construction: the idea that great leaders must know everything. Through real project stories, he contrasts leaders who refuse help with those who actively seek expertise and shows how that single difference can mean the success or failure of a massive job. What you'll learn in this episode: Why believing you "know everything" quietly puts projects and teams at risk. The difference between multiplier leaders and diminishers in real construction scenarios. How seeking expert help can recover months on a failing schedule. Why leadership at higher levels makes solo problem solving impossible. How shielding your team from overburden and toxicity creates stability and flow. If knowing everything isn't the goal, what kind of leader could you become by asking for help sooner and more often? 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 episode uses a simple but powerful analogy to explain why so many construction teams struggle to solve the right problems. Jason Schroeder walks through the idea of "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" to show how lack of visibility creates confusion, misalignment, and missed opportunities for team genius.  What you'll learn in this episode: Why construction stress increases when work is invisible and disconnected. How visual systems unlock better conversations and smarter problem-solving. Why lean systems only work when people can actually see the plan. How bird's-eye views replace miscommunication with clarity and alignment. What practical questions leaders should ask to improve visibility on every project. If your team is capable but overwhelmed, ask yourself this: what would change if everyone could truly see the work the same way? 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 episode brings a heartfelt and deeply practical conversation with Jason and guest Mark Story as they unpack what it really means for construction professionals to take care of themselves and their families while building demanding careers. Together, they explore how priorities shift over time, why planning personal life with the same rigor as project planning is essential, and how leaders can protect their health, relationships, and long-term sustainability.  What you'll learn in this episode: Why personal priorities evolve throughout a construction career and how to adjust your approach to work accordingly. How intentional planning, delegation, and load-sharing help professionals avoid burnout and create space for family life. Why owning your calendar is essential for protecting health, relationships, and long-term performance. How visual scheduling, time-blocking, and early planning create clarity and reduce stress for you and your household. Why taking care of yourself outside of work ultimately strengthens your leadership inside of work. If you planned your personal life with the same discipline you bring to your projects, how different would your year and your relationships look by this time next season? 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 episode explores a powerful but often overlooked truth in construction: your performance is only as strong as the partners and suppliers who support you. Jason shares insights from Toyota and examples from modern construction teams to show how great companies don't just demand excellence from their vendors, they help create it. By training, supporting, and collaborating with partners, leaders build a unified system where everyone wins together. If you want a healthier, more reliable, and more predictable project environment, this episode will reshape how you view your supply chain relationships. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the most effective companies invest time developing their partners and suppliers, not just monitoring them. How Toyota's approach to vendor collaboration creates high reliability, consistent quality, and predictable delivery. Why construction leaders should train, support, and educate trade partners just as intentionally as their internal teams. How open-door collaboration builds unity and eliminates the "us versus them" mentality on projects. What it looks like when owners and GCs truly work shoulder to shoulder with trade partners to elevate performance. If your success depends on your partners, what would change if you treated their growth and stability as a direct extension of your own? 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 episode tackles one of the most damaging yet common behaviors in construction: sneaking past critical gates meant to ensure safety, flow, and quality. Jason breaks down why these gates exist, how skipping them leads to chaos, and why leaders must protect these checkpoints just as fiercely as schedules and budgets. Along the way, he reflects on industry frustrations, systemic pressures, and the deeper reasons many professionals feel worn down while still believing the industry is worth saving. If you want a clearer understanding of how discipline at every gate shapes the entire project, this episode will challenge and reframe your thinking. What you'll learn in this episode: Why gatekeeping steps like orientations, huddles, planning meetings, and logistics queues are essential for safety and predictable workflow. How skipping planning gates such as pull plans, phase planning, and weekly work planning creates rework, miscommunication, and project instability. Why sneaking past gates is a cultural issue driven by habits, pressure, and lack of accountability. How industry frustrations tie back to larger systemic problems and why the industry is still worth improving. What leaders can do to reinforce gate discipline and protect their teams from downstream chaos. 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 episode breaks down one of the most overlooked but high-impact roles on a construction project: the logistics support person. Jason explains why this position is essential on complex job sites, how it mirrors the Japanese concept of the water spider, and why mastering logistics can accelerate both project flow and personal career growth. Through real examples and practical insights, he shows how the right person managing cranes, hoists, deliveries, access, and pre-kitting can transform chaos into predictable, stable production. If you want to understand the backbone of smooth jobsite operations, this episode offers a clear blueprint. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the logistics support role is vital for coordinating cranes, hoists, forklifts, deliveries, and access zones. How the water spider concept from Japan applies directly to construction logistics and project flow. How understanding hoisting rates, capacity, and time blocking prevents bottlenecks and conflicts on busy sites. Why prefabrication, pre-kitting, and disciplined material routing dramatically reduce waste and increase efficiency. How a logistics support person protects the jobsite through traffic control, temporary safety structures, queuing systems, and daily infrastructure checks. If one person could remove most of the chaos from your project's logistics, what would that mean for your team, your schedule, and your leadership?   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 episode explores the powerful lesson behind what Jason calls the In-N-Out Burger Callout, a simple but transformative tactic for managing flow, capacity, and variation on construction projects. Using insights from one of the most efficient fast-food operations in the world, Jason explains how calling out needs early prevents bottlenecks, protects rhythm, and keeps teams moving without disruption. Through real field examples, he shows how great foremen and supers anticipate variation long before it hits the crew, ensuring stable production even in complex areas. If you want to elevate your planning instincts and operate like a top-tier builder, this episode will change the way you see work. What you'll learn in this episode: How the In-N-Out Burger Callout illustrates the importance of anticipating variation and preparing capacity ahead of time. Why calling for materials, labor, or support early protects the flow of production and prevents delays. How standard work and predictable rhythm make it easier to identify where extra help will be needed. Why proactive communication separates average project teams from world-class ones. How foremen, field engineers, and supers can use this technique to become more reliable and effective leaders. If you could see variation coming five steps earlier, how much smoother and more predictable could your project and your leadership become? 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 episode dives into one of the most powerful but underused habits in the Last Planner System: properly marking up visual maps. Jason explains why simply pointing to where work will happen is not enough and how drawing access paths, staging areas, and crew space gives teams the full picture needed to identify conflicts early. Through real field examples, he shows how detailed visual planning uncovers logistical constraints long before they hit the jobsite and why mega projects succeed only when maps reflect reality, not assumptions. If you want to elevate your planning conversations and truly solve problems ahead of time, this episode will show you how. What you'll learn in this episode: Why visual maps must show not only the work location but also access, staging, and crew space to reveal real constraints. How marking maps correctly strengthens the afternoon foreman huddle and improves roadblock removal. Why logistics becomes the next major constraint once flow and planning improve on large projects. How detailed spatial overlays help teams catch sequencing, access, and space conflicts before they happen. How stronger visual planning supports safer, smoother, and more predictable construction operations. If your maps reflected the full truth of how work actually operates in the field, what new conflicts and opportunities would suddenly become visible? 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 of the Elevate Construction Podcast, Jason Schroeder explores the concept of "respecting the nature of people" and how it applies to leadership and team dynamics in construction. He reflects on his personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding people's individual strengths, challenges, and emotional needs. Instead of pushing employees to fit a mold, leaders can create a work environment where everyone thrives by respecting their unique qualities. This episode encourages us to look beyond flaws and embrace the potential in every individual. What you'll learn in this episode: The significance of respecting people's unique traits and abilities to foster a healthier work environment. How understanding an employee's nature can lead to better role alignment and performance? The impact of emotional intelligence in leadership and team dynamics. Why it's essential to avoid judgment and instead offer support to help individuals thrive? How respecting people's nature contributes to building a truly remarkable workplace culture? What if we approached each challenge in our teams with the mindset of understanding, instead of judging? 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 waiting for your company to "notice" you, fix your crew, and make your job easier? Spoiler: no one is coming but that's actually the best news you'll hear today. In this episode, Jason rapid-fires through a stack of notes he's been saving: Why you (not HR, not your boss) own your career path and how to take control of it today. The "lazy coworker" nicknames list (cordless, ET, KitKat, seaweed, wheelbarrow…) and the real root causes behind those behaviors. Why safety posters about "you" being responsible completely miss the mark for leaders and what your actual duty is to your people. The 1935 Toyota precepts that still quietly run great companies and projects almost 100 years later. If you want to stop drifting, start leading, and build a career and culture you're proud of, 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

If your schedules keep slipping, handoffs fall apart, and crews always seem to be waiting on someone, this episode will show you why. Jason Schroeder breaks down the missing link most projects never address: syncing the overall project plan with the personal daily schedules of field leaders.  You'll learn: Why stops and restarts, not worker productivity, kill flow. How next day planning and afternoon huddles set up perfect handoffs. Why field engineers, PEs, and assistant supers need time blocked calendars. How coordinating personal schedules creates predictable production and calmer teams. This episode isn't about micromanaging, it's about enabling. Because if you want flow, you must plan your people as intentionally as you plan your work. Listen now and start building projects where the schedule finally makes sense for everyone.   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 your projects suffer from late deliveries, mystery defects, and surprise trade performance issues, this episode will show you why. Jason Schroeder explains a simple but powerful idea he learned from Toyota, when you sign up a trade partner, you should also be signing up for an open door relationship.  You'll learn: Why Toyota insists its people can visit vendor shops anytime. How an open door policy with trades prevents defects from ever reaching the site. When it is smarter to support a vendor than to pull the work in house. How visiting shops and crews builds trust, standards, and true one team culture. This episode is not about micromanaging, it is about partnership. Because if you want reliable flow on site, you have to care about what is happening long before the truck shows up at your gate. Listen now and start building open door relationships with your trade partners that protect your schedule, your quality, and your reputation.   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 keep handing work to software, templates, or other people and still feel out of control on your projects, this episode will show you why. Jason Schroeder shares a simple but game changing idea from Toyota, great builders keep their fingerprint on the process.  You'll learn: Why Toyota leaders manually designed logistics routes before automating them. How building your own master schedules and lift drawings changes your judgment and instinct. What it really means to use AI and software without abdicating responsibility. How having your fingerprint on the process makes Gemba walks, field presence, and follow up actually work. This episode is not about doing everything yourself, it is about owning what matters. Because if you do not have your fingerprint on the process, you cannot truly lead it. Listen now and start building systems that work because you understand them, not because you outsourced them.   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

Most project teams struggle not because they lack skill or effort, but because they lack one core principle that drives every great construction project: real respect for people. In this episode, Jason breaks down why so many job sites feel chaotic, unfocused or disconnected and how one simple shift can transform the entire environment almost overnight. In this episode you'll learn: Why respect equals high expectations, not lower ones? The deal Jason made with 310 workers that instantly changed safety, cleanliness and morale. How bathrooms, lunchrooms and worker huddles become leadership tools? Why zero tolerance for safety and perfect cleanliness is actually the most respectful thing you can do? How disrespect hides in the small things like toilet paper, graffiti, temp cooling and chaotic scheduling? Why workers are equal partners and how treating them that way elevates everything? How the principle of respect for people answers every leadership question on a job site? If you want a project where workers feel valued, where morale rises, safety violations disappear and excellence becomes the norm, this episode will change the way you lead.   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

Most projects are not falling apart because of bad schedules or bad luck. They are falling apart because people say yes lightly, show up late, or disappear on their commitments. In this episode, Jason digs into the Japanese idea of yakusoku, that a commitment is a moral bond, and shows how honoring your word can transform a job from constant firefighting into reliable, calm production. In this episode you will learn: Why a broken commitment is not a small miss, it is a burden you dump on everyone else? How yakusoku and mewaku reframe promises as honor and "not being a burden"? The difference between casual Western "yes" culture and the precise Japanese approach to time and promises. How missed commitments quietly destroy takt, flow and other trades' productivity? When it is more respectful to say no immediately than to say yes and fail later? Practical ways for trade partners and GCs to tighten up promises, from start times to manpower to deliveries. What to do when you know you cannot keep a commitment, and how to own it without hiding? How to build a team culture where your word actually means something again? If you are tired of chasing no-shows, reshuffling plans and apologizing to everyone on the project, this episode will give you a new standard for how you commit, how you show up and how you respect the people who are counting on 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

A simple night at the movies turned into chaos for Jason when one well meaning suggestion about popcorn blew up his entire system. In this episode, he uses that funny but painful story to show how small changes in "how we do things" create huge variation, wreck habits and quietly destroy flow on your projects. In this episode you will learn: How one change at the concession stand turned a clean, simple routine into a total mess? What Nicholas Modig's law of the effect of variation actually looks like in real life, not just in a textbook? Why "options" and one off exceptions feel helpful in the moment but multiply waste and stress? How broken standards around simple things create distraction, frustration and unintended consequences everywhere else? The direct link between extra popcorn in a theater and extra chaos on your construction site. Practical ways to protect your team from variation by tightening standards, simplifying choices and sticking to stable routines. If your job often feels like juggling overflowing popcorn buckets while trying not to trip in the dark, this episode will help you see the real problem and what to do about 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

What if your jobsite logistics were so dialed in that workers wanted to show up early for the morning huddle? In this episode, Jason shares his latest "universe revelations" about turning the entry sequence of a project into a powerful culture engine, from parking lot to gate to worker huddle to site.  In this episode you will learn: Why the way workers first enter your site shapes everything that happens for the rest of the day? How the Japanese Masagura and Genkan concepts translate into a modern construction entry gate and holding area? What a real worker queuing area can look like, with heat, shade, coffee, visuals and actual dignity? How to turn the morning worker huddle into a dojo where you teach standards, mock up behaviors and model respect? Simple upgrades to logistics that make neurotypical and neurodivergent brains both want to engage. How a clear two gate system protects flow, raises standards and builds buy in before anyone even picks up a tool? Why Jason believes the morning worker huddle is the most misunderstood and underused lever in construction today? If you are tired of dragging people into change and want them leaning in instead, this episode will change how you design every jobsite from the gate in.   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

What if your job stopped drowning in pallets, trash, and late trucks, and your logistics yard quietly saved you six figures in waste. In this episode, Jason walks you through a complete Logistics 2.0 system where every delivery is queued, kitted by zone, inspected, and only the value-add material ever touches the building.  In this episode you will learn: Why logistics is one of the most overlooked levers for cost, flow, and sanity on a project? How to design a flat, gridded logistics yard that becomes the single entry point for all materials? The power of using a shop forklift in a dedicated yard instead of abusing telehandlers in the mud. A practical system for binning and kitting materials by zone so crews only receive what they can install today How to onboard not just people but trucks, tools, and materials through a logistics gate with clear standards. How Logistics 2.0 supports lean flow, safer sites, happier trade partners, and work that actually brings people joy. If you want your crews installing instead of hunting, fighting clutter, and babysitting deliveries, this episode will give you the blueprint.   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

"Stop micromanaging" has become the go-to excuse to avoid structure, standards, and accountability. In this episode, Jason flips that script and makes the case that what most people call micromanagement is actually either bad leadership or good training.  In this episode you will learn Why "micromanaging" is often a lazy label for cowboy behavior and resistance to systems? The real problem behind most micromanagement complaints: unclear expectations and bad leadership, not too much leadership. How masters actually teach using the EDGE method: explain, demonstrate, guide, enable? Why nobody calls it micromanagement when a pro like Stephen Curry breaks down your stance, footwork, and follow-through? How different leadership styles (directive, collaborative, consensus, hands-off) are each crucial at different phases of team development? If you've ever wondered where the line is between helpful coaching and "micromanaging," this episode will redraw it in a way that actually serves your people and your projects.   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

Most PMs think their job is to protect the team from change. That mindset is quietly killing projects. In this episode, Jason flips the script, breaking down the critical difference between toxic variation owners, RFIs, chaos, overburden and the good kind of change your team must feel, training, reading, growth, new systems, real lean implementation. You will hear: What PMs should absolutely shield their teams from. The kind of change you should never protect them from. Why humans resist change by default and how to lead them through it. How Japan, Toyota and world class builders focus on people, process and quality, not just money and goals. If you are a project manager who wants to stop sympathy voting your team into mediocrity and start leading them into excellence, 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

What separates noisy, reactive job sites from clean, flowing, elite ones, A single shift, plan the next day, not the same day, In this fast, high energy episode, Jason breaks down the POND meeting, the proven system top builders use to align trades, remove roadblocks early, and deliver predictable results. In this episode, you'll get to know: The fatal flaw of same day "POD" huddles and why they stall production. The POND cadence that gives foremen time to plan and crews time to prepare. How one site transformed in 24 hours with maps, visuals, and clear handoffs. The full recipe, zoning maps, weekly plan on screen, worker huddle, team Kanban. Why elite projects never let variation creep into the morning. If you want to run construction the way the best in the world do it, start here, This is the meeting rhythm that changes everything.   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

What if your project was doomed before the first shovel hit the ground? In this hard-hitting episode, Jason Schroeder and Adam "Beanie" Bean team up across continents - Arizona to Australia - to expose one of construction's most dangerous habits: starting before we're ready.  You'll learn: The shocking stats behind global project failure (hint: only 0.5% finish on time and on budget). Why trades "fail despite their best efforts" - and how leaders set them up for it. The myth of "we can't plan without design," and what elite builders do instead. How to spot a project that's not ready to start - and the courage to stop it. The Japan-inspired principle that fixes everything: be hard on the process, easy on the people. If you've ever watched a project unravel and thought, "We could have seen this coming," this episode will show you exactly how to stop it from happening again. Listen now and learn how world-class builders plan, flow, and win - before they ever break ground.   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

What if your project failed before the first delivery arrived, In this hard hitting conversation, Jason Schroeder and Adam Beanie Bean unpack cause number two in the series, not having the right project manager, They show why picking a spreadsheet wizard over a field focused leader wrecks flow, burns people out, and bloats cost, Then they give a clear path to fix it You will learn, The real job of a PM, align everyone to one destination and protect flow. How to spot a miscast PM in week one, before the damage spreads. The daily ORCA debrief, objective, results, causes, actions, that turns chaos into continuous improvement. Why communication, data tracking, and understanding flow beat technical brilliance alone. Exactly how leaders can be hard on the process, and easy on the people. If you have ever felt your job is busy but not moving, this episode gives you the playbook to reset the role, build alignment, and win the week before you lose the month Listen now, and learn how the right PM turns planning into performance, and teams into one crew rowing in the same direction. 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

What if the secret to a remarkable company wasn't systems or strategy - but soul? In this episode, Jason Schroeder opens the doors to Elevate Construction and LeanTakt, sharing the 27 principles that shape how his teams think, lead, and live every single day.  You'll learn: Why the breath of every great company is positive encouragement, not pressure The three things every true leader does—clarity, training, and shoulder-to-shoulder support Why Elevate builds people first, not projects The power of "stop, call, wait" and "one-piece flow" in fixing chaos before it spreads How to create a culture that never punishes, never hides problems, and never stops improving These aren't buzzwords - they're the living rules behind one of the fastest-growing Lean construction movements in the world. Listen now and steal the playbook for building a company that breathes life, not burnout. 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

What if lean wasn't just about reducing waste on paper but about learning to feel waste in your gut? In Japan, there's a word for that: Mottainai - "What a waste." It's more than regret. It's respect, for people, nature, and resources. In this episode, Jason dives into how this simple mindset can reshape construction culture. From right-sizing and pre-cutting materials to eliminate 32% of jobsite waste, to the story of his father building a full barn from discarded lumber, and Paul Akers cleaning a plane bathroom out of gratitude not obligation, this is lean at its most human. You'll see how the smallest acts of respect can transform waste into value, chaos into care, and jobsites into communities that build with purpose. If you've ever looked at a half-full dumpster and thought, there has to be a better way, this episode is for you. Listen in and rediscover why nothing good should ever be wasted.   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

What if real leadership isn't about telling people to "figure it out," but about standing beside them until they can? In this episode, Jason shares a powerful lesson from Japan, the art of working shoulder to shoulder. At Toyota, leaders don't throw people into the fire; they train through presence, patience, and partnership. From field mistakes to family moments, Jason reveals how true Lean teaching means Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable not abandon. If you've ever wanted faster learning, fewer errors, and teams that trust each other, this episode will change how you lead, train, and build. Listen in and discover why "shoulder to shoulder" may be the most human Lean principle of all. 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

What if the real "king" of every project isn't the one in the trailer, but the one holding the tools? In this episode, Jason breaks down a timeless Toyota lesson - the worker is the king. The foremen and craftspeople are the ones who create value; everyone else exists to support them. Through this lens, he challenges leaders to stop hiding behind software, desks, and meetings, and start serving the field. You'll learn why leaders are a cost until they remove waste for others, how true Lean companies stay close to the Gemba, and why projects collapse the moment we forget who actually builds. If you want job sites with trust, flow, and respect where workers feel like heroes, not afterthoughts, this episode is the wake-up call you need. Listen in and remember: the king is the one who builds. 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

What if everything you've been waiting for, peace, freedom, focus, joy - was already yours, just buried under noise and obligation? In this episode, Jason challenges you to take it back. Your mind from distraction. Your time from endless meetings and email. Your peace from chaos. Your freedom from toxic bosses and relationships. Your joy from the approval of others. Drawing on lessons from Paul Akers and real-life stories from his own journey, Jason shows how reclaiming your attention, energy, and purpose isn't selfish, it's leadership. If you've been feeling stretched thin, reactive, or off-mission, this is your reminder: You don't need permission. You just need to take it back. Listen in and start owning the life and the work you were built for. 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

Forget overpriced tech and shiny new apps, the real inefficiency in construction isn't a lack of innovation, it's a lack of value. In Japan, Jason discovered the concept of Cospa, the ratio of what you pay to what you truly get. And it changed everything. Jason exposes how greed, inflated pricing, and "get-rich" business models are crippling progress across our industry. From drones and 360° cameras to scheduling software, he shows how companies chasing investors instead of impact are killing flow, limiting access, and draining project budgets. If you believe technology should serve builders not bankrupt them, this episode will reset how you think about cost, performance, and purpose. It's time to bring Cospa to construction and demand real value for the price we pay.   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

Forget calendar invites and polite excuses, the real culture killer in construction is breaking your word. In Japan, it's called yakusoku, a promise you bind yourself to keep. In this episode, Jason shares a true story that reveals how honoring commitments transforms crews, schedules, and trust across every level of a project. This isn't about being rigid, it's about building flow, safety, and respect by letting yes mean yes. Jason also introduces shingi, the duty to act with sincerity and uphold your word, connecting it to Last Planner handoffs, trade reliability, and leadership integrity. If you lead people, plan work, or set the tone for your team, this episode will remind you that our word is the foundation of trust, alignment, and lasting excellence.   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

Forget waiting on slow crews or excess materials, the real waste in construction isn't on the site. It's in our culture. The 9th Waste, toxic conflict, ego, misalignment, and fear-based competition is rotting teams, projects, and even nations from the inside out. In this episode, Jason breaks down why our obsession with "winning" is destroying cooperation, how it's holding back the entire construction industry, and what it will take to rebuild a culture based on respect, alignment, and total participation. If you care about people, projects, or the future of our industry, this one's not optional. 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

What's really holding construction back, the lack of tech, or the lack of truth? In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Jason sits down again with Charles McKenna to take on some of the hardest questions in the industry: Why are we so slow to adopt technology? Why do so many tools make life harder instead of easier? And how did we go from the most productive generation in history to one that's proud not to learn? This is not your typical "innovation in construction" talk. Jason and Charles dig into: Why software companies are chasing investors instead of improvement. How America's "money first" mindset is destroying quality. The myth of "too many apps" and why refusing to learn is killing growth. The real reason behind the trades shortage (and it's not what you think). Why general contractors, not trades, hold the key to fixing the system. Jason pulls no punches. From tech burnout to cultural decline, from immigration policy to jobsite respect, this episode challenges every leader to face the uncomfortable truth: we've lost our discipline to learn, our courage to stop bad systems, and our respect for people. If you care about the future of construction, this is the conversation you can't afford to skip. Listen now. Get uncomfortable. Get inspired. And start building better. 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

What if the smartest move on your project wasn't pushing harder but stopping? In this episode, Jason dives deep into one of the most powerful and most misunderstood Lean principles from Japan: Stop, Call, Wait. Born from the Toyota Production System, this practice teaches that when something feels even slightly off, you stop the line, call your team, and wait until it's fixed before any defect moves forward. It's the opposite of Western "push through" culture and Jason doesn't hold back on why that mindset is breaking our projects, burning out our people, and burying us in rework. Through stories from Japan, lessons from Toyota, and real construction examples, you'll learn: Why "pushing through" costs you 100x more than stopping early. How to build a culture where people don't fear stopping the line. The connection between Stop, Call, Wait and not blaming people. Why loving your workers, truly loving them is the foundation of Lean leadership. This episode will challenge how you think about productivity, accountability, and leadership on the jobsite. Because real excellence doesn't come from speed, it comes from the courage to stop, fix, and protect your people and your process. Stop the line. Call your team. Wait until it's right. That's how we build remarkable. 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 Power of Point and Call: Mastering the Last 5% Most of us start strong but fall short in the final stretch. What if the secret to excellence isn't doing more, but finishing better? In this episode, Jason shares a life-changing lesson from Japan's rail system the "Point and Call" method. It's a simple habit that trains your brain to see, speak, and complete every task with precision. From construction sites to your daily routines, this one practice can eliminate errors, build discipline, and lock in the dopamine hit of finishing well. Jason breaks down how the Point and Call helps crews close loops, leaders strengthen flow, and individuals build pride in their work, the "last five percent" that separates average from remarkable. If you've ever struggled to follow through, this episode will change how you think about completion forever. Listen now and learn to finish what you start. 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