Elevate Construction

Everybody wants instant pudding. But real improvement? That takes time. In this Japan Series episode, Jason breaks down one of the most misunderstood truths about lean: it's not a quick fix, it's a lifelong evolution. Through stories of Japanese temple builders who plan 200 years ahead, and lessons from Deming and Toyota, Jason explains why lasting excellence doesn't come from one big "revolution," but from consistent, long-term commitment to improvement. Still, there's a catch. Before you can evolve, you have to start on the right foundation. That means installing the right operating systems, Takt, Last Planner, and First Planner, fast and decisively. Revolution builds the baseline. Evolution keeps it growing. If you lead a construction company or project and you're ready to build something that actually lasts, this episode will show you how to do it. Listen now and start playing the long game. 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 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

If one person on your team is off, your whole team is off. In this Japan Series episode, Jason unpacks the powerful lesson from Mr. Yabe, the leader behind the Shinkansen's "Seven-Minute Miracle." His message? If 100 people give their best but one person doesn't, the team's effectiveness drops to zero. Through stories from Japanese rail crews and real construction projects, Jason explains why great culture isn't built instead of rewards and swag, it's built through them. Talk to your people, care about them, give them pride in their work and cool tools, recognition, and shared wins. The key is total participation. Because if you have 100 team members minus one, you don't have 99, you have zero. Listen now and learn how strong cultures lift everyone, together. 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 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

What if your problems are the best thing that ever happened to you? In this Japan Series episode, Jason dives deep into a truth most leaders avoid, problems aren't punishment, they're potential. From broken school systems to broken job sites, from national complacency to daily construction chaos, Jason calls it like it is: we've forgotten how to learn, improve, and take responsibility. But here's the good news, every challenge is an invitation. To innovate. To cooperate. To rally together instead of tearing each other apart. This episode connects lessons from Japan, Deming, and decades of jobsite experience to one clear idea: Be happy when you have problems because they show you where to grow. If you lead teams, build projects, or just want to see America (and our industry) rise again, this one will light a fire in you. Listen now and start turning problems into progress. 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 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

What if lean isn't about process charts or takt times but about how you move through the world? In Japan, there's a word for it: Meiwaku - "Don't be a burden to others." It's not a slogan. It's a way of living. In this episode, Jason shares how that single mindset seen everywhere from clean job sites to silent train rides could transform how we build, lead, and live. From teaching his kids one-piece flow at Spirit Halloween to calling out everyday chaos on construction sites, Jason unpacks how awareness, respect, and space-consciousness can reshape entire project cultures. If you've ever wanted a job site with real flow, fewer arguments, and more human connection… this is the concept you've been missing. Listen in and learn why "don't be a burden to others" might be the most powerful 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 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

Ikigai: The Joy of Doing the Work Well Ever met someone who finds pure joy in their work, no matter how simple the task? That's Ikigai - a Japanese concept meaning "your reason to get up in the morning." After traveling to Japan with Paul Akers, Jason saw how deeply this idea runs through their culture whether in how they trim trees, clean dishes, or lead teams. In this episode, he breaks down what Ikigai really means for builders and leaders: how to design your processes so they're not just efficient but enjoyable. Discover why struggle isn't a badge of honor, how clean systems create flow, and why finding joy in the work itself might be the most powerful form of leadership there is. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to build with purpose, lead with respect, and rediscover the joy in what you 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 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

What if every great builder, no matter the project or material, is really doing the same three things? In this episode, Jason rides along with Iron Mark's Alex Nolan for a candid, in-the-truck conversation about the mindset that separates good builders from great ones. From carpentry apprenticeships to field engineering, from superintendents to mechanics, they trace every trade and leadership skill back to one timeless foundation - Plumb, Level, and Square. You'll hear: Why carpenters make some of the best superintendents and leaders in construction. How mastering the fundamentals translates into any career or trade. The hidden art of negotiation every great superintendent practices daily. What happens when sequence, precision, and mindset all align. Why "good people are good people" and how to find and grow them on your team. If you've ever wondered what separates a chaotic jobsite from a high-performing one, this episode nails it: everything starts with fundamentals. Listen now and rediscover why Plumb, Level, and Square still build the world. 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 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

What if the secret to world-class quality isn't technology but pride? In this episode, Jason unpacks the Japanese concept of Monozukuri - the deep pride and craftsmanship that drives excellence in every detail of work. From the story of Japan's Seven-Minute Miracle cleaning crews to the engineering perfection of the Shinkansen bullet train, Jason reveals how love for the customer, pride in your craft, and acknowledgement of people create unstoppable performance. You'll hear: How one leader turned a team of burned-out cleaners into national heroes through Kaizen. Why "acknowledging your people" might be the single most powerful productivity tool. How friction, frustration, and lack of respect destroy craftsmanship on U.S. job sites. The simple daily practices that can reignite pride and quality in construction. And why every worker deserves to give their hands, head, and heart, not just their labor. If you want to lead teams that love their work and deliver excellence worth clapping for, this episode is your blueprint. Listen now and rediscover what pride in craftsmanship really looks like. 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 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

Can you build great projects without first building great people? In this powerful follow-up to Respect for People, Jason explores the heart of Lean's second pillar, Hitozukuri, the Japanese concept of "making people before making things." Drawing from post-war Japan, the Toyota Production System, and the hard lessons of modern construction, Jason shows why the world's most successful companies and nations invest in humans first. You'll hear: The incredible story of how post-WWII Japan rose from ashes through training, not punishment. Why the U.S. construction industry keeps repeating the same mistakes by hiring skills instead of developing people. What happens when leaders spend more time with their teams than managing over them. How DPR and Toyota embody the "build people, build things" philosophy and how you can too. The simple truth: Without training, standardization, and care, Lean collapses. If you've ever wished your crews were more capable, your leaders more confident, or your culture more united, this episode is your blueprint. Listen now and rediscover the power of building humans before buildings. 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 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

What if the problem with construction isn't your process but your culture? In this first episode of Jason's Japan Reflections & Lean Series, Jason takes you inside what he learned studying Lean culture at its source and how Japan's quiet principle of respect for people changes everything. From jet lag to cultural shock, from U.S. "just figure it out" grit to Japan's "shoulder-to-shoulder" mentorship, Jason unpacks the biggest leadership shift our industry needs. This isn't another buzzword about empathy, it's a blueprint for transforming teams, training, and trust. You'll hear: Why "Respect for People" is the beating heart of Lean. How Japanese teams train side-by-side instead of blaming mistakes. The difference between improving chaos and building standards. Why Western management still carries the scars of Frederick Taylor. And how you can start leading like Japan without ever boarding a plane. If you've ever wondered why Lean thrives in Japan but stalls elsewhere, this episode gives you the answer. Listen now and learn how to build a culture that truly respects people. 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 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

In this episode, Jason tackles a powerful listener question about tiered huddles and the real meaning of ownership in construction. He challenges one of the biggest myths in the industry, that you can "shed risk" without shedding responsibility and explains why this mindset is holding companies back from true Lean flow. You'll learn: Why "we're a country of lawyers" is more than a joke, it's a cultural barrier to teamwork. How to build a daily tiered-meeting system that actually drives results across projects. What the Japanese get right about afternoon huddles, make-ready planning, and Gemba leadership. How PMs and Supers can stay connected without burning out. Jason also drops updates on Elevate's global impact from Spanish, German, and Japanese translations to the free Takt Production System for Students course now available for universities. If you've ever felt stuck between accountability and overload, this one will re-wire how you lead your teams. Listen now and stop shedding what you were built to 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 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw