Elevate Construction

Jason shares Chapter 13 of "Calumet K" by Merwin Webster. December 10th: three of four Koopala stories built, work progressing well. Grady appears with scout to reconnoiter. Bannon pretends to go home but stays hidden. Grady delivers ultimatum: "At 10:00, if your runway and dollies ain't working, the men go out." Bannon calls committee to office. "Have you voted to strike?" Murphy mumbles: "No, we ain't voted for no strike." Peterson and Max physically bring Grady in, dust on shoulder, torn collar, Pete's sleeve rolled up over bare forearm. Bannon reads Grady's blackmail letter aloud to committee. "Tonight he's ordered a strike. He calls himself your representative, but he's acted on his own responsibility. I'm through with Grady. I won't have him here at all." Grady tries oratory, committee silent. Bannon reveals trump card: "I laid this matter before President Carver. I have his word that if you hang on to this man after he's been proved a blackmailer, your lodge can be dropped from the Federation." Committee files out without Grady. Bannon marches him to property line: "This is where our ground stops. Now get out." What you'll learn in this episode: Strategic patience pays off: Bannon waits for Grady to overplay his hand by calling unauthorized strike, doesn't confront until the moment is perfect The pretend-to-leave tactic: Bannon announces he's "going home" loudly near laborers so Grady thinks coast is clear, actually stays hidden waiting for the move Why you prepare evidence before confrontation: typewritten copy of Grady's blackmail letter, conversation with President Carver, all groundwork laid before showdown The committee exposed Grady's bluff: "Have you voted to strike?" forces them to admit "No, we ain't voted", Grady acting without authority James (Carver's investigator) undermining Grady from inside: asking pointed questions in lodge meetings, presence in room makes Murphy tell truth instead of lie The boss doesn't negotiate with unauthorized strikes: "I'm sick of this. That's all. You can go.", clean, final, no debate "I'm through with Grady. I won't have him here at all. If you send him around again, I'll throw him off the job." 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

Jason shares Chapter 12 of "Calumet K" by Merwin Webster. November 22nd telegram: Marine Tower added mid-project. Brown's letter: "This elevator will make or break them. You can have all January for vacation if you get it through." Bannon describes St. Lawrence River to Hilda, big, open country, forests that make Michigan pinewoods look like weeds. Grady has poisoned the injured hoist worker: "He thinks Max has been trying to buy him off." Hilda volunteers to handle the delicate negotiation: "If you let me go, I'll fix it. I know I can." Bannon recognizes what she saw at a flash, this was a case for delicate handling. Hilda successfully visits the injured worker, prevents lawsuit. Personal moment afterward: "I thought you don't think very much about the men. I thought so, too. And tonight I found out some things you've been doing for him. I knew it was you that did it and not the company. And I beg your pardon." Marine tower construction begins. Peterson working with renewed energy after reconciliation with Bannon. What you'll learn in this episode: Mid-project scope changes under deadline pressure: Marine Tower telegram arrives November 22nd forcing complete redesign of spouting house while maintaining January 1st completion Recognizing when someone else has the right touch: Bannon sees what Hilda saw instantly, this injured worker situation needs delicate handling, not his direct approach The danger of manipulation: Grady convinces injured worker that care packages are "all a part of the game to bamboozle him out of the money that was rightfully his" Why leaders do the invisible work: Bannon sending tobacco and personal touches to injured worker—not the company, not for credit, just because it's right The reconciliation effect on performance: Peterson's spirits rise with a leap once misunderstanding removed, "working as he had never worked before", night shift now matching day shift energy "I thought you don't think very much about the men. I thought so, too. And tonight I found out the truth. I beg your pardon." 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

Jason shares Chapter 11 of "Calumet K" by Merwin Webster. Bannon holds council of war on wharf with Hilda, Max, Peterson. Explains Grady's blackmail won't deliver: "He'd call the men off just the same after he'd struck us for all he thought we'd stand." Can't reason with laborers directly, "they don't want facts or reason, what they like is Grady's oratory." Key principle: "Strike as high as you can. The biggest man who will let you in his office. It's the small fry that make the trouble." Tells Hilda railroad story: as alderman in Yoger, chained up BYP train to tracks until railroad paid $430 city debt. Visits RS Carver, president of Central District American Federation of Labor. Makes systematic case Grady is blackmailer: meets at night not office, wants Sunday meeting in Chicago not jobsite, gives oratory not specifics. Carver: "I don't see any reason why I should help you." Bannon: "If there's any chance what I said is true, better for your credit to settle quietly. Do your investigating in advance." Next morning "James" appears asking for job, Bannon recognizes him as Carver's investigator, hires him immediately. What you'll learn in this episode: Why you can't reason with manipulated crowds: "They don't want facts or reason. What they like is Grady's oratory. They'd resolve I was a thief and a liar and vindicate Grady more than ever" Strike as high as you can principle: "The general manager of a railroad is always easier to get on with than the division superintendent, it's the small fry that make trouble" Building systematic case against blackmailer: night meetings not office, Sunday in Chicago not jobsite, oratory not specifics, learns deadline/budget then sends warning letter The creative problem-solving story: chaining train to tracks to collect city debt shows Bannon's pattern of unconventional solutions Getting investigation started: Carver can't officially investigate but sends "James", Bannon recognizes him instantly and hires him to ground floor "Strike as high as you can. The biggest man who will let you in his office. It's the small fry that make the trouble." 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

Jason shares Chapter 10 of "Calumet K" by Merwin Webster. Grady sees opportunity: rush job plus Peterson's leaked information equals blackmail leverage. Visits Peterson trying to manipulate him into ousting Bannon. Peterson refuses: "You was the boss here now, and I was only the foreman of the night shift." Peterson finally tells Bannon about Grady's visits. Bannon confronts Peterson directly: "Why don't we pull together better? What is it you're sore about?" Repairs relationship: "I want to feel that I've got you with me. Come around and tell me what I'm doing wrong." Peterson: "I never knew you wanted to consult me about anything." Grady sends note demanding Sunday meeting, Bannon ignores it. Grady waits in Bannon's room Monday evening demanding $5,000 to prevent strike. Bannon: "They'd be willing to pay fully that to save delay. Do you think you're going to get a scent of it? I'd have settled it up for $300 and a box of cigars right at the start. But as long as I knew you'd sell out again if you could, I didn't think you were even worth the cigars." Marches Grady to stairs: "I wish you were three sizes larger." What you'll learn in this episode: How leaked project information becomes blackmail leverage: Peterson's casual mention of January 1st deadline and "doesn't care what it costs" gives Grady exactly what he needs Direct confrontation repairs relationships: Bannon doesn't dance around Peterson's resentment, asks straight out "What is it you're sore about?" and invites consultation Spotting extortion early: "I had your size the first time you came around. Don't you think I knew what you wanted?" Why you never pay blackmailers: "I might pay blackmail to an honest rascal who delivered the goods paid for, but as long as I knew you'd sell out again if you could, I didn't think you were even worth the cigars" The reconciliation principle: "I want to feel that I've got you with me. Unless we pull together, we're stuck for sure" "I'd have settled it up for $300 and a box of cigars right at the start. But I didn't think you were even worth the cigars." 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

Jason shares Chapter 9 of "Calumet K" by Merwin Webster. Riley returns with union business agent. Bannon handles professionally: "If you'd like to investigate, I'll give you all the opportunity you want." Agent leaves satisfied. Grady appears on distributing floor delivering speech to laborers about being "driven at point of pistol." Bannon forces Grady to ride the hoist rope down 90 feet, Grady terrified, workers grinning. Grady makes dramatic speech: "Who gave you the right to decide this man shall live and this man shall die?" Bannon calmly refutes: "Go ask that man if he has any complaint. McBride pays men for taking risks he's done himself." Tells Grady: "If you're looking for fair play, you'll get it. If you're looking for trouble, you'll get it." Peterson struggling with night shift isolation, brooding about being superseded, twisting everything Bannon does into evidence of jealousy. Encounters Grady who manipulates him into revealing: "Bins have to be chalk full of grain before January 1st, no matter what happens. He don't care how much it costs." Peterson realizes he talked too much, decides not to tell Bannon. What you'll learn in this episode: Professional union handling: invite investigation, offer transparency, treat delegates "half as well as you'd treat a yellow dog, they're likely to be very reasonable" Gallery play principle: forcing Grady to ride the hoist rope down shows workers the walking delegate is afraid, public demonstration of who's actually in control The calm confrontation approach: Grady's theatrical drama ("Who gave you the right to decide this man shall live?") vs Bannon's logic ("Go ask that man if he has complaints") How isolation breeds resentment: Peterson's night shift loneliness leads to brooding, twisting everything into grievances against Bannon Information security failure: Peterson reveals critical deadline to Grady (the enemy), realizes too late "he had talked too much", critical project intel now compromised "If you're looking for fair play, you'll get it. If you're looking for trouble, you'll get 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 😊). 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

Jason shares Chapter 8 of "Calumet K" by Merwin Webster. Saturday afternoon: every worker knows Bannon pulled a gun on Riley. Some angry, most relieved, "a good workman is surer of himself under a firm than under a slack hand." Max and Hilda disappointed, don't understand difference between dropping hammer (careless) vs overloading hoist (calculated risk). Bannon builds wooden elevator box to take Hilda up 90 feet to distributing floor. Max guides box from ladders with rope. Hilda tours the framing, sees Peterson working shirtless on high girders. Awkward dynamics: Peterson interested in Hilda, tension with Bannon growing. Reorganizing for three 8-hour shifts: midnight-8am, 8am-4pm, 4pm-midnight. Bannon takes 7am start (controls all three shifts during day), Peterson takes evening. Peterson moves out of shared room, sullen and defiant. New system runs smoothly despite Peterson's complaints. "Honest Hilda, I don't see how he does it. I don't believe he ever takes his clothes off." What you'll learn in this episode: Why firm authority improves morale: workers "cowed" initially, but majority relieved because "a good workman is surer of himself under a firm than under a slack hand" The elevator box principle: when you invite someone to see the work, build the infrastructure to make it safe and impressive, 90-foot wooden elevator instead of dangerous ladders Understanding calculated risk vs carelessness: overloading hoist to keep up with carpenters (calculated) vs dropping hammer into bin (careless), Max and Hilda don't see the difference Three-shift scheduling strategy: Bannon takes 7am start to control day work and oversee all three shifts, Peterson takes evening (operational control, not personal preference) Managing personal dynamics without explaining: Bannon knows Peterson thinks it's about Hilda, but "it was important that he should control the work during the day" "I don't see how he does it. I don't believe he ever takes his clothes off." 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

Jason shares Chapter 7 of "Calumet K" by Merwin Webster. Bannon waits for clear insubordination case. Carpenter Riley deliberately drops hammer into bin where men are working below, laughs. Bannon fires him. Riley rushes at Bannon, Bannon pulls revolver, ends confrontation. Brown's letter arrives: 2.2 million bushels must be in bins by January 1st. "Never mind what it costs you." Peterson protests: "He can't expect us to do it." Bannon cuts him short: "He don't pay us to make excuses. He pays us to do as we're told. When I have to explain why it can't be done, I'll send my resignation in a separate envelope." Bannon calculates: 120 days of work divided by three (three 8-hour shifts per day equals 21 days per week). Builds in hard luck margin. Orders hoist to carry four to five sticks at once instead of two, Peterson objects, too risky. Bannon: "My god, don't I know it's a risk? We've got to do it somehow." Tuesday: hoist breaks. One man injured. Bannon rebuilds hoist in two hours. Orders: "Carry the same load as before." What you'll learn in this episode: Why waiting for clear insubordination beats halfway measures, Riley deliberately drops hammer, laughs about "accidents will happen," gets fired immediately with no debate The no-excuses principle: "He don't pay us to make excuses. He pays us to do as we're told", when you start explaining why it can't be done, resign Working backwards from impossible deadlines: 120 days of work, three 8-hour shifts per day, builds in hard luck margin for strikes and surprises Calculated risk management: ordering heavy loads on hoist despite danger because "we've got to keep up with the carpenters", then when hoist breaks, rebuild in 2 hours and continue same approach Why carrying a revolver matters: "Haven't been without one on a job since I've worked for the old man", not for one-on-one fights, for when "there's generally from 3 to 30" "My god, don't I know it's a risk? We've got something to do, and we've got to do it somehow." 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

Jason shares Chapter 6 of "Calumet K" by Merwin Webster. Friday morning: 62 laborers show up (night work exhausted them), but work proceeds on elevator and annex. Hattie Vogle working through the books as new stenographer, produces clean balance sheet "as business-like as a metropolitan bank cashier." Bannon sends progress update to McBride Company: cribbing going up, Koopa timber ready for framing, 200,000 feet arrived by steamer. Asks about CNC railroad agreement, no papers found. Tells Hattie the Michigan wagon story. Bannon cleans up office: hires scrubwoman, brings doormat, posts sign "Wipe your feet or put 5 cents in the box." Leads by example: tracks mud himself, immediately drops quarter in box. Peterson acting strange, interested in Hattie, invited her to picnic, she declined. Peterson complains she's "stuck up" and thinks she's better than everyone. Bannon sharpens pencils in silence. Work progressing rapidly: annex growing, Koopa frame ready to start tomorrow. What you'll learn in this episode: Why cleaning the office matters: "It ain't a very cheerful house to live in all day" leads to hiring scrubwoman and implementing cleanliness standards immediately Lead by example principle: when Bannon tracks mud and violates his own rule, he drops a quarter in the box without excuses or exceptions Progress reporting template: update clients with facts (what's done, what's coming, timeline), ask direct questions (who's blocking us), keep it brief The importance of clear systems in chaos: Hattie produces clean balance sheet showing "hereafter there would be no confusion in the books" Managing personal dynamics: Peterson's interest in Hattie creates tension, Bannon listens but doesn't engage, sharpens pencils in silence "Well," he said, wiping his feet, but the whistle just then gave a long blast, and he did not finish the sentence. 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

Jason shares Chapter 5 of "Calumet K" by Merwin Webster. The cribbing arrives by steamer earlier than expected, Bannon offers double pay and tells the men they're working all night to unload it. The railroad section boss tries to stop them from opening the fence to cross tracks. Bannon bluffs confidently: "We'll telegram the general manager right now." The boss backs down. Walking delegate Grady arrives demanding 10 men per heavy timber instead of 6. Bannon agrees immediately: "We aren't fighting the Union." When a train gets blocked by timbers on tracks, Grady won't let men clear it, Bannon negotiates by agreeing to relieve gangs every 2 hours. The railroad orders the fence replaced, blocking their path completely. Bannon improvises: stretch a cable trolley from the spouting house high over the tracks, slide timbers down to the other side. Works all night. Everything's unloaded by dawn. Max Vogle's sister Hattie becomes the new stenographer. Briggs (the fired clerk) brings the walking delegate to cause trouble, Max gives him a black eye. What you'll learn in this episode: Why "We aren't fighting the Union" is the right response when the walking delegate shows up, accommodate reasonable requests immediately, don't create unnecessary battles The improvisation principle: when the railroad blocks your ground path, build a cable trolley system in 30 minutes and slide timbers through the air instead How to bluff with confidence when challenged by section boss: "We'll telegram the general manager right now", know your authority and use it Why offering double pay and working all night beats waiting for perfect conditions, speed of execution compounds advantages Managing multiple stakeholders simultaneously: railroad, union delegate, workers, foremen, and keeping all of them moving toward the same goal without destroying relationships Before the work was finished and the last plank from the steamer's cargo had been tossed on the pile by the annex, the first faint color was spreading over the eastern sky. 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

Jason shares Chapter 4 of "Calumet K" by Merwin Webster, a story that demonstrates resourcefulness, speed of execution, and creative problem-solving in construction. Bannon discovers the G&M railroad is blocking his cribbing delivery. Instead of waiting for lawyers and legal battles, he creates an alternative solution in one hour: organize farmers to haul lumber by wagon 18 miles to Manastagi, then transport by barge. Sloan wants to prosecute the railroad, Bannon wants the cribbing. They print circus posters calling farmers to action, post them at every crossroads, and drive through the rain to set up the operation. When they find a bridge out, Bannon arranges immediate repair by convincing a farmer to fix it overnight. The wagon procession becomes continuous as farmers grab the chance to get even with the railroad. When offered a chance to manipulate the wheat market for personal gain, Bannon refuses; his integrity matters more than getting rich. The chapter shows what execution looks like: identify the problem, create the solution, move immediately, and never compromise your principles. What you'll learn in this episode: Why "I want the cribbing" beats "I'll have the law on those fellows", execution over litigation when projects are time-sensitive The one-hour solution: how Bannon organized an entire alternative logistics system (posters, farmers, wagons, barges) in 60 minutes Creative problem-solving under constraints: when the railroad blocks you, use their enemies (farmers who feel discriminated against) to solve your problem The bridge repair principle: find the obstacle, fix it immediately, don't wait, pull down the farmer's house if necessary and rebuild it better Why Bannon refused to manipulate the wheat market even though he could have turned $15,000 to $50,000—integrity beats shortcuts every time "You don't want to get rich. That's the trouble with you," said Sloan. And he said it almost enviously. 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