Elevate Construction

Just-in-time isn't a buzz phrase; it's a real Lean system that cuts waste, lowers costs, and stabilizes your project by delivering only what's needed, when it's needed, in the amount needed. In this episode, Jason explains why just-in-time fails when schedules are constantly changing, and why predictable flow (especially with Takt planning) is what makes it possible. You'll learn how to right-size inventory buffers, break procurement and deliveries down by production areas, and "hold the line" with delivery control so your jobsite doesn't get buried in material, damage, and chaos. What you'll learn in this episode: Toyota's definition of just-in-time and why it's really about eliminating excess inventory and handling waste Why just-in-time requires schedule reliability and predictability (and why constant schedule "jockeying" creates inventory) How to right-size inventory buffers (enough to protect flow, not so much it creates waste) How to break materials and procurement down by production areas (area A/B/C—not "the whole floor") and control deliveries How Takt + Last Planner make just-in-time realistic: hold dates, use make-ready schedules, and enforce delivery coordination If your site is drowning in material right now, what schedule habit do you need to change so you can actually run just-in-time? 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 sits down with Brandon Montero for a deep conversation on a simple question: what does it actually take to be a good person? They explore how "good vs. bad" gets shaped by culture, time, religion, and the preset templates we inherit and why those templates can help us… or mislead us. You'll hear a practical take on personal accountability, why the journey matters more than the destination, and the challenge of deciding what your own "recipe" for being good really is. If you've ever wanted a clearer internal compass for how you show up at work, at home, and with other people this one will hit. What you'll learn in this episode: Why preset templates for "good" and "bad" can help you and where they can mislead you How culture and time shape morality, and why your personal compass still matters What accountability really means when you're trying to become better The question that changes everything: do you feel a responsibility to help others on their path? When you put your head on the pillow tonight, what would have to be true for you to say, "I was a good person today"? 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 e

Waste is all around us but most teams don't see it, so they organize it, move it, and live with it. In this episode, Jason breaks down the 8 wastes in a way that's practical, memorable, and immediately usable on a jobsite, in the office, or even at home. You'll hear a real story that shows how "busy" can still be a waste, why motion is not productivity, and how Lean wins by lowering the water level so problems become visible and removable. If you want a team that can see waste, hate it, and fix it daily this is the episode. What you'll learn in this episode: The 8 wastes (overproduction, inventory, waiting, transportation, overprocessing, motion, defects, unused creativity) and how to spot them fast Why overproduction creates inventory and how those two wastes create more waste downstream Why "busy workers" doesn't mean Lean and how wasted motion burns people out and increases injuries The "river of waste" concept: stop raising the water level with more resources and start removing roadblocks A simple system to build a Lean culture: learn the wastes, 3S daily, share improvements in huddles, and scale through videos What waste have you been tolerating so long that you've stopped seeing it—and what will you fix today now that you can't unsee 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

If you want to start your Lean journey the right way, start here: 3S. In this episode, Jason explains why 3S (and 5S) is the foundational building block of Lean and why it's needed everywhere: jobsite, trailer, office, BIM files, gang boxes, laydown yards, and even at home. He breaks down the difference between 5S and the simplified 3S approach from Paul Akers, then shows how 3S helps you see waste, fix what bugs you, and build a culture of total participation through daily huddles and continuous improvement. What you'll learn in this episode: What 5S is (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) and why Paul Akers simplifies it to 3S Why 3S is the fastest way to see waste and begin making real Lean improvement. How to build a simple culture loop: learn the 8 wastes → 3S → fix what bugs you → before/after videos → share in huddles Where 3S applies in construction: site conditions, gang boxes, cut stations, laydown, trailers, and even digital file organization How to make it fun (lean foam/shadow boards) and stop "getting used to the mess" as the normal way to live What would change if your team had total participation 3S'ing daily, fixing what bugs them, and improving the system every morning? 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

Visual management isn't "extra"—it's how you get information out of your head and into the field so the whole team can see as a group, know as a group, and act as a group. In this episode, Jason explains what a true visual workplace looks like on a construction site and why Lean doesn't work without it. You'll hear practical examples—from Takt plans and visual planning boards to signage plans, day plan boards, hoist rules, lean boards on floors, and even Bluebeam photo-sketches—that make the plan obvious, reduce confusion, and create real operational control. If you want a jobsite that runs smoother with less babysitting, this is the blueprint. What you'll learn in this episode: Why visual management creates a "self-ordering, self-explaining, self-regulating" jobsite and why Lean requires it How to use Takt plans and visual scheduling boards so crews can see the plan in seconds How to design project signage and interaction spaces so workers always know where to go and how to engage What visual day plans, floor lean boards, hoist rules, and color-coded deliveries look like in the field How to make coordination easier with visuals like Bluebeam photo-sketches, one-lines, and BIM views brought to the field If your workers only understand 20% of the plan today, what visual system will you build first to get that number closer to 100%? 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

Bad days happen but you don't have to wake up like an accident and let the day run you. In this episode, Jason shares a practical morning routine to reset your energy, calm your mind, and become intentional about who you're going to be that day. He walks through box breathing, gratitude, visualization, affirmations, and purpose statements to help you control your "monkey mind" and show up as a giver instead of a victim. If you want more consistency, better leadership, and a stronger mindset even when life feels tipped over—this is your blueprint. What you'll learn in this episode: How to use box breathing (inhale/hold/exhale/hold) to calm your mind and regain focus A simple gratitude practice that shifts you out of negativity and into intention How visualization and affirmations help you "create the person you want to be" every day How to choose the two key outcomes you'll own that day and execute with purpose Why routines beat willpower, and how a 12–14 minute system can change your consistency fast Are you waking up like an accident or are you going to build who you want to be before the day even starts? 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 you're losing motivation because your supervisor is cold, inconsistent, or only shows up to criticize, you're not "too sensitive" ; you're missing what every direct report needs: connection, relevance, and measurement. In this episode, Jason responds to a listener's question and explains why leaders can't hide behind "I'm not here to make friends" when they're responsible for someone's career, growth, and confidence. You'll learn how to coach up, ask for the communication you need, decide whether a change is a destination or an escape, and make career moves that protect your family and align with your core purpose. What you'll learn in this episode: Why direct reports need connection, relevance, and measurement and why people quit bosses, not companies How to ask for more communication/support (field walks, daily/weekly touchpoints, and clear expectations) How to stop taking it personal, shift toward growth/contribution, and get out of the "crazy cycle" How to decide if leaving is a destination or an escape and how to plan a smart transition or side hustle Why loyalty belongs to God and your family first and how to make decisions without fear, pride, or pressure Are you going to keep tolerating a leadership environment that drains you or are you ready to take intentional action and go get what you need? 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 you're losing motivation because your supervisor is cold, inconsistent, or only shows up to criticize, you're not "too sensitive" ; you're missing what every direct report needs: connection, relevance, and measurement. In this episode, Jason responds to a listener's question and explains why leaders can't hide behind "I'm not here to make friends" when they're responsible for someone's career, growth, and confidence. You'll learn how to coach up, ask for the communication you need, decide whether a change is a destination or an escape, and make career moves that protect your family and align with your core purpose. What you'll learn in this episode: Why direct reports need connection, relevance, and measurement and why people quit bosses, not companies How to ask for more communication/support (field walks, daily/weekly touchpoints, and clear expectations) How to stop taking it personal, shift toward growth/contribution, and get out of the "crazy cycle" How to decide if leaving is a destination or an escape and how to plan a smart transition or side hustle Why loyalty belongs to God and your family first and how to make decisions without fear, pride, or pressure Are you going to keep tolerating a leadership environment that drains you or are you ready to take intentional action and go get what you need? 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

Most people don't get stuck because they're not capable, they get stuck because they're managing themselves (and their teams) around weaknesses instead of leveraging strengths. In this episode, Jason shows how tools like StrengthsFinder, the "hedgehog concept," and the Six Types of Working Genius can help you understand what you're naturally great at—and how to put yourself and your people in the right seats. He explains why performance often drops when someone is working in frustration instead of genius, and how focusing on advantages creates happier teams, higher capacity, and faster progress. What you'll learn in this episode: Why focusing on strengths creates faster progress than dwelling on weaknesses How StrengthsFinder can reveal your top themes and help you align your career and leadership style see them clearly What the "hedgehog concept" is and how to use it for your life, your project, and your company How the Six Types of Working Genius helps place people in roles where they thrive (and why "misfit roles" create misery) Why leaders must stop assuming "low performance = laziness" and start designing roles around genius Are you running your life and team based on strengths or forcing people to live in frustration and calling it "normal"? 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

Takt planning is more than a schedule; it's a visual, rhythmic system that brings flow, predictability, and teamwork to the whole project. In this episode, Jason breaks down exactly how to create a Takt plan from scratch: how to define zones, sequences, bottlenecks, and flow across interiors, exteriors, and site work. You'll hear real examples of how Takt solves chaos in scheduling, improves supply chain consistency, and simplifies complex coordination for the whole team. This episode gives you the full blueprint to build and manage a project plan that everyone can actually see and follow. What you'll learn in this episode: How to build a Takt plan from start to finish zones, trains, work packages, and steps Why Takt beats CPM for supply chain consistency and predictable material deliveries How to run exterior, interior, and site Takt plans that actually align with trade flow The difference between bottom-up and top-down Takt planning (and when to use each) Why transparency, rhythm, and flow not complexity create remarkable project results If anyone on your team can't see the plan in five seconds, you don't have one so what will you simplify today? 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