Elevate Construction

This episode takes you inside one of the most revealing experiments in Lean construction as Jason and Jake break down what it really takes to build a Lean culture through contracts, expectations, and upfront alignment. They share how the team set the conditions for Lean success long before stepping onto the job site, and how clear standards, stable systems, and intentional communication transformed performance. From morning huddles to tact-driven schedules, this conversation exposes why Lean isn't an add-on it's a way of working that must be built into the foundation of every project. If you've ever wondered how to make Lean "stick," this episode gives you the blueprint. What you'll learn in this episode Why Lean doesn't cost more when the project is structured correctly, it simply shifts money from waste to value. How to use the basis of schedule and contracting language to enforce Lean expectations from day one. Why 30-minute setups, morning huddles, and daily organization only work when they are protected contractually. How upfront communication with trade partners prevents resistance and builds trust in Lean systems. Why the real ROI of Lean shows up in safety, quality, morale, and repeat work rather than line-item savings. If your project only reflects Lean after construction starts, is it truly Lean or just a hope? 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 of the Elevate Construction Podcast, Jake Smaley and Jason Schroeder discuss the critical balance between incentives and survival on the job site. They explore how raising expectations without holding everyone accountable leads to mediocrity, and the importance of maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for safety and quality. The conversation emphasizes the value of equality, respect, and creating a culture where every worker is treated fairly and held to the same high standards. What you'll learn in this episode: The role of incentives and survival in motivating workers on a Lean construction site. Why accountability is crucial for improving overall performance and maintaining job site standards. The importance of creating a culture of equality, where all workers follow the same rules. How setting a clear zero-tolerance policy for safety and quality leads to a better work environment. The value of respect and how it shapes a team's commitment to success. What are the behaviors you're willing to tolerate on your team, and how can you raise the bar to create a safer, more effective work environment? 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 of the Elevate Construction Podcast, Jake Smaley and Jason Schroeder dive into the art of attack, using lessons learned from their Lean implementation project. They discuss the importance of pre-planning, staying nimble, and strategically attacking challenges on the job site to create a positive, productive environment. The episode highlights the power of planning, preparation, and leadership in overcoming obstacles and ensuring a successful project delivery. What you'll learn in this episode The significance of pre-planning and "winning the battle before going to war" How creating a stable, well-planned environment leads to a motivated, efficient workforce The balance between pushing forward and being flexible when executing Lean strategies The concept of "clean and steady" as a key to maintaining high morale and safety on site The importance of accountability in sustaining progress and holding teams to high standards. How can you apply the principles of strategic planning and nimble execution in your projects to eliminate waste and variation, ensuring success from start to finish? 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 of the Elevate Construction Podcast, Jason Schroeder and Jake Smaley dive into their experience with Lean implementation on a $100 million project, sharing lessons learned from both successes and failures. They explore how they transformed a disorganized and demoralizing job site into a clean, safe, and efficient space by winning over the workforce, improving site conditions, and fostering a culture of respect and accountability. This episode highlights the power of Lean principles in driving real change in construction environments. What you'll learn in this episode: The importance of winning over workers and improving morale. How implementing Lean practices can transform a construction site. The role of a zero-tolerance safety policy in maintaining high standards. The impact of small actions like cleanliness and organization on overall success. Why forcing initial Lean adoption leads to long-term voluntary buy-in. How can you apply the lessons from this episode to create a more organized, productive, and safe work environment 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 😊). 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

This episode breaks down one of the biggest challenges in construction leadership: how to sustain a high-performing culture in an environment that naturally slides toward disorder. Jason explains why standards fade, why teams struggle to maintain excellence, and what leaders must do daily to outpace the entropy of a job site. Through practical examples, proven systems, and hard-won lessons, he shows how persistence, reminders, and clear expectations transform chaos into stability. If you've ever wondered why good systems don't stick and how to finally make them last this episode is for you. What you'll learn in this episode: How entropy affects construction projects and why systems decline without constant reinforcement Why the superintendent must set the example and outpace the natural decay of the job site The role of daily walks, reminders, and real-time communication tools in sustaining culture How to create habits, build belief, and gain buy-in through consistency and clarity Why standards, accountability, and respectful systems elevate both people and production True culture isn't built by what you announce on day one it's built by what you reinforce every single day. What part of your project's culture is waiting for you to take the 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 😊). 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

This episode explores the true power of moments and why creating meaningful experiences with our families is just as important as succeeding at work. Jason shares personal lessons, honest reflections, and practical habits to help construction professionals balance demanding careers with strong family relationships. Through stories, principles, and a moving poem, this episode challenges listeners to reconnect with what matters most and build a life where work does not replace their purpose. If you've ever struggled with imbalance, guilt, or the pace of this industry, this message offers hope and direction. What you'll learn in this episode: Why meaningful family moments shape long-term happiness more than career achievements How simple habits like date night, proper work hours, and intentional presence, create emotional stability The dangers of overworking and the common regrets expressed by industry professionals How the poem Father Forgets helps us reflect on empathy, patience, and the fleeting nature of childhood Practical ways to restructure your routines so work no longer steals the time your family deserves The question is simple: When your life is nearly over, will you be grateful for the moments you lived or wish you had created more of 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 😊). 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

Recovering a project isn't about panic, pressure, or throwing bodies at the problem, it's about discipline, clarity, and controlled leadership. In this episode, Jason breaks down exactly how to stabilize a troubled project, reestablish flow, and prevent a crash landing at the finish line. Through real-world analogies and hard-earned lessons, he explains why calm, structured control outperforms chaos every time. If you've ever faced a slipping schedule, declining morale, or a project heading toward disaster, this episode gives you the roadmap to turn it around. What you'll learn in this episode Why recovering a project requires a designated leader who brings discipline, clarity, and stability How to reset a project through roles, geographical control, daily huddles, and strict standards Why crash landing a project destroys safety, quality, morale, fee and how controlled flow prevents it Essential techniques like the stop-and-call, task force escalation, and maintaining conquered territory How to finish strong by avoiding rework, eliminating chaos, and driving a steady, safe flow to the end A controlled landing always beats a crash landing. What kind of leader will you choose to be when the project is on the line? 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

Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People is one of the most transformative books ever written, and in this episode, Jason breaks down why its principles are still life-changing today. He shares personal stories of how the book reshaped his effectiveness at work, improved relationships, and unlocked a new level of emotional intelligence. Jason also explains how these concepts solve real issues in construction, leadership, communication, and team dynamics. Whether you're struggling with conflict, influence, or connection, this episode gives you the "how" behind becoming more effective with people. What you'll learn in this episode: Why people skills impact 80–90% of effectiveness in construction and leadership How one book can dramatically improve relationships at work, home, and in the field Common behaviors that damage influence and how Carnegie's principles reverse them Practical tools to handle conflict, appeal to nobler motives, and avoid arguments Why emotional intelligence not technical skill often determines career growth When you learn to influence with sincerity, humility, and intention, you unlock a level of effectiveness that changes everything. What step can you take today to better connect with the people around 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 😊). 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

Training is one of the most powerful levers in construction, yet it's often treated as an afterthought. In this episode, Jason breaks down why remarkable training, not just more training is the key to improving people, projects, and profitability. He exposes the pitfalls of low-energy, ineffective learning and shares the proven methods that drastically increase retention, engagement, and real-world performance. This conversation challenges every leader to rethink how they teach, prepare, and support their teams. What you'll learn in this episode: Why training is a strategic anchor that directly affects project success and profitability The hidden cost of poor training and the massive financial losses caused by crash-landing projects How high-energy, structured learning dramatically increases retention and behavior change Why the EDGE method (explain, demonstrate, guide, enable) transforms how people learn What remarkable training looks like and how leaders can give workers the tools they truly deserve The question that remains is this: are we willing to elevate our training to match the potential of the people we 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 😊). 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 of the Elevate Construction Podcast, Jason Schroeder explores how adopting a victor's mindset can propel you to success in both your career and life. He challenges you to break free from the victim mentality that holds many back and shares actionable steps for shifting your mindset to one of ownership, accountability, and progress. With a focus on mental resilience, personal responsibility, and growth, Jason inspires listeners to take charge of their circumstances and rise above challenges to achieve their goals. What you'll learn in this episode: The importance of rejecting a victim mindset to achieve success. How adopting extreme ownership can transform your leadership and career. The power of a growth mindset and how to embrace failure as part of the process. Why your mindset, not your circumstances, determines your future. The critical role of accountability and finding mentors in your personal growth journey. Are you ready to stop blaming external factors and take control of your destiny? Your success starts with the decisions you make 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