Elevate Construction

In this podcast we cover: Why implementing fast is key. How you can approach lean rollouts. Why going slow is dissension. In this episode I share why implementing fast is not just a preference but a necessity for meaningful change. Too often organizations fall into the trap of rolling out lean practices one tiny piece at a time, which only creates sub optimization and drains resources. I explain why dissenters often use "going too fast" as a disguise for resisting change and why speed allows you to build momentum and produce results. Through examples like the human body analogy, I highlight how systems must be born whole to survive. I also discuss the dangers of stretching out the pain of implementation and how fast rollouts, when done as a complete system, create clarity, energy, and sustainable results. If you want to avoid stalled initiatives and truly transform your projects, this is an important lesson to internalize. 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 podcast we cover: How sometimes people get stuck or procrastinate. What you can do about it. How it helps all around. In this episode, I dive into a habit that quietly undermines productivity and trust: the tendency to say "I'm almost there" instead of showing actual progress. I share how this behavior often masks procrastination or lack of organization and why it is so damaging to teams. I explain how early and frequent iterations not only reveal the real status of work but also create momentum, reduce stress, and foster collaboration. I highlight how this approach especially helps individuals who struggle with distractions or ADHD by breaking large tasks into smaller, achievable steps. This is not about micromanagement but about alignment, accountability, and support. My goal is to show how we can replace silence and delay with openness and steady progress so that teams thrive and individuals succeed 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

In this podcast we cover: How to approach civil work. The steps to schedule Civil work in Takt. 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 podcast we cover: Why hearing everyone on a job site matters. How to create connection and unity. In this episode, I sat down with Jennifer Lacy to talk about the importance of hearing people's voices on the project site. We explored how real leadership goes beyond lean tools and processes and how it is the human connection that truly drives performance. We shared stories about creating safe spaces where people feel valued, and we reflected on the personal lessons that shape the way we show up for our teams. This conversation reminded me that construction is not only about buildings and schedules. It is about people, their stories, and their voices. By honoring those voices, we elevate our projects and our industry. 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 podcast we cover: Delighting the community and end users. And approach to hospitality. Connecting beyond the job site. In this episode, I walk through my process for scheduling civil projects using takt planning. I share how I break work into phases, areas, and stations while considering factors such as soil conditions, depth of pipe, and complexity. I explain how to calculate production rates, establish durations, and create flow between utilities like water, sewer, and storm drains. I also emphasize the importance of buffers, visuals, and fresh eyes reviews to protect the plan and strengthen team alignment. Beyond the technical side, I highlight how training programs like High Street Ventures' boot camps raise the bar by embedding lean practices into every trade partner's culture. This episode is about more than scheduling, it is about creating predictability, building trust, and setting projects up for lasting 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 😊). 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 podcast we cover: How to create real connection on a job site. A story about someone that needed help. Methods of connection. In this episode, I share a moving story from Roanoke, Virginia, where senior superintendent Josh Young shows how compassion and connection can transform lives on a construction site. You'll hear how he supported an employee through one of the hardest times in his life and helped him find a path forward, turning a potential loss into a story of redemption and strength. This episode highlights why building people before projects creates lasting impact in construction and beyond. 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 podcast we cover: How to merge the genius of the field and academia. What we can do to network together and elevate together. In this episode, I share my approach to scheduling civil projects using takt planning. I explain how I break down projects into zones and stationing, calculate durations from production rates, and sequence crews to create reliable flow. I also cover how to add buffers, analyze risks, and bring the plan into a fresh eyes meeting with the team. This episode dives into why civil work is uniquely suited for takt and how it can bring clarity and efficiency to projects that are often seen as complex or unpredictable. Whether you are new to takt or looking for better ways to schedule your civil projects, you will gain insights into building flow and confidence into every phase of your work. 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 podcast we cover: A question from a listener. What KPIs are recommended. In this episode, I take a deep dive into a listener's question about standing up a project controls department and choosing the right KPIs. I walk through why project controls matter, the difference between leading and lagging indicators, and specific KPI examples that actually drive meaningful behaviors in quality, scheduling, procurement, financials, and team health. This episode is full of practical advice for anyone in construction who wants to measure the right things, improve consistency, and scale their organization in a sustainable way. Whether you are just starting to think about KPIs or you already have a system in place, these insights will help you refine your approach and avoid common pitfalls that unintentionally hurt performance. 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 podcast we cover: A question from a listener. How to get leaders to plan. What it means when they don't. How tools them accountable. In this episode, I tackle a question every construction leader faces: how do we get superintendents and PMs to plan in preconstruction? I share why planning is the core responsibility of a builder, what effective preconstruction planning actually looks like, and how leaders can hold teams accountable without relying on anger or negativity. I also explain the psychology behind resistance to planning and how culture shifts when leaders consistently set standards. Whether you are an owner, executive, PM, or superintendent, this episode will give you the tools to set expectations, build projects on paper first, and eliminate the costly waste of poor planning. 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 podcast we cover: Answers to listener comments. What the Last Planner System is. Why we need a First Planner System. In this episode, I share why the last planner system cannot succeed without the first planner system. I explain how planning in preconstruction provides the logistical support, supply chain readiness, and production design that allows field teams to make reliable commitments. I also discuss misconceptions in the lean community where some experts downplay early planning, and why this approach creates disrespect and overburden. By walking through the relationship between first planner and last planner, I highlight how both must work together to create a true lean system. Whether you are new to lean construction or a seasoned practitioner, this episode will help you see why predictive planning and collaborative planning are not opposites but partners in building successful 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