Elevate Construction

In this podcast we cover: Why it is cool that these things are hard. Why you should make your best players famous. Why being bigger means you may be more abusive. In this episode, I share three powerful lessons every construction leader needs to hear. First, why making your winners famous creates a culture where excellence spreads instead of negativity. Second, how privilege and power, whether in daily life or in large construction companies, can easily slip into abuse if not managed with responsibility. And third, why the very things people say are "hard" in lean construction are the things that actually drive growth, clarity, and success. This episode is a call to leaders at every level—reward the right people, respect the responsibility that comes with influence, and stop chasing easy. Real progress only happens when we lean into what's hard and do what's meaningful. 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 CPM Is a failed system. How pedaling it is like being a member of a drug cartel. In this episode, I confront a hard truth about our industry: too many leaders still advocate for systems that harm people, especially CPM scheduling. I share why this approach is not just outdated but actively destructive, leading to unsafe practices, wasted resources, burnout, and broken trust. I connect how flawed systems, not flawed people, are the real root of our industry's struggles, and why blaming workers misses the point. I draw bold comparisons to show just how harmful these methods can be, and I challenge leaders to stop normalizing practices that exploit rather than empower. If you are ready to rethink what you stand for in construction, this conversation will push you to take a stand. 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: Expanded explanations of the rules of flow. In this episode, I unpack Eliyahu Goldratt's rules of flow and show how they apply directly to construction. I break down why avoiding bad multitasking protects capacity, why full kit readiness prevents delays, and why triaging priorities keeps projects on track. I share stories from the field that highlight the importance of synchronization and explain how standardization, root cause analysis, and global optimization create lasting improvements. These rules are simple, practical, and transformative when applied consistently. If you are ready to bring clarity and control to your projects, this episode will give you the roadmap. 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: What are the 8 Wastes of Starting Lean? How can you use them to begin your Lean journey? In this episode, I share what I call the eight ways of starting lean. While the traditional eight wastes are still critical, these barriers often stop teams before they ever begin the journey. From ignorance and procrastination to unchecked egos and blaming others, we explore what really holds construction back and how leaders can overcome 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

In this podcast we cover: Why each effort needs a kit first. How that opens the gate to your beginning. In this episode, I dive into the idea of kitting, inspired by Efrat Goldratt's The Rules of Flow, and explore how it can transform the way we approach construction. I share how a simple experience with my kids in Minecraft made me realize the power of preparation and how that same principle applies to project teams, planning meetings, and field work. We look at why incomplete kits cause delays, wasted effort, and frustration, and why discipline in preparation is the gateway to flow. Whether you are a superintendent, project manager, or trade partner, this episode offers practical insights on how to unlock productivity, eliminate waste, and create smoother systems by ensuring the kit is complete before you begin. 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: Things people say about being tough in construction. Why we need to be more accepting. In this episode, I sit down with Brandon Montero in Guadalajara, Mexico to have an honest conversation about the culture of toughness in construction. Brandon shares a powerful story about someone being told to "grow thicker skin or get out" after showing emotion in a meeting and we dive deep into why that mindset is broken. Together we explore the dangerous sayings that have been normalized on job sites like "real men don't cry" or "suck it up," and we talk about how these toxic ideas tear people down instead of building them up. We also reflect on what true leadership looks like: creating environments where people are protected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. Brandon highlights the role of vulnerability as real strength, and I share how looking back on my career, it was the one tool I needed most. From A Few Good Men to real-life construction stories, this episode is about redefining what toughness means and challenging leaders to replace outdated bravado with empathy, inclusion, and authenticity. 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 safety glasses are the best indicator of readiness. Why it should be mandatory. What it means when people do not wear them. In this episode, I take a strong stance on one of the simplest yet most telling aspects of safety on a construction site: wearing safety glasses. Too often, leaders make excuses or allow exceptions, and in doing so, they undermine the very foundation of a safe job site. I share why safety glasses are more than protective equipment—they are a litmus test of readiness, training, and attitude. We explore how refusing to wear safety glasses reveals deeper cultural or behavioral problems and why leaders must hold the line without compromise. I also explain how something as small as consistent PPE enforcement shapes the larger safety culture and protects workers from future risks. If you want to build projects where safety is non-negotiable and culture thrives, this episode will challenge and inspire you to lead differently. 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: What crystal balls you have on your roles. When you should look into them. What you are looking for. What you will do about it. In this episode, I draw inspiration from The Rings of Power to talk about crystal balls in construction. Just as the Palantír helped leaders see the future, we too have tools that give us foresight, production plans, field walks, budgets, procurement logs, and more. The challenge is not identifying them but using them with discipline. I break down how superintendents and project managers can schedule time to review their crystal balls, what to look for when they do, and how to take action before small issues become big problems. If you want to sharpen your foresight as a construction leader and keep your projects flowing smoothly, this episode is for 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

In this podcast we cover: What is reference class forecasting? Why your project is not different? What you can do to better plan your projects. In this episode, I explore the power of reference classes in construction planning. Inspired by How Big Things Get Done and challenged by Kate during our Guadalajara bootcamp, I realized how often we take shortcuts with data and assume our projects are different. I break down what reference classes are, why they matter, and how to use them to forecast schedule and budget more realistically. I also share how Elevate's planning system, macro plans as promises and norm plans as targets, perfectly aligns with this principle. We talk about the danger of wishful thinking, the importance of building a project database, and how lean techniques can help us beat the average once we have promised responsibly. This is a practical and honest conversation about planning with evidence, not ego. 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 the bodies of men and women are different. Why this matters on our projects. What we can do about it. In this episode, I talk with Katie about the challenges and opportunities of merging men and women in the workplace. What starts as a discussion about biological differences highlighted in the book Eve turns into a broader conversation about compassion, individuality, and human needs. We explore why traditional workplace standards often reflect male baselines, how flexibility and care can benefit everyone, and why construction culture must move away from "suck it up" mentalities. Katie shares insights on why compassion is not just good for people but also for business, and we dig into the overlooked struggles that men face in the industry. This is an honest conversation about moving past one size fits all thinking and building workplaces where everyone can thrive. 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