Elevate Construction

Jason opens with Lord of the Rings analogy: One ring (flow, Takt) rules them all (CPM, Last Planner, Scrum). Last Planner changed his life but isn't complete without Takt. Jason is CPM expert, knows theory, risk analyses, Acumen infuse risk, doesn't work. Flow where you can, pull where you can't, push when you must. Three basic habits for builders, seven key positions, nine key meetings. River of waste correction: It's not reduction of water level that wins, it's stabilization of water level. In CPM and Last Planner roadblocks are hidden, in Takt and Last Planner roadblocks are exposed. Can't throw Last Planner or Scrum into chaotic system, need stable system with Takt. Takt takes 33% of time of any other system. What you'll learn in this episode: Lord of the Rings analogy: One ring (flow, Takt) rules CPM, Last Planner, Scrum in land where respect reigns supreme Jason's CPM expertise: Knows theory, risk analyses, Acumen infuse risk, run scheduling departments, expert and it doesn't work Flow where you can, pull where you can't, push when you must (modified from Taiichi Ohno) River of waste corrected: Not reduction of water level wins, stabilization of right water level wins, once you stabilize flow all expenses reduce, all roadblocks rise to surface Roadblocks hidden vs exposed: CPM and Last Planner hides roadblocks, Takt and Last Planner exposes roadblocks, Takt and Scrum exposes roadblocks Can't throw Last Planner into chaos: Can't expect magic from Last Planner or Scrum in chaotic system, need stable system with Takt planning first Takt efficiency: Takes 33% of time to run Takt system as any other system, Last Planner takes time and is labor intensive, Takt works and not labor intensive If you can't see the plan in 5 to 30 seconds on a project then you don't know the plan, Takt will enable you to do that. 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 opens with Jean R. Cook quote: Some of us created imaginary limits in our minds, there's literally genius locked inside each of us, don't let anyone convince you otherwise. Eight boot camps scheduled, expanding Elevate Construction. Then he breaks down the faith framework: Know somebody or something you believe in, know what you want, believe it's possible, want it bad enough, work for it. Ryan Young told Jason "you're going to change the industry" enough times that Jason believed it, already changed thousands of lives through boot camps, heading towards hundreds of thousands. Publishing book example: 40 to 50 hours writing, graphics in a day and a half, negligible cost, upload in a month or two. What you'll learn in this episode: Jean R. Cook quote: Some created imaginary limits, genius locked inside each of us, don't let anyone convince you otherwise Eight boot camps scheduled: One day, two days, full week immersive, 3 to 4 months prep, 6 months certification Flow where you can pull where you can't push when you must: Takt is flow (best), Last Planner and Scrum is pull (better), CPM is push (not good) Faith framework: Know somebody you believe in, know what you want, believe it's possible, want it bad enough, work for it Ryan Young told Jason: You're going to change industry, Jason believed it, already changed thousands through boot camps Publishing book reality: 40 to 50 hours writing, graphics in day and a half, editor, negligible cost, upload in 1 to 2 months, all mapped out Mountain hike analogy: Halfway up looking over Phoenix, always have next segment to climb, higher you get more you see, broader expanse, more influence If you don't think it's possible you're wrong, if you don't think there's a mentor out there you're wrong, if you're not working for it you're only wasting 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

Jason addresses listener question: How do you capture bottom-up innovation as organizations grow bureaucratic and less nimble? He reveals the framework: regional leadership sets minimum standards, provides framework and boundaries and support. Teams exceed standards, stay within framework, innovate. Spend time with your best people, send best people to anchor projects, if you send everybody to crap projects you're incentivizing everybody to be crap. Fresh eyes meetings at project start, one third, two thirds. Jim Collins discipline: Do you have discipline to fire when they don't meet expectations, keep best people on best projects and not dispatch them to play savior? What you'll learn in this episode: Framework revealed: Regional leadership sets minimum standards, framework, boundaries, support. Teams exceed standards, stay within the framework, innovate. Anchor projects strategy: Send best people to anchor projects not crap projects, creates competition and motivation, incentivizes good behavior not whining Parenting analogy: Spend time with good kid, if you always play savior with bad kid the good kid will go off deep end for attention Fresh eyes meetings: Project start, one third, two thirds, diversity of thought prevents drift into failure, tour each other's jobs mandatory Localize everything: Set goals on the job not centrally, clarity document on job, training on job, let them have own systems for own customers Jim Collins discipline: Fire when don't meet expectations, reorganize failing teams, keep best people on best projects, let teams have autonomy, decentralize anticipation of problems Regional leadership tells what the expectations are, project teams say how and reach goal with right support and resources. 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_3p5nmMKns

Jason brings Brandon Montero (Survey Jesus lowercase J) and Spencer East (Spence Money) to answer listener questions: How do you get people excited, wonderful, and to be role models? Brandon reveals he watered himself down for years, wasn't allowed to grow sideburns past earlobe, met everyone's expectations but nobody knew who he was, no emotional fulfillment. Spencer discusses looking past the immediate sphere of influence to understand the customer's customer, creating clearer why and more opportunities for influence. Tony Robbins truth: Success without fulfillment is ultimate failure. Be 100% yourself, not 100% somebody else, define success outside your comfort zone but don't become who you're not. What you'll learn in this episode: Brandon's lens concept: See through someone's experience, emotions, interpretations, help them be version they want to be, what do they really want for themselves? Spencer's sphere: Look past immediate customer to customer's customer, what part do I play in grand scheme, what value do I bring? Brandon's watered down years: Met everyone's expectations, sideburns couldn't pass earlobe, smiled but nobody knew who he was, no emotional fulfillment 100% showing up: Not flicking into beast mode, but are you beneficial to what you're contributing, hitting the mark with criteria? Tony Robbins quote: Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure, be you first then get outside comfort zone Challenge: Give people meaningful work, wonderful team, purpose, mission, vision, find their energy, help them operate outside comfort zone authentically Be 100% yourself not 100% somebody else, don't be outside comfort zone becoming somebody you're not, be best you while giving to humanity. 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 reveals he's spent $35k on training and investments in his business (coaching, organizational health, Tony Robbins, mastermind, LinkedIn marketing) despite family needs because training is investment not consumption. Boot camps scheduled for next three months, attending Scrum Master course with Felipe Engineer in February. Then he breaks down reflection: CPM is pushing without reflecting, Takt takes time to reflect and learn in flow like tortoise and hare. The cave people cartoon with square wheels pushing the wagon, too busy to accept round wheels, if they'd stop and change they'd go faster. Plus delta at the end of meetings, track them week to week, measure satisfaction improvements. What you'll learn in this episode: Jason's $35k investment: Coaching, organizational health, Tony Robbins, mastermind, LinkedIn marketing, coming out of retirement and family money because training is investment Boot camps: Scheduled for next 3 months, operational excellence covering takt planning, last planner, scrum, team development, personal organization, Tony Robbins meets construction CPM vs Takt: CPM pushing without reflecting, Takt takes time to reflect and learn in rhythm and flow like tortoise and hare When to reflect: After meetings, phases, projects, feature of workboards, scrum sprints, plus deltas, retrospectives, lessons learned, huddles, ohno circles Creating safe environments: Wait 35 seconds for people to think, prove 30 to 60 days it's safe to speak up, people beaten up before pull down and tear down systems Challenge: Plus delta at end of meetings, track week to week, act on them, measure meeting satisfaction improvements If you have standard systems ask everybody how it's going then improve that standard and make better newer standards and win and win and win. 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 reveals his modified river of waste analogy: most people say lower water level (resources) to expose roadblocks (rocks), but in construction if you just reduce resources there's still chaos. The first step is stabilizing the water, creating calm environment before you can see roadblocks. Wavy murky unstable environment won't expose rocks no matter the water level. Then he breaks down the balance between rules, routines, discipline, and training. Companies drift toward bureaucratic control as they grow, but Jason spent most of his time on care, connection, bathrooms, lunchrooms, daily training for entire job site, weekly safety huddles, weekly foreman training. No team anywhere at any point will work without accountability. What you'll learn in this episode: River of waste modified: First stabilize water (calm environment with tact, cleanliness, standard systems), then you can see roadblocks, reducing resources alone creates chaos False lean slash and burn: People hate lean when it means fire somebody, reduce positions, cut budget, shorten time without stability first Four-part balance needed: Rules (paytoplay for dirtbags), routines (make culture easy), discipline (values-based decisions), training (Jason's primary focus on sites) Jason's project sites: Most time on care, connection, nice bathrooms and lunchrooms, horizontal communication, daily training for entire job site, weekly safety huddles, weekly foreman training Bureaucracy problem: People accountable to central control can't see where work happens, accountable to not fixing system, not seeing problems, not fixing what bugs them Critical truth: No team anywhere at any point any place will work without accountability, if through training they still don't speak up and defend innocent people they need to go If you double quadruple the training you will head in better direction even if seems more chaotic versus if you go towards bureaucracy. 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 opens with Benjamin Franklin's insight that painters throughout history struggled to distinguish sunsets from sunrises on canvas, what comes next determines which it really is (daylight of progress or darkness). He reveals signing up for Tony Robbins Business Mastery ($10k course) despite 11 kids, new business, and leaving full-time employment because training is that important. Then he unpacks drifting into failure: organizations drift from within the norms incrementally until catastrophe, Challenger disaster happened because each shuttle flight drifted slightly from standards until total failure. Jim Collins' five stages: hubris born of success, undisciplined pursuit of more, denial of risk and peril, grasping for salvation, capitulation to death. What you'll learn in this episode: Benjamin Franklin wisdom: Painters couldn't distinguish sunset from sunrise, what comes next (daylight progress or darkness) determines which it really is Tony Robbins investment: $10k Business Mastery course despite 11 kids and new business, what's holding you back from training? Drifting into failure explained: Organizations drift from within norms incrementally, each decision seems reasonable until total catastrophe Challenger disaster example: Each shuttle flight drifted slightly from standards, normalized deviance, until people died Jim Collins five stages: Hubris born of success, undisciplined pursuit of more, denial of risk and peril (leaders discount negative data and amplify positive), grasping for salvation, capitulation to death Challenge: Are you productively paranoid? Checking JHAs, pre-task plans, silica exposure, height risks, energizing safety program? If you're comfortable in your comfort zone, get out and find out if you're complacently allowing failure to drift into your organization. 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 interviews Caitlyn Frank, co-founder of EMOD Safety and superintendent for Drone Construction. Caitlyn grew up on job sites, sat on a lunch pail asking her dad (who owned a GC business in Boston) why and how come, got an architecture degree but had nightmares about AutoCAD line weights, switched to construction management and went straight to the field. They discuss current conditions: daily safety plans pencil whipped, poor onboarding where workers have no idea what to do in emergencies, applications with 14 data fields collecting data for corporate where no decisions are made. EMOD reverse engineered from field needs not developer preferences. What you'll learn in this episode: Caitlyn's background: Grew up on job sites asking why and how come, architecture nightmares led to CM degree, superintendent creating safety platforms Industry changes post 2020: Safety hot priority, rethinking prefab offsite, stop trade stacking people on top of each other Current conditions EMOD combats: Pencil whipped safety plans, no real onboarding, workers don't know who to call in emergencies, disconnect between COVID checklist and pre-task plan Jason's tech pet peeve: Applications with 14 data fields for sake of collecting data that goes to corporate where no decisions made, no feedback loop Caitlyn's mission: If I can send one person home safe that wouldn't have gone home safe, I've done my job We don't talk enough about people who lost that eye, don't have that range of motion, passed away, it's real enough to prevent drift into failure. 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 sits down with Adam Hoots, a lean operations leader who shares the story of his 17th birthday when his dad gave him a beautifully wrapped box containing boots, hard hat, vest, and a stack of trade applications (welcome to being an adult, go pick your trade). Adam reveals Dean Reid's wisdom: capability drives productivity tenfold, not the other way around. They break down the accountability meter (make aware, educate, coach, check your process, find new role), small J change versus big J change, and why screaming "go faster" without developing capability is wrong fashioned thinking. What you'll learn in this episode: Dean Reid's principle: Capability drives productivity tenfold, increase capability and productivity follows naturally Adam's 17th birthday gift: Dad gave him PPE and stack of trade applications, became plumber's helper, now operations leader building clean rooms Accountability meter process: Make aware, educate expectations, coach when not getting it, check your process, find new role out of respect Small J change vs Big J change: Small improvements within current process versus large transformational changes to entire system Challenge to industry: For every five skilled trades workers that retire or die only one enters the workforce, how do we get folks fired up about trades? Do you value productivity more or do you make intentional time to develop capability, some nonvalue work may add value in the long run. 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 don't have time to improve, you won't improve. If you don't have time for family, you won't prioritize family. If you don't have time to take your next step, you're stuck. Jason delivers a direct challenge about personal organization—the foundational skill that unlocks everything else in construction leadership. He breaks down why to-do lists, leader standard work, time blocking, and personal clarity documents must work together as a system, and why busyness is waste that signals someone doesn't know what they're doing. This isn't theory, it's the difference between working 70-hour weeks in chaos and working 45-55 hours with time to think, mentor, and go home to your family. What you'll learn in this episode: Why personal organization is the number one barrier preventing construction professionals from taking their next step How to-do lists, leader standard work, personal clarity, and time blocking work together as a system, not isolated tools Why you must align your daily tasks with your 3-6 month goals, or those goals will never happen, you'll stay mired in chaos The truth about successful leaders: they're not busy, they have time to think and create, and they work 45-55 hours because they've eliminated waste Jason's challenge: Spend the $180 or $250 on personal organization training now, put it on a credit card if you have to, because the return is 10-50x If your children, spouse, company, and mental health deserve better, stop saying you're too busy to fix the problem. Fix the problem and live a remarkable life. 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

Why do some superintendents struggle while others advance quickly to operations leadership? Professor Wes Crawford, author of Construction Surveying and Layout and Professor Emeritus from Purdue University, joins Jason to discuss why construction surveying and field engineering experience create the strongest foundation for construction careers. They explore Crawford's decades with Hensel Phelps, the story behind his foundational manual, and why learning the basics matters even more in a technology-driven world. When GPS systems fail, and total stations go down, the professionals who know how to use a tape measure, turn angles, and apply 3-4-5 triangles are the ones who keep projects moving. What you'll learn in this episode: Why field engineering and construction surveying experience accelerates career advancement to superintendent, general superintendent, and operations leadership Professor Crawford's journey from a hunting cabin conversation to writing the industry's most trusted field engineering manual How his year-long sabbaticals with Hensel Phelps shaped the practical content that eliminates mistakes on job sites Why learning the fundamentals matters more than ever when technology fails, basics like three-wire leveling and proper traversing keep projects running Crawford's challenge: Be your best, take control of your life, and improve one thing each day. You're the only person who can change your future The fastest path to leadership runs through construction surveying and layout. Companies that build their own people from this foundation create organized, visualizing, high-performing leaders who protect families by preventing costly rework. 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

Your executive leadership team should be the most cohesive, high-functioning group in your organization, but in most companies, it's the exact opposite. In this episode, Jason tackles why companies train field engineers, superintendents, and foremen but refuse to invest in executive development out of fear. He breaks down the 16 blocks to leadership, explains why pushing executives out of their comfort zones is the only path to growth, and shares why security is mostly a superstition that keeps leaders stuck. If you're a CEO, president, or owner protecting your executives from discomfort, you're protecting dysfunction. It's time to build Team One. What you'll learn in this episode: Why executive teams need to be pushed out of their comfort zones the most—and why companies are too afraid to do it The 16 blocks to leadership that keep executives stuck in certainty and significance instead of growth and contribution How the comfort zone, fear zone, learning zone, and growth zone work—and why emotional discomfort is required for transformation Why Team One (executive leadership) must be cohesive before Team Two and Team Three can function at high levels Jason's challenge: Stop protecting your executives and invest in the professional development that will actually scale your company If you're continuously having to motivate your team, you either don't have a vision or you haven't communicated it effectively. A vision-empowered team is self-motivated. The question is: have your executives gotten past their blocks to leadership 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

Is construction technology really for you, or just for the big companies out west? In this interview, Jason sits down with Hugh Seaton, author of The Construction Technology Handbook, to break down the myths and realities of tech in construction. Hugh shares why technology isn't replacing workers, it's empowering them to focus on what matters. They discuss making technology as reliable as your favorite tool, why data matters only if it drives better decisions, and how the industry needs to stop optimizing offices while field workers struggle in the wind. This conversation gives you a roadmap to becoming a better consumer of technology and demanding tools that actually make your life easier. What you'll learn in this episode: Why technology should empower field workers to focus on the work that matters, not replace their intuition and experience How Hugh's Construction Technology Handbook gives construction professionals a common language to engage with developers and demand better tools The critical difference between collecting data and using data to make better decisions at every level Why technology needs to be as reliable as your trusted tool, not as addictive as Facebook—consistency matters more than flash Hugh's challenge: Get comfortable with technology, learn the language, and tell software companies what you actually need in the field Technology isn't going away, and the companies that listen to field workers are the ones that will survive. It's time to stop accepting office-optimized tools and start demanding technology built for the people doing the real 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

Energy fuels everything in leadership, yet most people don't realize they're draining it from their teams. In this episode, Jason breaks down the 10 rules of The Energy Bus and shares the story of how a Tony Robbins event transformed his Field Engineer Boot Camps from good to life-changing. He tackles the hard truth about energy vampires, people who are checked out, and team members who are only halfway bought in. If you want to build high-performing teams, you need to understand that if you're not adding energy, you're taking it away, and that's costing you time, money, and results. What you'll learn in this episode: Why energy is the fuel that drives teams, and how to recognize when people are draining it instead of contributing The 10 rules of The Energy Bus: from being the driver of your own bus to removing energy vampires who poison your culture Jason's story of getting 45 grown men to dance in a professional training environment—and why movement and music transformed retention and engagement Why "I'm not adding or taking away" is a lie, if you're not adding energy, you're actively sucking it from everyone else The challenge: notice who gives you energy and who drains it in your next meeting, then make the hard decision to protect your team's fuel Energy is everything. If your team is full of people who are trunky, checked out, or stuck in mediocrity, they're wasting your time and money. It's time to post the sign: no energy vampires allowed. 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 part two of Chapter 5, tensions escalate as Peterson's defiance of the walking delegate creates a domino effect of problems, stopped work, a blocked train, and an angry railroad company. Bannon faces a critical choice: fight back or play chess. In his reflection, Jason unpacks why Bannon's decision to stay calm and handle the delegate delicately was the only path forward, and what this teaches us about navigating high-stakes conflicts without making things worse. What you'll learn in this episode: Why Peterson's anger at the delegate created a chain reaction that nearly derailed the entire project How Bannon handled the walking delegate without arguing, fighting, or escalating, even when he had every right to be angry The principle of "playing chess, not checkers" when dealing with people who have power over your project Why staying delicate and strategic in conflict situations often wins the war without fighting the battle The critical lesson is that your foreman's behavior with outside stakeholders can create roadblocks that you'll spend days fixing When you're blocked by someone with authority, the worst thing you can do is make them your enemy. Bannon understood this, do 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

Do you get frustrated when dealing with emotional people on your project site or in your life? You're probably approaching it the wrong way. In this episode, Jason explores why fighting emotion with logic always fails, how fear-based thinking creates chaos in people's minds, and the specific techniques that actually work to help emotional team members get clarity. Whether you're managing a crew or navigating relationships, this episode gives you practical tools to handle emotional situations with empathy instead of frustration. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the demons in someone's head are not real and make no sense, and why you need to stop trying to apply logic to chaos How 80% of emotional struggles resolve simply by being spoken out loud with empathy and understanding The radical transparency approach: going there emotionally with someone, listening without shame, and helping them get clarity Why people who seem "crazy" are often just choking on fear and insecurity, and how you can help them break the cycle Practical techniques from Jason's own journey through emotional struggles, including the CDAA list transformation If you can learn to listen emotionally instead of respond logically, you'll transform how you lead people who are struggling with fear, insecurity, and emotional chaos. 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

Do you have clarity on where you are in the process? In this episode with Jake Williams, Jason unpacks why perfection early in the process delays handoff and kills delegation. You'll learn Jake's 16-year-old story installing blocking when his dad said "we are seldom if ever able to achieve perfection with our work, but if we set our sights on anything else, we often miss the mark completely," the envelope game analogy (one piece flow beats batching by 2-3 minutes every time), why faster is better when you're in the beginning stages, the owner who told Jake "when you do that, it makes me feel like you don't value my input," and the six-year book draft story where the author couldn't publish because he wanted it perfect. The pattern: rough draft people vs. final polish people, know which one you are in the process. What you'll learn in this episode: Jake's superintendent transition: realized he was spending too much time perfecting things instead of delegating, missing his spot in the process Use "DRAFT" labels liberally on everything: lift drawings, schedules, emails, P6 activities communicate it's not perfect and needs review The envelope game: one piece flow (fold, stuff, lick, stamp one at a time) beats batching by 2-3 minutes—get things out faster early in process Owner's feedback: "When you do that, it makes me feel like you don't value my input", not involving others can come across as arrogant Current condition: overwhelmed, overcommitted, and underutilizing people. Challenge: What should I be doing that others can't or won't do? Ask yourself the leader question: What can I hand to somebody else that would get them the opportunity to contribute to the end product? That's team flow. 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

Do you need lean facilitation on your project? In this lean and IPD series episode, Jason unpacks why teams get stuck without facilitation and how to bring out the best in others. You'll learn the hard talk about superintendents who don't schedule (if they're not organized and don't know how to schedule, they're not superintendents yet, invite them to step up, train them, or let them go), the cancer center facilitation story where AGC taught last planner system and morning huddles, why 95% of detractors get bought in when facilitation is done right, and the pattern for facilitation: What's the goal? What's the problem? Get people together to solve it themselves instead of sending one savior to fix it and leave. What you'll learn in this episode: Hard talk for $100K-$3M projects: if superintendents don't schedule and aren't organized, they're not superintendents yet need training first Cancer center success: AGC facilitator taught the last planner, huddles, weekly work planning, then visited meetings and coached improvements Facilitation qualities from Transforming Design and Construction: strong communication, open-ended questions, encourage full participation, neutral on content "If a team can perform well together in meetings, they can do anything.", Meetings are the first step to everything The pattern: get teams to solve their own problems through facilitation instead of sending one person to play savior, fix it, and leave Changing a tire while the vehicle is going 60 miles an hour, that's improving on a project site. Facilitators make it possible by bringing out the best in others. 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

Are you turning risks into opportunities? In this lean and IPD series episode, Jason unpacks the risk and opportunity register, a game-changer for construction management that keeps teams focused on prevention instead of reaction. You'll learn the research laboratory story where Ryan and Jason used a register to identify risks (scaffolding, floor floating, design changes) and finished fantastically, the counter-story where Jason recommended tracking stone procurement risk but the team didn't listen and it nearly affected the end date, and Dr. Eli Goldratt's six principles from his headstone (people are good, every conflict can be removed, every situation is exceedingly simple). The methodology: Excel matrix with description, probability, estimated cost, dollar total, owner, and due dates, then project what happens if all risks actualize (e.g., from 0.96 to 0.881 fee) and rally the team to prevent them. What you'll learn in this episode: The conflict: you're not identifying risks and opportunities early enough and reviewing them frequently enough Research lab success: identified scaffolding/floor floating/design change risks, set targets, reduced exposures, finished fantastically Counter-example: stone procurement risk ignored, procured too late, nearly affected end date—team didn't buy in The register: Excel matrix with probability percentages and dollar amounts, reviewed weekly in team meetings and monthly in status reports Prevention vs. reaction: "create spiritually before created temporally", anticipate risks in your mind, and prevent through physical action An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If we're always supposed to bring problems to the surface, the second priority is to do it as soon as possible. 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

Do you take all the leadership control or engage in distributed leadership? In this episode with Spencer, Jason unpacks why hierarchy reduces conflict and accountability, reveals the five dysfunctions of a team (trust, conflict, goals, accountability, results), and explains why Hitler lost valuable ground at Normandy because commanders needed his permission to dispatch panzer units. You'll learn Spencer's story about March 2020 when his scheduling department became the highest-performing team by looking up at the goal instead of shanking each other for power, why bad bosses build hierarchical structures to force signatures instead of having hard conversations, and the skills needed for horizontal leadership: group facilitation, delegation, management skills, and letting people fail forward. This is about creating environments people love, not making people like you. What you'll learn in this episode: Why hierarchy reduces conflict and accountability, employees fear that annoying the boss will show up on their paycheck The five dysfunctions: trust, then healthy conflict (pillow fighting, not knife fighting), then commitment, then accountability systems, then results Spencer's March 2020 breakthrough: stopped fighting for power, looked up at the goal, and became the highest-performing team in the company Skills for distributed leadership: group facilitation, delegation, management skills, letting people fail forward, knowing everyone personally, tactical skills of the past Why do bad bosses tell people what to do and control everything? Remarkable leaders set the vision, parameters, and provide autonomy Peter Drucker: "There's nothing as useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all." Being an efficient diminisher boss shouldn't be done at all. 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

Are you an emotional one-trick pony who just pulls out the hammer every time, or do you have a tool belt full of emotional range? In this episode with Brandon Montero (the Chupacabra), Jason and Brandon unpack why emotional range isn't weakness, it's what it takes to fire someone with empathy, hold the line with vulnerability, and handle conflict without throwing hard hats. You'll learn the water balloon analogy for emotional capacity, why old school superintendents only had one tool in their bag, how to develop larger capacity through intentional practice, and the General Patton lesson: he was better than Eisenhower at combat strategy but lacked the emotional range to become Supreme Allied Commander. This is about showing up as your own environment, regardless of what's happening around you. What you'll learn in this episode: What it takes = a wide range (vulnerability, empathy, patience, toughness to hold the line, ability to fire someone soberly), not just firmness The water balloon analogy: small capacity pops with one more drop; large capacity absorbs stress without changing shape How to develop emotional range: life experience, personal work through audiobooks and therapy, failing forward, learning from others, stewardship Why being married or in relationships is hard, but forces you to gain emotional range, being alone is easy, but doesn't build tools Brandon's challenge: decide to be happy as an emotional range tool you pull out daily, and become your own environment Real power is when you have the power to throw someone out the window but choose not to; you keep your emotions in control and make decisions that win the war without fighting. 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

Do you know the seven wonders of the world? Not the pyramids and Taj Mahal, a girl from Ecuador wrote down the real ones: touch, taste, see, hear, feel, laugh, and love. In this episode with Dr. Steve and Amanda Hill from Bio Health Management, Jason unpacks what we intake through these seven wonders and how it determines our outputs at work and home. You'll learn the vessel analogy (you can fill yourself with light or darkness), why good relationships need to be nurtured like ovens not microwaves, the quote "don't get upset by the results you didn't get with the work you didn't do," the 40-year retiree who said "they had the work of my hands when they could have had my hands, mind, and heart," and Dave Graham's wisdom that foremen who use their people get lower response, but foremen who utilize their people get teamwork. What you'll learn in this episode: The seven wonders: touch, taste, see, hear, feel, laugh, love—inputs through our senses determine our outputs in life and work See: watch inspiring media, see people (not just look at them), see your kids play, take your eyes off your phone Touch: hugs, connection, kinesthetic learning, feeling the sand and ocean things that touch us emotionally like music Hear: silence so your brain can rest, good music, kids calling your name, positive tone (not putting anger on others) Taste and feel: good food creates experiences, cognitive performance depends on what we eat, and serotonin lives in your gut Laugh and love: create environments people love (not just making people like you), love your people vs. using them as tools If the circle of friends you hang out with doesn't inspire you, you're no longer in a circle; you're in a cage. The only competitor you have is the person you were yesterday. 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

What if construction's industrial revolution is in the future, not the past? In this special episode with Charlie Dunn from DPR Construction, Jason and Charlie explore the future of prefabrication, why empathy will create the most value in construction by 2030, and how we must default to everything prefabricated unless it's a negotiated exception. You'll learn why prefab adapts the work to the worker instead of the worker to the work, how 70% design reuse could transform our industry, why production design principles mean beginning with the end in mind, and the BSRL research laboratory's story of pre-cutting everything from studs to MEP spools. This is about falling in love with your problems, not your solutions—and building the industrial revolution we haven't unleashed yet. What you'll learn in this episode: Charlie's three things for 2030: empathy enabled by vertically integrated owners, production design (designing with the end and the worker in mind), and design reuse (starting from 50-70% instead of zero) Why prefab creates parallel spaces and times—you can never create more space or time on site, but you can off-site The default presumption: everything will be prefabricated, hard stop, anything not is a negotiated exception How prefab adapts the work to the worker with safe, well-lit, decongested environments instead of bending, reaching, and unsafe conditions The BSRL story: pre-fabricating overhead MEP in spools, pre-cutting all studs and headers, room kitting, and why that prevents design issues before they become schedule impacts Fall in love with your problems, not your solutions. Construction's industrial revolution is in our future, and prefab is how we unleash standardized parts, assembly lines, and automation 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

Why do people say team kickoffs are fluffy and ineffective? Jason argues they're scared, they've been hurt by evil bosses, and being vulnerable means they could be hurt again. In this episode, Jason unpacks why great teams build great projects, reveals the three things every team needs to succeed (multiplier leader, clarity on direction, and engaged people), and walks you through the five key things to establish in a kickoff: conditions of satisfaction, design vision, team structure, meeting structure, and team culture. You'll hear the research laboratory pre-flight story and the "win all you can" game that predicted exactly who would struggle on the team. This is about building the team first because if you build the team first, you've already started building the project. What you'll learn in this episode: Why people who resist team building are typically scared, not transparent, competitive, siloed, and riddled with fear The three things teams need: multiplier leader (attracts talent, creates space for thinking, extends challenges), clarity on direction (big, hairy, audacious goal, mission, values), and engaged people (relevance, measurement, connection) Five key things to establish in a team kickoff: conditions of satisfaction, design vision, team structure, meeting structure, and team culture The research laboratory pre-flight kickoff story and the "win all you can" game that revealed problem people from day one Why is clear kind and unclear is unkind, fearful? People are safest in silos, so they resist clarity Great teams build great projects. Bottom line. Build the team first, and you've already started building the project. 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 reveals why Disney's Home on the Range was garbage and how Pixar's brutal first review meetings (where teams leave dejected knowing everything will change) produce emotionally moving, visually stunning films. He explains the cultural shift needed to declare breakdowns: we've been programmed to shut up in school and bad jobs, we don't have eyes to see problems because we're conditioned for mediocre, and Americans just aren't accountable people (compare to Japan's duty-driven culture). The problem bowl technique helps teams detach emotion and realize problems belong to the group, not the person. What you'll learn in this episode: Disney story: Home on the Range flopped, Pixar came in with brutal first reviews that tear everything apart to get it right Four cultural needs: Shift to speaking up, eyes to see (higher mental setpoint), more accountability, understand problems not a problem Americans not accountable: Japan puts credit card on tray with duty, we throw trash and say "not my problem" Problem bowl technique: Write breakdowns on sticky notes, throw in bowl, team discusses together, detaches emotion When to declare: Disconnect with team, waste, defects to customer, disrespects people, confusion, results not what you want Safety and respect rule: Stop immediately, doesn't matter if you agree, be considerate enough to listen The current condition is we don't speak up, we make crap work, sometimes push it to customer, people don't feel authorized, we reinforce disconnected culture. 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 reveals why personality profiles are like blood tests for teams, getting actual data instead of guessing what's wrong and masking problems with pills of consequences (firing, moving, black clouding people). He shares the story of a project manager who hated emails and wanted verbal communication, once Jason knew this their relationship blossomed. Player cards summarize key characteristics so teams know how to interact, give feedback, have conflict, and build safe pathways to communication. The three best profiles: Myers-Briggs, StrengthsFinder, Six Working Geniuses. Teams that communicate more effectively are the winning teams. What you'll learn in this episode: Player cards: Summarized cards showing key characteristics, how someone wants feedback, strengths, weaknesses, how to support them Top 3 personality profiles: Myers-Briggs (MBTI), StrengthsFinder, Six Working Geniuses for $60-110 per person Cancer and leprosy analogies: Body doesn't know the problem so can't fix it, same with teams Naturopathic doctor story: Blood tests with 100 data points fix root cause vs regular doctors guessing and prescribing pills to mask problems Black boxes from airplane crashes: Difference between wrecking and not wrecking is how much captain and first officer communicated Six steps not five: Know each other, trust, healthy conflict, set goals, accountability, perform You can't trust each other unless you know each other, why would we guess what's wrong when we could get data and fix the root cause? 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 his 12 Days of Christmas family plan (reflection, vision, goals, habits) before diving into total participation as the new construction industry buzzword. Then he reveals why most leaders rush to solutions without defining the problem first. Through a personal church story, he admits he pushed missionary work programs for months when the real problem was basic connection and scripture reading. Like cancer cells the body doesn't recognize or leprosy destroying nerve endings, if you don't know the problem, you can't fix it. The WRAP process helps: Widen options, Reality test assumptions, Attain distance, Prepare to be wrong. What you'll learn in this episode: Total participation: Days of leaders deciding for everyone and shoving it down throats are over Church story failure: Pushed missionary work programs when real problem was basic connection, joy, scripture reading Cancer analogy: Body doesn't recognize cancer cells as enemy, can't attack what it doesn't detect Leprosy analogy: Destroys nerve endings so body doesn't know there's damage to repair Ask introverts: They take 24 hours but give well thought out opinions, help define problem first WRAP process from Decisive book: Widen options, Reality test, Attain distance before deciding, Prepare to be wrong The current condition is we go straight to solutions without really knowing the problem, especially extroverts who access front part of brain for quick opinions. 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 announces he's pausing Saturday and Sunday worker and field engineer topics to focus on the upcoming book and boot camps. Then he shares his nightmare story of running a job without field engineers, spending $250k from contingency on layout mistakes that would've been prevented. He walks through the 43-step process of what field engineers should actually be doing, from personal organization and the Field Engineering Methods Manual to primary control, baselines, lift drawings, and quality checks. Field engineers aren't personal assistants, they're professional construction managers training to become superintendents. What you'll learn in this episode: Nightmare story: Job without field engineers cost $250k in contingency from layout and general mistakes Success story: Roman Lug Cruz, craft worker who only spoke Spanish, trained to be field engineer in eight months Field Engineering Methods Manual: Chapters 1-8 are the Bible for organization, layout, total stations, levels, lasers 43-step startup process: Tools, testing area, primary control, secondary control, baselines, benchmarks, lift drawings What field engineers really do: Professional construction managers doing layout, quality, safety, RFIs, not personal assistants If you're a general contractor saying "I wish I had better supers," field engineering is your silver bullet for training future superintendents. 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 The Bridgebuilder poem and delivers tough love to workers and foremen: you're not investing in yourself. He breaks down the wasting time list (too much TV, video games, complaining, comparing) versus the investing time list (courses, networking, learning skills, gym). Then he confronts the lie that you can't progress in construction without college. You can become a field engineer, superintendent, or business owner if you read books, listen to podcasts, develop morning routines, and stop the hedonistic pursuit of pleasure as a way of life. What you'll learn in this episode: The Bridgebuilder poem: Old man builds bridge for youth coming behind him, we learn from wisdom not sad experience Wasting time: TV, video games, negative news, bad friends, too much alcohol, being lazy Investing time: Courses, networking, learning skills, side hustle, gym, reading books The lie society tells: You didn't go to college so you can't be VP, director, business owner Top five changes: Read scriptures daily, read books, stop negative media, date night with spouse, set goals and grind We can choose to be animals looking for pleasure or creators looking for opportunity, the world pays you what it thinks you're worth based on what you've trained your mind to do. 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 reveals the system that achieved zero roughin rework after drywall at his research laboratory. After ripping out 20 to 30% of inwall roughin at the cancer center because of coordination failures, he developed room kitting, a prefabrication approach where every wall gets coordinated in Revit, reviewed by end users, pre-cut, and delivered in blue bins with laminated drawings that get screwed to the wall for framing, roughin, and inspections. Electricians stop guessing with four different drawing sets, inspectors sign off on the wall drawings, and asbuilts write themselves. What you'll learn in this episode: The problem: Cancer center had 20 to 30% roughin rework, electricians guessing with multiple drawing sets Room kitting process: BIM creates cut sections, trade partners mark dimensions in Blue Beam, page flip with designers and end users Pre-cut delivery system: Parts come in blue bins with barcode, bill of materials, and room drawings ready to install Wall drawings: Laminated 11x17 screwed to wall, used for framing, roughin, inspections, then archived for asbuilts Research lab results: Zero roughin rework after drywall in complex laboratory, inspectors love the system The current condition is electricians go out with four different drawing sets, guess at best, put it in wrong, and even if it's right it's still not where the user wants 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 reveals one of the four moments that changed his life: learning about giving first. He shares the Silent Squares game where teams can only solve the puzzle when they give first, not take first. Then he unpacks The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann, the book that shifted his mindset from climbing the ladder (take take take) to giving first, which skyrocketed his career in three years. You'll learn the five laws of stratospheric success that work in marriage, business, and life. What you'll learn in this episode: Silent Squares game: Teams struggle until they switch from take first to give first, then solve the puzzle instantly Law of Value: Your real worth is how much more value you give than you get paid Law of Compensation: Your income is decided by number of people you serve and how well you serve them Law of Influence: Focus 100% on helping others, build an army of personal ambassadors Law of Authenticity: The biggest gift you offer is yourself, be genuine not pretending Law of Receptivity: To give effectively you must be open to receive, they're two sides of same coin When you focus on giving value as a way of life, the money will naturally follow, and you live after the manner of happiness. 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 starts with a somber note, his friend just passed from COVID-19, reminding us life is fragile. Then he dives into Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller, revealing how he used this framework to win a major proposal by making the customer the hero instead of talking about his company. You'll learn the seven-part story structure that wins work, why people buy solutions to internal problems not external ones, and why you're losing customers if you're not clarifying your message through story. What you'll learn in this episode: The book in one sentence: Make your customer the hero, not your brand Why customers buy solutions to internal problems, not external problems The guide principle: Customers trust someone with a clear plan People avoid loss more than they seek gain, use this ethically How Jason restructured proposals using story: hero wants something, villain blocks them, guide helps them win The day we stop losing sleep over our business success and start losing sleep over our customers' success is the day our business starts growing again. 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 and Katie get deeply personal about the month Jason was suspended without pay for not reporting an inappropriate comment to a female colleague. Katie shares what it was like driving home for four days in a company rental after he was suspended, watching him spiral in guilt and shame. This vulnerable conversation reveals why we all have unconscious biases we don't recognize, how diversity makes teams statistically better, and why it doesn't cost us anything to support women and protected classes, but it will cost us everything if we don't. What you'll learn in this episode: The suspension story: Jason didn't report inappropriate comments, got suspended for a month, hated the director for years until realizing it changed his life Hospital study proves diversity wins: Mixed gender, race, ethnicity teams statistically outperform homogeneous teams every time How to handle harassment: Contact HR, legal, supervisors immediately, don't try to smooth things over or sweep under rug Fear drives bias: Scarcity mindset makes us fear loss, abundance mindset recognizes there's plenty of opportunity for everyone It doesn't cost anything: Supporting protected classes costs nothing but makes teams better, refusing to costs everything When we see protected classes winning and women being promoted, we should celebrate, there's plenty of room for all of us. 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 gets brutally honest about two career moments that changed his safety mindset forever. First, a safety manager threatened to fire him if he didn't take inspections seriously. Second, he was suspended for a month without pay for not reporting an inappropriate comment to a female colleague. These stories reveal why your safety set point isn't high enough yet, and why developing a safety-everywhere mentality now will save you from the butt chewing later. Safety isn't just physical, it's mental, emotional, and about protecting the innocent from harassment and discrimination. What you'll learn in this episode: Jason's safety wake-up call: Threatened with termination for blowing off inspections, became a safety fanatic overnight The suspension story: Month without pay for not protecting the innocent, not reporting inappropriate workplace comment Why safety is a value, not a priority: Priorities change, values remain constant The safety-everywhere mentality: At work, at home, at church, driving, protecting people from COVID, appropriate behavior The challenge: Amp up your game now, take training seriously, develop safety mindset before you become someone's nightmare Your mental set point needs to be set a lot higher for a safety-everywhere mentality, or you'll have that moment where you get your butt chewed to get your mind in the right spot. 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 wraps up the Field Engineer Boot Camp series with his final thoughts on the entire four-day experience. He walks through each day from team building and fear elimination to the final concrete placement under intense time pressure, revealing how laser scans prove that high-functioning teams produce accurate work. Then he makes his boldest claim yet: the field engineering position exists for one reason only, to train future superintendents. Superintendents are leaders, organizers, and planners. If you skip the FE position, you skip the builder experience, and you'll never be as successful as you could be. What you'll learn in this episode: Day-by-day breakdown: Team building and repelling, complex engineering math with garbage drawings, traversing and layout under stress, concrete placement time crunch Why laser scan results prove team performance: High-functioning teams with good communication produce accurate footings, dysfunctional teams are off by feet The bold claim: Field engineers exist only to train future superintendents, not for layout or lift drawings Why skipping FE is a mistake: Workers, foremen, and college grads who go straight to super miss the builder experience of detailing, reading plans, RFIs, submittals, and layout What boot camp really does: Eliminates victim mentality, neutralizes fear, creates goals for massive action, and becomes a trigger for excellence The field engineering position is the Rosetta Stone between the builders of old and what we're training builders to be 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

Raino brings you back to boot camp for Part 3, where field engineers are learning through stress, failure, and hands-on struggle. You'll hear raw reflections from teams who learned that no matter how right you think you are, you can still make mistakes. They discovered how much they take survey and FE roles for granted, why best practices aren't overdoing it when you see the numbers match, and how lift drawings that required printing over and over taught them that due diligence prevents massive rework. Brandon closes with a powerful speech on standardizing your day, controlling your morning with routines, and why you standardize your evening to love life, not just work. What you'll learn in this episode: Why boot camp is effective: Learning under stress, doing things with your hands, practicing in context creates faster retention than classroom theory The connectedness lesson: How lift drawings tie to building, coordinates tie to traversing, traversing ties to radio staking, everything teaches context Brandon's morning routine: Up at 3:45, gym, 10 pages of personal development, study drawings, five task to-do list before chaos hits at 7am Why best practices aren't overdoing it: Taking proper steps prevents mistakes, hitting checkpoints with right data means you proceed correctly Standardizing your evening to love life: Put "tell wife I love her five times" and "read book with kid" on your to-do list, create time for what matters When you standardize your day so it becomes monotonous and thoughtless, you become perfect at it and move on to the next thing that makes you better. 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

Dr. Steve Grennan challenged Jason with a simple question: "Show me that people are your most valuable asset." This off-script, under-five-minute message cuts straight to the heart of what we say versus what we do in construction. Jason confronts the lie that employees should be "loyal" to companies or do multi-billion-dollar corporations "favors" by ruining their families and health. We work to live, not live to work. Family is eternal. Buildings are temporary. If a company claims people are their biggest asset but doesn't prove it, they're lying. What you'll learn in this episode: Dr. Grennan's challenge: Show me through actions, training, mentoring, leader standard work, knowing families, that people truly matter Why loyalty to a company is a lie: You're loyal to family, God, and health, not to corporations making billions while you get divorce and heart attacks The eternal vs. temporary question: When you're dying, will the building be there? No. Your family will be. When to fire your company: If they marginalize people or aren't safe, you 86 them, they're not good enough to employ you What "show me" looks like: Personal development, one-on-ones, protecting families over customer demands There's no such thing as doing a multi-billion-dollar company a favor, if they say people are their asset, make them show 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

You just finished a perfect $100M project on time, under budget, safest job in Arizona, passed every audit. Your neighbor finished a year late, $3M over, a total nightmare. Who gets the next job? The neighbor. Why? Because they created more moments. Jason breaks down "The Power of Moments" by Chip and Dan Heath to show you how defining moments not flawless execution determine what customers remember and who they choose. You'll learn the four elements that create memorable experiences (elevation, pride, insight, connection) and how to strategically build peak moments throughout your projects so you stop being the unsqueaky wheel that gets ignored. What you'll learn in this episode: Why doing great work isn't enough: Customers remember moments, not details, and the team with more frequent mental moments gets selected The four elements of defining moments: Elevation (rise above routine), Pride (commemorate achievements), Insight (deliver realizations), Connection (bond people together) Real examples: Popsicle hotline at Magic Castle Hotel, trial lawyer graduation ceremony, Signing Day for college athletes, Brinker Capital work anniversaries How to apply this in construction: Creating moments when solving design issues, tracking down permits, handling big problems for owners and designers Why organizations dramatically underinvest in building peaks and instead just fill potholes Are you creating strategic moments throughout your projects, or are you the unsqueaky wheel doing perfect work while your competitor gets the next 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

In this bonus episode, Jason narrates Chapter 5, Part 1 of Calumet "K" and unpacks the razor-sharp difference between Bannon's relentless execution and Peterson's passive waiting. When 200,000 feet of cribbing arrives by boat and the CNSC railroad threatens to shut everything down, you'll see how Bannon uses diplomatic firmness, productive paranoia, and strategic night shifts to keep momentum while Peterson continues to hesitate. Jason also addresses the book's outdated attitudes toward women in construction and explains why supporting diversity costs us nothing but statistically increases our chance of winning. What you'll learn in this episode: Why Bannon immediately ordered lights for night shifts before leaving townproductive paranoia means anticipating problems and getting ahead instead of becoming a victim How to handle railroad representatives, inspectors, and difficult stakeholders with diplomatic firmness instead of throwing hard hats and being jerks Jason's take on women in construction: Supporting and celebrating their success costs nothing and statistically increases your team's chance of winning When to terminate non-performers: After you've provided training, support, structure, and a healthy system, protect the team by removing cancer Why early strategic moves (shifts, night work, additional crews) prevent late-project chaos where workers become unsafe and disorganized Are you making strategic moves early in the project to prevent the crash landing at the end, or are you waiting and hoping it works out? 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

Why won't superintendents go home, and what system actually gets them there? In this episode, Jason reveals the team health and balance system that works, proven by a general superintendent who said after two divorces and 30 years in construction, this was the first time anyone showed him how to actually go home on time. You'll learn why team coverage must be intentional with a visual weekly coverage schedule, how the weekly meeting agenda prioritizes PTO and coverage before anything else, why the day plan from foreman and worker huddles is the key to releasing control, and how grading contractors on site with A and F players creates accountability. This is about ending the babysitting, getting operational control, and creating capacity for training. What you'll learn in this episode: The weekly coverage schedule: draw your hours Monday through Friday so the team knows who's covering orientation, safety walks, gate closing, and natural disasters Why does the weekly meeting agenda start with a lightning round, then PTO coverage, Saturday coverage, and weekly coverage reminders The day plan components: shout-outs, safety focus, permits, deliveries, training topics, key activities, and weather all visual Supporting systems for operational control: remarkable bathrooms, decent lunchroom, perfect cleanliness, zero tolerance safety, scheduled deliveries, just-in-time staging How to grade contractors weekly and post A players, F players, and the Circle of Trust on the conference room wall Training is good. Babysitting is bad and should be stopped at almost any cost. Get this system implemented first, then your team will have time to do training. 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

What are you withholding from your clients, and how much is it costing you? In this episode, Jason unpacks Patrick Lencioni's Getting Naked, a model for naked service that overcomes three fears: losing the business, being embarrassed, and feeling inferior. You'll hear the story of an arrogant curtain wall contractor who lost a project the moment the PM opened his laptop and started checking emails, learn why asking dumb questions and celebrating mistakes builds trust faster than perfection, and discover why giving away the business and doing the dirty work wins more work than any PowerPoint presentation. This is about transparency, humility, and human-to-human connection, not manipulation. What you'll learn in this episode: The three fears that prevent naked service: fear of losing the business, fear of being embarrassed, and fear of feeling inferior How to overcome fear of losing the business by entering the danger, telling the kind truth, consulting instead of selling, and giving away the business Why asking dumb questions, making dumb suggestions, and celebrating mistakes creates safe environments and builds rapport How to honor the client's work, make everything about them, do the dirty work, and take a bullet, even if it means helping with the groundbreaking The PM who opened his laptop and started answering emails the moment a contractor said, "You just need to hire us" Don't your clients deserve to work with transparent, honest, open, safe people? Use this model if you are that and if you're faking it, please don't sour it for the rest of us. 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

You know how to get into state so why aren't you doing it? In this episode, Jason breaks down the three keys to peak performance: physiology, focus, and language. You'll learn why Olympic champions and effective leaders master these elements before high-stakes moments, hear how Jason used box breathing and music to demolish a high-profile interview, and discover the boot camp breakthrough where acknowledging "I don't know what I'm doing" flipped fear into connection and problem-solving. This is about showing up ready whether you're walking into a safety meeting, a hard conversation, or your front door after work because your body is the vehicle through which your mind performs. What you'll learn in this episode: The three keys to being in state: physiology (posture, exercise, movement), focus (where you look is where you go), and language (stop negative self-talk) Why dancing and music at boot camp keeps participants at peak performance for 17-hour days with 95% success rates How to dance with your fear instead of fighting it—acknowledge it, then focus on your goal, not the fear The breakthrough moment: saying "I don't know what I'm doing" increases communication from 5 to 50 questions per hour The CDAAA list technique: write down negative thoughts, then correct them with the truth until negativity disappears Motion equals emotion. Practice your morning routine, box breathing, and intentional focus on physiology, language, and where you're headed, not where you're afraid of going. 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

What if the breakthrough you need starts with yelling "I don't know what I'm doing" as loud as you can? In this episode, Jason reveals the pivotal boot camp moment when field engineers stopped clinging to certainty and significance, admitted they didn't know what they were doing, and watched their communication skyrocket from five questions an hour to fifty. You'll learn why figuring things out presupposes you don't know what's going on, how admitting uncertainty increases your chances of survival like pilots in an emergency, and why dancing with your fears instead of fighting them enables you to turn nothing into something. This is about building a team that can figure it out because when you can do that, you can do anything in construction and in life. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the process of figuring things out presupposes you don't know what you're doing, and admitting that increases communication The airplane emergency analogy: fast, short bursts of communication increase survival; silence decreases it The breakthrough exercise: yelling "I don't know what I'm doing" and how it relieved the fear of looking stupid Boot camp testimonials on dancing with fears, realizing what giving 100% really means, and rallying teams after rough starts How field engineers learn a method of learning and a mindset of figuring things out that enables them to live a remarkable life It's okay to not know what you're doing. Once you realize that, you can increase communication, ask questions, and fail forward at a faster pace. 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

Can your team solve problems together, or are you relying on sad experience instead of wisdom? In this episode, Jason reveals the exact pattern that enables teams to be as successful as possible every single time, from boot camp exercises to construction projects. You'll learn why appointing a point person, truly collaborating, and ensuring total participation moves you from leader-centric chaos to team-powered execution. Plus, hear powerful testimonials from boot camp participants and instructors about breaking out of comfort zones, failing forward, and discovering that technical expertise alone won't propel your career, it's the compilation of skills that wins. What you'll learn in this episode: The team success pattern: appoint a leader, collaborate fully, make decisions, ensure understanding, work together, then plan-do-check-act Why learning from the wisdom of the team prevents sad experiences, mistakes, trials, and stress you carry alone How to move from leader-centric systems to total participation, where everyone can see, know, and act as a group Boot camp testimonials on getting out of your comfort zone, failing forward, and learning about your blind spots Why technical skills aren't enough—it's teamwork, emotional range, and giving 100% that propel your career We can learn from wisdom or from sad experience. The strength of the team and the burden shared together is how we avoid riddled problems and distress. 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

Are you grading high enough in all areas of life to keep your head up? In this episode, Jason introduces the Wheel of Life, a powerful tool to assess whether you're balanced across seven key areas: physical body, emotions and meaning, relationships, time, work and mission, finances, and spiritual contribution. You'll hear Jason respond to listener feedback about jobs spiraling out of control and the tension between schedule and information, learn why you need at least four areas above a grade of seven to avoid a dark spot, and discover Tony Robbins' model for taking massive action. This is about protecting yourself by getting help when you need it because the tough guy facade is fake, and we all need support sometimes. What you'll learn in this episode: How to use the Wheel of Life to grade yourself in seven key areas and identify where you're struggling Why the flow of information is king, and the schedule comes first, they work together, not against each other The warning sign: if you don't have at least four areas above a seven, get coaching or clinical help immediately Tony Robbins' model for massive action: get your body in shape, find your passion, decide and commit, then take immediate intelligent action Why the tough exterior is a façade, real strength is asking for help when you need it If your wheel is jagged and you don't have wins in life, you can't sustain it. Get help. Keep your head up. You deserve 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

What would you do if the railroad blocked your critical lumber shipment, and litigation would take five years? In this chapter of Calumet K, Bannon refuses to let emotion drive his decisions, recruiting farmers with a grudge against the railroad to haul lumber overland while he orchestrates barges, fixes broken bridges in the night, and sets aggressive timelines that leave everyone breathless. Jason reflects on the power of urgency, logistical genius, and clearing roadblocks before they stop your workforce because the fastest path forward reduces the opportunity for things to go wrong. This is about execution through total participation, not heroics. What you'll learn in this episode: Why Bannon refuses slow legal action and builds a creative solution using farmers, wagons, and barges instead The principle of aggressive timelines: "It moves in an hour" instills urgency without compromising safety or respect How Bannon clears roadblocks, proactively fixing the bridge at night so 1,500 feet of lumber can flow smoothly Why character and integrity matter: Bannon refuses to manipulate the wheat market for personal gain despite a clear opportunity The logistical genius of checking every possible breakdown point and ensuring redundant checks for flow Bannon doesn't say "I'll do it myself"; he leverages everyone and everything available because the rapidity of advance toward victory reduces the opportunity for obstacles to stop 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

Tell me you don't judge a restaurant by the quality of their bathrooms—because on a construction project, how your bathroom goes is how your project will go. In this episode, Jason makes the bold case that remarkable bathrooms are foundational to operational excellence, walking you through multiple practical solutions from building them out of trailers to fitting them inside the building itself. You'll learn why lean culture always starts in the bathroom, how to build custom facilities for $7,000-$14,000, and why management should use the same bathrooms as the workers. This is about respect for people as a production strategy, and it starts with white epoxy paint, great lighting, and zero tolerance for dirty conditions. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the state of your bathrooms is a key indicator of morale, health, and project culture, check them first when you walk into a site Four viable bathroom solutions: build out of trailers, standalone facilities, inside the building, or upgraded event restrooms The bare minimum requirements: cleaned 3-5 times per week, handwash stations, trash cans, music, white paint, and great lighting Why you should budget bathroom quality into mockups and get creative with insulated tents, plywood partitions, and temporary fixtures The story of workers ripping clothing for toilet paper and why that proves we have disrespect in construction Lean starts in the bathroom, and if you wouldn't let someone drain your bank account without permission, don't let dirty bathrooms drain the culture and respect on your project site. 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

Would you let someone randomly access your bank account and spend your money on things you don't even use? Would you let them make you feel guilty for saying no? That's exactly what you're doing with your time, and Jason says time is more valuable than money. In this episode, Jason makes the case for why a personal organization system is the number one thing anyone in construction should implement, walking you through the five steps of mastering workflow from David Allen's Getting Things Done. If you're wasting 30-40% of your time because you don't have a system to capture, clarify, organize, reflect, and engage with your tasks, this is your wake-up call. What you'll learn in this episode: Why time is more valuable than money—you can earn and borrow money, but you can't earn or borrow time The powerful metaphor of people draining your bank account without permission, and how it mirrors what happens with your time every day The five steps of mastering workflow: capture, clarify, organize, reflect, and engage and how to implement them by Friday Why do you need as few capturing buckets as possible, and must empty them regularly to stop wasting 40% of your day The three daily habits of a builder: 30 minutes in your drawings, 30 minutes in your schedule, and 30 minutes on a reflection walk Stop letting people schedule meetings without your consent and waste your most valuable commodity. Get organized, protect your time, and start doing the work of three people. 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

Is operational control a dirty word, or is it exactly what your project needs to protect your people and deliver results? In this episode, Jason breaks down the false choice between command-and-control and collaboration, showing you how to build a system that uses both. You'll learn why the industry has demonized the wrong concepts, how to get scheduling information all the way to your workers, and the exact workflow that moves your project from chaos to operational excellence. This is about protecting families by protecting flowand it starts with having control of your project site. What you'll learn in this episode: Why collaborative planning and accountable execution aren't opposites—they're partners in operational control The three systems compared: Old System, Last Planner System, and Operational Control System, and where information breaks down in each How afternoon foreman huddles and morning worker huddles solve the 50% communication breakdown that kills your schedule Why your project needs six weeks of structured implementation before collaboration can truly work The Rick Rescorla story from 9/11 and what "I have to evacuate my people now" means for your responsibility as a leader The system failed them; they didn't fail the system, so build a system that gets information all the way to the workers, protects your people, and gives you operational control without apology. 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

Intimacy can feel like an awkward topic until you realize it's one of the top friction points for new couples, right alongside finances and keeping the house clean. In this episode, Jason and Katie talk candidly about what they've seen with new couples in construction, what they struggled with themselves, and why "fix what bugs you" applies at home just as much as it does on a jobsite. You'll hear practical ways to communicate needs, reduce resentment, and build a system that actually works for your relationship. The goal isn't perfection it's progress, trust, and a home life that brings you joy. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: · Why new couples commonly fight about finances, intimacy, and the house and how to stop the spiral · How to "fix what bugs you" in a relationship without blame, shame, or avoidance · The difference between obligation and intentional partnership and how to move from one to the other · How Love Languages can help you translate what your spouse needs (even if it doesn't come naturally) · Why scheduling intimacy can be a healthy solution (and how to keep it from feeling transactional) · How resentment kills connection and how meeting needs outside the bedroom changes everything · Why kindness, consistency, and teamwork matter more than "spontaneity" · How prayer and alignment helped Jason and Katie break through a long-standing struggle · A simple framework for new couples: talk openly, make a plan, work the plan, adjust together · The bigger aim: build a marriage that brings joy, stability, and strength for your life and career If you're a new couple in construction, don't wait years hoping things "just get better." Have the honest conversation, build the system together, and keep refining it. Share this with someone who needs 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