Elevate Construction

Jason Schroeder

Elevating construction with interviews, training, and techniques that will make the build environment better for workers, our customers, companies, and the industry as a whole.

  1. 12 hr ago

    Ep.1669 - Training: The Component That Makes Every System Work

    In this episode, Jason explains why training is essential to both individual performance and successful Lean implementation. Without it, teams fall back on inconsistent habits, weak systems, and reactive behavior. Jason breaks down what effective construction training should include, from personal organization and professional development to planning methods, meeting systems, Lean principles, and role-specific skills. He also explains why companies must combine training with clarity, support, and ongoing field implementation if they want new systems to actually stick. What you'll learn in this episode: Why training is essential for aligning people around the same systems, behaviors, and expectations. How personal organization, planning, meetings, and role-specific development strengthen individual performance. Why clarity, training, and ongoing support are all necessary for successful implementation. How properly trained people become capable of improving systems instead of simply reacting to problems. Does your organization have the training system needed to develop people who can consistently implement and improve the way work gets done?   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

  2. 12 hr ago

    Ep.1668 - Onboarding & Orientation: Your Workforce's First Impression

    In this episode, Jason explains why onboarding and orientation can shape the entire relationship between the workforce and the project. A poor first experience creates confusion and frustration before the work even begins. Jason walks through what happens when workers arrive without clear parking, signage, restrooms, directions, communication, or a meaningful orientation. He explains how a respectful onboarding system can establish safety expectations, build trust, create connection, and help workers feel like valued members of the project instead of outsiders simply being told where to go. What you'll learn in this episode: Why a worker's first experience on the project can influence their attitude and performance. How clear signage, parking, restrooms, directions, and communication improve onboarding. Why orientation must clearly communicate safety expectations in a way workers can understand. How respectful onboarding helps build trust, participation, quality, safety, and stronger project culture. What kind of first impression is your onboarding process creating for every worker who arrives on your 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

  3. 12 hr ago

    Ep.1667 - Clean, Safe, and Organized: The Foundation of a High-Performing Job Site

    In this episode, Jason explains why cleanliness, safety, and organization are foundational to effective project leadership. When these basics are missing, production, quality, and every other Lean system begin to suffer. Jason shares how clear standards, zero-tolerance safety practices, clean-as-you-go expectations, and organized logistics help teams maintain control of the job site.  What you'll learn in this episode: Why cleanliness is the starting point for safety, quality, and reliable production. How clear standards and consistent accountability help maintain a safe project environment. Why organized materials and logistics prevent wasted time and unnecessary "treasure hunts." How the condition of the job site can reveal deeper issues with leadership, discipline, and project systems. Is your job site clean, safe, and organized enough for your team to clearly see problems and manage the work effectively?   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

  4. 6 days ago

    Ep.1666 - Winning Over the Workforce: The Culture Behind Great Projects

    In this episode, Jason explains why winning over the workforce is essential to creating a clean, safe, organized, and high-performing job site. The way leaders treat workers directly influences how workers treat the project. Jason discusses the importance of morning worker huddles, quality facilities, strong onboarding, clean work areas, leadership presence, and genuine connection with the workforce.  What you'll learn in this episode: How morning worker huddles align crews and create stronger communication across the site. Why clean bathrooms, good lunch areas, and organized job sites demonstrate respect for the workforce. How onboarding, recognition, and visible leadership help workers become emotionally invested in the project. Why combining genuine care with clear standards creates a culture that protects the building and the client experience. Are you creating a job-site environment that makes the workforce want to protect, respect, and take pride in 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

  5. 6 days ago

    Ep.1665 - Construction Logistics: From Delivery to Installation

    In this episode, Jason explains why logistics must be treated as its own critical production system. Getting materials to the site is only part of the job, the real challenge is moving them efficiently from receipt to final installation. Jason breaks down the systems required for reliable construction logistics, including delivery scheduling, truck queuing, receiving areas, de-trashing, kitting, access routes, hoisting, and line-side inventory.  What you'll learn in this episode: Why the "last mile" from material receipt to installation is one of the most difficult parts of construction logistics. How delivery schedules, truck queuing, and clear gate systems prevent congestion and site chaos. Why de-trashing, kitting, and planned access routes improve material flow and reduce unnecessary handling. How deputized logistical operators and daily coordination keep materials synchronized with field production. Are your logistical systems intentionally moving materials from receipt to installation, or are crews still searching, waiting, and moving materials multiple times?   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

  6. 6 days ago

    Ep.1664 - Why Prefabrication Matters in Construction

    In this episode, Jason explains why prefabrication should be used strategically to reduce bottlenecks, improve flow, and lower risk. The goal is not to prefabricate everything, but to use it where it creates the most value. Jason shares how prefabrication can dramatically shorten bottleneck durations, improve working conditions, and force coordination problems to be solved earlier.  What you'll learn in this episode: Why prefabrication is most valuable when applied to project bottlenecks. How early coordination and design support help make prefabrication successful. Why prefab can reduce field variation, delays, and costly coordination problems. How intelligent prefabrication can improve schedule, cost, risk, and working conditions. Are you identifying the right prefabrication opportunities early enough to remove bottlenecks before they reach the field?   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

  7. 6 days ago

    Ep.1663 - Why Supply Chain Management Is Critical in Construction

    In this episode, Jason explains why procurement and supply chain management must be treated as part of the same production system as construction. If materials, equipment, and information are not synchronized with the production plan, the entire project can be disrupted. Jason discusses the importance of starting procurement during design and pre-construction, packaging materials in the correct sequence, managing long-lead items, and reviewing procurement progress every week. What you'll learn in this episode: Why procurement and construction must operate as one connected production system. How starting long-lead procurement early helps prevent major schedule impacts. Why proper packaging and sequencing ensure materials arrive in the order crews actually need them. How weekly procurement reviews help teams identify supply chain problems before they affect field production. Is your supply chain synchronized with your production plan, or are your crews waiting for materials before they can build?   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

  8. 11 Aug

    Ep.1662 - Why Every Project Needs a Risk & Opportunity Register

    In this episode, Jason explains why risk management must begin before construction starts. Without a Risk & Opportunity Register, fresh-eyes reviews, and reference class forecasting, teams can easily build schedules and budgets around wishful thinking. Jason explains how fresh-eyes meetings help teams expose problems early, assign mitigation strategies, and document risks and opportunities in days and dollars.  What you'll learn in this episode: How fresh-eyes meetings help teams identify and address risks before construction begins. Why every risk and opportunity should have an owner, mitigation strategy, and measurable impact. How reference class forecasting uses historical project data to create more realistic schedules and budgets. Why relying on aggressive targets and wishful thinking can lead to bad milestones, inadequate contingency, and project overruns. Are your project milestones and budgets based on real risk data and historical performance, or are they still being built around wishful thinking?   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

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Elevating construction with interviews, training, and techniques that will make the build environment better for workers, our customers, companies, and the industry as a whole.