Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder The Lean Builder

In this episode of 'Hoots on the Ground,' host Adam Hoots welcomes Kent Hedges, a Lean construction advocate and manager of large capital projects at a major healthcare company. Kent shares insights from his extensive 28-year career in the construction industry, which began with a stint as a civil engineer in the Navy before transitioning to healthcare construction management. He discusses the profound impact of Lean methodologies in his work, focusing not only on eliminating waste but most importantly on improving the human aspects of construction processes.
Throughout the conversation, Kent delves into his personal growth journey, influenced by mentors, his faith, and a strong dedication to connection and service. He emphasizes the importance of leadership and the benefits of fostering a growth mindset within the construction industry. Kent also highlights the significance of building and nurturing relationships across various sectors of the industry, which he views as crucial for successful project management and team dynamics.
The dialogue further explores Kent's experiences and contributions to Lean construction, emphasizing the approach as a dual pursuit of process enhancement and people development. Kent’s narrative demonstrates how integrating Lean principles leads to better project outcomes and a cohesive, empowered workforce. He stresses the importance of transparency, respect, and collective problem-solving, showcasing these elements as vital to advancing the construction industry.
This episode serves as a powerful testament to the ethos of Lean construction and its practitioners. Kent’s stories and insights underscore the potential of Lean methodologies to not only transform projects but also to foster a strong, united construction community. His commitment to continuous improvement and respect for all team members resonates deeply, offering valuable lessons for anyone interested in the field of construction management.
 
ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST:
The Lean Builder’s absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join Host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that are relevant to those of us who “get it”: the men and women with the dirty boots, the ones who work in the field, doing the hands-on business of construction each day. Listen in as we keep it real while stories from the trenches are shared along with lessons learned and some laughter along the way.
 
RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 
●       www.theleanbuilder.com | Our main blog, book, resources, news & events website
 
GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:
●       Adam Hoots | www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hoots-4645519/ | podcast host for “Hoots on the Ground” and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions
●       Kent Hedges | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenthedges/ | Large Capital Projects & Design Integration with Medxcel Facilities Management

In this episode, Adam Hoots engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Matt Graves, known for his pioneering work with Construction Yeti and as the co-host of the CM Mentors Podcast. This conversation navigates through Matt's transformative journey within the construction industry, highlighting his transition from project management to embracing a role as an owner's representative. Matt shares his unique insights on the construction process, underscoring the critical need for a holistic perspective that goes beyond the immediate tasks to consider the broader impact on project stakeholders and end-users.
The discussion delves into the origins and aspirations behind the Construction Yeti platform and the CM Mentors Podcast. Matt speaks candidly about the challenges and motivations that fueled these initiatives, aiming to foster a supportive community within the construction sector. They explore the importance of trade collaboration, the integration of technology, and the utilization of digital marketing and social media as tools to modernize the industry and enhance networking and learning opportunities.
A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to addressing the knowledge transfer between seasoned professionals and newcomers in the field. Adam and Matt emphasize the value of mentorship, the need for upskilling, and the strategies to prepare for the impending labor challenges. Moreover, they reflect on personal growth, the benefits of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, and the transformative power of collaborative efforts in driving industry-wide change.
Throughout the episode, Adam and Matt discuss future directions for their respective projects, sharing a vision for expanding their impact through collaborative projects and initiatives. This episode is not just a narrative of individual journeys but a call to action for the construction industry to adopt a more inclusive, innovative, and people-focused approach to building the future.
 
RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
·        www.theleanbuilder.com | Our main blog, book, resources, news & events website
·        https://www.constructionyeti.com/ | All things construction in a fun way!
·        https://www.instagram.com/constructionyeti/?hl=en | Construction Yeti Instagram
·        https://www.tiktok.com/@yetigraves | Construction Yeti Tik Tok
·        https://linktr.ee/constructionyeti | All Things Construction Yeti
GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:
·        Adam Hoots | www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hoots-4645519/ | podcast host for “Hoots on the Ground” and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions
·        Matt Graves | https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-graves-pmp/ | Founder and Content Creator at Construction Yeti
ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST:
The Lean Builder’s absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join Host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that are relevant to those of us who “get it”: the men and women with the dirty boots, the ones who work in the field, doing the hands-on business of construction each day. Listen in as we keep it real while stories from the trenches are shared along with lessons learned and some laughter along the way.

Joe Pryor shares his journey from a family masonry business to implementing Lean Construction principles as a leader, emphasizing the importance of respect, team dynamics, and work-life balance in transforming the construction industry and personal growth.
In this podcast episode, Adam Hoots interviews the great Joe Pryor, revealing his comprehensive journey from the early days in his family's masonry enterprise to his critical roles as a Superintendent and Vice President of Field Operations. Joe diligently applies Lean Construction methodologies throughout his career, focusing on his individual and professional development. He emphasizes the paramount importance of respect, efficacious team dynamics, and the principle of perpetual learning. Joe meticulously articulates the challenges and successes associated with the adoption of Lean principles, showcasing his commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and team cohesion within the construction sector.
Joe highlights the imperative necessity for a paradigmatic cultural shift within the construction industry, concentrating on accurate scheduling, advocating for a balanced work-life integration, and the essential act of acknowledging and appreciating the workforce to mitigate the sector's skilled labor deficit. Through sharing his experiences, he conveys a deep passion for construction and a commitment to education, discussing the unique experiences and obstacles of maintaining equilibrium between his professional obligations and his role as a dedicated parent. His insights into fostering a healthy work-life balance, alongside promoting respect and value for workers, pinpoint critical areas for industry improvement and personal growth.
The conversation further delves into the extensive influence of Lean methodologies on the construction sector, including the improvement of communication, the encouragement of constructive conflict, the establishment of feasible expectations, and the foregrounding of mental health. Joe's narrative serves as a persuasive advocacy for the virtues of respect, humility, and authenticity. Through surmounting the intricacies of the construction industry and personal advancement, Joe's account stands as a compelling testament to the transformative power of Lean principles, both in professional settings and personal life, underlining the significant impact of these methodologies on industry standards and individual well-being.
You are going to want to know Joe as he leads the construction industry to some serious change through his many hats! 
ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST:
The Lean Builder’s absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join Host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that are relevant to those of us who “get it”: the men and women with the dirty boots, the ones who work in the field, doing the hands-on business of construction each day. Listen in as we keep it real while stories from the trenches are shared along with lessons learned and some laughter along the way.
RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 
·        www.theleanbuilder.com | Our main blog, book, resources, news & events website
GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:
·        Adam Hoots | www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hoots-4645519/ | podcast host for “Hoots on the Ground” and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions
·        Joe Pryor | https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-pryor-56b1366b/ | Vice President of Field Operations, Rudick Construction Group

During this episode, Mack Story dives into exactly who he is and where he came from! Hoots talks about all the amazing content that Mack puts out daily with his company, Blue Collar Leadership.
Mack talks about his wife, Ria, and mentions her story, which you can see in her TEDx Talk linked below. He discusses how he and Ria got started with their speaking and consulting careers. He talks about his love for her and how strong that is and where it came from. Mak also dives into how all his problems were caused by himself!
He tells about his son, Eric, who hated Mack from age 15 – 19. Mack then found this leadership information from a John Maxwell conference. Then by modeling what Maxwell teaches, he was able to repair and rebuild that relationship with his son. Further, he takes us down his journey of giving up alcohol and profanity back in 2012. Mack references Stephen Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and how it changed his entire life! Between stimulus and response, there is a choice.
Mack gets Hoots to open up on some of the problems that he is facing at home! Mack’s personal stories allow him to self-reflect and discover some of the next steps that he can take to work on his patience. Tune in to find out more about how to develop patience both at work and/or at home. Cheat code: Don’t forget to grab your pause button!
Mack claims that everything he talks about is Character Development. Character is the ability to meet the demands of reality! Mack is a wealth of knowledge and gives that knowledge out to others constantly. He enjoys talking with people and making a difference in blue-collar workers’ lives! 
This is an absolute cannot-miss episode with Mack. His one-liners are fantastic, and you will be inspired to a better life after allowing this episode to settle in. As Mack says, “You can’t climb the mountain with base camp Character.”
Keep Climbing!
 
ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST:
The Lean Builder’s absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join Host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that are relevant to those of us who “get it”: the men and women with the dirty boots, the ones who work in the field, doing the hands-on business of construction each day. Listen in as we keep it real while stories from the trenches are shared along with lessons learned and some laughter along the way.
 
RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 
·        www.theleanbuilder.com | Our main blog, book, resources, news & events website
·        https://bluecollarleadership.com/ | Mack & Ria Story’s company
·        https://youtu.be/7953w5yQ1uo?si=DCvyOV6Xg90OZjfF | Ria Story’s TEDx Talk “Bridges Out of the Past: A Survivor’s Lessons on Resilience”
·        https://www.maxwellleadership.com/ | John Maxwell Leadership Training
·        The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
 
GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:
·        Adam Hoots | www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hoots-4645519/ | podcast host for “Hoots on the Ground” and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions
·        Mack Story | https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackstory/ | Developing the Blue-Collar Workforce and those who lead them.®│Author of 15 Books│Leadership Speaker│Trainer