Elevate Construction

Jason Schroeder
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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.

  1. 22 hr ago

    Ep.1697 - The Most Important Things in Construction Planning

    In this episode, Jason breaks down the five planning practices he believes are essential to successful construction delivery: pull planning, look-ahead planning, pre-construction meetings, morning worker huddles, and material queuing. The goal is to stay ahead of the work, remove roadblocks early, and make sure every crew has what they need before they begin. When the work is truly ready, teams spend less time reacting and more time executing. What you'll learn in this episode: Why pull planning should begin months before a phase starts. How look-ahead planning identifies and removes roadblocks before they impact work. Why pre-construction meetings ensure each trade is fully ready to start. How morning worker huddles align crews before they enter the work area. Why materials must be inspected, staged, and fully kitted before delivery to the crew. Are you planning far enough ahead to make tomorrow's work predictable?   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. 22 hr ago

    Ep.1696 - See People, See the System

    In this episode, Jason explores the relationship between people and the systems that shape their performance. A strong person can still struggle when placed inside a broken system and improving the system often requires capable people who are willing to see and fix it. The goal is to build environments where good people can perform at their best and continuously improve. What you'll learn in this episode: Why people should be developed before expecting them to build great things. How training and operating systems work together to help people succeed. Why a bad system can overwhelm even capable people. Why leaders need to understand both human behavior and the systems affecting it. How Lean helps teams see together, know together, and act together. Do you see the person struggling or do you see the system affecting them?   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. 22 hr ago

    Ep.1695 - My Energy, Not My Identity

    In this episode, Jason explores the difference between leading from personal identity and leading with positive energy. He reflects on how a strong identity can sometimes lead to control, frustration, and unnecessary rigidity and why he wants to shift toward inspiring and serving the workforce instead. Jason discusses the importance of creating strong standards and maintaining a disciplined job site while focusing more on winning over the workforce, encouraging participation, and leading with energy rather than relying on authority. What you'll learn in this episode: The difference between your identity and the energy you bring to a project. How personal identity can sometimes create unnecessary control. Why strong standards can coexist with positive leadership. How to inspire workforce participation instead of relying primarily on enforcement. Why leaders should come to the job site ready to serve, give, and inspire. Are you leading from the identity you feel you have to protect or from the energy that inspires people to follow 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

  4. 16 Sept

    Ep.1694 - The 47 Things Before Work Starts

    In this episode, Jason explains why successful construction teams do not simply start work, they prepare for work. He introduces the concept of the "47 things" that must happen before a work package can begin and why these pre-phase planning activities are often more important than the actual field execution. Jason explains how construction teams get trapped in reactive firefighting when they fail to plan the hundreds of small preparation tasks that happen before production starts. By identifying these activities early, assigning ownership, and managing them through clear gates, teams can create stability and predictable flow. What you'll learn in this episode: Why preparation before a work package is more important than simply supervising execution. How every construction activity has dozens of tasks that must happen before work begins. Why project teams struggle when they start pre-planning too late. How human capacity, PTOs, and competing priorities affect project preparation. How milestone gates can create better control over pre-mobilization, pull planning, and pre-construction activities. Why project management systems should track preparation work, not just scheduled activities. Are you managing the work that happens before the work starts or are you waiting until the field is already under pressure to solve problems?    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. 16 Sept

    Ep.1693 - Lazy and Entitled Behavior Does Not Get to Use Lean Principles

    In this episode, Jason discusses the importance of understanding the purpose behind Lean principles and why they should never become excuses for avoiding responsibility, preparation, or hard work. He explains that concepts like respect for people, team balance, buffers, and "we don't start until we're ready to finish" are designed to help committed teams perform at a higher level, not to justify poor preparation, lack of ownership, or entitlement. What you'll learn in this episode: Why Lean principles require commitment and personal responsibility. How good systems can be misused as excuses for poor behavior. Why respecting people does not mean lowering expectations. The difference between team balance and avoiding hard work. How preparation, discipline, and ownership support a successful Lean culture. Why Lean principles are meant for teams focused on continuous improvement and delivering value. Are you using Lean to reduce effort or are you building a system that helps people do their best work and improve 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

  6. 16 Sept

    Ep.1692 - Meeting Time Limits Are Stupid

    In this episode, Jason challenges the idea that construction meetings and planning huddles must fit within arbitrary time limits. The goal isn't to finish the meeting quickly, it's to make sure the work is actually ready. He explains why teams should take whatever time is necessary to fully plan the next day, eliminate surprises, confirm full kit, and create stable conditions before work begins. Instead of pushing unfinished planning into the field, leaders should solve problems before workers are expected to execute. What you'll learn in this episode: Why arbitrary meeting time limits can hurt planning. Why the next day shouldn't begin until the team is ready. How better preparation reduces rush, push, panic, variation, and surprises. Why afternoon planning should confirm safety, quality, readiness, and full kit. How poor preparation creates unnecessary emergencies in the field. Why meeting effectiveness matters more than meeting length. Are your meetings focused on saving time or are they creating the preparation needed for a predictable and successful day?   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. 16 Sept

    Ep.1691 - If Lean Makes You Feel Justified, You Likely Didn't Understand

    In this episode, Jason discusses a common trap in learning Lean: using Lean principles to justify existing beliefs instead of allowing Lean to challenge and transform the way we think. Jason shares lessons from his experience visiting Japan with Paul Akers and explains why true Lean thinking requires humility, curiosity, and a willingness to continuously learn. He explores how people can misunderstand Lean concepts by focusing only on the parts that confirm what they already believe. What you'll learn in this episode: Why Lean should challenge your thinking instead of simply validating it. How confirmation bias can distort the way we interpret Lean principles. Why concepts like consensus, pull, perfection, and decision-making are often misunderstood. The importance of gaining real field experience before claiming to understand Lean. Why Lean requires a focus on people, systems, and continuous improvement. How the true purpose of Lean is to elevate humanity through better systems. Are you using Lean to improve your thinking or are you using it to justify what you already believe?   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. 16 Sept

    Ep.1690 - You Gotta Have Time for Quality

    In this episode, Jason explains why quality cannot exist in a culture of constant rushing, pushing, and panic. Quality requires time, space, and the right systems to allow people to do the work correctly. Jason discusses how a lack of quality creates a damaging cycle: unhappy customers, reduced demand, financial pressure, excessive work in progress, and a focus on short-term efficiency instead of long-term excellence. He explains why construction teams must create buffers and stop overcommitting if they want to consistently deliver remarkable results. What you'll learn in this episode: Why quality requires intentional time and protection from rushing. How push-based cultures create mistakes and rework. Why buffers are essential for maintaining quality. How poor quality can create financial pressure and increase waste. Why excessive work in progress often comes from panic and poor systems. How protecting quality strengthens customer trust and long-term success. Are you creating enough space for your team to deliver quality or are you forcing them to rush and recover?   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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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Schroeder
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.7k
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2020
  • Show Website
    Elevate Construction

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