Elevate Construction

Leadership, Laughter & Lessons From the Jobsite (with Jake Smaellie) What do kids on cruise ships, paper straws, and water bottles on construction sites have in common? In this episode, Jason Schroeder and returning guest Jake Smaellie connect the dots in a way only they can with humor, real-life stories, and hard-hitting leadership lessons. You’ll hear: Why asking the wrong questions as a leader can destroy trust faster than any mistake. How to give feedback without shutting down communication. The power (and danger) of public praise when it’s misunderstood. Jake’s battle against the plague of discarded water bottles and some creative (and hilarious) solutions. How small actions, like really listening, can completely change a team’s dynamic. It’s equal parts comedy, chaos, and practical takeaways you can use to lead better whether you’re running a crew, a company, or just your own household. Listen now, you’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll probably never look at a plastic water bottle the same way 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

When doctors told John Kaufman there were no more treatment options, most people would have given up. John made a different choice. In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, Jason Schroeder talks with John about his 25-year journey living with an incurable cancer a journey filled with setbacks, unexpected blessings, and a daily decision to live fully, not just exist. You’ll hear: The three mindsets people adopt after a life-changing diagnosis and the one that transforms everything. How reframing your thoughts can turn fear into fuel for living. Why community, small moments, and “blessings in disguise” matter more than ever. A life-changing sunrise conversation with a stranger on a Maui beach. The powerful question that every person healthy or not should ask themselves today. Whether you’ve faced illness, loss, or simply the grind of everyday life, John’s story will challenge and inspire you to choose how you live… starting right now. Listen now and discover why living strong is a decision, not a condition. 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

The Secret to Skyrocketing Your Career? Stop Waiting for Permission. Too many construction professionals wait for their company to invest in their growth only to watch their careers stall. In this episode, Jason Schroeder sits down with master builder, mentor, and leadership coach Mark Story to flip that mindset on its head. Mark reveals why owning your own development whether through books, mentorship, or personal investment pays off in influence, salary, and career opportunities. You’ll hear: How to mentor young superintendents so they’re confident, capable, and ready for leadership. The “risk timeline and risk level” framework that tells you when to ask for help and when to push through. Why trust is the bedrock of high-performing teams (and exactly how to build it). The one challenge every construction professional should take on today to boost their skills and value. Whether you’re leading crews, managing projects, or just starting out, this conversation will change the way you think about training, mentorship, and taking ownership of your future. Listen now. Your next big career leap starts here. 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 happens when one of the most respected minds in lean construction sits down to dissect project planning systems? You get this episode. In this powerful conversation, Jason is joined by mentor and thought leader Hal Macomber to explore: Why CPM lacks production theory (and what that means for your projects). The real difference between Scrum and Kanban. How Takt construction works as a socio-technical system and why that's critical. Why some teams thrive with lean systems... and others just don’t. How the software industry has outpaced construction in flow-based systems and what we can learn from them. If you’ve ever wondered why schedules fail, why flow breaks down, or how to actually support your field teams with better planning this episode is your blueprint. You’ll walk away with: ✔ A clear understanding of how Kanban brings flow front and center. ✔ Practical takeaways on how to align office + field teams. ✔ Insightful critiques of current scheduling tools and what to use instead.   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 a world obsessed with tech, are we forgetting the basics that actually make construction work? In this quick but powerful episode, Jason Schroeder sounds the alarm on a fading skill that used to define real builders: marking up and highlighting drawings. Why “paperless” isn’t the goal effectiveness is. How colored highlighters can eliminate scope gaps, prevent confusion, and speed up buyout. Real world examples from top builders who are still doing it right. What we lost when the industry went full digital (and how to get it back). If you think this is about art supplies, think again. This episode is a full-on reminder that technology should support builders not replace the builder mindset.   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

Let’s make one thing clear: you don’t win the next job in the interview room, you win it on the current jobsite. In this landmark 1400th episode, Jason Schroeder flips the script on traditional sales thinking and makes a bold declaration: Quality comes before sales always. Whether you’re a general superintendent, PM, or trade partner, this episode is a masterclass in how to build a remarkable reputation that sells itself. 🔥 In this episode: Why your daily commitment to quality is your best sales strategy. How owners make decisions and what they notice on your current job. Real talk on training, team-building, and trust with the Elevate community. 3 powerful questions to diffuse disagreement and lead with emotional intelligence. A behind-the-scenes look at upcoming books, boot camps, AI scheduling tools, and more. 💡 You don’t need to sell, if your work speaks for itself. Jason also shares exciting updates from the Elevate ecosystem, shouts out to the builders shaping the industry, and asks YOU to help shape what comes next. More videos? Webinars? On-site trainings? Your voice matters because this community is about you, you, you and some more 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

Strategy That Actually Works: Real Talk with Mark Story How do you build smarter, lead stronger, and deliver better projects without burning out your team? In this game-changing episode, Mark Story joins Jason Schroeder to unpack the real meaning of strategy in construction and spoiler alert: it’s not just about scheduling. From staffing and logistics to trust and team alignment, Mark shares the powerful, practical mindset that elite builders use to lead successful projects from the ground up. Inside this episode: Why in-person, hands-on training still wins (and how to get leaders to prioritize it). The question every PM and Super should ask: “What do you need?”. How to build trust fast with trade partners and unlock full team performance. Why strategy means thinking beyond the org chart and designing teams and workflows based on what the project actually needs. How to hold teams accountable only after you’ve created the conditions for success. If you’ve ever struggled with communication breakdowns, low team morale, or disjointed project planning, this episode will shift how you think and lead.   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 powerhouse episode, Jason Schroeder is joined by Lean legend Hal Macomber, who shares jaw-dropping insights from decades of experience revolutionizing how we build. From set-based design to macro-level takt planning, Hal breaks down why takt construction isn't just a theory - it's the only way forward. What you'll learn in this episode: Why execution at the work face matters more than perfect planning. How to design with constraints as a strength, not a limitation. Why early trade partner selection and training changes everything. The truth about CPM vs. Takt and why one aligns with production science, and the other doesn’t. What Hal learned delivering a 3,500-person, $multi-million project in 28 months. Packed with analogies (think: sailing from Boston to Maine) and practical frameworks, this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about planning and building projects, especially if you care about flow, certainty, and remarkable results. 🎧 Ready to build smarter, faster, and with more control? Tap into the wisdom of one of lean construction’s sharpest minds. 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

This one hits deep. In this episode, Jason Schroeder pulls no punches as he unpacks a hot-button topic that's stirring up the construction world: Is Critical Path Method (CPM) helping or hurting our projects? He responds to criticism head-on and shares why blaming people instead of broken systems is a dead-end mindset in our industry. But that’s just the beginning. Jason also dives into the real-world definitions of substantial, final, and financial completion why they matter, what most teams misunderstand about them, and how they directly impact your bottom line. He drops insights on project extensions, owner expectations, and the financial blind spots that are costing construction teams millions. Plus, a raw behind-the-scenes update on a canceled $96M project, how LeanTakt and Elevate are pivoting with purpose, and why Jason believes something bigger is on the horizon.   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 Every Project Needs a “Situation Room” In this episode, Jason Schroeder introduces a game-changing idea for modern construction: the Situation Room - a centralized command space to monitor, plan, and respond in real-time. Inspired by legendary builds like the Empire State Building and Boulder Dam, Jason makes the case for creating dedicated rooms where project leaders aren’t just reacting, they're orchestrating. From macro Takt plans and KPIs to 3D models and comms access, this isn’t just a conference room, it’s a mission control for your project. In this episode, you’ll discover: What a Situation Room is (and what it’s not). How it can radically reduce communication lag and improve flow. Why this approach is essential for both in-person and remote project leadership. The real-world tech setup and layout to make it work on-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