Elevate Construction

In this episode, Jason Schroeder challenges the concept of "no school supers"—superintendents who believe they can simply "wing it" on the job without any formal education or training. Jason explains how this mindset is not only dangerous but also incredibly destructive to the construction industry. He emphasizes the importance of learning from mentors, reading, and continuous education to truly succeed in the field. What you'll learn in this episode: Why "winging it" without education leads to poor leadership and destructive practices. The difference between "old school" supers who keep learning and "no school" supers who don't. How to avoid panic, push, and rushing by gaining proper training and knowledge. Why continuous learning is crucial to understanding principles of safety, quality, and production. The impact of not investing in education on project success and team dynamics. What can you do today to start learning and growing as a leader, rather than just "figuring it out" on your own? 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 episode, Jason Schroeder dives into a powerful realization about Lean and the concept of throwing people away. He challenges the belief systems that support the idea of people being expendable, whether it's in capitalism, religion, or societal structures. By tying Lean to a deeper respect for humanity, Jason explains why Lean cannot succeed in environments that perpetuate disrespect, and how this toxic mindset is preventing Lean from thriving in the United States. What you'll learn in this episode: Why Lean is incompatible with the idea of throwing people away. The harmful impact of toxic capitalism, religious beliefs, and societal systems on Lean adoption. How respect for people is at the core of Lean's success. The role of institutions and beliefs in creating waste and hindering progress. Why companies that truly care for people are the only ones successfully implementing Lean. What steps can you take today to start respecting the value of every individual and eliminate the mindset that people are expendable? 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 episode, Jason Schroeder challenges the common misconception that being "kind" on a project site means avoiding discipline. He argues that true kindness is about creating an environment where workers can succeed—by enforcing safety, cleanliness, and discipline. Drawing on lessons from military leadership and personal experiences, Jason explains how leadership and structure, far from being harsh, are the most respectful and kind ways to support workers on a construction site. What you'll learn in this episode: Why leadership and discipline are forms of respect on the job site. How creating a clean, organized work environment shows true kindness. The importance of clear communication and safety systems in fostering success. Why avoiding zero tolerance or structure is disrespectful to workers. How to establish a stable, predictable environment that helps workers perform at their best. How can you create a more supportive and structured environment on your job sites to truly show kindness to your team? 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 episode, Jason Schroeder discusses the importance of self-reform on construction projects, focusing on the critical elements needed for success. He explores how well-executed self-performed work, when supported with proper planning, materials, leadership, and quality control, can greatly improve project outcomes. Jason emphasizes the need for clear communication, leadership alignment, and a commitment to finishing tasks thoroughly to ensure everything flows smoothly on-site. What you'll learn in this episode: How to create a successful self-reform plan with proper scope, safety, and logistics. The significance of having the right leadership and foreman alignment on-site. Why quality control should be integrated into every stage of construction. How to prevent bottlenecks by identifying and addressing limiting factors. The key to efficient material and tool management for self-performed crews. What can you do today to better support your self-reform teams and ensure they have everything they need for success? 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 episode, Jason Schroeder discusses the importance of effective site utilization, also known as logistics planning, on construction projects. He dives into the details of optimizing material flow, vertical transportation, and organizing site spaces for maximum efficiency. Drawing from his experiences, Jason emphasizes the role of cleanliness, design, and clear logistical systems in creating a smooth, productive construction site. What you'll learn in this episode: How cleanliness serves as a litmus test for project control. The difference between designing a site and discovering it as you go. Why material flow and sequencing are critical for efficiency. How to optimize vertical transportation for better crane and hoist use. The importance of staging areas and layout in maintaining smooth operations. How can you start improving your site's logistics today to avoid waste and inefficiency? 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 episode, Jason Schroeder discusses the key elements that ensure a project's safety culture is strong and effective. He shares insights learned from his time at Hensel Phelps and his approach to building a zero-tolerance safety culture out of respect, not punishment. From setting the tone on-site to creating job-specific safety plans, Jason emphasizes practical steps for construction leaders to foster an environment where safety is top priority. What you'll learn in this episode: How to own and lead a safety culture on a construction site. The importance of job-specific, visual safety plans and pre-task planning. How controlling a project site with clear signage improves safety. Why being strict but fair is crucial for maintaining site discipline. The role of senior leaders in ensuring the safety program is well-resourced. What actions can you take today to set a higher standard of safety on your projects? 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 episode, Jason unpacks one of the most overlooked forces quietly destroying schedules, safety, and morale on construction projects: variation. Drawing from real field experience, lean principles, and hard-earned lessons, he explains why buffers alone are not enough and why prevention and stability must come first. What you'll learn in this episode: Why variation is one of the biggest hidden drivers of chaos, delays, and burnout on projects. The difference between preventable and non preventable variation and why that distinction matters. How preparation, prefabrication, and pre planning create stability before work ever starts. Why relying on buffers without reducing variation is a losing strategy. How stable environments protect safety, quality, mental health, and production. As you reflect on your own projects, ask yourself this: how much variation are you unknowingly allowing, and what would change if stability became your top priority? 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 episode is a heartfelt reminder of what the general contractor truly owes the people on site: a safe, clean, stable, and human environment where workers feel respected and cared for. Jason reflects on real jobsite examples to show how culture, cleanliness, logistics, and daily interactions directly shape morale, safety, and pride in the work. This is not theory or fluff, it is a field-tested standard for what leadership looks like when people actually matter. What you'll learn in this episode: Why providing a clean, safe, and organized environment is a core responsibility of the general contractor. How small, intentional acts of care create stability, trust, and pride on a jobsite. The connection between jobsite systems, worker respect, and consistent safety behavior. Why many jobsite problems are failures of systems and processes, not people. How leadership shows up daily through environment, rhythm, and human connection. As you think about your own projects, ask yourself this: if someone judged your leadership only by the environment your workers experience every day, what story would it tell? 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 short but powerful episode, Jason Schroeder shares eight Japanese philosophies that can quietly reshape how you live, lead, and show up each day. These concepts focus on purpose, patience, resilience, self-acceptance, balance, and continuous improvement, offering simple wisdom that applies just as much on the job site as it does in life. What you'll learn in this episode: How ikigai helps you identify your true reason for being beyond work or titles. Why patience and dignity during stress can change how you experience adversity. How embracing imperfections can make you stronger and more resilient. Why comparing yourself to others distracts you from your own path. How small, consistent improvements compound into meaningful life change. Which of these philosophies could you practice today to take a better next step in your life and leadership? 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 someone new walks onto a job site acting like the hero, it can derail trust, momentum, and real progress fast. In this episode, Jason Schroeder breaks down the "savior" mindset, why it shows up so often in construction leadership, and how it quietly damages teams instead of helping them. This is a candid, field-tested conversation about ego, significance, and the difference between adding value and diminishing people. If you lead work in the field or support teams across projects, this message will hit close to home. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the "savior" mindset shows up so often with new leaders and where it really comes from. How playing hero hurts teams, morale, and ongoing improvement efforts. The clear difference between diminishing leaders and multiplier leaders. Why honoring the work already done is essential before trying to improve anything. What real leadership looks like on a job site: clarity, training, service, and support. The next time you step onto a project, will you try to save the team or help them become stronger? 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