Elevate Construction

This episode brings a heartfelt and deeply practical conversation with Jason and guest Mark Story as they unpack what it really means for construction professionals to take care of themselves and their families while building demanding careers. Together, they explore how priorities shift over time, why planning personal life with the same rigor as project planning is essential, and how leaders can protect their health, relationships, and long-term sustainability. What you'll learn in this episode: Why personal priorities evolve throughout a construction career and how to adjust your approach to work accordingly. How intentional planning, delegation, and load-sharing help professionals avoid burnout and create space for family life. Why owning your calendar is essential for protecting health, relationships, and long-term performance. How visual scheduling, time-blocking, and early planning create clarity and reduce stress for you and your household. Why taking care of yourself outside of work ultimately strengthens your leadership inside of work. If you planned your personal life with the same discipline you bring to your projects, how different would your year and your relationships look by this time next season? 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 explores a powerful but often overlooked truth in construction: your performance is only as strong as the partners and suppliers who support you. Jason shares insights from Toyota and examples from modern construction teams to show how great companies don't just demand excellence from their vendors, they help create it. By training, supporting, and collaborating with partners, leaders build a unified system where everyone wins together. If you want a healthier, more reliable, and more predictable project environment, this episode will reshape how you view your supply chain relationships. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the most effective companies invest time developing their partners and suppliers, not just monitoring them. How Toyota's approach to vendor collaboration creates high reliability, consistent quality, and predictable delivery. Why construction leaders should train, support, and educate trade partners just as intentionally as their internal teams. How open-door collaboration builds unity and eliminates the "us versus them" mentality on projects. What it looks like when owners and GCs truly work shoulder to shoulder with trade partners to elevate performance. If your success depends on your partners, what would change if you treated their growth and stability as a direct extension of 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

This episode dives into one of the most powerful but underused habits in the Last Planner System: properly marking up visual maps. Jason explains why simply pointing to where work will happen is not enough and how drawing access paths, staging areas, and crew space gives teams the full picture needed to identify conflicts early. Through real field examples, he shows how detailed visual planning uncovers logistical constraints long before they hit the jobsite and why mega projects succeed only when maps reflect reality, not assumptions. If you want to elevate your planning conversations and truly solve problems ahead of time, this episode will show you how. What you'll learn in this episode: Why visual maps must show not only the work location but also access, staging, and crew space to reveal real constraints. How marking maps correctly strengthens the afternoon foreman huddle and improves roadblock removal. Why logistics becomes the next major constraint once flow and planning improve on large projects. How detailed spatial overlays help teams catch sequencing, access, and space conflicts before they happen. How stronger visual planning supports safer, smoother, and more predictable construction operations. If your maps reflected the full truth of how work actually operates in the field, what new conflicts and opportunities would suddenly become visible? 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 explores the powerful lesson behind what Jason calls the In-N-Out Burger Callout, a simple but transformative tactic for managing flow, capacity, and variation on construction projects. Using insights from one of the most efficient fast-food operations in the world, Jason explains how calling out needs early prevents bottlenecks, protects rhythm, and keeps teams moving without disruption. Through real field examples, he shows how great foremen and supers anticipate variation long before it hits the crew, ensuring stable production even in complex areas. If you want to elevate your planning instincts and operate like a top-tier builder, this episode will change the way you see work. What you'll learn in this episode: How the In-N-Out Burger Callout illustrates the importance of anticipating variation and preparing capacity ahead of time. Why calling for materials, labor, or support early protects the flow of production and prevents delays. How standard work and predictable rhythm make it easier to identify where extra help will be needed. Why proactive communication separates average project teams from world-class ones. How foremen, field engineers, and supers can use this technique to become more reliable and effective leaders. If you could see variation coming five steps earlier, how much smoother and more predictable could your project and your leadership become? 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 breaks down one of the most overlooked but high-impact roles on a construction project: the logistics support person. Jason explains why this position is essential on complex job sites, how it mirrors the Japanese concept of the water spider, and why mastering logistics can accelerate both project flow and personal career growth. Through real examples and practical insights, he shows how the right person managing cranes, hoists, deliveries, access, and pre-kitting can transform chaos into predictable, stable production. If you want to understand the backbone of smooth jobsite operations, this episode offers a clear blueprint. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the logistics support role is vital for coordinating cranes, hoists, forklifts, deliveries, and access zones. How the water spider concept from Japan applies directly to construction logistics and project flow. How understanding hoisting rates, capacity, and time blocking prevents bottlenecks and conflicts on busy sites. Why prefabrication, pre-kitting, and disciplined material routing dramatically reduce waste and increase efficiency. How a logistics support person protects the jobsite through traffic control, temporary safety structures, queuing systems, and daily infrastructure checks. If one person could remove most of the chaos from your project's logistics, what would that mean for your team, your schedule, and your 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

This episode tackles one of the most damaging yet common behaviors in construction: sneaking past critical gates meant to ensure safety, flow, and quality. Jason breaks down why these gates exist, how skipping them leads to chaos, and why leaders must protect these checkpoints just as fiercely as schedules and budgets. Along the way, he reflects on industry frustrations, systemic pressures, and the deeper reasons many professionals feel worn down while still believing the industry is worth saving. If you want a clearer understanding of how discipline at every gate shapes the entire project, this episode will challenge and reframe your thinking. What you'll learn in this episode: Why gatekeeping steps like orientations, huddles, planning meetings, and logistics queues are essential for safety and predictable workflow. How skipping planning gates such as pull plans, phase planning, and weekly work planning creates rework, miscommunication, and project instability. Why sneaking past gates is a cultural issue driven by habits, pressure, and lack of accountability. How industry frustrations tie back to larger systemic problems and why the industry is still worth improving. What leaders can do to reinforce gate discipline and protect their teams from downstream chaos. 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 of the Elevate Construction Podcast, Jason Schroeder explores the concept of "respecting the nature of people" and how it applies to leadership and team dynamics in construction. He reflects on his personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding people's individual strengths, challenges, and emotional needs. Instead of pushing employees to fit a mold, leaders can create a work environment where everyone thrives by respecting their unique qualities. This episode encourages us to look beyond flaws and embrace the potential in every individual. What you'll learn in this episode: The significance of respecting people's unique traits and abilities to foster a healthier work environment. How understanding an employee's nature can lead to better role alignment and performance? The impact of emotional intelligence in leadership and team dynamics. Why it's essential to avoid judgment and instead offer support to help individuals thrive? How respecting people's nature contributes to building a truly remarkable workplace culture? What if we approached each challenge in our teams with the mindset of understanding, instead of judging? 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 LeanSurvey Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

Are you waiting for your company to "notice" you, fix your crew, and make your job easier? Spoiler: no one is coming but that's actually the best news you'll hear today. In this episode, Jason rapid-fires through a stack of notes he's been saving: Why you (not HR, not your boss) own your career path and how to take control of it today. The "lazy coworker" nicknames list (cordless, ET, KitKat, seaweed, wheelbarrow…) and the real root causes behind those behaviors. Why safety posters about "you" being responsible completely miss the mark for leaders and what your actual duty is to your people. The 1935 Toyota precepts that still quietly run great companies and projects almost 100 years later. If you want to stop drifting, start leading, and build a career and culture you're proud of, this one's for 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

If you keep handing work to software, templates, or other people and still feel out of control on your projects, this episode will show you why. Jason Schroeder shares a simple but game changing idea from Toyota, great builders keep their fingerprint on the process. You'll learn: Why Toyota leaders manually designed logistics routes before automating them. How building your own master schedules and lift drawings changes your judgment and instinct. What it really means to use AI and software without abdicating responsibility. How having your fingerprint on the process makes Gemba walks, field presence, and follow up actually work. This episode is not about doing everything yourself, it is about owning what matters. Because if you do not have your fingerprint on the process, you cannot truly lead it. Listen now and start building systems that work because you understand them, not because you outsourced 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

If your projects suffer from late deliveries, mystery defects, and surprise trade performance issues, this episode will show you why. Jason Schroeder explains a simple but powerful idea he learned from Toyota, when you sign up a trade partner, you should also be signing up for an open door relationship. You'll learn: Why Toyota insists its people can visit vendor shops anytime. How an open door policy with trades prevents defects from ever reaching the site. When it is smarter to support a vendor than to pull the work in house. How visiting shops and crews builds trust, standards, and true one team culture. This episode is not about micromanaging, it is about partnership. Because if you want reliable flow on site, you have to care about what is happening long before the truck shows up at your gate. Listen now and start building open door relationships with your trade partners that protect your schedule, your quality, and your reputation. 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