Elevate Construction

In this podcast we cover: Introduction to the First Planner System™️ Before you can deliver a flawless project, you need the right system in place and it starts long before construction begins. In this episode, I break down the First Planner System, part of the Integrated Production Control System, and show how it sets the stage for predictable success, seamless trade partner integration, and unstoppable team performance. If you’ve ever wondered why projects fail despite great people, this will change how you see preconstruction forever. 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

Blinking Red Lights: The Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore If you’re driving without headlights or a dashboard, you’re headed for disaster. The same goes for running a project without a macro-level takt plan and clear KPIs. In this episode, I share a powerful analogy that will change how you think about project planning, plus a real-life near-miss that drove the lesson home. Learn how to set up your “blinking red lights” so you can spot problems before they blow up your schedule, your budget, or your team. Listen now and make sure you’re not building blind.   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

They Only Clean Up When You Visit”? Here’s How to Flip That into a Win We’ve all seen it. The leadership team shows up, and suddenly the job site looks spotless, only to slip back to chaos the next day. Most people see that as a negative. I see an opportunity. In this episode, I share how to turn that short-term reaction into a long-term cultural habit. You’ll learn how regular leadership visits, paired with the right balance of influence and authority, can transform job site behavior, build consistency, and embed operational excellence into your team’s DNA. Listen now and discover how to make “clean up when they show up” work for you, not against 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

Doing Your Best with the Wrong Inputs Why do smart, well-intentioned people still make terrible decisions? In this episode, I break down the concept of “wrong inputs” and how the beliefs, habits, and data you start with can sabotage even your best efforts. Through real-world examples (from jobsite foremen to public figures), I’ll show how to spot bad inputs, change them, and engineer better outcomes for yourself and for the people you lead. Listen now and learn how to transform the way you think, work, and collaborate by fixing the inputs that drive your results.   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

How to Use Interns the Right Way Too many companies waste their intern programs by giving students and newcomers nothing but busywork. In this episode, I explain why that’s a huge missed opportunity and how to flip it into your company’s most powerful talent pipeline. You’ll learn: Why giving interns real work is the only way to prepare them (and your company) for success The outdated “pay your dues” mindset that’s holding our industry back Practical ways to welcome, equip, and train interns from day one Listen now and start building your future team the right way. 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

Beware of the “It’s Not That” People Lately, I’ve seen a flood of provocative statements like, “Takt isn’t about flow,” or, “Lean isn’t about tools.” They make for good marketing hooks, but they often contradict themselves and create confusion. In this episode, I cut through the noise to explain when “It’s Not That” is just clickbait and when it’s a real warning sign. Learn the simple test for deciding which tools, systems, and processes to keep, and which to toss: anything that disrespects people has to go. Listen now and get clarity on what truly matters in construction systems and planning.   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 Last 5%: Why We Fail to Finish Strong In construction, most failures aren’t because we didn’t start, they’re because we didn’t finish. In this episode, I dig into the “last 5%” problem: the inspections left incomplete, the tools not put away, the work left undocumented. You’ll learn why finishing the final details is more important than starting, how Lean thinking reinforces this discipline, and the simple habits that ensure you close every loop. If you’ve ever seen a jobsite that’s “almost done” but not truly complete, this episode will change how you work and lead. Listen now and make finishing well your new competitive advantage.   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

How to Be an A-Hole Project Manager (So You’ll Know What Not to Do) Some project managers bully the trades, manipulate contracts, and micromanage every move, and then wonder why projects implode. In this episode, I break down the full “A-Hole PM Playbook,” from squeezing costs until payroll hurts to setting impossible deadlines and ignoring safety. The twist? It’s satire with a serious purpose. You’ll learn to recognize these toxic behaviors, understand the damage they cause, and commit to a different standard of leadership. Listen now and make sure you’re building trust, not tearing it down.   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

Pre-Kit, Not Same Kit Too many projects rely on stale, generic checklists that no one reads anymore. In this episode, I break down the real meaning of pre-kitting, making sure crews have exactly what they need to plan, build, and finish without interruptions. We will explore why the same kits fail, how to create tailored work packages that crews actually want to use, and the steps to make your pre-kit process lean, visual, and effective. Listen now and start replacing outdated checklists with pre-kits that drive real results in the field.   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

Is your project falling behind? You might be just one decision away from turning it around. In this episode, I break down why moving from a three-day to a two-day time can save your schedule and keep your team focused. You will hear real examples of teams who pushed through hesitation and turned potential delays into early finishes. We will talk about why fear of change holds projects back, how to make takt times work for you, and the real choice between a two-day takt time and a crash landing. If you are ready to challenge old habits, get your team aligned, and deliver ahead of schedule, this is the episode you cannot miss.   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