

Elevate Construction
Jason Schroeder
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 10, 2025 • 12min
Ep.1247 - Takt Steering & Control Book - CPM as a roadblock
The Biggest Roadblocks Holding Construction Back What’s the biggest constraint in construction? It’s not weather, missing materials, or even failed inspections, it's fear. Fear of saying no to an owner. Fear of holding people accountable. Fear of stepping away from outdated systems like CPM that keep projects stuck in stop and go chaos. In this episode of the Elevate Construction Podcast, Jason Schroeder exposes fear as the number one roadblock that sabotages leaders and projects alike. He also breaks down why CPM scheduling is fundamentally flawed, how it hides problems instead of solving them, and why lean, visual systems like Takt are the only way forward. 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

Jan 10, 2025 • 6min
Ep.1246 - Takt Steering & Control Book - Roadblocks
Roadblocks Are Stopping Your Project Construction projects rarely fail because of one big disaster they fail because of dozens of small, predictable roadblocks that pile up and kill flow. In this episode of the Elevate Construction Podcast, Jason Schroeder breaks down the most common roadblocks you’ll face on site from bad weather and failed inspections to missing resources, poor planning, and site access issues and shows you how to see them early, remove them fast, and keep your crews moving. If you’ve ever felt stuck by delays, miscommunication, or stop and go progress, this episode gives you the tools to scan your project like a lifeguard watching a pool, constantly aware, always anticipating, and ready to act before things spiral. 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

Dec 31, 2024 • 14min
Ep.1245 - Takt Steering & Control Book - Roadblocks
Are Roadblocks Killing Your Project Flow? In this episode of the Elevate Construction Podcast, we’re diving deep into the critical skill of roadblock removal a make or break factor in keeping projects on track. Using a powerful “train of trades” analogy, Jason unpacks how foremen, supers, and planners can clear the path, prepare zones, and keep crews moving without costly slowdowns. You’ll discover: · The difference between constraints and roadblocks and why mixing them up can derail your project. · How foremen act as the “yard masters” of construction, ensuring tracks are clear, stations are ready, and supplies are lined up. · The 3 types of roadblocks you’ll face on every jobsite and the proven ways to remove, adapt, or prepare for them before they stall progress. · Why separating system design from environmental roadblocks is the secret to predictable flow. 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

Dec 31, 2024 • 9min
Ep.1244 - Takt Steering & Control Book - Remaining Constraints
Stop Rushing, Start Building Flow In this episode of the Elevate Construction Podcast, Jason Schroeder breaks down the hidden productivity killers that are sabotaging your projects; pushing, rushing, and panicking. He explains why these bad habits destroy focus, decision making, communication, morale, and trust and how they create a culture of fear that drives good people away. But that’s not all. Jason dives into Goldratt’s Rules of Flow and the theory of constraints, showing you how to identify bottlenecks, optimize flow, and keep your project moving at the speed of its greatest limiting factor. You’ll walk away knowing the critical difference between constraints and roadblocks and why confusing the two can stall your entire project. 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

Dec 31, 2024 • 7min
Ep.1243 - Takt Steering & Control Book - Rules to Follow
Master the Rules of Takt Steering & Control If you’ve ever struggled with too many trades in one zone, stacked crews, or chaos on your schedule, this episode of the Elevate Construction Podcast is for you. Jason Schroeder breaks down the rules of Takt steering and control the guardrails that keep flow, balance, and productivity intact. You’ll learn why: ✅ Diagonal trade flow is non-negotiable ✅ Durations should never be shortened without trade partner buy-in ✅ Trade stacking and overburden destroy performance ✅ Buffers, workable backlog, and pre-kitting are essential to maintaining flow Jason also explains why Takt scheduling has more logic than CPM, how multi-train Takt plans really work, and why protecting the line of balance is the key to keeping projects moving without burnout or breakdowns. 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

Dec 31, 2024 • 10min
Ep.1242 - Takt Steering & Control Book - Variation Constraints
The Hidden Traps That Kill Construction Productivity In this episode of the Elevate Construction Podcast, Jason Schroeder exposes the hidden spirals that destroy productivity when leaders overload projects with too many workers, too many materials, or too much work in progress. You’ll learn: · Why adding more people to a late project often makes it later. · How excess materials clog workflows, create rework, and slow every trade down. · The critical difference between planned capacity and reactive chaos. · How balancing resources, WIP, and flow is the real key to project speed. This is a wakeup call for every builder, leader, and trade partner who’s ever tried to “push harder” to get ahead only to watch chaos unfold. 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

Dec 31, 2024 • 12min
Ep.1241 - Takt Steering & Control Book - Variation Constraints
The Hidden Constraints That Sabotage Construction Projects Your project isn’t always slowed down by big problems it’s the hidden constraints that quietly drain productivity and morale. In this episode of the Elevate Construction Podcast, Jason Schroeder uncovers the real killers of flow and performance on site: · Fatigue from poor working conditions · Complex work without the right planning · Crews pushed without breaks · Missing buffers that leave no room for reality · Forcing trades into too many areas at once · Rushing workers to cover bad planning · Excessive paperwork pulling leaders away from crews Jason shows how First Planners can prevent these issues through intentional planning, and how Last Planners can protect their people by refusing to compromise. The message is clear, when you prioritize people over profits, productivity and success follow. 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

Dec 24, 2024 • 13min
Ep.1240 - Takt Steering & Control Book - Variation Constraints
In this episode, Jason Schroeder pulls back the curtain on the most common variation and productivity loss constraints that derail projects, from overloaded crews and missing resources to inefficient processes and poor training. You’ll learn how to spot these invisible killers of flow, prevent them before they happen, and apply First Planner and Last Planner strategies that keep your team moving at peak performance. If you’ve ever wondered why your project timelines keep slipping or how to get your crews working smarter instead of harder this episode is your blueprint for eliminating chaos and building unstoppable momentum. Stop letting variation steal your project’s success. Take control today. 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

Dec 24, 2024 • 9min
Ep.1239 - Takt Steering & Control Book - Zone Constraints
The Hidden Tracks That Can Derail Your Project Every construction project runs on “tracks” the zones your trades flow through. Get those tracks wrong, and you’ll face delays, bottlenecks, and frustrated crews. In this episode, Jason Schroeder breaks down the three biggest zone constraints that silently sabotage project flow: Wrong number of zones: too big, too small, or too many buffers. Ignoring physical constraints: access points, hoists, elevators, and comeback areas. Misshaped or complex zones: bottlenecks that kill momentum. You’ll learn how to design zones with the TACT calculator, plan for first and second passes, and level your zones by work density (not just square footage). Think of it like building a railroad you can’t just send a train across the country without first clearing terrain, blasting mountains, and laying smooth tracks. If you want predictable flow, smoother handoffs, and projects that finish strong, this episode is your blueprint. Stop guessing at zones start designing tracks your trades can actually build on. 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

Dec 24, 2024 • 14min
Ep.1238 - Takt Steering & Control Book - Resource Constraints
Cracking the Code on Construction Constraints Every project has those constraints that quietly choke progress, slow down trades, and wreck schedules. But here’s the truth, most of these limiting factors aren’t acts of God they’re preventable. In this episode, Jason unpacks the concept of constraints from Takt Steering & Control and shows how to spot, design for, and eliminate them before they derail your flow. From trade speeds to tack times, buffers to procurement, you’ll discover how to move the fight upstream so crews can ride smoothly downstream. If you’ve ever seen trades scrambling, wagons (work packages) falling out of rhythm, or projects stalling from missing resources you need this. Listen in and learn how to: Identify the most common constraints on your projects Align trades to move at the same speed and rhythm Protect flow with the right buffers and procurement planning Stop firefighting and start building predictable success This is more than theory it’s the field tested framework that keeps projects on track, trains running smoothly, and teams winning 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