

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

Sep 16, 2024 • 10min
Ep.1167 - Weaponized Incompetence
Dive into the intriguing concept of weaponized incompetence, where individuals purposely underperform to shift responsibilities. Learn how to identify this manipulative behavior in various settings, particularly in the workplace. The discussion also highlights the need for accountability and community collaboration in tackling these challenges. Gain insights on improving team dynamics and fostering a supportive environment through upcoming training innovations in the construction industry.

Sep 16, 2024 • 9min
Ep.1166 - It was Always on the Trades
Explore the challenges trade partners face in construction due to outdated command and control methods. Discover how ineffective planning can lead to wasted resources and missed opportunities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of collaboration and understanding the true goals of construction management. Learn how adopting a team-oriented approach and prioritizing process evaluation can elevate project outcomes. Personal anecdotes add a relatable touch to the insights shared!

Sep 13, 2024 • 27min
Ep.1165 - Keys to Construction Coverage, Feat. Rocio Luna
In this podcast we cover: What kinds of insurance are required in construction. What each one covers. How to make sure you are covered. In this episode I sat down with Rocio Luna, a commercial insurance broker and consultant who has spent nearly a decade helping construction companies navigate coverage, claims, and risk management. We talked about the essentials of insurance in construction, from general liability and workers comp to builders risk and umbrella policies. Rocio also shared her insights on why creating clear procedures and training staff is critical to keeping claims under control and premiums down. Her story of starting from the ground up and her refreshing approach to building trust make this episode a valuable listen for contractors, leaders, and anyone in the construction industry looking to protect their business and their people. 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

Sep 11, 2024 • 9min
Ep.1164 - Managing Your Day as a Super
In this podcast we cover: How Supers get distracted. How to prevent this and hold to what is important. In this episode I responded to feedback from a listener who asked about managing time and setting boundaries as a superintendent. I shared the structure of an ideal day, starting with a strong morning routine and flowing into effective worker and foreman huddles, zone control walks, and dedicated focus time. I talked about the importance of leader standard work, how to reduce interruptions by solving problems in meetings, and how to set clear boundaries so your time is respected. I also shared one of my favorite stories about a superintendent in Hawaii who used humor to reinforce his availability while still maintaining strong relationships. This episode is full of practical advice for anyone in construction who feels pulled in too many directions and wants to take back control of their day. 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

Sep 9, 2024 • 8min
Ep.1163 - Implement Fast — Don’t Sub-optimize
In this podcast we cover: Why implementing fast is key. How you can approach lean rollouts. Why going slow is dissension. In this episode I share why implementing fast is not just a preference but a necessity for meaningful change. Too often organizations fall into the trap of rolling out lean practices one tiny piece at a time, which only creates sub optimization and drains resources. I explain why dissenters often use “going too fast” as a disguise for resisting change and why speed allows you to build momentum and produce results. Through examples like the human body analogy, I highlight how systems must be born whole to survive. I also discuss the dangers of stretching out the pain of implementation and how fast rollouts, when done as a complete system, create clarity, energy, and sustainable results. If you want to avoid stalled initiatives and truly transform your projects, this is an important lesson to internalize. 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

Sep 9, 2024 • 11min
Ep.1162 - What “I Can’t Show You Yet” Really Means
In this podcast we cover: How sometimes people get stuck or procrastinate. What you can do about it. How it helps all around. In this episode, I dive into a habit that quietly undermines productivity and trust: the tendency to say “I’m almost there” instead of showing actual progress. I share how this behavior often masks procrastination or lack of organization and why it is so damaging to teams. I explain how early and frequent iterations not only reveal the real status of work but also create momentum, reduce stress, and foster collaboration. I highlight how this approach especially helps individuals who struggle with distractions or ADHD by breaking large tasks into smaller, achievable steps. This is not about micromanagement but about alignment, accountability, and support. My goal is to show how we can replace silence and delay with openness and steady progress so that teams thrive and individuals succeed 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

Sep 9, 2024 • 12min
Ep.1161 - How to Schedule Civil Projects in Takt
In this podcast we cover: How to approach civil work. The steps to schedule Civil work in Takt. 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

Sep 6, 2024 • 21min
Ep.1160 - Everyone Wants to be Seen, Feat. Jennifer Lacy
In this podcast we cover: Why hearing everyone on a job site matters. How to create connection and unity. In this episode, I sat down with Jennifer Lacy to talk about the importance of hearing people’s voices on the project site. We explored how real leadership goes beyond lean tools and processes and how it is the human connection that truly drives performance. We shared stories about creating safe spaces where people feel valued, and we reflected on the personal lessons that shape the way we show up for our teams. This conversation reminded me that construction is not only about buildings and schedules. It is about people, their stories, and their voices. By honoring those voices, we elevate our projects and our industry. 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

Sep 6, 2024 • 15min
Ep.1159 - Unreasonable Hospitality, Feat. Josh Young and Jennifer Lacy
In this podcast we cover: Delighting the community and end users. And approach to hospitality. Connecting beyond the job site. In this episode, I walk through my process for scheduling civil projects using takt planning. I share how I break work into phases, areas, and stations while considering factors such as soil conditions, depth of pipe, and complexity. I explain how to calculate production rates, establish durations, and create flow between utilities like water, sewer, and storm drains. I also emphasize the importance of buffers, visuals, and fresh eyes reviews to protect the plan and strengthen team alignment. Beyond the technical side, I highlight how training programs like High Street Ventures’ boot camps raise the bar by embedding lean practices into every trade partner’s culture. This episode is about more than scheduling, it is about creating predictability, building trust, and setting projects up for lasting 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

Sep 6, 2024 • 19min
Ep.1158 - Human Connection, Feat. Josh Young and Jennifer Lacy
In this podcast we cover: How to create real connection on a job site. A story about someone that needed help. Methods of connection. In this episode, I share a moving story from Roanoke, Virginia, where senior superintendent Josh Young shows how compassion and connection can transform lives on a construction site. You’ll hear how he supported an employee through one of the hardest times in his life and helped him find a path forward, turning a potential loss into a story of redemption and strength. This episode highlights why building people before projects creates lasting impact in construction and beyond. 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