Elevate Construction

In this podcast we cover: How to merge the genius of the field and academia. What we can do to network together and elevate together. In this episode, I share my approach to scheduling civil projects using takt planning. I explain how I break down projects into zones and stationing, calculate durations from production rates, and sequence crews to create reliable flow. I also cover how to add buffers, analyze risks, and bring the plan into a fresh eyes meeting with the team. This episode dives into why civil work is uniquely suited for takt and how it can bring clarity and efficiency to projects that are often seen as complex or unpredictable. Whether you are new to takt or looking for better ways to schedule your civil projects, you will gain insights into building flow and confidence into every phase of your work. 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 podcast we cover: A question from a listener. What KPIs are recommended. In this episode, I take a deep dive into a listener’s question about standing up a project controls department and choosing the right KPIs. I walk through why project controls matter, the difference between leading and lagging indicators, and specific KPI examples that actually drive meaningful behaviors in quality, scheduling, procurement, financials, and team health. This episode is full of practical advice for anyone in construction who wants to measure the right things, improve consistency, and scale their organization in a sustainable way. Whether you are just starting to think about KPIs or you already have a system in place, these insights will help you refine your approach and avoid common pitfalls that unintentionally hurt performance. 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 podcast we cover: A question from a listener. How to get leaders to plan. What it means when they don’t. How tools them accountable. In this episode, I tackle a question every construction leader faces: how do we get superintendents and PMs to plan in preconstruction? I share why planning is the core responsibility of a builder, what effective preconstruction planning actually looks like, and how leaders can hold teams accountable without relying on anger or negativity. I also explain the psychology behind resistance to planning and how culture shifts when leaders consistently set standards. Whether you are an owner, executive, PM, or superintendent, this episode will give you the tools to set expectations, build projects on paper first, and eliminate the costly waste of poor 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  

In this podcast we cover: Answers to listener comments. What the Last Planner System is. Why we need a First Planner System. In this episode, I share why the last planner system cannot succeed without the first planner system. I explain how planning in preconstruction provides the logistical support, supply chain readiness, and production design that allows field teams to make reliable commitments. I also discuss misconceptions in the lean community where some experts downplay early planning, and why this approach creates disrespect and overburden. By walking through the relationship between first planner and last planner, I highlight how both must work together to create a true lean system. Whether you are new to lean construction or a seasoned practitioner, this episode will help you see why predictive planning and collaborative planning are not opposites but partners in building successful 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 podcast we cover: An answer to a listener about meetings. What humans do when they get behind. What we can do to stay stable and get ahead. In this episode I share what typically happens when we feel like we are getting behind and why our natural instincts often cause more harm than good. I explain how rushing, panicking, and adding pressure can create chaos, while slowing down, planning carefully, and focusing on safety, quality, and alignment actually brings projects back on track. I also highlight the importance of strong meeting facilitation, the progress we are making on the new Takt Steering and Control book, and how these lessons apply not only to construction but also to personal life. This episode is a reminder that leadership under pressure means slowing down to go faster in the long run. 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 podcast we cover:  Short impactful thoughts from teaming to hiring a consultant. In this episode I share the lessons that have shaped how I view construction projects and leadership. I talk about why having one integrated timeline matters more than maintaining multiple disconnected schedules. I explain how weekly work plans can either become empty paperwork or powerful tools depending on how they are designed. I discuss the difference between foremen and superintendents and why superintendents must focus on planning, teamwork, and process leadership. I reflect on the importance of teamwork, how hoarding information harms the project, and why success only comes when the project team is united. I also dive into the value of data and why it must lead to real action instead of just reports on a wall. Finally, I share my belief that hiring consultants and seeking outside help is one of the fastest ways to elevate a company into the top tier. This episode is packed with insights that come directly from my experience in the field and from what I have seen transform 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 podcast we cover: How pre-staging ties into JIT. How to make it work if you do. The approach you take to phase through a building twice. In this episode I respond to two thoughtful comments from listeners that highlight important lessons in construction. One listener shared his perspective on the three enablers for execution, emphasizing the role of data, tools, and physical area in making work possible. His reflection aligned closely with what I had shared in an earlier episode on patterns, reinforcing how universal these principles are. Another listener asked a detailed question about just in time deliveries in high rise construction, specifically when long pipes and large mechanical units cannot fit through the buck hoist before the curtain wall goes up. I share why preloading is sometimes necessary, how to minimize its impact, and why planning staging areas and comeback zones on logistics maps is essential. These conversations highlight how planning, teamwork, and shared learning can transform 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 podcast we cover: Why we get to do hard things. How we expect things from Trades we don’t do ourselves. What to do instead. In this episode I share a powerful mindset shift about excuses in construction. Too often I hear people say something is “too hard” as a reason to avoid learning, adapting, or improving. But every day we ask our trade partners to do difficult and complex things on the jobsite, and they deliver. Leadership in construction is no different. We must stop using “hard” as an excuse and start taking responsibility for growth, learning, and leading. Along the way I also share feedback from a superintendent who has been using my book Elevating Construction Superintendents to mentor younger leaders and strengthen his teams. This is a reminder that doing hard things is not optional, it is our job. 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  

Millennials & Gen Z Are we facing a “work ethic crisis” in today’s younger generations or is that just another recycled excuse? In this raw and unfiltered episode, we cut through the noise and dive into what really matters, entitlement, job hopping, technology dependence, short attention spans, and the danger of chasing comfort before putting in the grind. You’ll hear: ✅ The real truth about whether younger generations are less willing to work. ✅ Why entitlement and unrealistic expectations sabotage careers before they start. ✅ Practical advice for building resilience, focus, and skills that actually last. ✅ A hard-hitting reminder that value is earned, not handed out. This isn’t about shaming it’s about helping the next generation step into their full potential, especially in industries like construction where grit, loyalty, and execution matter most. 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

Why Projects Fail Without Buffers (And What Mine craft Taught Me About Flow) In this episode, I share a breakthrough analogy (yes, it comes from playing Mine craft with my kids!) that finally makes the power of buffers crystal clear. Whether in project schedules, takt wagons, or your daily workflow buffers are the hidden key to preventing chaos, absorbing variation, and keeping everything moving smoothly.   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