Elevate Construction

Jason Schroeder
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Aug 5, 2024 • 8min

Ep.1137 - Random Insights

Are you unknowingly the bottleneck on your construction project? In this short but powerful episode of the Elevate Construction Podcast, Jason Schroeder breaks down three game changing truths every builder and leader needs to hear: ✅ Why keeping the plan in your head makes YOU the project’s biggest constraint. ✅ The hard truth about lean: why you can’t punch up and what it really takes to scale operational excellence. ✅ Why “punch list crews” are killing accountability (and what to do instead). If you’re ready to sharpen your leadership, build accountability, and take your projects to the next level, this is 6 minutes you can’t afford to 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
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Aug 5, 2024 • 24min

Ep.1136 - A Response to Negative Feedback

My Unfiltered Response to a Negative Review In this episode, I break down a recent four star review that accused me of being “too political” and explain why topics like racism, sexism, and the treatment of people in construction are not off limits they’re essential. Along the way, I unpack why I stand behind voices like Taylor Swift, why toxic figures like Andrew Tate are dangerous for our industry, and why criticism only matters when it’s intelligent, accurate, and helpful. If you’ve ever wondered where the line is between opinion and impact, free speech and responsibility, or critique and sabotage this is the episode that lays it all out. 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
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Aug 5, 2024 • 15min

Ep.1135 - Manage Your Timelines

The #1 Project Killer You’re Probably Ignoring In this episode, I unpack a brilliant concept shared by Kevin Rice “managing timelines”. We’re talking about the sequences that don’t repeat, don’t fit neatly into your normal planning structure, and yet carry massive consequences like permanent power, elevator installs, switchgear procurement, or utility hookups. If you’re not breaking these timelines down into milestones and inch stones and driving them relentlessly you’re setting yourself up for costly delays and 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
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Aug 5, 2024 • 18min

Ep.1134 - What Happens When a Trade Drives the Schedule?

Who Really Controls the Schedule: You or the Trades? Too many projects grind to a halt because one trade insists on “doing it their way” taking massive areas, blowing through at their own pace, and expecting everyone else to adjust. Sound familiar? In this episode, Jason breaks down why allowing a single trade to drive the schedule kills flow, profitability, and project success. You’ll learn: ·     Why batching huge areas slows the entire project (even if it feels faster in the moment). ·     How flow efficiency and resource efficiency must work together not against each other. ·     The orchestra analogy every superintendent needs to remember when leading trade partners. ·     A powerful mindset shift optimizing the whole vs. letting one trade “win.”   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
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Jul 30, 2024 • 28min

Ep.1133 - We Are All Needed, Feat. Jason Sturgeon

Building Better Leaders, Saving Lives, and Changing Construction Culture In this episode, Jason Schroeder sits down with Jason Sturgeon, founder of Arcade Way finding, to unpack his 30 year journey through the trades and the mission behind his groundbreaking programs for foremen and project managers. Together, they dive into: ·     Why fear vs love is at the core of every leadership decision. ·     How Arcade Way finding’s training has literally saved marriages and kept crews together. ·     The Build the Circle initiative a movement giving overlooked workers (women, minorities, ESL speakers, LGBTQ+) a fair shot at leadership. ·     The brutal truth about the “silver tsunami” hitting construction and why the next generation of leaders must look different than the last. ·     A practical challenge: next time someone’s yelling on your jobsite, stop and ask—is this coming from fear or love? 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
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Jul 25, 2024 • 36min

Ep.1132 - Lean Principles from the Rules of Flow, Feat. Dr. Efrat Goldratt-Ashlag

From Multitasking Myths to Flow Based Success in Construction Why do so many projects stall, burn out crews, and miss deadlines despite everyone “working hard”? The answer might shock you: multitasking and too many open work fronts. In this episode, Jason Schroeder sits down with Dr. Efrat Goldratt-Aschlag, co-author of Goldratt’s Rules of Flow and daughter of Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt (author of The Goal), to unpack the principles that are transforming projects worldwide. Together, they dive into: ·     Why multitasking is the #1 time killer in projects and what to do instead. ·     The Full Kit principle, how to stop crews from starting unready work and finally finish faster. ·     The power of gates to ensure work is truly ready before it moves forward. ·     Real-world success stories from U.S. high-rises to Japan’s disaster recovery proving these methods deliver. ·     The keys to training and growth that keep both people and organizations thriving. If you’ve ever been told to “push harder” when a project is late, this episode will flip that thinking on its head. Speed doesn’t come from panic it comes from preparation, focus, and 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
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Jul 22, 2024 • 11min

Ep.1131 - More Great Topics

Stop Undervaluing Work & Respect the Small Projects In this episode, Jason Schroeder flips common construction myths on their head, smaller doesn’t mean simpler, and slashing prices isn’t a path to success. Learn why rushing to cut costs or undervaluing service providers hurts your team, your projects, and your relationships. Jason dives deep into how to negotiate fairly, effectively, and ethically, why respecting every project big or small is critical, and how real value comes from clarity, data, and integrity. If you’re a construction leader, project manager, or service provider, this episode is packed with insights that will change the way you think about pricing, project scope, and professional respect. Stop playing games with your team and start elevating every project. Tune in and rethink what “value” really means in construction. 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
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Jul 19, 2024 • 15min

Ep.1130 - Answers to Questions

In this podcast we cover: Why waste and variation are detrimental. What we can learn from old school Supers. What advice would I give myself when I was 28? What if the biggest lessons in construction leadership aren’t about schedules or systems—but about people? In this episode, I answer three powerful listener questions that go straight to the heart of what makes a great superintendent. We’ll explore how to get ahead of waste and variation in preconstruction, what old-school supers did right (and what we must leave behind), and the number one piece of advice I’d give my 28-year-old self. Spoiler: it’s not about pushing harder or working longer hours. This conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, planning, and respect on the jobsite. Whether you’re a young super finding your footing or a seasoned builder rethinking your approach, you’ll walk away with perspective-shifting insights. It’s not just about building projects—it’s about building 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  
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Jul 19, 2024 • 14min

Ep.1129 - Getting Past Ego

In this podcast we cover: Why it’s so hard to fix construction. Why the ego gets in the way. This episode dives deep into one of the most powerful yet invisible forces holding construction back, the ego. Too many leaders cling to pride, resist change, and refuse to ask for help, even when projects are sinking. Drawing on insights from Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now, I break down the eight ways ego sabotages success and how to recognize them in ourselves and others. You will hear how ego impacts sales, marketing, and leadership in construction, and why confronting it head-on is the key to unlocking collaboration, trust, and real transformation. If you have ever wondered why smart people make stubborn choices, this episode will change how you see leadership 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  
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Jul 19, 2024 • 18min

Ep.1128 - Short, But Good Thoughts

In this podcast we cover: The rise of builders. Sharing information with Trades. The hell of CPM. Are we losing the builders in construction? In this episode, I tackle three pressing issues shaping our industry today. First, I break down why companies must restore balance by empowering superintendents, foremen, and field engineers instead of drowning in administration. Then I expose the destructive practice of hiding schedules from trade partners and why trust and transparency always win. Finally, I dive into the nightmare of CPM scheduling and explain why takt planning is the future of project delivery. If you’ve ever felt the frustration of excessive paperwork, broken trust, or overwhelming scheduling demands, this episode will hit home. It’s time to rise with the builders and reclaim the future of construction. 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  

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