

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

May 22, 2024 • 12min
Ep.1087 - Answering Questions about Takt
In this podcast we cover: How to implement in a CPM job. What to do to scale and advertise the success. In this episode, I respond to a listener’s questions about incorporating takt planning into a large project still guided by CPM. I explain why CPM consistently fails to deliver reliable results and how takt creates real flow and predictability in construction. I walk through practical steps for building takt plans for your phase or building, using tools like the takt calculator and Intakt software. I also cover how to handle bottlenecks like fireproofing, how to level zones by density, and how to quietly align takt with CPM when others resist change. This episode is a call to action for builders ready to leave outdated methods behind and embrace a system that actually works. 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

May 22, 2024 • 18min
Ep.1086 - Finishing up the Book Built to Fail
In this podcast we cover: Information for JIT, Supply, and Procurement. In this episode, I close out my reflections on the book Built to Fail and dive into some of the most powerful lessons it offers. From the challenges of modular construction to the importance of just-in-time material management, I explore what the industry gets right and where it falls short. I break down why accepting extreme lead times without question hurts projects and how pushing back can unlock new efficiencies. I share thoughts on controlling supply chains, reducing administrative waste, and partnering strategically to improve flow. You will also hear about practical strategies for balancing inventory, optimizing resources, and leveraging technology to make supply systems more agile. This is a call to construction professionals to stop settling for the status quo and start building systems that actually 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

May 22, 2024 • 37min
Ep.1085 - Solving Issues with Changing Design
In this podcast we cover: How to manage a project that is constantly changing. How to lead your team and create focus. In this episode, I sit down for a live problem-solving session with a construction leader facing a project buried in ASIs, RFIs, and constant design changes. What started as a one-year build stretched into nearly two years, leaving the team searching for a way to maintain momentum and adapt under pressure. We dive into strategies for isolating first, second, and third flows of work, protecting crews from burnout, and preventing project management from being consumed by change orders. I share practical recommendations on visual mapping, rally cries for morale, and how to use crew-tied schedules that tell the truth rather than optimistic guesses. If you have ever wondered how to lead a project through chaos without losing productivity, this episode will give you the tools and mindset to stay in control. 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

May 17, 2024 • 21min
Ep.1084 - Focus on Supply and Demand
In this podcast we cover: New sections from the book. Why schedulers have no business making plans. Why CPM schedules fail. In this episode, I open up about milestones, insights, and challenges shaping both our industry and our lives. From celebrating a 50 percent women workforce milestone to reflecting on lessons from Taylor Swift’s Miss Americana, I explore why equality and fairness matter more than ever in construction. I also share insights from Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth about ego, fear, and the history of patriarchy, tying it back to leadership today. The discussion then shifts to Built to Fail, where I highlight the dangers of relying on CPM schedules and why takt planning is essential for true flow. If you want a candid, thought-provoking mix of personal reflection and industry insight, this episode will challenge your thinking and inspire you to lead differently. 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

May 17, 2024 • 14min
Ep.1083 - Clarifications about Lean
In this podcast we cover: Multi-train Takt plans. Other Flow Units. Why AWP will still fail. In this episode, I share clarifications on Lean and reflect on the misconceptions holding back our industry. I talk about why I do not believe any company has yet reached the level of being a true Lean organization and outline the principles we must embrace to move forward: shedding our egos, never stopping our learning, networking as a community, and questioning everything. I also explore common misunderstandings about takt planning and flow units, explaining why construction requires multi-train takt plans and a broader view of flow than traditional manufacturing thinking provides. With insights from Paul Akers, How Big Things Get Done, Built to Fail, and the Lean Builder, this discussion highlights why Lean in construction is still in research and development and why we must keep striving 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

May 15, 2024 • 15min
Ep.1082 - Respect in a New Light
In this podcast we cover: Respect for people. Respect for Resources. Respect for Owners. Respect for Ourselves. In this episode I share a deeper perspective on respect in construction. Respect is more than politeness, it is a framework for how we treat people, manage resources, handle customers, and care for ourselves. I discuss lessons from Lean construction, reflections on team size, and real feedback from industry professionals. I explore practical ways to demonstrate respect on projects, from clean facilities to over communication with clients, and I highlight why self respect is essential to sustaining performance. Whether you are new to construction or leading large teams, this episode offers a practical and human centered perspective on what respect really looks like in 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

May 14, 2024 • 17min
Ep.1081 - 2 Tips for PMs
In this podcast we cover: How to assemble a great team. Why you should get good at not being good. In this episode I share two vital lessons for project managers. First, the importance of building loyal and connected teams that share trust and experience. Second, the need to avoid getting stuck in unhelpful routines and instead embrace the discomfort of learning and change. Together these practices create the foundation for lasting success in construction management. 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

May 13, 2024 • 16min
Ep.1080 - Its Just How It Is Here
In this podcast we cover: Why people make excuses about not implementing lean. It is not just how people are in your area. Showcasing how any size job anywhere can be operationally excellent. 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

May 13, 2024 • 12min
Ep. 1079 - No Such Thing as a Win/Lose
In this podcast we cover: Why win/ lose scenarios do not work. Reflections on boot camp. 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

May 13, 2024 • 14min
Ep.1078 - It’s Not Without Stress
In this podcast we cover: How lean is not easy. How lean is Eustress and waste is distress. Why it’s worth the effort. 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