Elevate Construction

In this episode, Jason sits down with his mentor, Hal Macomber, to unpack a fresh perspective that could change how you see Takt forever. We cover: Why Takt Construction must be seen as a standardized system, not a piecemeal set of practices. The five components of Takt as an operating system: thinking, people, practices, agreements, and assessments. The three core principles that make or break flow on projects. How second-order thinking and inversion can prevent costly mistakes in the field. Why people not just tools are the real drivers of continuous improvement. Whether you're leading a mega data center or a 100-unit wood frame project, this conversation will challenge the way you approach flow, people, and production laws in construction. If you've ever felt Takt is "just a tool," this episode will reframe it as the socio-technical operating system that can transform projects big and small. 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

Is "constructive criticism" really constructive or is it just disguised negativity? Jason takes a bold stance in this episode: criticism should not exist. Instead, he unpacks the difference between criticism and feedback for improvement and why only one of them builds people up, drives growth, and creates healthier cultures in construction and beyond. In this episode you'll learn: Why criticism damages trust, triggers ego, and stalls progress. The clear definition of feedback for improvement and why it works. How servant leadership rejects punishment and embraces growth. Why respecting people means replacing blame with actionable guidance. How shifting from criticism to feedback transforms teams, prisons, even society. This isn't just about construction. It's about how we treat each other as humans. If we want a better industry and a better world, we need to stop tearing people down and start helping them improve. Listen in, and let's build cultures that elevate people instead of discarding them. 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

This episode isn't comfortable and it's not meant to be. Jason takes on a tough but necessary conversation about the cultural mindset that's holding us back. Too often, we wear stagnation, ignorance, and fear like badges of honor. "I haven't read a book in 30 years." "We've always done it this way." "AI will take our jobs." These aren't harmless phrases, they're symptoms of decline. Jason draws from history, industry, and hard truth to challenge us: Why fear and ignorance have become tools of control in governments, companies, and even daily conversations. How the U.S. once thrived on continuous improvement, education, and courage and what it would take to reclaim that mindset. Why tariffs, isolation, and complacency are signs of decline not solutions. What construction professionals can do to reject stagnation and become the true voices of progress. This isn't about politics. It's about leadership, courage, and the future of our industry and our nation. If you're tired of seeing fear and ignorance celebrated, and you're ready to step into improvement and knowledge, this is an episode you can't afford to skip. 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

Most of us see stress as the villain in our story. But what if it's actually a tool, even a superpower? In this episode, Jason Schroeder is joined by licensed therapist Barbara Hettinger, who brings years of experience in trauma, family, and mental health work. Together, they break down how stress works, why it isn't inherently "bad," and how you can flip the script to use stress as fuel for focus, growth, and resilience. What you'll take away from this episode: Why stress is neutral not good, not bad and how your response makes the difference. A three-step method to acknowledge, welcome, and use stress to your advantage. How reframing stress can turn ADHD, OCD, or daily struggles into hidden superpowers. Practical tools to stay within your "window of tolerance" and find calm under pressure. Real stories from the field about leaders transforming stress into clarity and action. This isn't just another talk about "managing stress." It's about re-imagining it as a force that can sharpen your edge and strengthen your leadership. If you're in construction or just navigating the stress of daily life, this episode will help you rethink the pressure you feel and use it to build something remarkable. 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

There's a common saying in construction: "You're not doing your job unless your name's on the porta john." Jason and Mark Story break it down and break it apart. Disrespect is not a badge of honor. It's a warning sign that leadership is failing. Instead, they show how real leaders win trust and build high-performing jobs by supporting their teams, not fighting them. You'll hear field-tested stories of: Turning messy, conflict-heavy projects into stable, clean, and respectful jobsites. Why adding restrooms and daily worker huddles can instantly boost morale and productivity. How trades are already bending over backwards and what GCs must do to better support them Why "leadership" boils down to one thing: removing roadblocks so your people can succeed. This episode is about more than porta john graffiti. It's about flipping the culture of construction from disrespect to dignity, from chaos to 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

Unions spark some of the strongest emotions in construction. Jason finally tackles the topic head-on sharing both the best and worst he's seen. From world-class training halls to toxic bullying, from skilled Southern California carpenters to right-to-work states with weaker pipelines, he unpacks why unions exist, where they add value, and where they've gone off track. In this episode, Jason covers: Why unions are ultimately our fault, a response to toxic management and disrespect for people. The undeniable benefits: training, tools, benefits, and raising the bar on craft quality. The dark side: threats, vandalism, mafia-like behavior, and how that destroys trust. Real examples from California, Texas, Arizona, and Illinois that show both extremes. Why "all union" vs. "no union" politics is broken and what a balanced path could look like. A bigger truth: nobody in the U.S. should be threatened or killed for their beliefs, union or non-union. The bottom line: if companies want to avoid unions, they must take better care of their people. And if unions want lasting respect, they must hold themselves accountable to higher standards. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation you won't hear anywhere else. Hit play and join the dialogue. 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

Leaders hoping for instant results in Lean will be disappointed—real transformation takes time. Discover the essential systems needed for success and why true change must come from leadership, not delegation. Learn about total participation and the importance of accountability for sustainable results. Jason highlights that piecemeal implementations often fail and encourages a unified approach. He discusses non-negotiable practices and the need for a stable system that supports continuous improvement. Tune in to build effective, scalable systems!

From boot camps to field training, Jason shows why our schools and even many corporate programs are broken, and how the construction industry can step up with meaningful education that sticks. In this episode, you'll hear: Why grading and homework are damaging and outdated. How schools condition kids to stay quiet instead of staying curious. Why colleges and traditional training leave people siloed and scared to speak up. Examples of companies (Hensel Phelps, Petticoat-Schmidt, O'Shea Builders) doing training the right way. Why ignorance benefits the ruling class and why we must fight it with education. The dangerous excuses we keep repeating in construction ("workers are the problem," "we can't do that here," "retention is fine") and why they're all wrong. The books, tools, and lean practices that every builder should be learning and applying today. Jason's challenge is simple: training, training, and more training. Not once a year, not when it's convenient, every day, until learning becomes the heartbeat of your company. Because we don't rise to the level of our ambitions, we fall to the level of our training. If you're ready to swap ignorance for growth and excuses for real learning, this episode will light a fire. 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

Competition may sound like it sharpens us, but in practice it creates waste, weakens innovation, and leaves most of us struggling while a tiny fraction benefits. Cooperation, on the other hand, unlocks speed, quality, and respect for people. In this episode, Jason shares: A powerful example of how rivalry once stopped firefighters from saving lives. Why Asian manufacturers thrive on total participation while U.S. industries stall. How CPM schedules and competitive contracts reinforce the wrong behaviors. The overlooked "ninth waste" in construction: competition itself. Personal stories of being punished for helping others and why that mindset is broken. He challenges leaders to imagine a jobsite where trades, GCs, and partners stop hoarding information and start sharing openly. What would happen if instead of fighting each other, we fought waste together? If you're ready to flip the script from rivalry to results, this is the episode to hit play 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

This episode gets real about why good delivery models go bad. Jason breaks down the traps that derail IPD, Design-Build, and CM at Risk, and shows how systems thinking, flow, and true collaboration keep projects on track. Key points: The "competitive design proposal" trap burns millions and cannibalizes unpaid design. Phased design without a full kit leads to rework: missing sleeves, embeds, blue bangers, and chaos. If it violates Goldratt's Rules of Flow, it will fail no matter the contract wrapper. Deming's lesson: we fail despite best efforts when we don't think in systems. Stop sub-optimizing and start collaborating across teams, trades, and tech. Update your playbooks continuously instead of treating methods as frozen versions. If you want delivery models that actually deliver, build the system first, protect flow, and make collaboration non-negotiable. 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