In this final episode of the Lean experiment series, Jason Schroeder and Jake Smalley unpack the "secret sauce" behind repeatable success on a jobsite. They reflect on how culture, transparency, humanity, and unwavering standards created a team environment where people felt heard, protected, and motivated to win together. From listening deeply to owners and craft workers to building trust, setting systems on autopilot, and enforcing zero-tolerance safety, this conversation reveals what truly sustains performance under pressure. If you've ever wondered what separates a stressful project from a proud one, this episode brings it all together.

What you'll learn in this episode

• Why understanding and honoring the owner's real priorities sets the foundation for project success.
• How caring for craft workers and listening to their feedback strengthens morale, trust, and performance.
• The role of transparency, open communication, and shared ownership in building a resilient team culture.
• How setting standards, enforcing zero tolerance, and putting systems on autopilot keeps teams balanced and focused.
• Why leadership ultimately comes down to the behaviors we tolerate and the people we choose to protect.

When you look at your project today, are you building a culture that people are proud of or merely tolerating behaviors that quietly put everything at risk?

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 episode, Jason Schroeder and Jake Smalley reflect on a real Lean experiment and unpack what truly kept the project stable when pressure, change, and chaos hit. Through vivid stories and practical examples, they explore how balance, foresight, and clarity allowed the team to stay focused, protect flow, and avoid spiraling into reaction mode. From holding the line during disruptions to overcommunicating milestones and aligning every person on site, this conversation shows how strong teaming turns uncertainty into predictable success. If you want to understand what actually holds a project together when things get hard, this episode delivers timeless lessons.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why balance and stability on a project start with clear roles, shared responsibility, and protecting team capacity.
• How staying focused and keeping the system moving prevents localized problems from derailing the entire job.
• Why deep preplanning and foresight before breaking ground dramatically reduces chaos in the field.
• How clarity, alignment, and overcommunication create trust and commitment across all levels of the project team.
• Why leaders must prioritize team health, predictability, and direction over constant firefighting.

When disruption shows up on your project, do you have the clarity and discipline to keep the ship in orbit, or does everything start to drift?

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 dives into one of the most overlooked but powerful drivers of project success: cleanliness and organization. Jason, Jake, and Jake break down why a clean site is far more than aesthetics, it's the foundation for safety, quality, sequencing, morale, and predictable schedule flow. Through stories from the field, they show how enforcing high standards, building culture early, and leading by example transformed their jobsite into a place where excellence became the norm. If you've ever wondered why clean jobs run better, this episode gives you the real, practical reasons behind it.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why cleanliness and organization form the foundation for safety, quality, cost, and schedule success.
• How a clean site reveals problems early unplanned sequencing, unsafe conditions, and struggling crews.
• Why composite cleanup crews create long-term chaos and how accountability builds real habits.
• How leaders influence culture by setting standards, modeling behavior, and reinforcing expectations daily.
• How psychological cues and first impressions shape workers' behavior the moment they walk on site.

If the state of your jobsite predicts the future of your project, what story is yours telling and what step will you take today to raise that standard?

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 dives into one of the hardest parts of any Lean implementation: sustaining the culture long after the initial excitement fades. Jason, Jake, and Jake break down the systems, habits, and daily practices that kept their project aligned, disciplined, and performing at a high level. From grading trade partners to reinforcing expectations through consistent communication, they reveal how culture is built not by chance, but by intentional repetition and accountability. If you want practical tools for keeping teams engaged and maintaining Lean momentum, this conversation delivers the playbook.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• How consistent reminders and clear expectations keep a culture alive long term.
• Why a Trade Partner Grading System can transform accountability and performance.
• How open feedback loops, daily huddles, and ownership from the field sustain Lean behaviors.
• Why education, books, training, and shared learning, drives buy-in and continuous improvement.
• How consistency in leadership builds trust and reinforces the standards everyone must uphold.

Culture doesn't survive by accident, it survives because leaders choose to maintain it every single day. What are you doing today to reinforce the culture you want tomorrow?

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 dives into the heart of one of construction's toughest challenges: winning over the workforce through genuine respect for people. Jason, Jake, and Jake share how simple human connection, consistent standards, recognition, and open communication can transform a jobsite into a place people want to work. Through real stories from the field, they reveal what actually inspires crews, builds trust, and creates a culture where everyone takes pride in the work. If you want to elevate team performance and create a site people never want to leave, this conversation is packed with insight.

What you'll learn in this episode

• How learning one meaningful thing about each person builds trust, respect, and stronger teamwork.
• Why recognition, personal stories, and morning motivation strengthen culture and energize crews.
• How consistency in standards especially safety and cleanliness shapes long-term behavior and team accountability.
• Why asking workers what they think empowers them, unlocks genius, and improves job performance.
• How creating an environment of fairness, open dialogue, and shared expectations wins people over and keeps them engaged.

If your workforce felt truly seen, respected, and valued tomorrow, how different would your project look by the end of the week?

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 takes you inside one of the most revealing experiments in Lean construction as Jason and Jake break down what it really takes to build a Lean culture through contracts, expectations, and upfront alignment. They share how the team set the conditions for Lean success long before stepping onto the job site, and how clear standards, stable systems, and intentional communication transformed performance. From morning huddles to tact-driven schedules, this conversation exposes why Lean isn't an add-on it's a way of working that must be built into the foundation of every project. If you've ever wondered how to make Lean "stick," this episode gives you the blueprint.

What you'll learn in this episode

• Why Lean doesn't cost more when the project is structured correctly, it simply shifts money from waste to value.
• How to use the basis of schedule and contracting language to enforce Lean expectations from day one.
• Why 30-minute setups, morning huddles, and daily organization only work when they are protected contractually.
• How upfront communication with trade partners prevents resistance and builds trust in Lean systems.
• Why the real ROI of Lean shows up in safety, quality, morale, and repeat work rather than line-item savings.

If your project only reflects Lean after construction starts, is it truly Lean or just a hope?

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 episode of the Elevate Construction Podcast, Jake Smaley and Jason Schroeder discuss the critical balance between incentives and survival on the job site. They explore how raising expectations without holding everyone accountable leads to mediocrity, and the importance of maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for safety and quality. The conversation emphasizes the value of equality, respect, and creating a culture where every worker is treated fairly and held to the same high standards.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• The role of incentives and survival in motivating workers on a Lean construction site.
• Why accountability is crucial for improving overall performance and maintaining job site standards.
• The importance of creating a culture of equality, where all workers follow the same rules.
• How setting a clear zero-tolerance policy for safety and quality leads to a better work environment.
• The value of respect and how it shapes a team's commitment to success.

What are the behaviors you're willing to tolerate on your team, and how can you raise the bar to create a safer, more effective work environment?

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 episode of the Elevate Construction Podcast, Jake Smaley and Jason Schroeder dive into the art of attack, using lessons learned from their Lean implementation project. They discuss the importance of pre-planning, staying nimble, and strategically attacking challenges on the job site to create a positive, productive environment. The episode highlights the power of planning, preparation, and leadership in overcoming obstacles and ensuring a successful project delivery.

What you'll learn in this episode

• The significance of pre-planning and "winning the battle before going to war"
• How creating a stable, well-planned environment leads to a motivated, efficient workforce
• The balance between pushing forward and being flexible when executing Lean strategies
• The concept of "clean and steady" as a key to maintaining high morale and safety on site
• The importance of accountability in sustaining progress and holding teams to high standards.

How can you apply the principles of strategic planning and nimble execution in your projects to eliminate waste and variation, ensuring success from start to finish?

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 episode of the Elevate Construction Podcast, Jason Schroeder and Jake Smaley dive into their experience with Lean implementation on a $100 million project, sharing lessons learned from both successes and failures. They explore how they transformed a disorganized and demoralizing job site into a clean, safe, and efficient space by winning over the workforce, improving site conditions, and fostering a culture of respect and accountability. This episode highlights the power of Lean principles in driving real change in construction environments.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• The importance of winning over workers and improving morale.
• How implementing Lean practices can transform a construction site.
• The role of a zero-tolerance safety policy in maintaining high standards.
• The impact of small actions like cleanliness and organization on overall success.
• Why forcing initial Lean adoption leads to long-term voluntary buy-in.

How can you apply the lessons from this episode to create a more organized, productive, and safe work environment on your 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

This episode breaks down one of the biggest challenges in construction leadership: how to sustain a high-performing culture in an environment that naturally slides toward disorder. Jason explains why standards fade, why teams struggle to maintain excellence, and what leaders must do daily to outpace the entropy of a job site. Through practical examples, proven systems, and hard-won lessons, he shows how persistence, reminders, and clear expectations transform chaos into stability. If you've ever wondered why good systems don't stick and how to finally make them last this episode is for you.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• How entropy affects construction projects and why systems decline without constant reinforcement
• Why the superintendent must set the example and outpace the natural decay of the job site
• The role of daily walks, reminders, and real-time communication tools in sustaining culture
• How to create habits, build belief, and gain buy-in through consistency and clarity
• Why standards, accountability, and respectful systems elevate both people and production

True culture isn't built by what you announce on day one it's built by what you reinforce every single day. What part of your project's culture is waiting for you to take the lead?

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