Elevate Construction

In this podcast we cover:

• Things people say about being tough in construction.
• Why we need to be more accepting.

In this episode, I sit down with Brandon Montero in Guadalajara, Mexico to have an honest conversation about the culture of toughness in construction. Brandon shares a powerful story about someone being told to "grow thicker skin or get out" after showing emotion in a meeting and we dive deep into why that mindset is broken. Together we explore the dangerous sayings that have been normalized on job sites like "real men don't cry" or "suck it up," and we talk about how these toxic ideas tear people down instead of building them up.

We also reflect on what true leadership looks like: creating environments where people are protected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. Brandon highlights the role of vulnerability as real strength, and I share how looking back on my career, it was the one tool I needed most. From A Few Good Men to real-life construction stories, this episode is about redefining what toughness means and challenging leaders to replace outdated bravado with empathy, inclusion, and authenticity.

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 safety glasses are the best indicator of readiness.
• Why it should be mandatory.
• What it means when people do not wear them.

In this episode, I take a strong stance on one of the simplest yet most telling aspects of safety on a construction site: wearing safety glasses. Too often, leaders make excuses or allow exceptions, and in doing so, they undermine the very foundation of a safe job site. I share why safety glasses are more than protective equipment—they are a litmus test of readiness, training, and attitude.

We explore how refusing to wear safety glasses reveals deeper cultural or behavioral problems and why leaders must hold the line without compromise. I also explain how something as small as consistent PPE enforcement shapes the larger safety culture and protects workers from future risks. If you want to build projects where safety is non-negotiable and culture thrives, this episode will challenge 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

In this podcast we cover:

• What crystal balls you have on your roles.
• When you should look into them.
• What you are looking for.
• What you will do about it.

In this episode, I draw inspiration from The Rings of Power to talk about crystal balls in construction. Just as the Palantír helped leaders see the future, we too have tools that give us foresight, production plans, field walks, budgets, procurement logs, and more. The challenge is not identifying them but using them with discipline. I break down how superintendents and project managers can schedule time to review their crystal balls, what to look for when they do, and how to take action before small issues become big problems. If you want to sharpen your foresight as a construction leader and keep your projects flowing smoothly, this episode is for you.

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:

• What is reference class forecasting?
• Why your project is not different?
• What you can do to better plan your projects.

In this episode, I explore the power of reference classes in construction planning. Inspired by How Big Things Get Done and challenged by Kate during our Guadalajara bootcamp, I realized how often we take shortcuts with data and assume our projects are different. I break down what reference classes are, why they matter, and how to use them to forecast schedule and budget more realistically. I also share how Elevate's planning system, macro plans as promises and norm plans as targets, perfectly aligns with this principle. We talk about the danger of wishful thinking, the importance of building a project database, and how lean techniques can help us beat the average once we have promised responsibly. This is a practical and honest conversation about planning with evidence, not ego.

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 the bodies of men and women are different.
• Why this matters on our projects.
• What we can do about it.

In this episode, I talk with Katie about the challenges and opportunities of merging men and women in the workplace. What starts as a discussion about biological differences highlighted in the book Eve turns into a broader conversation about compassion, individuality, and human needs. We explore why traditional workplace standards often reflect male baselines, how flexibility and care can benefit everyone, and why construction culture must move away from "suck it up" mentalities. Katie shares insights on why compassion is not just good for people but also for business, and we dig into the overlooked struggles that men face in the industry. This is an honest conversation about moving past one size fits all thinking and building workplaces where everyone can thrive.

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:

• What pull is.
• Why pull is not our first method.
• What will happen if you follow the stupidity of what the industry teaches now about pull.

In this episode, Jason challenges one of the most misunderstood concepts in lean construction: pull. Too often the industry treats pull as the master principle, ignoring the long supply chains, complex procurement, and predictive planning that real projects demand. Jason explains why Last Planner implementations frequently fail without forecasting, and he dismantles the myth that just-in-time delivery means skipping laydown yards or advance procurement. With real examples like switchgear lead times and curtain wall staging, he shows how the industry has pull wrong and what needs to change. You will learn why predictive planning and tact are essential, how pull should function as a refining tool, and what it takes to finally align construction with lean principles that actually work in the field.

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:

• The definition and difference between roadblocks and constraints.
• Why we must dig deeper into constraints.
• Taking it from theory to execution.

In this episode, Jason takes a deeper look at the critical difference between roadblocks and constraints in construction. Too often, project teams focus only on the issues that appear in front of them without addressing the systemic factors that define overall project performance. Jason explains how roadblocks can be removed ahead of time while constraints require redesign and optimization of the production system itself. Drawing on examples from lean principles, theory of constraints, and practical project experience, this episode shows how leaders can shift their perspective to unlock flow, improve collaboration, and deliver predictable results.

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:

• The phases of lean implementation.
• Why you must follow them in order.
• What happens if you don't.

In this episode, Jason shares the four critical phases of implementing lean within a construction company. He explains why leadership awareness and buy-in must come first, why system adoption cannot be skipped, and how training and accountability follow in sequence to ensure success. Using real examples from client conversations, Kate's insights, and lessons from Elevate Construction bootcamps, Jason highlights the risks of rushing into training without top-down commitment. This episode will help you understand the exact path companies must follow if they want lean to truly take hold, create lasting cultural change, and improve results across 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 to keep workers cool.
• The measure of success.
• Why it is so important.

In this episode, Jason takes on one of the most overlooked but critical aspects of jobsite safety: keeping workers cool in extreme heat. Drawing from personal experiences at Lake Pleasant and lessons from past projects, he shares practical strategies for protecting crews, including misting stations, cooling fans, hydration points, electrolyte drinks, and adjusted work schedules. Jason also emphasizes the importance of jobsite culture, explaining why toughness is no defense against heat and how leaders must normalize cooling off as a smart and professional choice. With tips ranging from cooling gear to shaded bathrooms, this episode will help you rethink whether your jobsite setup is truly something to be proud of.

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:

• What to include in a lean scope of work for a general contractor.

In this episode Jason lays out the essential inclusions that every owner and owner's rep should require from contractors on lean mega projects. From visual preconstruction planning to tact and Last Planner training, Jason explains the systems and cultural shifts that make the difference between chaos and flow. He highlights why team-building principles, proactive supply chain management, and workforce respect must be written into contracts, not treated as optional. With practical insights from proven projects, Jason shows how the right lean inclusions create remarkable results while those who ignore them struggle to stay on track. If you want to understand what separates winning contractors from the rest, this episode will stop you in your tracks.

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