Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder

In this no-bullshido episode of Hoots on the Ground, Adam Hoots sits down with "Old Dog" Jeff Reilly—a devoted father, husband, and superintendent with Mill Creek Residential Trust whose leadership philosophy bridges family, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement. From his Boston union roots to leading modern Lean projects, Jeff shares how lessons from his ancestors, parents, and mentors shaped his mindset on respect, environment, and the true meaning of Kaizen.

Together, Adam and Jeff dig deep into what it means to balance family, work, and wisdom in today's construction world. They explore how true leadership comes from presence—not just productivity—and why the best Lean builders know that mentors don't always know that they're mentors. From developing young leaders to honoring the OG Old Dawgs Buddy Brumley and Mondo 3K, this conversation reminds us that Lean is more than tools—it's a mindset built on humanity, humility, and legacy.

Key Takeaways:

• Family-First Leadership: Jeff draws strength from his union roots and family traditions, building teams the same way his parents built him: with presence, purpose, and pride.

• Kaizen with Purpose: Lean isn't about checklists or buzzwords; it's about creating environments that respect people, improve daily, and flow with intention.

• Mentors Matter: Every worker is conditioning someone else; be self-aware enough to model the example you wish you'd had.

Key Quotes:

• "Presence builds people. Productivity is just the result."

• "Lean isn't tools—it's how you show up for your team."

• "Your kids and your crew need the same thing: your time and your attention."

• "Every Old Dawg was once a young pup watching someone else."

• "Environment is leadership—design a space where people can succeed."

ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST:

The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.

RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Lean Builder — Blog, book, and field tools for Lean practitioners. (https://theleanbuilder.com/)

• This is Lean — Niklas Modig — A modern reframing of efficiency, flow, and value. (https://thisislean.com/)

• Old Dawg Lean Community — Wisdom-sharing group continuing Buddy Brumley's legacy. (https://www.skool.com/olddawg)

• LCI Congress — The annual gathering of Lean construction leaders shaping industry transformation. (https://congress.leanconstruction.org/)

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Adam Hoots | Host of Hoots on the Ground and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhoots/)

• Jeff Reilly | Superintendent with Mill Creek Residential Trust, Old Dawg Lean Leader, and builder of teams, families, and better jobsite environments. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-reilly-640b66b9/)

Recorded live inside the Lean Construction Institute's Live Podcast Booth at LCI Congress 2025, the Old Dawgs got together for an unfiltered, field‑first discussion. This fast‑moving conversation captures what decades of hard‑won (700+ years) experience have taught these seasoned Lean builders about the superiority of modern Lean construction methods over traditional methods.

Led by podcast host Adam Hoots, this is one "Hoots on the Ground" episode you DO NOT want to miss! (And if you usually go audio-only for our podcasts, this one is one to WATCH – 12 Old Dawgs crammed into a podcast studio – you can see and feel the passion!)

From the origins of Lean Construction to the latest experiments in production planning, the Old Dawgs trade war stories, share missteps, and reveal the practical moves that create flow, reliability, and above all respect for environments and people. You'll hear how they've adapted The Last Planner System® practices for tough schedules, why Takt thinking clarifies handoffs, and how real trust is built when leaders keep promises and elevate the voices of craft professionals.

What the Old Dawgs get into during this podcast:

• The shift from "tools talk" to a people‑first culture that enables tools to work.
• How trust, psychological safety, and clear promises drive schedule reliability.
• Evolving Last Planner System behaviors (constraints removal, PPC as coaching, daily huddles that add value).
• Using Takt planning to simplify sequencing, stabilize labor, and reduce chaos at handoffs.
• Preconstruction to production: designing for flow, defining capacity, and right‑sizing batch sizes.
• Leadership on the deck: what foremen and supers need from project leaders to protect the crew's time.
• Respect for People in action: craft voice in planning, mental health, and creating environments where capability grows.
• Rapid‑fire reflections: the one behavior each Dawg would start tomorrow to improve team performance.

Key takeaways include:

• Reliability is a relationship. When leaders make and keep clear promises, crews reciprocate—and schedules stabilize.
• Small, stable cadences beat heroics. Short planning horizons, visible commitments, and simple feedback loops win.
• Design for flow early. Define constraints and capacity in precon so production plans are realistic, not aspirational.
• Psych safety isn't "soft." It's the precondition for surfacing constraints, learning from misses, and improving PPC.
• Respect for people is the strategy. Elevating craft expertise and well‑being accelerates learning and performance.

It's a lively, candid celebration of the Old Dawg community that continues to push the industry forward—reminding us that Lean is less about perfection and more about continuous learning, with dignity for the people doing the work.

ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST:

The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.

RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Lean Builder — Blog, book, and field resources for Lean practitioners.
• Old Dawgs Lean Community — www.skool.com/olddawg
• LCI Congress — https://congress.leanconstruction.org/

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

Adam Hoots | LinkedIn — Host of Hoots on the Ground and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions.

12 Old Dawgs - too many to name, but we will...

• Boone White, ICM (Innovative Construction Management)
• Brian Chiles JE Dunn Construction
• Denver Watters, Pointcore Construction
• Emerson Dority, Turner Construction Company
• James Gable, Adolfson & Peterson Construction
• James Glass, Turner Construction Company
• Jeff Reilly, Mill Creek Residential
• Jordan Leytem, CoBuild Construction
• LR Weeden, Robins & Morton
• Manny Hoyo, Skanska
• Mike Chiles JE Dunn Construction
• Sam Sinclair, Henson Robinson Company
• Plus, Justin, Jason, and Joe snuck in at the end.

In this no-bullshido episode, Adam Hoots chops it up with Mississippi's own Boone White, a farm-raised boy, Christ‑follower, husband, dad of three, and unapologetic agitator for change. He is a General Superintendent with ICM Construction in Oxford, Mississippi. Boone traces his path from the old "yell‑and‑cuss" era to a worker-first approach powered by Last Planner, Takt, and disciplined make-ready planning. From Houston to Mississippi, he breaks down how humility and curiosity, not just grit, unlock flow, safety, and calmer, more predictable jobs.

The duo tackles integrating CPM/Takt/Last Planner, empowering trades to innovate, training the next wave of supers, and focusing on the real constraint: human-centered leadership.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Grit isn't a strategy; when paired with humility and curiosity, we can design a better workflow.
• CPM, Takt, and Last Planner can (and should) work together to plan for flow.
• The top constraint is leadership capacity: developing people, not just schedules.
• Celebrate field-driven improvements—innovation snowballs when it's recognized.
• Safer, cleaner, clearer sites = respect for people and better project outcomes.

KEY QUOTES:

• "Grit gets you started; humility and curiosity get you flow."
• "When trades own the plan, safety and predictability show up."
• "CPM, Takt, and Last Planner aren't rivals—they're instruments in the same orchestra."
• "Clean, calm, and clear is what respect for people looks like in the field."

RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED:

• The Lean Builder | www.theleanbuilder.com | Blog, book, resources, and a hub for the lean construction community.
• LCI – Lean Construction Institute | www.leanconstruction.org | Training, events, and thought leadership.
• Outbuild | www.outbuild.com | Scheduling platform aligning Last Planner, CPM, and Takt.
• "The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement" & "It's Not Luck: Marketing, Production, and The Theory of Constraints" — Eliyahu Goldratt | Theory of Constraints fundamentals.
• "Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss without Losing Your Humanity" — Kim Scott | Care personally, challenge directly.
• "Bottleneck Rules: How to Get More Done (When Working Harder Isn't Working" — Clarke Ching | Practical focus on constraints.

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Adam Hoots | LinkedIn | Podcast host for Hoots on the Ground and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions.
• Boone White | LinkedIn | General Superintendent with ICM Construction and an advocate for Lean Construction and worker-first leadership.

ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST: The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.

In this no-bullshido episode of Hoots on the Ground, host Adam Hoots reconnects with Jesse "Chuy" Hernandez—the plumber's son turned foreman, GC leader, consultant, author, and unapologetic "selfish servant."

Jesse shares his journey from apprentice to industry thought leader, tying sobriety, service, and Lean thinking together. He breaks down his three leadership lessons—zoom level, time horizon, and lingo—and shows how those same gaps cause project failures. Adam and Jesse also tackle problem-solving, the power of listening with eyes and ears, the myth of the "indispensable superintendent," and why sometimes the fastest fix is deciding something isn't a problem.

They preview the upcoming LCI Congress, scheduled for October 20-24, 2025, in Arlington, Texas, including Jesse's "Sweat Equity Improvement" workshop, and close with his next mission: training for a full Ironman to prove ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

Key takeaways include:

· Leadership maturity evolves through zoom level, time horizon, and lingo — meet people where they are, not where you want them to be.

· The fastest way to solve a problem? Decide it's not a problem — and focus on the ones that truly matter.

· Lean isn't about efficiency—it's about building people's problem-solving capabilities through improving work.

· Listening with your eyes and ears is the highest-leverage technology in construction; forget the dashboards, pay attention to people.

RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

· The Lean Builder | https://theleanbuilder.com/ | Blog, book, resources, and a hub for the lean construction community.

· LCI – Lean Construction Institute | https://leanconstruction.org/ | Training, events, and thought leadership in Lean Construction.

· LCI Congress 2025 | https://congress.leanconstruction.org/ | Annual gathering of lean-minded builders and leaders in Arlington, TX.

· "Becoming the Promise You Are Intended to Be" by Jesse Hernandez | https://www.depthbuilder.com/books | Inspiring lessons on leadership, service, and growth.

· "Lean in Love" by Jesse Hernandez and Jennifer Lacy | https://www.depthbuilder.com/books | Exploring Lean principles through the lens of human connection.

· "Learnings and Missteps" Podcast, Hosted by Jesse Hernandez | https://www.learningsandmissteps.com/ | Featuring stories from the trades and beyond.

· "Brace Me: The Lean Framework for Love and Leadership" by Sam Sinclair | https://www.amazon.com/BRACE-ME-Lean-Framework-Leadership/dp/B0FJJPJ34F | A superintendent's perspective on building, resilience, and leadership.

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

· Adam Hoots | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhoots/ | Podcast host for Hoots on the Ground and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions.

· Jesse "Chewy" Hernandez | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessedepthbuilder/ | Author, Speaker, Consultant, and Advocate for Human-Centered Leadership and Lean Construction.

ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST:The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.

In this no-bullshido episode of Hoots on the Ground, Adam Hoots hangs out in Kyoto, Japan, with the one and only Thomas LaMay, a project leader at DPR Construction who's got Lean systems and people-first thinking down to a science. What starts as a chat about bucket list experiences at the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 33) turns into a full-on masterclass on designing better production systems—and better lives for the people doing the work. Thomas dives into the importance of caring for the people on the job, from the simple things (like clean port-a-potties and shaded break tents) to big ideas like integrating Mental Health First Aid, and team health assessments. The two explore how systems thinking, Last Planner System®, Takt planning, and location-based management aren't just tools—they're opportunities to make construction more human.

Key takeaways include:

• Respect for people starts with the basics — Clean toilets, shaded break areas, and rest show genuine care for those doing the work.
• Design your system or someone else will — Intentional production systems (with flow, visual signals, and collaboration) beat chaos every time.
• Mental health is a safety issue — Treat it with urgency, awareness, and proactive tools like mental health first aid and daily empathy walks.

This one's for every builder who gives a damn about people more than just deadlines. Because, as Thomas says, "If you don't design your production system, someone else will—and you may not like what they choose."

ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST:The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.

RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Lean Builder | www.theleanbuilder.com | Blog, book, resources, news, events, and a hub for the Lean community.
• International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC) | www.iglc.net | Access to 30+ years of Lean construction conference papers and research.
• LCI – Lean Construction Institute | www.leanconstruction.org | Training, events, and thought leadership in Lean Construction.
• "Geotechnical Insights for a Productive Production System for Earthwork" by Kim Simmons, Thomas LaMay, and Paz Arroyo | https://iglc.net/Papers/Details/2333 | Presented at IGLC 33
• "Strategic Takt Planning" by Dr. Iris D. Tommelein & Samir Emdanat | https://iglc.net/Papers/Details/2315 | Presented at IGLC 33 (NOTE: the equation is shown on Page 5)
• Video of Equation Work by Dr. Tommelein | https://photos.app.goo.gl/NtuyxzzCQzw1wuCGA | Recorded by Adm at IGLC 33
• Mental Health First Aid USA | www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org | Certification and resources for recognizing and responding to mental health challenges.
• "A Construction Suicide" by Thomas LaMay and Brian Winningham | https://www.rangerwinnie.com/post/a-construction-suicide | A poignant, raw, real story on how a worker's suicide impacts an entire construction crew. (A TLB special chapter excerpt from Thomas and Brian's upcoming book!)
• The Center For Construction Research and Training - Opioid Resources | https://www.cpwr.com/research/research-to-practice-r2p/r2p-library/other-resources-for-stakeholders/mental-health-addiction/opioid-resources/
• "The Knowing-Doing Gap" by Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert Sutton | www.jeffreypfeffer.com/books | Exploring why knowledge often fails to translate into action.
• 4D BIM & Takt Planning Resources | Tools to integrate time, location, and coordination planning.

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Adam Hoots | https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhoots/ | Podcast host, Lean Construction Shepherd at ConstructionACHEsolutions.
• Thomas LaMay | https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaslamay/ | Project Leader at DPR Construction, Lean Construction Advocate, Speaker, and Mental Health Champion in the field

In this episode, host Adam Hoots connects with Dominic Desmarais, a Canadian mechanical engineer and Lean Construction enthusiast with more than two decades of experience. Recorded live from Kyoto, Japan, at The International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC) 33, Dominic shares insights from his profound Lean journey, his passion for bridging the traditional divides between thinkers and doers, and the critical interplay of mind, hands, and heart in the workplace.

Dominic examines the fundamental importance of human motivation and respect in the construction industry, drawing compelling analogies between workplace motivation and the intrinsic joy of sports. He emphasizes how authentic human connection, creativity, and physical engagement transform mundane tasks into meaningful activities.

Key takeaways include:

· Understanding the essential "trinity" of mind, hands, and heart to drive motivation and productivity in construction.

· How genuine respect and human-centered thinking dramatically improve job satisfaction and outcomes.

· Real-world reflections from Japanese construction sites, highlighting cultural differences in discipline, safety, visual management, and worker care.

· Dominic's practical insights on recognizing beneficial change (kaizen) versus neutral or harmful change in construction processes.

· Powerful examples of visual management and operational excellence observed in Japan that can be practically implemented on Western job sites.

Dominic thoughtfully challenges traditional Western paradigms, urging construction leaders to dismantle artificial divisions between thinkers and doers, cultivating environments where people can thrive and deliver exceptional value. He advocates for intentional cultural reflection, understanding that true "Lean" practices may differ significantly depending on regional and organizational starting points.

ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST:The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.

RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:• The Lean Builder | Blog, book, resources, news, and events | www.theleanbuilder.com • IGLC (International Group for Lean Construction) | https://iglc.net/

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:• Adam Hoots | Podcast host for Hoots on the Ground and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions | https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhoots/ • Dominic Desmarais | Lean Practitioner, Mechanical Engineer, and Advocate for Human-Centered Construction Excellence | Director of Lean Construction with Graham | https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-desmarais-p-eng-680b4236/

In this insightful episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, Adam Hoots is joined by Hal Macomber, a respected leader, coach, and influential figure in the field of Lean Construction. Hal shares over 35 years of experience pioneering Lean practices, offering profound insights into continuous flow construction, human-centered leadership, and the power of engaging frontline workers. Hal reflects on the industry's progress, emphasizing that while Lean has made significant strides, substantial work remains to integrate its core principles universally. He introduces the concept of "Continuous Flow Construction," explaining the critical importance of designing projects with a clear operational rhythm or "Takt," thereby dramatically improving efficiency and reducing project duration. Key insights from this episode include:

• How continuous flow construction, designed around Takt time, can revolutionize project delivery by dramatically reducing cycle times, sometimes from weeks to mere hours.
• The essential role of operational science, including Little's Law, the Law of Bottlenecks, the Law of Variation, and Kingman's Formula, in enhancing production planning and control.
• The true meaning of "Kaizen," emphasizing personal and collective growth through continuous learning and improvement, extends beyond simply eliminating waste.
• The critical need to equip trade workers, whom Hal respectfully refers to as "performers," with the skills, mindset, and agency to execute Lean principles in the field effectively.
• The limitations of traditional scheduling methods (e.g., CPM) necessitate the adoption of collaborative, inclusive scheduling practices that fully integrate Lean methodologies.

Hal highlights the transformational power of true worker agency and engagement, urging leaders to foster environments where frontline workers actively contribute to problem-solving and continuous improvement. He challenges conventional wisdom by asserting that push methods are never beneficial, advocating instead for a system based entirely on pull and flow. Through stories and practical advice, Hal and Adam encourage listeners to shift from rigid, hierarchical structures toward empathetic, human-centered approaches that harness the full potential of every team member.

This episode is a crucial listen for construction leaders, Lean practitioners, and anyone passionate about driving deep, sustainable improvement through genuine human engagement and systemic thinking. NOTABLE EPISODE QUOTES:

• "Continuous flow construction isn't just about efficiency; it's about human engagement and empowerment." – Hal Macomber
• "Real Kaizen is using every opportunity to grow ourselves, not just the system." – Hal Macomber
• "Don't just respect people—respect human nature." – Hal Macomber

ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST:The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction. RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

· The Lean Builder | Blog, book, resources, news, and events.

· Toyota Kata | Methodology for systematic continuous improvement.

· Little's Law, Law of Variation, Law of Bottlenecks, and Kingman's Formula (overview of all laws) | Operational science fundamentals.

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

· Adam Hoots | LinkedIn | Podcast host, Lean Construction Shepherd at ConstructionACHEsolutions.

· Hal Macomber | LinkedIn | Lean construction pioneer, influential Lean coach, and mentor.

In this powerful episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, Adam Hoots sits down with Ryan Taylor, a Superintendent at San Antonio Water System (SAWS), and Rene Duron, a Construction Specialist for SAWS and THIS podcast editor. This episode delves deep into mentorship, leadership, and personal growth in construction while reinforcing the values of trust, accountability, and human connection in the industry.

Ryan shares his journey at SAWS, where he has dedicated 25 years to the organization, developing infrastructure and the next generation of construction leaders. Once an entry-level technician, Rene credits Ryan's mentorship for his rapid career growth, showcasing the power of support, faith, and the right opportunities to shape a leader.

The conversation highlights:

· The importance of mentorship in the construction industry and how the right guidance can unlock potential.

· How trust, faith, and accountability play a key role in developing teams and growing as a leader.

· Why human connection and empathy matter more than technical skills when driving positive workplace culture.

· The evolution of leadership from a traditional, rigid mindset to a more people-focused approach.

· Lessons from extreme ownership and intentional leadership inspired by Jocko Willink and Timothy Keller.

· Adapting Lean principles to real-world scenarios, ensuring that tools serve the system, not the other way around.

Through heartfelt storytelling, Ryan and Rene demonstrate that leadership is not about titles but about empowering others. Their mentor-mentee relationship embodies what it means to "pay it forward," ensuring that knowledge and wisdom don't die with experience but fuel future leaders' growth.

ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST: The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.

RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

· The Lean Builder | Blog, book, resources, news, and events.

· Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink | Leadership and discipline strategies for success.

· Timothy Keller's Teachings | Wisdom on leadership, faith, and service.

· The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle | The importance of being present.

· San Antonio Water System (SAWS) | Infrastructure and water management in Texas.

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

· Adam Hoots | LinkedIn | Podcast host, Lean Construction Shepherd at ConstructionACHEsolutions.

· Ryan Taylor | Superintendent at SAWS | Leader in construction operations and mentorship.

· Rene Duron | LinkedIn | Construction Specialist at SAWS, Podcast Editor at Duron Styles.

EPISODE QUOTES:

· "The way up is down. The way to true power is to give up power in order to serve." – Timothy Keller

· "Smile through the suck." – Ryan Taylor & Rene Duron

· "Mentorship isn't about supervision; it's about seeing potential and fueling it." – Adam Hoots

· "Be present. Work hard. Show up with a smile." – Lessons from Ryan's mother, Barbara Nefford

This episode is a must-listen for those passionate about leadership, Lean principles, and mentorship in construction. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this conversation will leave you inspired to empower others and be the change you seek.