Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder

In this episode, we have the privilege of hearing from Bruce Gemmell, a seasoned superintendent with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for his craft. Bruce takes us on a journey through his career, from humble beginnings as a layout foreman to becoming a respected leader in the construction industry.

Through Bruce's engaging storytelling, we gain valuable insights into the principles of lean Construction and the significance of empathy in fostering successful collaborations within a team. We learn how a well-organized and structured approach, coupled with a deep understanding of each team member's role, can lead to exceptional project outcomes.

As Bruce shares his experiences, we discover the pivotal moments that shaped his career. From taking on the challenge of building his first-ever ground-up construction project to leading a team on a massive 28-story building, his determination, problem-solving skills, and ability to visualize complex projects shine through.

Furthermore, Bruce emphasizes the importance of leaving a lasting legacy beyond the completion of a project. He reflects on the profound impact that construction projects have on the lives of people who inhabit them, whether it's a family home, a school, or a community space. Bruce's passion for nurturing and developing the people he works with reveals his commitment to creating a positive and empowering environment for future generations of construction professionals.

Throughout this episode, we discover Bruce's proudest accomplishments, such as the iconic Brooklyn Federal Courthouse and the exquisite Christian Dior flagship store in Washington, D.C. However, his true satisfaction lies in seeing individuals flourish within the construction industry, helping them shape their careers and encouraging their imaginative thinking.

So, join us as we explore the world of construction through Bruce's eyes, uncovering valuable lessons, inspiring stories, and the transformative power of building legacies.

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 are relevant to those of us who "get it": the men and women with the dirty boots, the ones who work in the field, doing the hands-on business of construction each day. Listen in as we keep it real while stories from the trenches are shared along with lessons learned and some laughter along the way.

RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

www.theleanbuilder.com | Our main blog, book, resources, news & events website

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

Adam Hoots | www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hoots-4645519/ | podcast host for "Hoots on the Ground" and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions

Bruce Gemmell | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-gemmell-50497b91/

In this inspiring episode, we tackle the pervasive issue of self-doubt and explore effective strategies to overcome it. Hoots opens up about his personal journey, sharing how his network has played a pivotal role in validating their path and fostering self-belief. Recognizing the power of surrounding oneself with the right people, Hoots emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive network that challenges self-doubt and encourages personal growth. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own strengths and create a list to bolster confidence, while also setting realistic goals that are within reach.

Drawing on a powerful metaphor, Hoots presents the contrast between the buffalo and the cow when facing a storm. The buffalo charges directly into the storm, experiencing it head-on, while the cow instinctively runs away. By adopting the buffalo mentality and confronting self-doubt courageously, we can navigate through challenges more swiftly and emerge stronger on the other side. The episode urges listeners to seek help, highlighting the acceptance of therapy and counseling within the construction industry. With a call to action, the host emphasizes the need to build a community that supports one another and shares insights, paving the way for innovation and progress.

The episode concludes with an invitation to join the Old Dawg Lean community, which offers a wealth of resources and knowledge to transform the construction industry. Hoots encourages listeners to grab a copy of the book, The Old Dawg Lean Thesaurus: Making Lean Simple!, to gain a deeper understanding of Lean Builder principles and become active participants in the community.

As the episode wraps up, there is an optimistic outlook for future episodes, as well as a shared determination to drive change and innovation within the industry. Tune in to gain empowering insights and practical strategies to conquer self-doubt and unlock your full potential.

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 are relevant to those of us who "get it": the men and women with the dirty boots, the ones who work in the field, doing the hands-on business of construction each day. Listen in as we keep it real while stories from the trenches are shared along with lessons learned and some laughter along the way.

RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

· www.theleanbuilder.com | Our main blog, book, resources, news & events website

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

· Adam Hoots | www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hoots-4645519/ | podcast host for "Hoots on the Ground" and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions

· The Old Dawg book (Amazon link) | https://bit.ly/the-old-dawg-book

In this episode "A Journey of Growth and Collaboration in Construction," host Adam Hoots interviews Nick Clemens with O'Shea Builders and Sam Sinclair with E.L. Pruitt Co. Mechanical Contractors. They share their experiences and insights on implementing Lean Construction practices within their companies.

They begin by discussing the significance of effective communication and organization in superintendent-only Lean coffees, where industry professionals gather to exchange knowledge and learn from one another. Sam highlights E.L. Pruitt's early stages of Lean maturity and their commitment, as a trade partner, to adapting to O'Shea Builder's Lean initiatives while continuously seeking improvement. Throughout the episode, the guests emphasize the importance of passion, leadership, and cultivating a positive work culture in the construction industry.

Hoots shares the story of Obuson, the Japanese Lean consultant that he learned about from Niklas Modig. Additionally, they address common phrases and attitudes that hinder progress and encourage listeners to find alternative solutions and foster constructive dialogue.

Nick and Sam also discuss the process of testing and fine-tuning Lean tools, focusing on implementing those that add value while discarding those that don't.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips for embracing Lean practices in 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 the topics that are relevant to those of us who "get it": the men and women with the dirty boots, the ones who work in the field, doing the hands-on business of construction each day. Listen in as we keep it real while stories from the trenches are shared along with lessons learned and some laughter along the way.

RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

· www.theleanbuilder.com | Our main blog, book, resources, news & events website

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

· Adam Hoots | www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hoots-4645519/ | podcast host for "Hoots on the Ground" and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions

· Sam Sinclair | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-sinclair-b9a41969/

· Nick Clemens | https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-clemens-5bbba490/

In this captivating podcast episode, we sit down with Tony Vacschaack, a seasoned professional in the field of electrical construction. Tony is currently a Senior Project Manager with Martin Electric in New York. With his wealth of experience and a career spanning five decades, Tony shares valuable insights and unforgettable stories from his journey in the industry. From a construction project he was working on that blocked Interstate 20 while the president was coming through to overcoming challenges and making a difference, Tony's passion for his work shines through.

Highlights from the episode:

• The unforgettable story of being stuck on Interstate 20 during a presidential visit to the Hall of Fame induction in Cooperstown.
• Shouting out the people who have made a significant impact on Tony's career and life, including mentors, contractors, and chapter managers.
• The importance of knowing what one is getting into before starting an electrical apprenticeship and the need for a pre-apprenticeship program.
• Discovering one's passion and finding a career that brings happiness and fulfillment.
• The challenges faced by the industry, including declining prices and unrealistic project schedules, and the importance of maintaining quality work.
• The significance of customer relations and providing value in a competitive market.
• The three-generation legacy of the family-owned Martin Electric and the reward of seeing grandchildren following in their father's and grandfather's footsteps. And, his personal three-generation legacy with his son and grandson workign for Martin Electric as well.

Join us as we delve into Tony's remarkable experiences and gain valuable insights into the world of electrical construction. Prepare to be inspired and motivated to pursue your own path in the trades.

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 are relevant to those of us who "get it": the men and women with the dirty boots, the ones who work in the field, doing the hands-on business of construction each day. Listen in as we keep it real while stories from the trenches are shared along with lessons learned and some laughter along the way.

RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

· www.theleanbuilder.com | Our main blog, book, resources, news & events website

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

· Adam Hoots | www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hoots-4645519/ | podcast host for "Hoots on the Ground" and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions

· Tony Vacschaack | Senior Project Manager with Martin Electric | www.martinelectric.com

In this episode of "The Lean Builder | Hoots on The Ground with No Bullshido," host Adam Hoots sits down with Tim Hoh, a seasoned construction professional who has been implementing Lean Construction at CRB Builders. Tim studied microbiology in college and somehow found his way into CRB to work on a life science project.

Hoh shares his journey into the construction industry and how he discovered the power of Lean Construction. He discusses the challenges of implementing Lean Construction principles in a traditional construction environment and how he has been able to successfully integrate these principles into CRB Builders' culture. Tim also shares practical tips for other construction professionals looking to adopt Lean Construction, including the importance of creating a culture of continuous improvement, empowering workers to identify and solve problems, and using data to drive decision making.

Listeners will come away from this episode with a greater understanding of the benefits of Lean Construction and how it can be implemented in a traditional construction environment.

Key takeaways:

• Lean Construction principles can help companies improve efficiency, quality, and safety on construction projects.
• Creating a culture of continuous improvement is crucial to successfully implementing Lean Construction principles.
• Empowering workers to identify and solve problems can lead to more effective problem solving and decision making.
• Using data to drive decision making can help companies make more informed and efficient decisions.

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 are relevant to those of us who "get it": the men and women with the dirty boots, the ones who work in the field, doing the hands-on business of construction each day. Listen in as we keep it real while stories from the trenches are shared along with lessons learned and some laughter along the way.

RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• www.theleanbuilder.com | Our main blog, book, resources, news & events website

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

· Adam Hoots | www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hoots-4645519/ | podcast host for "Hoots on the Ground" and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions

· Tim Hoh | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-hoh-37235139/

· Real Life Lean | https://www.reallifelean.com/

Welcome to the podcast where we talk to leaders who are making a difference in their field. Today, we're joined by Adrian Russell, a construction executive who is passionate about breaking down barriers and increasing diversity in the industry.

Adrian talks about his background growing up in inner-city public schools and how many black kids, including himself, dream of becoming pro athletes or entertainers. He shares a story from a kid he mentored who pointed out that even though teachers encourage them to consider other careers, the truth is that becoming a pro athlete or entertainer feels more achievable because they see people who look like them at the top of those industries.

Adrian explains that lack of representation is one of the reasons why many black kids aren't interested in pursuing careers in construction, despite it being a viable and rewarding option. He shares his own journey of breaking into the industry and how he's using his position as an executive to create more opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Adrian emphasizes the importance of having diverse perspectives and experiences in the workplace and how it can lead to better decision-making and innovation. He encourages listeners to challenge their assumptions and biases and to actively seek out opportunities to learn from and work with people from different backgrounds.

Thanks for listening to this episode of the podcast. We hope you enjoyed hearing from Adrian Scott and learning about his mission to break down barriers in construction. Join us next time as we talk to another leader who is making a difference in their field.

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 are relevant to those of us who "get it": the men and women with the dirty boots, the ones who work in the field, doing the hands-on business of construction each day. Listen in as we keep it real while stories from the trenches are shared along with lessons learned and some laughter along the way.

RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

· www.theleanbuilder.com | Our main blog, book, resources, news & events website

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

· Adam Hoots | www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hoots-4645519/ | podcast host for "Hoots on the Ground" and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions

· Adrian Russell | https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-russell-b9951966/

· Russell's Building Camp Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/russellsbuildingcamp/

In this podcast episode, Hoots and David Wolke discuss the importance of transparency in leadership. David who is an experienced leader in the electrical building industry, shares insights on how being transparent with employees can lead to a more productive and engaged team.

The conversation starts with David discussing the differences between working in the construction industry and other professions. He highlights the risks involved in construction work and how this affects the compensation rates. He emphasizes the importance of risk and reward in any job.

The conversation then moves to the topic of transparency. Mr. Wolke stresses the importance of being transparent with employees about the decisions that affect them and the reasons behind those decisions. He explains that transparency can help create a team environment where everyone is working towards the same goals.

David also shares an exercise he uses in his training sessions, which involves ladder logic. He explains how this exercise helps train employees and prepares them for working in the construction industry.

The conversation ends with David offering to come back and teach a class on a specific topic. He emphasizes his love for teaching and the importance of using real-life examples to illustrate concepts.

Key takeaways from this podcast episode:

· The construction industry has unique risks and compensation rates that differ from other professions.

· Transparency is important in leadership and can create a team environment where everyone is working towards the same goals.

· Using real-life examples to illustrate concepts can be an effective teaching method.

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 are relevant to those of us who "get it": the men and women with the dirty boots, the ones who work in the field, doing the hands-on business of construction each day. Listen in as we keep it real while stories from the trenches are shared along with lessons learned and some laughter along the way.

RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

· www.theleanbuilder.com | Our main blog, book, resources, news & events website

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

· Adam Hoots | www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hoots-4645519/ | podcast host for "Hoots on the Ground" and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions

· David Wolke | https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wolke/

Do you believe that there is such a thing as a perfect construction schedule? In this episode, Hoots and Jason explore what it takes to develop a perfect schedule. Jason has discovered a scheduling system that works and could be considered 'The perfect schedule'. Tune in to discover exactly what that system looks like.

Through a demonstration, Jason helps the Lean Builder nation understand the power of visualization while folding a piece of paper into a cup. You're going to want to see this episode, not just listen!

Jason and Hoots start by defining exactly what a perfect schedule means. The following is the definition that was developed as a result of the conversation. A perfect schedule is…

• a schedule that the team can see and make perfect together.
• has a perfect sequence of trade partners.
• is focused on the flow unit.
• a schedule that has a complete understanding of systems thinking.
• a schedule that merges a lean culture in a lean system.

Jason and the LeanTakt team is offering anyone who listens to this podcast $100 off any service from Elevate Construction by using the discount code "Adam". Go check them out, you will not be wasting time!

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 are relevant to those of us who "get it": the men and women with the dirty boots, the ones who work in the field, doing the hands-on business of construction each day. Listen in as we keep it real while stories from the trenches are shared along with lessons learned and some laughter along the way.

RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

· www.theleanbuilder.com | Our main blog, book, resources, news & events website

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

· Adam Hoots | www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hoots-4645519/ | podcast host for "Hoots on the Ground" and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions

· Jason Schroeder| https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonschroederelevatingconstruction/

In this episode, Hoots gets to know Professor of Practice at Clemson University, Mr. Alastair Boulding. Al is an HVAC Master Tradesperson who has worked his way up from HVAC helper, through apprenticeship school, to being a journeyman, into a lead position and now teaching the next generation of builders at a prestigious University!

Al has a love for learning to the point where it has become a hobby for him. Learning has opened several doors throughout the course of his career! Al opens up about who he is and how he restores himself so that he can continue to serve other people.

Al talks about his lean knowledge as being a lean OG. He was going this lean thing before lean was even a thing! Al speaks of collaboration and coordination on a project site. He helps us understand how he builds relationships on project sites but simply asking people what their names are! He believes that every person out there should invest at a minimum of $200-$1,000 on their personal training or development.

Al talks a little bit more about his fancy boots on campus and the classes that he is teaching; however, he doesn't let us know much about his dissertation! That is something that we are going to have to follow as the work becomes public. Al is a true hero that represents the skilled trades in his day to day life and has made a huge difference while educating people all over the United States. His passion and dedication to serving the trades is second to none!

Don't tell Al, I'm afraid of my own success or "don't get that certification, because they won't give you the job" – he's heard these in the past and is living proof that those statements are simply not true. Al gets vulnerable as he describes to Lean Builder nation what is "F" it filter means!! Here Al talk about the non-profit organizations that he gets involved with, splitting his time between Women's Confidence Builders and The Skilled Trades Alliance. Al is just a down to earth, good man, making an impact every day!

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 are relevant to those of us who "get it": the men and women with the dirty boots, the ones who work in the field, doing the hands-on business of construction each day. Listen in as we keep it real while stories from the trenches are shared along with lessons learned and some laughter along the way.

RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

· www.theleanbuilder.com | Our main blog, book, resources, news & events website

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

· Adam Hoots | www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hoots-4645519/ | podcast host for "Hoots on the Ground" and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions

· Alastair Boulding | https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastair-boulding-277516118/

In this episode, Hoots helps the Lean Builder nation better understand the Art of Questioning. Professor Hoots got a little upset with his students this week due to their inability to ask meaningful questions and decided to dedicate an episode to discuss why questions are important and how to ask questions!

Through the art of questioning, we can better understand the people and world around us in a much more detailed manner. When we can focus on asking open ended and inquisitive questions, people think. When people think, people learn!

Most of the time, questions are asked about things that are already known. This can also be known as "water skiing". When people ask questions to discover the unknown together, they experience stress, anxiety, but most important they grow. That is the space that we should be seeking for continuous improvement!

Catch this episode now if you're looking to improve your question game today!

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 are relevant to those of us who "get it": the men and women with the dirty boots, the ones who work in the field, doing the hands-on business of construction each day. Listen in as we keep it real while stories from the trenches are shared along with lessons learned and some laughter along the way.

RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

· www.theleanbuilder.com | Our main blog, book, resources, news & events website

· https://youtu.be/-4EDhdAHrOg | It's not about the nail

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

· Adam Hoots | www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hoots-4645519/ | podcast host for "Hoots on the Ground" and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions