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