Constructing Connections: Building a Better Industry with Matt Graves (Episode 78)
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder
Release Date: 03/28/2024
The Selfish Servant with Jesse “Chuy” Hernandez (Episode 88)
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder
In this no-bullshido episode of Hoots on the Ground, host reconnects with —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...
info_outline
Systems, Life & Pink Flags with Thomas LaMay (Episode 87)
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder
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...
info_outline
Bridging the Mind, Hands & Heart in Construction with Dominic Desmarais (Episode 86)
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder
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...
info_outline
Stewarding Human Potential and Trust in Construction with John Toups (Episode 85)
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder
info_outline
Respect, Flow, and Transformation with Niklas Modig (Episode 84)
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder
info_outline
Continuous Flow Construction with Hal Macomber (Episode 83)
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder
In this insightful episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, is joined by , 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...
info_outline
Growth through Grace and Mentorship in Construction with Ryan Taylor & Rene Duron (Episode 82)
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder
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...
info_outline
Building Trust, Teams, & Respect: The Human Side of Construction with Tom Fuduric (Episode 81)
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder
In this insightful episode, welcomes a lecturer at Clemson University and a construction industry veteran with over 40 years of experience. Together, they explore how to build high-performing teams and emphasize the importance of human connections in the construction industry. Tom shares his journey from working summers in road construction to becoming a safety and HR leader, eventually transitioning to academia. He discusses the evolution of the courses he co-instructs with Hoots at Clemson, including Building High Performing Teams and The Human Side of Construction. The pair also...
info_outline
Practical Insights and Hard Truths with Sam Sinclair (Episode 80)
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder
info_outline
Embracing Lean: The People-Centric Approach with Kent Hedges (Episode 79)
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder
In this episode of 'Hoots on the Ground,' host Adam Hoots welcomes Kent Hedges, a Lean construction advocate and manager of large capital projects at a major healthcare company. Kent shares insights from his extensive 28-year career in the construction industry, which began with a stint as a civil engineer in the Navy before transitioning to healthcare construction management. He discusses the profound impact of Lean methodologies in his work, focusing not only on eliminating waste but most importantly on improving the human aspects of construction processes. Throughout the conversation, Kent...
info_outlineIn this episode, Adam Hoots engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Matt Graves, known for his pioneering work with Construction Yeti and as the co-host of the CM Mentors Podcast. This conversation navigates through Matt's transformative journey within the construction industry, highlighting his transition from project management to embracing a role as an owner's representative. Matt shares his unique insights on the construction process, underscoring the critical need for a holistic perspective that goes beyond the immediate tasks to consider the broader impact on project stakeholders and end-users.
The discussion delves into the origins and aspirations behind the Construction Yeti platform and the CM Mentors Podcast. Matt speaks candidly about the challenges and motivations that fueled these initiatives, aiming to foster a supportive community within the construction sector. They explore the importance of trade collaboration, the integration of technology, and the utilization of digital marketing and social media as tools to modernize the industry and enhance networking and learning opportunities.
A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to addressing the knowledge transfer between seasoned professionals and newcomers in the field. Adam and Matt emphasize the value of mentorship, the need for upskilling, and the strategies to prepare for the impending labor challenges. Moreover, they reflect on personal growth, the benefits of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, and the transformative power of collaborative efforts in driving industry-wide change.
Throughout the episode, Adam and Matt discuss future directions for their respective projects, sharing a vision for expanding their impact through collaborative projects and initiatives. This episode is not just a narrative of individual journeys but a call to action for the construction industry to adopt a more inclusive, innovative, and people-focused approach to building the future.
RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
· www.theleanbuilder.com | Our main blog, book, resources, news & events website
· https://www.constructionyeti.com/ | All things construction in a fun way!
· https://www.instagram.com/constructionyeti/?hl=en | Construction Yeti Instagram
· https://www.tiktok.com/@yetigraves | Construction Yeti Tik Tok
· https://linktr.ee/constructionyeti | All Things Construction Yeti
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
· Matt Graves | https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-graves-pmp/ | Founder and Content Creator at Construction Yeti
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.