Growth through Grace and Mentorship in Construction with Ryan Taylor & Rene Duron (Episode 82)
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder
Release Date: 02/28/2025
Be Curious, Not Judgmental: The Neuroscience of Leading Construction Teams with Roxanne Evans (Episode 96)
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder
Be Curious, Not Judgmental: The Neuroscience of Leading Construction Teams with Roxanne Evans (Episode 96) In this episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, host Adam Hoots is joined by Mike Chiles and special guest Roxanne Evans, owner of Brain Balance in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. This conversation picks up where an earlier episode on neurodivergence left off — diving deeper into how the brain develops, how technology and modern lifestyles are widening developmental gaps, and what construction leaders can do about it. Roxanne brings a rare combination of perspectives: a former...
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Better, Faster, Together: Building Global Lean Community with Derek Sinnott (Episode 95)
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder
In this wide-ranging episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, Adam Hoots connects with Derek Sinnott, a self-described pracademic from Wexford, Ireland. Derek is a civil engineer-turned-academic at SETU (South East Technological University), a Lean coach, and the Chair of the Supply Chain Sustainability School in Ireland. Adam and Derek first crossed paths in Japan, and the conversation that unfolded there clearly stuck — because Derek showed up in Ireland when Adam brought a team of Clemson students over for a construction competition, and that says everything you need to know...
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Lean at the Crossroads: Culture, Community, and Congress with Elizabeth Taylor (Episode 94)
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder
Lean at the Crossroads: Culture, Community, and Congress with Elizabeth Taylor (Episode 94) In this heartfelt and high-energy episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, sits down with , National Director of Lean at JE Dunn Construction and 2026 LCI Congress Co-Chair, to talk about leadership, culture, and what it really means to build community in construction. Elizabeth shares her journey from project management to Lean coaching, including her AMAZING Lean experience on the Williston Rec Center project in North Dakota, where living onsite and stumbling through The Last Planner...
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1 in 4 Builders are Neurodivergent. Lean Might Be Built for Them! – Hosted by the Chiles Bros (Episode 93)
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder
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The Chiles Bros: One Lean Geek. One Old Dawg. (Episode 92)
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder
In this absolutely, positively NO Bullshido kickoff episode, Adam Hoots sits down with Brian Chiles and Mike Chiles—two brothers with deep roots in relationships, leadership, and Lean thinking lived out in the real world. Brian came into construction from a teaching/coaching and project management background; Mike brings 20+ years in the industry, raising four kids while remaining relentless about respect for people and building teams that work together. This conversation is equal parts family, field, and flow. The Chiles Bros unpack why Lean is not a tool, why relationships are the real...
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Family, Flow, and Old Dawgs with Jeff Reilly (Episode 91)
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....
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The Old Dawgs Live at LCI Congress (Episode 90)
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder
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...
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Farm Boy Flow with a Bit of Grit with Boone White (Episode 89)
Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder
In this no-bullshido episode, Adam Hoots chops it up with Mississippi’s own , a farm-raised boy, Christ‑follower, husband, dad of three, and unapologetic agitator for change. He is a General Superintendent with 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,...
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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...
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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_outlineIn 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.