Elevate Construction
Elevating construction with interviews, training, and techniques that will make the build environment better for the workers, our customers, companies, and the industry as a whole. Podcasts are published before noon every weekday.
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Ep.1477 - PMs, Shield Them from Toxic Variation, Not Growth
11/17/2025
Ep.1477 - PMs, Shield Them from Toxic Variation, Not Growth
Most PMs think their job is to protect the team from change. That mindset is quietly killing projects. In this episode, Jason flips the script, breaking down the critical difference between toxic variation owners, RFIs, chaos, overburden and the good kind of change your team must feel, training, reading, growth, new systems, real lean implementation. You will hear: What PMs should absolutely shield their teams from. The kind of change you should never protect them from. Why humans resist change by default and how to lead them through it. How Japan, Toyota and world class builders focus on people, process and quality, not just money and goals. If you are a project manager who wants to stop sympathy voting your team into mediocrity and start leading them into excellence, this episode is your wake up call. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1476 - POND, Not POD Meeting
11/17/2025
Ep.1476 - POND, Not POD Meeting
What separates noisy, reactive job sites from clean, flowing, elite ones, A single shift, plan the next day, not the same day, In this fast, high energy episode, Jason breaks down the POND meeting, the proven system top builders use to align trades, remove roadblocks early, and deliver predictable results. In this episode, you'll get to know: The fatal flaw of same day “POD” huddles and why they stall production. The POND cadence that gives foremen time to plan and crews time to prepare. How one site transformed in 24 hours with maps, visuals, and clear handoffs. The full recipe, zoning maps, weekly plan on screen, worker huddle, team Kanban. Why elite projects never let variation creep into the morning. If you want to run construction the way the best in the world do it, start here, This is the meeting rhythm that changes everything. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1475 - Elevate & LeanTakt Principles
11/12/2025
Ep.1475 - Elevate & LeanTakt Principles
What if the secret to a remarkable company wasn’t systems or strategy - but soul? In this episode, Jason opens the doors to Elevate Construction and LeanTakt, sharing the 27 principles that shape how his teams think, lead, and live every single day. You’ll learn: Why the breath of every great company is positive encouragement, not pressure. The three things every true leader does: clarity, training, and shoulder-to-shoulder support. Why Elevate builds people first, not projects. The power of “stop, call, wait” and “one-piece flow” in fixing chaos before it spreads. How to create a culture that never punishes, never hides problems, and never stops improving. These aren’t buzzwords - they’re the living rules behind one of the fastest-growing Lean construction movements in the world. Listen now and steal the playbook for building a company that breathes life, not burnout. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1474 - Not Having the Right PM, Feat. Adam (Beanie) Bean
11/12/2025
Ep.1474 - Not Having the Right PM, Feat. Adam (Beanie) Bean
What if your project failed before the first delivery arrived, In this hard hitting conversation, Jason and Adam Beanie Bean unpack cause number two in the series, not having the right project manager, They show why picking a spreadsheet wizard over a field focused leader wrecks flow, burns people out, and bloats cost, Then they give a clear path to fix it. You will learn: The real job of a PM, align everyone to one destination and protect flow. How to spot a miscast PM in week one, before the damage spreads. The daily ORCA debrief, objective, results, causes, actions, that turns chaos into continuous improvement. Why communication, data tracking, and understanding flow beat technical brilliance alone. Exactly how leaders can be hard on the process, and easy on the people. If you have ever felt your job is busy but not moving, this episode gives you the playbook to reset the role, build alignment, and win the week before you lose the month. Listen now, and learn how the right PM turns planning into performance, and teams into one crew rowing in the same direction. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1473 - Failing To Plan, Feat. Adam (Beanie) Bean
11/12/2025
Ep.1473 - Failing To Plan, Feat. Adam (Beanie) Bean
What if your project was doomed before the first shovel hit the ground? In this hard-hitting episode, Jason and Adam “Beanie” Bean team up across continents - Arizona to Australia - to expose one of construction’s most dangerous habits: starting before we’re ready. You’ll learn: The shocking stats behind global project failure (hint: only 0.5% finish on time and on budget). Why trades “fail despite their best efforts” - and how leaders set them up for it. The myth of “we can’t plan without design,” and what elite builders do instead. How to spot a project that’s not ready to start - and the courage to stop it. The Japan-inspired principle that fixes everything: be hard on the process, easy on the people. If you’ve ever watched a project unravel and thought, “We could have seen this coming,” this episode will show you exactly how to stop it from happening again. Listen now and learn how world-class builders plan, flow, and win - before they ever break ground. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1472 - Take It Back!
11/11/2025
Ep.1472 - Take It Back!
What if everything you’ve been waiting for, peace, freedom, focus, joy - was already yours, just buried under noise and obligation? In this episode, Jason challenges you to take it back. Your mind from distraction. Your time from endless meetings and email. Your peace from chaos. Your freedom from toxic bosses and relationships. Your joy from the approval of others. Drawing on lessons from Paul Akers and real-life stories from his own journey, Jason shows how reclaiming your attention, energy, and purpose isn’t selfish, it’s leadership. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, reactive, or off-mission, this is your reminder: You don’t need permission. You just need to take it back. Listen in and start owning the life and the work you were built for. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1471 - Who is King?
11/11/2025
Ep.1471 - Who is King?
What if the real “king” of every project isn’t the one in the trailer, but the one holding the tools? In this episode, Jason breaks down a timeless Toyota lesson - the worker is the king. The foremen and craftspeople are the ones who create value; everyone else exists to support them. Through this lens, he challenges leaders to stop hiding behind software, desks, and meetings, and start serving the field. You’ll learn why leaders are a cost until they remove waste for others, how true Lean companies stay close to the Gemba, and why projects collapse the moment we forget who actually builds. If you want job sites with trust, flow, and respect where workers feel like heroes, not afterthoughts, this episode is the wake-up call you need. Listen in and remember: the king is the one who builds. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1470 - Shoulder to Shoulder
11/11/2025
Ep.1470 - Shoulder to Shoulder
What if real leadership isn’t about telling people to “figure it out,” but about standing beside them until they can? In this episode, Jason shares a powerful lesson from Japan, the art of working shoulder to shoulder. At Toyota, leaders don’t throw people into the fire; they train through presence, patience, and partnership. From field mistakes to family moments, Jason reveals how true Lean teaching means Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable not abandon. If you’ve ever wanted faster learning, fewer errors, and teams that trust each other, this episode will change how you lead, train, and build. Listen in and discover why “shoulder to shoulder” may be the most human Lean principle of all. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1469 - Japan Series - “Too Good to Waste” - Mottainai (もったいない)
11/11/2025
Ep.1469 - Japan Series - “Too Good to Waste” - Mottainai (もったいない)
What if lean wasn’t just about reducing waste on paper but about learning to feel waste in your gut? In Japan, there’s a word for that: Mottainai - “What a waste.” It’s more than regret. It’s respect, for people, nature, and resources. In this episode, Jason dives into how this simple mindset can reshape construction culture. From right-sizing and pre-cutting materials to eliminate 32% of jobsite waste, to the story of his father building a full barn from discarded lumber, and Paul Akers cleaning a plane bathroom out of gratitude not obligation, this is lean at its most human. You’ll see how the smallest acts of respect can transform waste into value, chaos into care, and jobsites into communities that build with purpose. If you’ve ever looked at a half-full dumpster and thought, there has to be a better way, this episode is for you. Listen in and rediscover why nothing good should ever be wasted. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1468 - Japan Series - 約束 (Yakusoku): The Power of Keeping Your Word
11/06/2025
Ep.1468 - Japan Series - 約束 (Yakusoku): The Power of Keeping Your Word
Forget calendar invites and polite excuses, the real culture killer in construction is breaking your word. In Japan, it’s called yakusoku, a promise you bind yourself to keep. In this episode, Jason shares a true story that reveals how honoring commitments transforms crews, schedules, and trust across every level of a project. This isn’t about being rigid, it’s about building flow, safety, and respect by letting yes mean yes. Jason also introduces shingi, the duty to act with sincerity and uphold your word, connecting it to Last Planner handoffs, trade reliability, and leadership integrity. If you lead people, plan work, or set the tone for your team, this episode will remind you that our word is the foundation of trust, alignment, and lasting excellence. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1467 - Japan Series - コスパ (Cospa): The Art of Getting More for Less
11/06/2025
Ep.1467 - Japan Series - コスパ (Cospa): The Art of Getting More for Less
Forget overpriced tech and shiny new apps, the real inefficiency in construction isn’t a lack of innovation, it’s a lack of value. In Japan, Jason discovered the concept of Cospa, the ratio of what you pay to what you truly get. And it changed everything. Jason exposes how greed, inflated pricing, and “get-rich” business models are crippling progress across our industry. From drones and 360° cameras to scheduling software, he shows how companies chasing investors instead of impact are killing flow, limiting access, and draining project budgets. If you believe technology should serve builders not bankrupt them, this episode will reset how you think about cost, performance, and purpose. It’s time to bring Cospa to construction and demand real value for the price we pay. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1466 - The 9th Waste is Killing Us
11/05/2025
Ep.1466 - The 9th Waste is Killing Us
Forget waiting on slow crews or excess materials, the real waste in construction isn’t on the site. It’s in our culture. The 9th Waste, toxic conflict, ego, misalignment, and fear-based competition is rotting teams, projects, and even nations from the inside out. In this episode, Jason breaks down why our obsession with “winning” is destroying cooperation, how it’s holding back the entire construction industry, and what it will take to rebuild a culture based on respect, alignment, and total participation. If you care about people, projects, or the future of our industry, this one’s not optional. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1465 - Additional Questions, Feat. Charles McKenna
10/30/2025
Ep.1465 - Additional Questions, Feat. Charles McKenna
What’s really holding construction back, the lack of tech, or the lack of truth? In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Jason sits down again with Charles McKenna to take on some of the hardest questions in the industry: Why are we so slow to adopt technology? Why do so many tools make life harder instead of easier? And how did we go from the most productive generation in history to one that’s proud not to learn? This is not your typical “innovation in construction” talk. Jason and Charles dig into: Why software companies are chasing investors instead of improvement. How America’s “money first” mindset is destroying quality. The myth of “too many apps” and why refusing to learn is killing growth. The real reason behind the trades shortage (and it’s not what you think). Why general contractors, not trades, hold the key to fixing the system. Jason pulls no punches. From tech burnout to cultural decline, from immigration policy to jobsite respect, this episode challenges every leader to face the uncomfortable truth: we’ve lost our discipline to learn, our courage to stop bad systems, and our respect for people. If you care about the future of construction, this is the conversation you can’t afford to skip. Listen now. Get uncomfortable. Get inspired. And start building better. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1464 - Japan series - Stop, Call, Wait
10/30/2025
Ep.1464 - Japan series - Stop, Call, Wait
What if the smartest move on your project wasn’t pushing harder but stopping? In this episode, Jason dives deep into one of the most powerful and most misunderstood Lean principles from Japan: Stop, Call, Wait. Born from the Toyota Production System, this practice teaches that when something feels even slightly off, you stop the line, call your team, and wait until it’s fixed before any defect moves forward. It’s the opposite of Western “push through” culture and Jason doesn’t hold back on why that mindset is breaking our projects, burning out our people, and burying us in rework. Through stories from Japan, lessons from Toyota, and real construction examples, you’ll learn: Why “pushing through” costs you 100x more than stopping early. How to build a culture where people don’t fear stopping the line. The connection between Stop, Call, Wait and not blaming people. Why loving your workers, truly loving them is the foundation of Lean leadership. This episode will challenge how you think about productivity, accountability, and leadership on the jobsite. Because real excellence doesn’t come from speed, it comes from the courage to stop, fix, and protect your people and your process. Stop the line. Call your team. Wait until it’s right. That’s how we build remarkable. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1463 - Japan Series - Point & Call
10/30/2025
Ep.1463 - Japan Series - Point & Call
The Power of Point and Call: Mastering the Last 5% Most of us start strong but fall short in the final stretch. What if the secret to excellence isn’t doing more, but finishing better? In this episode, Jason shares a life-changing lesson from Japan’s rail system the “Point and Call” method. It’s a simple habit that trains your brain to see, speak, and complete every task with precision. From construction sites to your daily routines, this one practice can eliminate errors, build discipline, and lock in the dopamine hit of finishing well. Jason breaks down how the Point and Call helps crews close loops, leaders strengthen flow, and individuals build pride in their work, the “last five percent” that separates average from remarkable. If you’ve ever struggled to follow through, this episode will change how you think about completion forever. Listen now and learn to finish what you start. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1462 - Japan series - Lean is an evolution, not always a revolution
10/28/2025
Ep.1462 - Japan series - Lean is an evolution, not always a revolution
Everybody wants instant pudding. But real improvement? That takes time. In this Japan Series episode, Jason breaks down one of the most misunderstood truths about lean: it’s not a quick fix, it’s a lifelong evolution. Through stories of Japanese temple builders who plan 200 years ahead, and lessons from Deming and Toyota, Jason explains why lasting excellence doesn’t come from one big “revolution,” but from consistent, long-term commitment to improvement. Still, there’s a catch. Before you can evolve, you have to start on the right foundation. That means installing the right operating systems, Takt, Last Planner, and First Planner, fast and decisively. Revolution builds the baseline. Evolution keeps it growing. If you lead a construction company or project and you’re ready to build something that actually lasts, this episode will show you how to do it. Listen now and start playing the long game. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1461 - Japan Series - If One Person is Not in Line, We Are Zero
10/28/2025
Ep.1461 - Japan Series - If One Person is Not in Line, We Are Zero
If one person on your team is off, your whole team is off. In this Japan Series episode, Jason unpacks the powerful lesson from Mr. Yabe, the leader behind the Shinkansen’s “Seven-Minute Miracle.” His message? If 100 people give their best but one person doesn’t, the team’s effectiveness drops to zero. Through stories from Japanese rail crews and real construction projects, Jason explains why great culture isn’t built instead of rewards and swag, it’s built through them. Talk to your people, care about them, give them pride in their work and cool tools, recognition, and shared wins. The key is total participation. Because if you have 100 team members minus one, you don’t have 99, you have zero. Listen now and learn how strong cultures lift everyone, together. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1460 - Japan Series - Be Happy When You Have Problems
10/28/2025
Ep.1460 - Japan Series - Be Happy When You Have Problems
What if your problems are the best thing that ever happened to you? In this Japan Series episode, Jason dives deep into a truth most leaders avoid, problems aren’t punishment, they’re potential. From broken school systems to broken job sites, from national complacency to daily construction chaos, Jason calls it like it is: we’ve forgotten how to learn, improve, and take responsibility. But here’s the good news, every challenge is an invitation. To innovate. To cooperate. To rally together instead of tearing each other apart. This episode connects lessons from Japan, Deming, and decades of jobsite experience to one clear idea: Be happy when you have problems because they show you where to grow. If you lead teams, build projects, or just want to see America (and our industry) rise again, this one will light a fire in you. Listen now and start turning problems into progress. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1459 - Japan Series - Meiwaku – Don’t be a burden to others
10/28/2025
Ep.1459 - Japan Series - Meiwaku – Don’t be a burden to others
What if lean isn’t about process charts or takt times but about how you move through the world? In Japan, there’s a word for it: Meiwaku - “Don’t be a burden to others.” It’s not a slogan. It’s a way of living. In this episode, Jason shares how that single mindset seen everywhere from clean job sites to silent train rides could transform how we build, lead, and live. From teaching his kids one-piece flow at Spirit Halloween to calling out everyday chaos on construction sites, Jason unpacks how awareness, respect, and space-consciousness can reshape entire project cultures. If you’ve ever wanted a job site with real flow, fewer arguments, and more human connection… this is the concept you’ve been missing. Listen in and learn why “don’t be a burden to others” might be the most powerful lean principle of all. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1458 - Japan series - Ikigai – Purpose; the reason to get up in the morning
10/27/2025
Ep.1458 - Japan series - Ikigai – Purpose; the reason to get up in the morning
Ikigai: The Joy of Doing the Work Well Ever met someone who finds pure joy in their work, no matter how simple the task? That’s Ikigai - a Japanese concept meaning “your reason to get up in the morning.” After traveling to Japan with Paul Akers, Jason saw how deeply this idea runs through their culture whether in how they trim trees, clean dishes, or lead teams. In this episode, he breaks down what Ikigai really means for builders and leaders: how to design your processes so they’re not just efficient but enjoyable. Discover why struggle isn’t a badge of honor, how clean systems create flow, and why finding joy in the work itself might be the most powerful form of leadership there is. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to build with purpose, lead with respect, and rediscover the joy in what you do. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1457 - Plumb, Level, and Square, Feat. Alex Nolan
10/21/2025
Ep.1457 - Plumb, Level, and Square, Feat. Alex Nolan
What if every great builder, no matter the project or material, is really doing the same three things? In this episode, Jason rides along with Iron Mark’s Alex Nolan for a candid, in-the-truck conversation about the mindset that separates good builders from great ones. From carpentry apprenticeships to field engineering, from superintendents to mechanics, they trace every trade and leadership skill back to one timeless foundation - Plumb, Level, and Square. You’ll hear: Why carpenters make some of the best superintendents and leaders in construction. How mastering the fundamentals translates into any career or trade. The hidden art of negotiation every great superintendent practices daily. What happens when sequence, precision, and mindset all align. Why “good people are good people” and how to find and grow them on your team. If you’ve ever wondered what separates a chaotic jobsite from a high-performing one, this episode nails it: everything starts with fundamentals. Listen now and rediscover why Plumb, Level, and Square still build the world. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1456 - Japan Series - Monozukuri – Pride and craftsmanship in the work itself
10/21/2025
Ep.1456 - Japan Series - Monozukuri – Pride and craftsmanship in the work itself
What if the secret to world-class quality isn’t technology but pride? In this episode, Jason unpacks the Japanese concept of Monozukuri - the deep pride and craftsmanship that drives excellence in every detail of work. From the story of Japan’s Seven-Minute Miracle cleaning crews to the engineering perfection of the Shinkansen bullet train, Jason reveals how love for the customer, pride in your craft, and acknowledgement of people create unstoppable performance. You’ll hear: How one leader turned a team of burned-out cleaners into national heroes through Kaizen. Why “acknowledging your people” might be the single most powerful productivity tool. How friction, frustration, and lack of respect destroy craftsmanship on U.S. job sites. The simple daily practices that can reignite pride and quality in construction. And why every worker deserves to give their hands, head, and heart, not just their labor. If you want to lead teams that love their work and deliver excellence worth clapping for, this episode is your blueprint. Listen now and rediscover what pride in craftsmanship really looks like. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1455 - Japan Series - Hitozukuri - Making people before making things
10/21/2025
Ep.1455 - Japan Series - Hitozukuri - Making people before making things
Can you build great projects without first building great people? In this powerful follow-up to Respect for People, Jason explores the heart of Lean’s second pillar, Hitozukuri, the Japanese concept of “making people before making things.” Drawing from post-war Japan, the Toyota Production System, and the hard lessons of modern construction, Jason shows why the world’s most successful companies and nations invest in humans first. You’ll hear: The incredible story of how post-WWII Japan rose from ashes through training, not punishment. Why the U.S. construction industry keeps repeating the same mistakes by hiring skills instead of developing people. What happens when leaders spend more time with their teams than managing over them. How DPR and Toyota embody the “build people, build things” philosophy and how you can too. The simple truth: Without training, standardization, and care, Lean collapses. If you’ve ever wished your crews were more capable, your leaders more confident, or your culture more united, this episode is your blueprint. Listen now and rediscover the power of building humans before buildings. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1454 - Japan Series - Respect for Humanity
10/21/2025
Ep.1454 - Japan Series - Respect for Humanity
What if the problem with construction isn’t your process but your culture? In this first episode of Jason's Japan Reflections & Lean Series, Jason takes you inside what he learned studying Lean culture at its source and how Japan’s quiet principle of respect for people changes everything. From jet lag to cultural shock, from U.S. “just figure it out” grit to Japan’s “shoulder-to-shoulder” mentorship, Jason unpacks the biggest leadership shift our industry needs. This isn’t another buzzword about empathy, it’s a blueprint for transforming teams, training, and trust. You’ll hear: Why “Respect for People” is the beating heart of Lean. How Japanese teams train side-by-side instead of blaming mistakes. The difference between improving chaos and building standards. Why Western management still carries the scars of Frederick Taylor. And how you can start leading like Japan without ever boarding a plane. If you’ve ever wondered why Lean thrives in Japan but stalls elsewhere, this episode gives you the answer. Listen now and learn how to build a culture that truly respects people. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1453 - Tiered Meetings
10/17/2025
Ep.1453 - Tiered Meetings
In this episode, Jason tackles a powerful listener question about tiered huddles and the real meaning of ownership in construction. He challenges one of the biggest myths in the industry, that you can “shed risk” without shedding responsibility and explains why this mindset is holding companies back from true Lean flow. You’ll learn: Why “we’re a country of lawyers” is more than a joke, it’s a cultural barrier to teamwork. How to build a daily tiered-meeting system that actually drives results across projects. What the Japanese get right about afternoon huddles, make-ready planning, and Gemba leadership. How PMs and Supers can stay connected without burning out. Jason also drops updates on Elevate’s global impact from Spanish, German, and Japanese translations to the free Takt Production System for Students course now available for universities. If you’ve ever felt stuck between accountability and overload, this one will re-wire how you lead your teams. Listen now and stop shedding what you were built to own. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1452 - JIT, w/ Kevin & Jason
10/14/2025
Ep.1452 - JIT, w/ Kevin & Jason
It’s not about materials arriving on cue, it’s about everything moving in rhythm. In this episode, Jason Schroeder and Kevin break down the second great pillar of the Toyota Production System: Just In Time. But as they reveal, this principle goes far beyond supply chains and delivery schedules, it’s the heartbeat of flow. Through firsthand reflections from Toyota plants and lean pioneers, Jason and Kevin show how Just In Time is really about designing a perfectly balanced system where people, machines, and materials move in harmony, free of strain, waste, and interruption. From riveting stations built in the perfect “strike zone,” to 50-ton die changes completed in under five minutes without power, to two operators working one machine in seamless rhythm, this episode captures what true flow looks like in motion. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Just In Time isn’t about inventory, it’s about stability and flow. How Japanese manufacturers design balance between humans and machines. The real definition of pull: Takt-based pull, not reactive production. How flow state eliminates bottlenecks, strain, and waiting. Why nothing in Japan is built without Takt time and why construction shouldn’t be either. Jason and Kevin also reveal a simple truth learned on the trip: you can’t have Just In Time without Takt. It’s not speed, it’s synchronization. And when teams find that rhythm, work stops being stressful and starts being beautifully predictable. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1451 - Jidoka, w/ Kevin & Jason
10/14/2025
Ep.1451 - Jidoka, w/ Kevin & Jason
What if the smartest thing your team could do was stop? In this special episode of the Elevate Construction Podcast , Jason Schroeder and Kevin unpack one of the most misunderstood yet powerful principles of Lean: Jidoka “automation with a human touch.” Fresh from their reflections in Japan, they trace this concept all the way back to Sakichi Toyota’s original loom where a single broken thread would automatically stop the machine to prevent defects. That simple idea became one of the two foundational pillars of the Toyota Production System, right alongside Just in Time. But this episode isn’t just history, it’s transformation. Jason and Kevin reveal how Jidoka’s Stop. Call. Wait. mindset can revolutionize construction culture. Instead of “go, go, go,” imagine a jobsite where anyone at any level can stop work the moment they see variation or risk. No fear. No blame. Just precision, safety, and respect for people. In this episode, you’ll discover: How Toyota designed “intelligent stopping” into its systems over a century ago. Why Stop. Call. Wait. creates psychological safety and eliminates rework. The shocking truth: Toyota averages 2,000 Andon pulls per day and celebrates every one. How construction can apply the same principle without slowing down production. Why leadership’s reaction to an Andon call defines your culture more than any mission statement. Jason and Kevin break down real examples from Toyota’s factory floors, powerful analogies from the field, and practical steps to bring Jidoka to your own teams, so quality isn’t inspected in at the end, it’s protected from the start. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1450 - Biggest Surprises from Japan, w/ Kevin & Jason
10/14/2025
Ep.1450 - Biggest Surprises from Japan, w/ Kevin & Jason
What happens when two builders visit the birthplace of Lean and realize it’s not just a system, it’s a way of living? In this powerful and emotional episode, recorded live from Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Jason Schroeder and Kevin reflect on their life-changing journey through Japan with Paul Akers’ Two Second Lean Study Tour. What started as a professional training trip turned into something much deeper, a rediscovery of purpose, humanity, and what it truly means to lead. Jason shares how Japan didn’t just refine his understanding of Lean, it healed it. From Toyota’s leadership philosophies to the culture’s deep respect for people, he found a nation that values consideration, alignment, and connection. For Jason, the revelation was personal: “I feel whole. I finally found a place where kindness isn’t weakness, it’s the standard.” Kevin opens up about his own transformation, from learning new tools to completely rethinking leadership and fatherhood. Inspired by Japan’s shoulder-to-shoulder culture, he now sees that leadership isn’t about sending people off to figure it out, it’s about walking beside them. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the true power of Lean begins with love and respect for people. How Japan’s “Gemba-first” mindset reshapes leadership and humility. The lessons from Toyota executives that every builder should hear. How a simple app and mindset shift rebuilt Kevin’s productivity and peace. Why real leadership at work or home means standing shoulder to shoulder. This isn’t just a recap of a trip. It’s a blueprint for becoming whole again as leaders, as parents, as people. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1449 - The Masugata (mah-soo-gah-tah) and the Genkan (GEN-kahn)
10/14/2025
Ep.1449 - The Masugata (mah-soo-gah-tah) and the Genkan (GEN-kahn)
What if your construction site had two gates, one for entry, and one for alignment? In this electrifying episode recorded live from Kyoto, Jason Schroeder takes lessons from ancient Japanese castle design and transforms them into a modern leadership framework every builder needs to hear. Drawing from the Masu Gata (a defensive courtyard designed to trap intruders) and the Genkan (the sacred entryway of every Japanese home), Jason reveals a radical truth: your morning worker huddle is your Genkan - the moment that separates chaos from flow, and disunity from one team. You’ll hear powerful lessons from Japan’s culture of respect, Toyota’s leadership philosophy, and a story of how one former Lexus CEO explained why Suzuki fell while Toyota rose. It all comes down to loving the Gemba people , the workers and creating a jobsite culture where no one walks in unaligned. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Japan’s entry rituals can revolutionize your project culture. How to protect your team from “enemies of alignment”. The real reason every job must have a morning worker huddle. How two gates can prevent disrespect, chaos, and safety risks. Why loving and training your Gemba people is the ultimate leadership act. This isn’t just about construction, it’s about honor, respect, and discipline. Step into the Genkan. Leave your shoes and your ego at the door. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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Ep.1448 - Removing Waste in Logistics
10/14/2025
Ep.1448 - Removing Waste in Logistics
Most projects bleed money and time long before the first worker lifts a tool. The problem isn’t the field, it’s the logistics. In this eye-opening episode, recorded live from Japan on Paul Akers’ Two-Second Lean trip, Jason reveals what Toyota, Lexus, and top-performing DPR projects all have in common: they don’t manage waste, they design it out before it ever reaches the jobsite. Discover how a single shift in thinking from “cut it and toss it” to “build it right upstream” can eliminate overproduction, motion, transport, and rework across your supply chain. Hear the true story of a lab project that cut waste by 30%, the kaizen lesson that stunned Toyota engineers, and why framing crews should never have to haul, cut, or fix bulk materials again. If you’re serious about lean logistics, reducing worker overburden, and building flow into your operations from procurement to placement, this episode is a masterclass. Listen in to learn: The hidden waste your logistics system creates every day. How Toyota thinks upstream to prevent chaos downstream. Why cutting waste on-site is already too late. Simple, proven ways to pre-cut, pre-kit, and pre-plan for flow. How to protect your crews from burnout, waste, and unevenness. Stop fixing symptoms. Start designing flow. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel:
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