Transforming the Construction Industry Through Systems With Jason Schroeder

Jason Schroeder

Jason Schroeder is a construction industry leader, lean consultant, and the founder of Elevate Construction. With over two decades of experience in project and field operations, Jason now educates teams across the industry on tact planning, the Last Planner System, and building high-performing cultures through systems. He also hosts the Elevate Construction podcast and is known for his passion for training, innovation, and respect-driven leadership.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[02:23] Why broken systems—not people—are the root cause of failure in construction
[04:28] The human cost of poor systems and how better systems create hope and safety
[06:22] Why education systems teach the wrong type of project management for the real world
[08:59] How to build a culture that encourages innovation and lasting change
[13:08] Jason’s recommended starting point for lean implementation
[17:06] Why construction leaders must focus on building people—not just buildings

In this episode:

What happens when a great team is forced to work without a great system? According to Jason Schroeder, the result is predictable—and painful. In this engaging episode of the Systems Simplified podcast, host Adi Klevit sits down with Jason to explore why systems are the ultimate form of respect in the construction industry and how leaders can use them to transform company culture, improve safety, and boost performance.

Jason shares how his early exposure to well-run construction projects revealed the power of systems, and how the industry’s shift away from structured training led him to found Elevate Construction. He and Adi discuss why many organizations resist change, how to separate system flaws from personal blame, and what makes lean thinking so effective when implemented correctly.

Throughout the conversation, Jason emphasizes the role of education, the importance of understanding the “why,” and why real leadership means empowering others through clarity and repeatability. His insights are applicable far beyond construction—any industry can benefit from a systems-first mindset.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:

“People don’t fail—systems do.”
“If you follow the system, you’ll win every time.”
“The ultimate disrespect is not providing people with the tools and environment to succeed.”
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast—if you don’t have the culture, nothing changes.”
“We don’t build buildings—we build humans who build buildings.”
“The safest place to be in a company should be where innovation and growth live.”

Action Steps:

Reframe system failures as process problems, not personal flaws.
Build a leadership culture where innovation is safe and expected.
Evaluate how your organization teaches and implements change.
Start learning about lean systems by reading The Goal by Goldratt.
Design your processes to create flow, not just checklists.
Prioritize ongoing education and train people with purpose and patience.

Sponsor for this episode:

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