What happens when a superintendent builds the hospital… and years later, his own daughter becomes a patient there?

In this unforgettable episode, Jason sits down with one of his all-time favorite humans: Jake Smaellie, a master builder with a story that will hit you right in the gut. From healthcare construction to personal healing, Jake opens up about:

• The emotional moment he walked his daughter into an MRI room he built.

• Why cleaning jobsite bathrooms (yes, really) sets the tone for leadership.

• The power of saying “good morning” and how it’s a secret weapon for team culture.

• His incredible 180-pound weight loss and training for a 200-mile bike ride.

• How to lead by example, not by title.

Funny. Raw. Inspiring. This is more than construction, it’s a masterclass in humility, grit, and taking care of people.

🔥 If you’re a builder, leader, or just a human being trying to make a difference don’t miss this one.

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: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

In this episode, Jason responds to two powerful listener messages.

First, a PM asks: How do you lead when you're new to a project and the entire team knows more than you do? Jason shares the exact strategy he would use to build trust, gain clarity, and define his role starting with humility and collaboration.

Second, a reflection from a $300M industrial project in the Amazon reveals something important: even with advanced systems like BIM, AWP, and Last Planner in place, production suffers when foremen and supervisors lack core skills. Through Kaizen cycles, the team discovered gaps in pre-task planning, tool management, drawing reading, and 3D model usage and solved it with targeted training.

Jason connects this insight to real examples like High Street and P1 Group’s Forge training facility, emphasizing that skilled people, not just systems make the difference. A powerful reminder that builders need both the plan and the preparation.

If you’re new to a team or trying to level up field performance, this one’s for you.

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: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

This one’s going to hit home.

We’ve all seen it, a rude PM, an arrogant superintendent, an aggressive designer on a call, or a toxic leader on a mega project. It’s easy to justify behavior like this as “just the way things are” in construction. But Jason reminds us of a deeper truth: how we treat people is part of our job.

In this episode:

• Why communication, kindness, and collaboration are essential job skills.

• What it feels like to be dismissed or belittled (Jason shares a personal and frustrating visit with a specialist).

• Why mega projects often bring out the worst behaviors.

• And why the most noble thing in construction might be leading a small project with stability and dignity.

Plus, Jason answers a listener’s question about finding the First Planner System book (spoiler: it’s now titled Elevating Pre-Construction Planning due to Amazon publishing issues).

This episode is for anyone who's ever felt mistreated at work or wants to be a better builder, leader, and human.

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: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw