This one hits deep.

In this episode, Jason Schroeder pulls no punches as he unpacks a hot-button topic that's stirring up the construction world: Is Critical Path Method (CPM) helping or hurting our projects? He responds to criticism head-on and shares why blaming people instead of broken systems is a dead-end mindset in our industry.

But that’s just the beginning.

Jason also dives into the real-world definitions of substantial, final, and financial completion why they matter, what most teams misunderstand about them, and how they directly impact your bottom line. He drops insights on project extensions, owner expectations, and the financial blind spots that are costing construction teams millions.

Plus, a raw behind-the-scenes update on a canceled $96M project, how LeanTakt and Elevate are pivoting with purpose, and why Jason believes something bigger is on the horizon.

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

Why Every Project Needs a “Situation Room”

In this episode, Jason Schroeder introduces a game-changing idea for modern construction: the Situation Room - a centralized command space to monitor, plan, and respond in real-time.

Inspired by legendary builds like the Empire State Building and Boulder Dam, Jason makes the case for creating dedicated rooms where project leaders aren’t just reacting, they're orchestrating. From macro Takt plans and KPIs to 3D models and comms access, this isn’t just a conference room, it’s a mission control for your project.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What a Situation Room is (and what it’s not).

• How it can radically reduce communication lag and improve flow.

• Why this approach is essential for both in-person and remote project leadership.

• The real-world tech setup and layout to make it work on-site.

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

“The Trades Won’t Do It” - That’s a Lie. Let’s Talk.

In this episode, Jason Schroeder calls out one of the most common and laziest excuses on job sites: “The trades won’t do it.”

• Won’t pull plan?
• Won’t do huddles?
• Won’t use weekly work plans?

🚨 Total. B.S.

Jason shares years of hard-won experience proving that trades will engage when they’re led with clarity, purpose, and respect. He digs into a tough conversation with a field leader who said, “Just be the a-hole and tell them what to do,” and unpacks the cultural conditioning behind that mindset.

In this episode:

• Why the “they won’t do it” excuse reveals weak leadership not uncooperative trades.

• How field teams actually crave clarity, not command-and-control.

• The balance of decisive leadership with genuine care.

• Why asking “What do you need?” is still one of the most powerful questions you can lead with.

Whether you're a superintendent, PM, or foreman, this episode is your no-BS wake-up call to lead like a builder, not a bystander.

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