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Month: July 2024

What Is A General Superintendent In Construction?

Posted on by Jason Schroeder
Read 2 min

In this Blog Post, we discuss the roles and responsibilities of a General Superintendent (GS) in construction, and how they oversee various projects and teams. 

  1. Roles of a GS:
    • GSs manage multiple small or large projects, often with varying degrees of travel.
    • In larger companies, GSs might oversee large, complex projects with dedicated superintendents for different functional areas.
  2. Key Qualities of a GS:
    • Master Builder: Extensive experience in complex projects, scheduling, lean construction, and project management.
    • Team Builder: Must effectively manage and unite teams, handle conflicts, and be respected by team members.
    • Experienced: Must have a strong background in relevant processes, building types, and successful project completions.
    • Mentor and Teacher: Ability to train and mentor the next generation of builders.
    • Oversee Project Managers: Must supervise and support project managers effectively.
  3. When GS Roles Work Well:
    • Accountability: GSs must hold teams accountable through respect and influence.
    • Monitoring Costs and Schedule: GSs should summarize and monitor project costs and schedules at a high level.
    • Responsibility for Numbers: GSs should be involved in financial and scheduling meetings to stay connected to project outcomes.
    • Focus: GSs should be able to concentrate on their projects without being bogged down by administrative tasks.
  4. Common Issues with GS Roles:
    • Lack of Accountability: GSs must be responsible for project results.
    • Insufficient Training and Coaching Time: GSs should spend meaningful time training and supporting project teams.
    • Distraction: GSs should not be overloaded with proposals or business meetings.
    • Playing Savior: GSs should avoid shielding teams from necessary business realities and instead foster problem-solving within the team.
  5. Recommendations:
    • Companies should ensure GSs are actively involved in projects and not just administrative roles.
    • GSs should be well-compensated and valued for their contributions to the organization.

The GS position is vital for project success, and with the right approach, it can significantly benefit the construction industry.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

On we go!

Posted in All

How Much Do Construction Superintendents Make?

Posted on by Jason Schroeder
Read 4 min

Do you want to know how much money you can make as a superintendent? Does the potential earnings entice you? Do you want to know how you can maximize your income? If so, stay with us in this blog post. 

Let me start off by telling you a story. A high school kid, just barely graduating, called me and said, “Hey, JC, I want to get into construction and eventually be a project manager. Do you have any openings for me?” I was thrilled and told him, “This is a great opportunity. I made it through, I make a ton of money, and you can do the same. 

You can start as a laborer or a carpenter apprentice and help out. Once we see how hard you work, you can start helping the field engineers. Be a field engineer for a while, then you’ll start learning project management.”

His response? “I think that kind of work is beneath me. I want to go straight into an opportunity or just go straight into college and make the big bucks.” He preferred to become an electrical engineer. I told him, “Electrical engineers in the industry make anywhere from $85,000 to $125,000 a year, but superintendents can go up to $230,000.” He was still set on avoiding starting as a laborer.

This mentality isn’t uncommon. Many believe that college is the only path to a successful career, but that’s not always the case. If you want a career in construction, you can go the college route, trade school, or work your way up. Either way, the pay and opportunities are substantial. There are even individuals in construction with minimal skills making $130,000 a year as superintendents.

Superintendents make good money. Here’s a breakdown of potential earnings:

  1. Entry-Level Superintendent: $37,000 to $160,000
  2. Field Engineer: After a couple of years, you can become an assistant super, then a project super, and eventually a General Superintendent.
  3. General Superintendent (12-16 years experience): Base salary of $210,000 to $250,000. Including stock and benefits, total compensation can be between $250,000 and $360,000.

In some cases, it’s even more than that. Adding stock payouts can bring in an additional $50,000 to $250,000. Imagine making between a quarter to half a million dollars once you’ve reached 12-16 years in the industry, following a structured career path, adding value, and running mega projects.

Think about what you could do with that money. In two years, you could make a million dollars. It’s a significant amount. Supers can make quite a bit of money, but it’s important not to rush. Start your career, learn the roles, and build your expertise. Learn scheduling, BIM, lean, project management, finances, and contracting. Become a project superintendent, get experience, then advance to a General Superintendent or Field Director.

Here’s a breakdown of base salaries for different superintendent levels:

  1. Superintendent Level 1: $85,000 to $110,000
  2. Superintendent Level 2: $95,000 to $135,000
  3. Superintendent Level 3: $115,000 to $155,000

General Superintendents and Field Directors can make from $160,000 up to $230,000 a year, plus additional benefits.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

On we go!

Posted in All

How To Make Your Working Day More Enjoyable

Posted on by Jason Schroeder
Read 5 min

You are definitely going to want to check out this content unless you want to spend the rest of your career in hell. So, what are the things that create a happy environment? And what are some things that you can do for yourself to create a happy environment? We’re going to cover that right now. Let’s dive into it! 

Common Reasons Why People Have Fun at Work

People have fun with their work or at work when they find their work fulfilling. When people feel like they’re accomplishing something, they really have fun at work. Here are some key factors:

  • Feeling Appreciated: When somebody stops by and takes time to say thank you or good job.
  • Being Themselves: When they feel they can be themselves and express their personalities.
  • Liking Their Colleagues: When they like the people they work with, including their boss. Working with friendly people is significantly better and happier in the long run than working with unfriendly people.
  • Knowing Their Jobs Are Valued: People need to know that what they do matters to the boss and to the company.
  • Believing in the Mission: When people believe in the mission of their company and their project.
  • Being Treated with Respect: When they feel they’re treated with respect and have a true sense of ownership.
  • Working in Integrity: When they don’t have to check their values at the door. Most people would rather work in a place of integrity, where they can live that integrity instead of being asked to do things that are contrary to their values.
  • Celebrating Success: When success is celebrated amongst the team. People like to win and celebrate victories.
  • Being Allowed to Make Mistakes: When they’re not punished for making mistakes. Thomas Edison once said, “People would never fly if they didn’t make mistakes.”
  • Not Being Scapegoated: When people are not turned into scapegoats when something goes wrong.
  • Sharing Credit: When credit is shared and friends and family think the job is cool.

This list, inspired by the book “Do The Right Thing” about Southwest Airlines, highlights some of the fundamental reasons why people enjoy their work. I implemented it with my team at the Bioscience Research Laboratory, and it worked wonders.

What You Can Do to Show Up Happy at Work

Even if your environment isn’t perfect, there are still things you can do to ensure you have a happy workday. Here are some strategies:

Plan Your Day

You cannot start your day until it’s finished on paper. Planning your day involves creating a “day-tight compartment,” meaning you plan your tasks, time block your activities, and include buffers for breaks. This approach helps you feel accomplished and reduces stress.

Have Hard Conversations

Unresolved interpersonal conflicts can create unhappiness. Addressing issues with colleagues or your boss through honest conversations can improve your work environment. For example, saying, “Hey, I noticed this, can we work on this?” can make a significant difference.

Solve Real Problems

If something is stressing you out, identify it, discuss it, and solve it. Addressing roadblocks and finding solutions helps you maintain a sense of equilibrium and reduces stress.

Encourage Team Balance and Health

Weekly team meetings to discuss personal time off (PTO), coverage, and self-care can help ensure everyone on your team can take care of themselves without added stress. This promotes a balanced work-life environment.

Plan Buffers in Your Day

Include breaks in your schedule. Plan a nice lunch break, a few short breaks, and time to grab a coffee. Avoid back-to-back meetings and being a victim to emails all day. Breaks and buffers are essential for maintaining productivity and well-being.

Work According to Your Purpose

Ensure your work aligns with your genuine purpose. Reflect on whether your job is where you want to be, if it makes you feel valued, and if you are part of a great team. Working towards this alignment will increase your happiness at work.

Create a Great Working Environment

Your physical workspace matters. Keep your desk clean and organized, and ensure your environment is aesthetically pleasing. A stable outer order leads to inner calm.

Find Ways to Win

Engage in tasks that you enjoy and excel at. Whether it’s organizing, running meetings, or creating visuals, do something that makes you feel accomplished and proud each day.

Connect with People at Work

Building good relationships with colleagues can make work more enjoyable. Having friends at work and connecting with interesting people can significantly enhance your work experience.

Make Happiness Intentional

To consistently feel happy at work, reflect on when you were happiest. Ask yourself:

  • What was I doing when I was happy?
  • What was I saying to myself?
  • What was my body language like?

Identify these elements and try to replicate them in your daily work life. Shape your environment and your mindset to align with what makes you happy.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

On we go!

Posted in All