June 2025 - Elevate Constructionist

Do Construction Foremen Report To Superintendents?

Posted on June 20, 2025June 20, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 8 min

Do Foremen Report to Superintendents? Understanding the Real Dynamic on a Construction Site

One of the most common yet misunderstood questions in construction is whether foremen report to superintendents. The answer is not black and white. In this blog, we’ll explore the truth about that relationship, how it should function, and how a respectful, collaborative dynamic can elevate a project team.

The Orchestra Analogy: Understanding Roles on the Jobsite

Think of a jobsite like an orchestra. The superintendent is the conductor. Their role is to create the right environment, set the rhythm, and ensure that all the moving parts come together in harmony. The trade foremen are the musicians. They are highly skilled professionals who know their craft and bring their expertise to the performance.

The conductor doesn’t micromanage how each musician plays their instrument, but they do set the pace, signal transitions, and guide the overall performance. In the same way, superintendents don’t supervise how every trade does its work but instead coordinate the overall flow of construction to ensure everything aligns. It’s a relationship built on mutual respect, not authority.

Do Foremen Actually Report to Superintendents?

From a contractual or company reporting structure, the answer is usually no. Most foremen do not report to the superintendent as direct employees unless they work for the same company. However, on the jobsite, the dynamic shifts. The foreman and superintendent are part of the same operational team. In that sense, foremen do report:

Progress updates.
Constraints or issues.
Completion of assignments.

Not because they are subordinates, but because they are collaborating to move the project forward efficiently.

Mutual Accountability in Practice:

A high-functioning project team does not operate in silos. On projects where mutual respect is established, the superintendent provides the conditions necessary for the trades to succeed: clean work areas, organized logistics, access to information, timely layout, and the right tools. In turn, foremen provide visibility into their progress and coordination needs.

On some projects, contractor grading systems are introduced. The general contractor is graded weekly by the trades on cleanliness, logistical support, access to resources, and overall project readiness. In return, the trades are graded on safety, participation, organization, and adherence to schedules. This two-way feedback builds trust, raises standards, and encourages continuous improvement on all sides.

When the System Breaks Down:

Sometimes, the question about reporting comes from a place of frustration. There are two common scenarios where this occurs:

A foreman is acting independently, disregarding collaboration, and resisting project coordination.
A superintendent is operating with a command-and-control mentality, leading through fear, micromanagement, or a lack of respect.

In both cases, the solution is the same: prioritize what is right. Respect the integrity of the system, even when individuals don’t. Reporting, collaboration, and teamwork should never be compromised by toxic behavior. The focus should be on doing what is right and not who is right.

Final Thoughts:

Foremen and superintendents are both essential to project success. When they treat each other as partners, not adversaries, the jobsite becomes a place of mutual respect and productivity. Each has a responsibility to support the other. A superintendent should view the foreman as an extension of the management team. Similarly, the foreman should see the superintendent as someone enabling their work, not controlling it.

If both roles are performed with respect, ownership, and a commitment to doing what is right, the question of reporting becomes irrelevant. It’s not about hierarchy; it’s about building something great together. The more aligned foremen and superintendents are, the more likely everyone is to win.

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

Are Field Engineers Real Engineers?

Posted on June 19, 2025June 19, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 8 min

Are Field Engineers Real Engineers? Here’s the Truth

Are field engineers real engineers? This is one of the most common questions I get and it’s something people are searching for all the time on Google and YouTube. So, in this blog, I’m going to share the truth and offer a perspective I think you’ll really appreciate.

The Short Answer: Technically, No.

Field engineers are not technically licensed professional engineers in most cases. Sure, I’ve seen a few field engineers who are engineers-in-training (EITs) or even professional engineers (PEs), but that’s rare.

Most field engineers don’t carry an official license. But let me explain why that doesn’t matter and why the title field engineer still carries real weight.

My Story: Why I Loved Being Called a Field Engineer

Let me share a personal story. There was a journeyman carpenter I deeply admired. I knew his whole family, and one day he said, “Jason, you’re an engineer, come help me build this bunk bed.”

Of course, I wasn’t a real engineer, but that comment appealed to my ego. And you know what? I was good at putting things together. I’d done field engineering, I followed drawings well, and I had experience with everything from IKEA sets to complex layout systems on job sites.

That comment didn’t just stroke my ego; it made me want to be better. That’s the power of the title “engineer” as an aspirational title.

Field Engineers Act Like Engineers: Here’s How

If you ask ChatGPT or Google, “What does an engineer do?” the answers usually include:

Solving problems.
Designing systems.
Drafting plans.
Working with others to execute their vision.

And guess what? Field engineers do all of that:

They design control networks, layout plans, logistics systems, and means and methods.
They coordinate drawings, including creating and interpreting lift drawings.
They solve field problems with inventiveness and technical skill.
They work hand-in-hand with the craft and foremen to execute plans with precision.

They may not have a stamp or PE license, but they’re definitely engineering solutions in the real world.

Field Engineers Apply Scientific and Mathematical Principles:

Field engineers constantly use engineering concepts:

Traverse calculations.
Coordinate geometry.
Quantities and trending.
Surveying principles.
Formulas and spreadsheets.

The Field Engineering Methods Manual (Construction Surveying and Layout by Wesley Crawford) is filled with math, not just step-by-step how-tos. It’s real technical content.

I’ve personally created spreadsheets for radial staking, as-built points, and level loops. Every one of those uses real engineering calculations.

Field Engineers Are Inventors Too:

I remember one project where we were replacing a loading dock. The elevated portion required a ton of formwork so I proposed using foam blocks instead.

Sourced the foam.
Checked it with the structural engineer.
Ran the calculations.
Developed a fastening method without damaging a post-tension deck.
Helped weigh down and install the system.

It worked. The structural engineer said he’d never seen that exact method before.

That’s what I mean when I say field engineers invent. They find practical, cost-effective, and safe ways to solve problems on-site.

So… Are They Professional Engineers?

No.
But should we still call them engineers?

Yes. Absolutely.

Why?

Because it’s an aspirational title. It pushes people to act professionally, apply science, and serve the team. Field engineers are doers, problem-solvers, and leaders in training. They deserve respect, support, and recognition.

Final Thoughts:

So, to wrap it up:

Are field engineers licensed engineers? No.
Do they do engineer work? Yes.
Should we keep using the title? 100% yes.

If you’re a field or project engineer or if you work with one, be proud of the title. Embrace the responsibility, the problem-solving, and the growth.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

Is Field Engineer A Good Job?

Posted on June 18, 2025June 18, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 8 min

Is Field Engineering a Good Job? Here’s What You Should Know

Is field engineering a good job? That’s a question I get all the time and, in this blog, I’ll walk you through nine reasons why it absolutely is. I’ll also share some personal stories that I hope give you a better sense of just how rewarding this career path can be.

My Experience as a Field Engineer:

I’ve been in this field for years, four years working as a field engineer, seven years training others in the role, and running more than 20 boot camps to help shape the next generation. I’m also helping to rewrite the go-to industry reference: Construction Surveying and Layout.

Let me take you back to when I first stepped into this world. I came from a small commercial construction company and suddenly found myself on a massive prison project with Hensel Phelps. This was big-time construction, lots of concrete, heavy equipment, and cutting-edge layout tools like total stations and AutoCAD.

Everything about the job made me feel like I was part of something important: the roar of diesel engines, the hum of activity, the rush of riding in a Kawasaki mule from one end of the site to the other. Even snapping layout lines gave me a sense of professional pride. I loved it.

And honestly? I still miss it. Many people who move into management say the same thing—those were some of the best days of their careers.

So, Is It a Good Job?

Let’s break it down.

You’re Connected to the Physical Work:

If you love building, this is your jam. You’re not just managing; you’re physically part of the process.

Precision Feels Like Art:

Something as simple as snapping chalk lines on a deck becomes deeply satisfying when done with care. There’s pride in getting it right. I once used baby powder and clear coat to avoid staining concrete, those kinds of clever workarounds feel like craftsmanship.

You See the Project Take Shape:

Unlike many management roles, field engineering lets you witness and influence every phase of construction. You’re hands-on from start to finish.

You Become a Problem Solver:

You’re not just solving problems, you’re preventing them. You dig into drawings, chase down every detail, and build the habit of thinking like a “honey badger,” tackling anything that comes your way.

You Collaborate with the Best:

You’re shoulder-to-shoulder with the trades and supers. You learn from them, work with them, and become part of the team in the most rewarding way.

You Master the Drawings and Specs:

If you’re creating lift drawings, you’ll develop a deep understanding of the design. You’ll become what we call a “master builder.”

You Build Leadership Skills:

You’re not just learning technical skills, you’re learning how to lead. You’re visualizing the work, staying organized, and building the foundation to become a PM or superintendent.

You Take Ownership:

This job teaches accountability and pride in your work. You’re not just doing tasks, you’re owning your scope. That builds confidence and a builder’s mindset.

It Pays Off in the Long Run:

It’s a rewarding job financially and professionally. It sets you up for nearly any future path in construction and few other roles provide that kind of launchpad.

A Word of Caution:

Don’t let the pride in your work turn into arrogance. Stay humble. Stay curious. Even if you’ve been doing it for years, keep learning.

Final Thoughts:

Yes, field engineering is an incredible job. It’s tough. It’s technical. But it’s also one of the most satisfying roles you can have in construction. If you’re considering it, I encourage you to give it your all, you won’t regret it.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

What Is The Field Engineer Job Description?

Posted on June 17, 2025June 17, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 8 min

The Ultimate Field Engineer Job Description Explained

What does a field engineer actually do? It’s a question I get asked all the time. In this blog, I’m going to walk you through the real duties and responsibilities of a field engineer so you’ll know exactly what should be in the job description.

If construction companies would go back to emphasizing proper field engineering they wouldn’t just produce a new generation of outstanding superintendents; they’d also return to builder basics. And when that happens, everything runs smoother on every single project.

If you’re ready to get back to what works, let’s dive in.

Layout and Survey:

Many people assume layout and survey work only applies if you self-perform. And no, you don’t have to become a surveyor but learning layout teaches your brain how to think like a builder.

Level loops, total stations, and chaining distances don’t just build technical skill they build spatial intelligence. You start thinking in X, Y, and Z coordinates and eventually, as a superintendent, you’ll think in X, Y, Z, and T (time). That’s a four-dimensional mindset every great builder needs.

Quality Control (QC) & Verification:

Why do we set up primary, secondary, and working control? Because they form the foundation of quality. We verify wall locations, elevation heights, embed placements, dowel projections, and column plumbness. All of this ensures precision in the field. It’s one of the field engineer’s core duties.

Lift Drawings & RFIs:

Lift drawings bring together key details from architectural, structural, mechanical, and shop drawings consolidating them into one coordinated plan for a specific area of work. This helps the builder:

Understand the scope.
Identify and fix issues early.
Support field coordination and QC.

Without lift drawings, how would you know where embeds or sleeves go? Or how far dowels should protrude from a wall? Lift drawings are essential for field accuracy.

Trade Work Preparation:

Field engineers enable trade partners by providing clear layout and accurate lift drawings. This preparation ensures trades have the tools, materials, and information they need. It’s not just logistics it’s leadership.

Solving Field Issues:

I’ve built projects both with and without field engineers. Without them? The experience is miserable. Superintendents are overburdened with follow-ups, RFIs, and paperwork. Quality suffers. Mistakes multiply. And contingency budgets evaporate.

But with field engineers, everyone has support. Supers can focus on managing and planning work while engineers tackle RFIs, layout issues, and details. This division of labor is critical for project success.

Assist with Inspections:

Even if you don’t self-perform, you still need field engineers for:

Concrete pre-placement inspections.
In-wall and overhead inspections.
Punch lists and commissioning.
Field QC checks.

They should be side-by-side with supers during these inspections, reinforcing quality and catching errors before they escalate.

Pre-construction Planning:

At companies like Hensel Phelps, field engineers are on site before the job starts. They help set primary control, develop lift drawing templates, and prepare scopes for the trades. Their involvement in pre-construction sets the tone for the entire project.

Material Tracking & Placement:

Getting materials delivered is one thing. Getting them to the right place is another. Field engineers assist with tracking deliveries, coordinating locations, and minimizing re-handling. They’re key to logistical success.

Safety & Observations:

While not as experienced as supers, field engineers are the front-line safety presence. They help perform safety observations, inspect conditions, and flag issues. I personally learned more about safety in my time as a field engineer than anywhere else.

Documentation & Reporting:

Yes, field engineers also handle daily reports, documentation, and logs. Whether handwritten or digital, this communication is vital. And as a petty side note please use block letters in all caps. Legibility matters!

Conclusion: Field Engineers Are Builders in Training

These ten responsibilities define the field engineer job description. If you want your construction team to perform at its highest level, field engineers must be properly trained and empowered.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

How To Become A Field Engineer

Posted on June 17, 2025June 17, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 6 min

How to Become a Field Engineer: A Proven Pathway

Becoming a field engineer isn’t just a job title it’s a gateway to an incredible career in construction. In this blog, I’m going to share how I became a field engineer, what I learned along the way, and how you can do it too.

My Journey into Field Engineering:

I started young, 13 and a half, working concrete jobs in Southern California. Eventually, I joined Hensel Phelps through a connection my dad had and became a cement mason. When a shoulder injury sidelined me from physical work, I was given a chance to assist the field engineering crews. That’s where I discovered my passion.

I went all-in: bought a computer, learned AutoCAD on my own, and taught myself how to create lift drawings. That hustle paid off. I moved up to field engineer, then lead field engineer, and eventually created the field engineering training program still used at Hensel Phelps.

But I’ll be honest, I hit a wall. I started failing in my lead role until I revisited the fundamentals. I studied Construction Surveying and Layout by Wesley Crawford eight times. That foundation turned everything around.

The Best Way to Get In:

Want to become a field engineer? Here are a few solid entry points:

College education (not always required, but helps).
Internships (even short ones open doors).
Craft roles like laborer, carpenter, or cement finisher.

Once you’re in, start learning and practicing layout tools: total stations, levels, robotic instruments, GPS, and especially lift drawings. This hands-on experience is crucial.

Recommended Resources:

I strongly recommend studying the first eight chapters of the Field Engineering Methods Manual (Version 3). If you’re using Version 4 (coming soon), focus on the first book. You’ll learn essential principles like:

Three-wire leveling.
Direct and reverse shots.
Chaining distances.
Running traverses and level loops.

And if you want to go further, begin mastering software like Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Tekla, or SketchUp for lift drawings. Being able to draw what you plan to build is a game changer.

Connect With the Craft:

The best field engineers build trust and relationships with the craft. Get in the trenches. Ask questions. Learn from foremen and tradespeople. This connection will make you a better engineer and a better builder.

Practice Until It’s Second Nature:

Once you’ve got the fundamentals, keep pushing:

Practice grid and profile leveling.
Learn to close loops and perform trigonometric leveling.
Memorize key layout steps and apply them in the field.

The goal? Become an applied field engineer, someone who knows the full process from establishing primary control all the way to layout and QC.

Key Takeaway:

You don’t just learn field engineering, you live it. Get in, study hard, connect with the people doing the work, and keep practicing. The fundamentals will set you apart.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

What Does A Field Engineer Do With Survey And Layout?

Posted on June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 7 min

What Does a Field Engineer Do with Survey and Layout?

What does a field engineer do with survey and layout? That’s a question I got the other day, and I thought it was so good, I had to turn it into a blog.

If you’ve ever wondered what role survey and control play on a construction site or what a field engineer actually does with them, this blog will give you clarity. Let’s break it down.

Survey vs. Control:

When we talk about survey, we’re referring to the actual measurement process like picking up a backsight and shooting a foresight with a total station or automatic level. It’s how we gather elevation data or locate a point on the site.

Control, on the other hand, refers to establishing and maintaining the correct location of the building. Whether it’s primary, secondary, or working control, it ensures everything is built in the right place.

Types of Control:

Primary Control:
This surrounds the entire job site and is usually established by working with the project surveyor. Using a traverse and level loop, we network control points around the perimeter to keep everything aligned.
Secondary Control:
This is where we bring the control closer to the structure. Say you’re laying out a building grid you’ll establish a baseline using your total station and tie it back to the primary monuments. From there, direct and reverse shots help create intermediate points.
Working Control:
This is temporary control that supports layout for specific components. For example, you might snap offset lines for a wall or column, and use a benchmark to set elevations. This control guides the placement of materials like concrete, steel, or even above-ceiling systems.

Field Engineer’s Role:

So how does a field engineer use all this?

To translate control into precise layout for real components on-site.
To verify locations and set out points based on lift drawings.
To ensure all parts of the structure from embeds to walls are in the correct position.

Using tools like benchmarks, offset lines, and layout points, the field engineer acts as the guide who keeps construction accurate and aligned.

Lift Drawings & Layout:

If the field engineer also has a lift drawing which pulls together information from multiple plans into one detailed drawing they can lay out everything with confidence. It’s like having a cheat sheet for installation accuracy.

Key Takeaway:

A field engineer uses survey and control from primary to working control to accurately position building components on-site, ensuring precision, quality, and successful execution through methods like lift drawings and layout benchmarks.

Learn More:

If you’re interested in diving deeper, I recommend checking out the Field Engineering Methods Manual, also known as Construction Surveying and Layout by Wesley G. Crawford.

You can also check out more content on this topic over on the Lean Survey YouTube channel.

Getting survey and layout right is critical and understanding it is key for any field engineer. I hope this blog brought some clarity.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

What Does A Field Engineer Do With Lift Drawings?

Posted on June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 5 min

What Does a Field Engineer Do with Lift Drawings?

In this short blog, we’re diving into a powerful tool that every jobsite should be using i.e. lift drawings. If you’ve ever wondered what they are, why they matter, and how field engineers use them, you’re in the right place.

Where Lift Drawings Fit In:

A question recently came up from a great superintendent: What exactly does a field engineer do with lift drawings?

To answer that, let’s start with the basics.

On any project, you’ve got:

Architectural drawings.
Structural drawings.
Mechanical, plumbing, and technology drawings.
Civil drawings.
Specs, shop drawings, AHJ requirements, and building codes.

A lift drawing brings all the essential information for one specific element say, a perimeter wall into one place. It lifts details from all those documents and consolidates them so you can actually build that one component in the field.

The Power of Lift Drawings:

Let’s break down what lift drawings help you do:

Learn the Scope:
There’s no better way to train a new field engineer than by having them read through every document and create a lift drawing. It forces them to understand what they’re going to help lay out, support, QC, or enable.
Find and Solve Problems:
A wise mentor once told me: If you can’t draw it, you can’t build it. If there’s not enough information to create the drawing, then there’s not enough to build confidently. Creating a lift drawing uncovers gaps before they hit the field.
Create a Drawing for Installation:
Even if you’re not self-performing the work, and even if the crew “doesn’t need” your drawing to install, you still need lift drawings. Why? Because they are the best training tool for building future supers. Creating these drawings teaches field engineers to read, visualize, and piece together complex structures in 3D.

Bonus: Helpful Tools

There are resources that can make this easier like a Lift Drawing Review Card and tools to build them in Revit, AutoCAD, or SketchUp.

Final Thoughts:

Even if the drawing itself never makes it to the field for install, the act of creating it turns a field engineer into a true builder. That’s what lift drawings are really for: they train the mind to think and build like a superintendent.

So, if you’re not using lift drawings yet, it’s time to start.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

What Do The First Few Weeks Look Like For A Brand New Assistant Superintendent?

Posted on June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 7 min

What Do the First Few Weeks Look Like for a Brand-New Superintendent?

Starting a new role as a superintendent especially when you’re new to both the job and the company can feel overwhelming. In this blog, I want to share some real advice, encouragement, and tactical steps to help you navigate the first few weeks and come out strong on the other side.

You’re Not Alone If You Feel This Way…

Let’s start with a little honesty: the first 4–6 weeks will probably feel chaotic. Thoughts like,
“I’m not good enough,”
“I’m going to ruin my career,” or
“What have I gotten myself into?”
…are incredibly common. You’re not failing, you’re adjusting. It’s a tough mental space, but totally normal.

The most important mindset shifts here? Focus on process over perfection. Keep your head down and follow a reliable structure. That’s where this list of tips comes in.

Get to Know the Team:

No matter how awkward it feels, introduce yourself. Shake hands, make eye contact, build rapport. The people you meet now will shape your experience moving forward. Trust comes from showing up and being human especially early on.

Understand the Drawings:

If you don’t know what you’re building, you can’t lead it. Spend serious time reviewing the drawings. Lock yourself in a room if you have to. Even one or two late nights upfront can create months of confidence down the road.

Understand the Project:

Do a thorough field walk. Learn the general schedule, phasing, deadlines, and site logistics. Think of yourself as a general surveying the battlefield know what you’re working with.

Connect with the Trades:

Go meet the trade partners. Yes, it may feel awkward but skipping this step will hurt you later. Be upfront about being new, share your intentions, and offer support. You don’t need all the answers; you need relationships.

Manage Your Mindset:

Your brain will try to protect you by imagining worst-case scenarios. Instead of arguing with it, write those fears down and revisit them in six months. Early doubts are natural, but they don’t define your potential.

Make a Risk Plan:

Worrying about risks isn’t helpful, planning for them is. During your plan and schedule reviews, identify risks, write them down, and decide how you’ll handle them. Create a system to review and adjust regularly.

Get Into Builder Habits:

This is your safety net. Start building daily and weekly habits to stay focused and in control:

30 mins/day in the drawings: stay close to the design.
30 mins/day in the schedule: keep production on track.
Field walks daily: connect and correct on-site.
Pull plan every phase: no exceptions.
Manage procurement: sequence and materials must align.
Look-ahead planning: clear roadblocks 3–6 weeks ahead.
Adopt IDDS: Identify, Discuss, and Solve problems with your team.

Make Problem Solving Your Focus:

The ultimate habit: make problem-solving with your team your daily mission. If you’re constantly helping to solve field issues, there’s no way your brain can say you’re not succeeding six months from now.

Starting as a new superintendent isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being consistent, coachable, and connected. Stick to these principles, and you’ll not only survive your first few weeks, you’ll thrive.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

What Advice Would You Give Someone Brand New To Site Supervision Coming From A Technical Background?

Posted on June 10, 2025June 10, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 8 min

What advice would you give someone brand new to site supervision coming from a technical background?

That question recently came my way, and it struck me as one worth exploring in depth. So, in this blog, I’m sharing four essential mindset and behavior shifts to help anyone transitioning from a technical background into the world of construction leadership. This isn’t a criticism—quite the opposite. It’s a call to action, and a helpful framework, for making that leap successfully.

Understand the Extroverted Nature of Construction:

If you’re used to a world of focus, solitude, and data—welcome to the opposite. Construction is chaotic, fast-paced, and people-driven. It thrives on communication and collaboration. That doesn’t mean your thoughtful, methodical mindset isn’t valuable—it is. Introverted people bring depth and clarity to decision-making. But you’ll have to balance that with the demands of an extroverted environment.

Common traits of technical professionals transitioning in:

Camera off in virtual meetings.
Preference for closed-door work.
Minimal communication—texts, emails, maybe a call.

Now, you’ll need to flip the switch and step into the “people framework.”

Read “How to Win Friends and Influence People” – Seriously:

This is not optional advice. I’ve given this suggestion more times than I can count, and it always lands.

Read the book. Listen on Audible. Do it yearly.

You’re going from a role that required 80% technical skill and 20% people skill… to the reverse. Leadership is 80% people, 20% technical. This book will teach you how to thrive in that new landscape.

Also: Get out. Get into meetings. Join huddles. Walk the site. Talk to foremen. Even if it’s outside your comfort zone—especially then. Take a nap later if you need to. But show up.

Shift from Expert to Question-Asker:

As a subject matter expert, you may have been used to having answers. But as a leader in construction, your strength lies in your curiosity and your ability to leverage the genius of the team.

You’ll be working across 20, 30, even 40 scopes of work. You can’t be the expert in all of them. So, ask questions. Build relationships. Create clarity. This is what Jocko Willink’s “Laws of Combat” are all about:

Cover and Move – Build the team.
Simplify – Make things visual and clear.
Prioritize and Execute – Focus on the right tasks.
Decentralized Command – Everyone leads.

You’re moving from “I lead my area” to “we lead together.”

Connect Like It’s Your Job—Because It Is:

Connection is your superpower now.

Connect with your family and support system.
Connect deeply with your project team.
Connect genuinely with people in the field, especially foremen.

Look people in the eye. Shake their hand. Say kind things. Eat lunch with them. Help remove roadblocks. Praise their work. Create psychological safety.

If you remember one thing from this blog, let it be this: Leadership is connection.

Bonus Insight: Balance Compassion with Command:

With people: Be Brene Brown or Simon Sinek—loving, empathetic, connected.

With the environment: Be General Patton—clean, safe, organized, no compromise.

By maintaining command of the site conditions, you earn the freedom to support, empower, and lead people with humanity.

In Summary:

If you’re coming into construction leadership from a technical background, here are your four keys:

Embrace the extroverted chaos—your calm mind will be an asset.
Study how to connect with people—start with How to Win Friends and Influence People.
Let go of always being the expert—become a team-powered question-asker.
Prioritize connection—every day, every interaction.

Key takeaway:

Construction leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about connecting with people, asking great questions, and building a team that thrives together.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

Are There Any Certifications or Licenses That Would Be Helpful In The Superintendent Role?

Posted on June 10, 2025June 10, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 7 min

Top Certifications and Training for Superintendents in Construction

Are there any certifications or licenses that would be helpful in the superintendent role?

This is a question I was recently asked and in this quick blog, I’m sharing the ones that made the biggest impact on my own career in construction. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow as a superintendent, this blog will point you in the right direction.

Let’s dive into four of the most relevant certifications today, followed by a few additional resources that are absolutely worth your time.

CM-Lean (Construction Management Lean Certificate):

This certification was a game changer for me. Not only did it introduce Lean concepts in a practical way, but it also inspired a lot of what we do at Elevate Construction—like our contractor grading system. The course is interactive, highly respected, and great for networking. My only caution: if your instructor is big on CPM (Critical Path Method), feel free to skip that part and focus on the Lean practices.

My rating: 8/10

The Lean Builder Certification:

Developed by Joe Donarumo and Keyan Zandy—two incredible professionals—this certification is based on The Lean Builder book. It’s a well-produced online course designed specifically for superintendents. It provides a clear, simple introduction to the Last Planner System, and it’s professional without being overwhelming.

My rating: 8/10

DBIA Certification (Design-Build Institute of America):

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, holistic training that ties everything together—Pre-construction, contract law, delivery methods—this one is for you. Even if you don’t have Design-Build experience, the Associate Certification is still a great start.

My rating: 9/10

Safety Certifications (OSHA 10/30, STS, etc.):

These might not be the flashiest courses, but they’re essential. OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 may feel dry, but they provide foundational knowledge that every superintendent needs. Safety training is a must.

Additional Resources:

Here are a few more recommendations that don’t necessarily give you credentials, but offer serious value:

Super/PM Bootcamp (Elevate Construction):
This course does come with a certification and is top-notch training tailored for superintendents.
Books by Patrick Lencioni:
His entire catalog is pure gold for leadership, team dynamics, and communication. We recommend all of them to our project managers.
Books by Jocko Willink:
Especially his Muster event—ideal for any leader in construction.

One to Avoid: PMP Certification

It may be controversial, but I don’t recommend the PMP certification for superintendents. It’s confusing, time-consuming, and not particularly useful in the field. Save your time and invest it elsewhere.

Other Notables:

NCCER Superintendent Training Program: This is a solid training path. Jesse Hernandez does great work with it.
Miscellaneous Programs: There are plenty of other certifications out there, some neutral but still worthwhile depending on your focus and goals.

Key Takeaway:

The most valuable certifications for superintendents aren’t always the ones with the flashiest titles—they’re the ones that shape your mindset, improve your leadership, and teach practical tools for the field. Focus on Lean principles, design-build fundamentals, safety training, and resources that strengthen your ability to lead and problem-solve on the jobsite.

If you want to learn more we have:

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