October 2025 - Elevate Constructionist

What Is Site Safety Supervisor?

Posted on October 21, 2025October 21, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 9 min

What Is a Site Safety Supervisor?

What exactly does a Site Safety Supervisor do and what makes a great one? In this blog, I want to share my personal experiences and lessons that shaped how I view this role today. I’ll also share an analogy that perfectly captures how safety leadership can actually make our work faster, not slower.

My Two Worlds of Safety Culture

Let me start with a story.

I’ve worked with two very different kinds of safety professionals. The first only showed up when something went wrong, after a near miss, a first aid incident, or some issue on site. Every time they arrived, it felt like they were there to criticize. The focus was all about compliance, paperwork, and checking boxes, not about actual safety or helping us improve. It created a culture of fear and frustration.

Then later, I had the chance to work with another safety professional who completely changed my perspective. She built a culture of support and accountability, not fear. She showed up every week, walked the site with us, and helped us solve problems together.

I remember she once told me,

“I’m not here to chew you out if something happens. I’m here to help. We’re going to prevent problems, and if something comes up, we’ll fix it together.”

That moment flipped a switch in me. I realized that safety leadership isn’t about control, it’s about partnership, transparency, and prevention.

What Great Safety Leadership Looks Like

Working with her was one of the best professional experiences I’ve had. Here’s what I noticed:

Paperwork became meaningful. It wasn’t just compliance, it was a tool that actually made sense.
Habits became shared. Instead of being corporate mandates, she helped us practice and improve them together.
Accountability became teamwork. If something needed to be fixed, we did it collaboratively, without blame or frustration.

That’s what I believe a Site Safety Supervisor should be: someone who helps the team get ahead of risk while being part of the team, not apart from it.

My Moving Walkway Analogy

I’m going to give you an analogy that really stuck with me.

Recently, I was in Salt Lake City after flying from Phoenix. If you’ve ever been through that airport, you know how long those walks between terminals can be. There are moving walkways everywhere.

Now, here’s the thing, I get irrationally annoyed when people just stand on them. They’re called moving walkways for a reason! If you walk while the walkway moves, you go twice as fast. If you just stand there, you’re actually going slower than if you had just walked normally.

And that’s exactly how I see safety professionals.

If you think, “The Site Safety Supervisor’s here, so I’ll just let them handle it,” you’re standing still on the walkway. But if you decide to work with them, walk alongside them, and engage in safety together, you move twice as fast.

So now, when I catch myself trying to “delegate safety,” I stop. Because I know the real power comes when we move together.

What a Site Safety Supervisor Really Does

Here are a few of the key responsibilities that define the role:

Risk Assessments: Taking a deep dive into project details and identifying risks early helps the team plan smarter.
Safety Plans: Supporting major operations like tower crane setups or large equipment lifts ensures that safety and logistics align.
Training and Orientation: Partnering with the project team to lead orientations, task huddles, and pre-activity briefings.
Incident Response: Stepping in not to assign blame but to support, guide, and help the team recover and learn.

When a Site Safety Supervisor engages with the team this way, safety stops being a burden and starts becoming a shared rhythm that drives everything forward.

Final Thoughts

For me, the biggest lesson is this: a Site Safety Supervisor isn’t there to slow us down, they’re there to help us accelerate.

The moving walkway analogy still reminds me that the safety professional isn’t standing still, I am. It’s on me to walk with them, not hand everything off.

From now on, I’ll never just delegate safety. I’ll always partner with my safety professionals because together, we move faster, safer, and stronger.

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

What Does A Site Supervisor Do?

Posted on October 20, 2025October 21, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 8 min

What Does a Site Supervisor Do?

What exactly does a site supervisor do and how does this role compare to that of a site manager? In this blog, we’ll explore some common questions from industry professionals and clarify what makes this position essential on every construction project.

Understanding the Role of a Site Supervisor

A site supervisor typically falls between the foreman and superintendent roles. The title may vary depending on where you are in the world.

In Europe, a site manager often refers to what Americans call a superintendent or project manager (PM).
In the United States, a site supervisor generally means anyone who oversees activities on a construction project ensuring work runs safely, smoothly, and efficiently.

No matter the title, the purpose is the same: supervising, coordinating, and supporting trades to deliver high-quality results on site.

Responsibilities of a Site Supervisor

At its core, the site supervisor’s responsibility is to create an environment where trades can succeed. That means ensuring the site is:

Safe, clean, and organized.
Logistically supported, with materials, tools, and resources ready.
Synchronized, so trades can move in rhythm together without conflicts or delays.

A great supervisor maintains the “train of trades” ensuring each crew runs at the right pace and in coordination with others.

How Much Authority Does a Site Supervisor Have?

Authority depends on the scope of the role:

A foreman has full autonomy over their crew.
A logistics supervisor controls the flow and setup of the entire site.
A superintendent or assistant superintendent has the authority to stop unsafe work, enforce quality standards, and ensure compliance.

But here’s a key insight:

Lead with a teaspoon of authority and a gallon of influence.

Authority is necessary, people naturally respect hierarchy but true leadership comes from influence, consistency, and trust.

Site Supervisor vs. Site Manager

The distinction largely depends on your region or company structure.

A site supervisor may range from a lead foreman to a superintendent or PM.
A site manager, however, is typically a superintendent, project manager, or a hybrid of the two.

In simpler terms, the site manager focuses more on overall project delivery, while the site supervisor focuses on day-to-day field coordination.

A Day in the Life of a Site Supervisor

A productive site supervisor’s day starts with a morning routine, a bit of education, reflection, and preparation before heading to the jobsite.

Here’s what the day usually looks like:

Morning coordination: Communicate the day’s plan to the workers, gather feedback, and reinforce the goals discussed in the foreman huddle.
Zone control walks: Supervise critical handoff areas between trades to ensure smooth transitions.
Team check-ins: Meet briefly with the project delivery team to remove roadblocks early.
Daily builder habits:
- Review plans and drawings.
- Stay engaged with the schedule and project documentation.
- Walk the field daily to observe progress and safety.
Afternoon: Another walk, followed by the foreman huddle to plan for the next day.
Evening: Unwind, reflect, and recharge with family or something enjoyable.

Managing People and Materials

A common question is: “Am I expected to manage people, materials, or both?”
The answer is both but in different ways.

You manage things like safety, materials, logistics, and organization.
You lead people through communication, empathy, and collaboration.

Think of it this way:

Be General Patton when it comes to site management, and Simon Sinek when it comes to people.

That balance creates an environment where both systems and humans thrive.

Final Thoughts

Being a site supervisor is about more than checking boxes, it’s about building rhythm, trust, and excellence across the project.

Key Takeaway

A great site supervisor doesn’t just manage tasks, they build an environment where safety, organization, and teamwork thrive. By balancing authority with influence and leading people as effectively as they manage logistics, they keep the entire project moving in rhythm toward success.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

Providing Feedback

Posted on October 17, 2025October 20, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 8 min

Diggers, the Builder Interface, and the Power of Continuous Improvement

Feedback from readers and listeners is always one of the best motivators. Recently, someone reached out and shared how much growth they’ve experienced from following Elevate Construction’s content. They said, “If I had a choice to download the knowledge from either you or Elon Musk, I’d choose you.”

That kind of encouragement is both humbling and energizing. But it also brings up a key reminder consistency and continuous improvement are what keep any effort alive. In this blog, we’ll talk about diggers the people in your organization who dig deep, ask questions, and push for progress and how the builder interface supports that mindset.

Who Are the Diggers?

In every great organization, there are people who do more than just check the box. They’re not satisfied with “good enough.”
They dig.
They challenge.
They ask hard questions.
They seek real solutions.

These diggers are the lifeblood of continuous improvement. Too often, we just rubber-stamp things and move on. But when we stop digging, we lose the culture of learning and the opportunity to find better ways to build, lead, and execute.

The Builder Interface: Tools That Help You See

At Lean Takt, we’ve been putting this concept into practice with structured reviews and systems that support deep work.
Our team holds intense reviews for look ahead and weekly work plans to ensure we deliver real customer value. We use standard checklists and regular takt review meetings to identify problems early and optimize schedules.

To make this work even better, I’ve created an environment designed for digging deep. My workspace now has multiple monitors, sound tools for training, and a touchscreen setup that allows real-time collaboration and review. Every piece of the setup exists to make improvement easier and feedback faster.

The lesson here? The builder interface your tools, systems, and environment determines how well you can see, think, and improve.

Continuous Improvement Never Plateaus

At first, I used to think there was a point where improvements would slow down that once we had stable systems, things would even out. But the opposite happens.
Once you reach stability, your capacity to see and fix problems increases.

You start noticing new opportunities.
You start refining details that once seemed invisible.
You start to live continuous improvement not just at work, but in your home, your workspace, and your routines.

This is the heart of what Paul Akers teaches with “2 Second Lean.” Once you have stability, you can finally see how to make things even better.

The Role of Feedback in Building Culture

Kate recently shared a powerful message with our team about giving feedback. She said:

“Please give feedback in the moment. Question people’s reasoning. Understand their perspective, and then suggest ways they can improve their work or interactions.”

She emphasized that leadership means caring enough to correct, guide, and set a high standard kindly but clearly.
Feedback isn’t about attacking someone’s ego; it’s about helping them grow.

When teams mark corrections on deliverables, clarify expectations, and support organization, they build a culture that thrives.

This kind of immediate, respectful feedback keeps everyone aligned, engaged, and proud of their work.

Why It Matters

Some people might think, “I don’t need an advanced setup or to dig this deep.”
But the truth is, growth comes from digging from having the courage and tools to see clearly, question honestly, and improve continuously.

At Lean Takt and Elevate Construction, we’re thriving because we’ve built this culture of feedback and improvement. We’re not afraid to make corrections, to organize better, or to set higher standards. And that’s exactly what allows us to grow faster and stronger than ever before.

When your team embraces that mindset when everyone becomes a digger you create stability, pride, and performance. That’s what gets people home on time, builds stronger businesses, and creates work people are truly proud of.

Key Takeaway

The diggers in your organization those who ask hard questions, review deeply, and give honest feedback are your greatest asset. Build the systems, environment, and culture that empower them to see clearly and continuously improve. True progress begins when stability meets curiosity.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

How Much Do Site Supervisors Make?

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

Read 6 min

How Much Do Site Supervisors Make?

The questions about site supervisor salaries just keep coming and for good reason. It’s one of the most common topics in construction career growth. In this blog, we’ll break down the average pay, sector differences, certification impact, and overtime opportunities for site supervisors across the U.S.

Why We Share These Insights

At Elevate Construction, Lean Built, and Lean Takt, our mission is simple, to fill the gaps the industry often leaves behind. Whether it’s templates, books, or training, we aim to support construction professionals with practical knowledge and tools to advance their careers.

Average Site Supervisor Salary in the U.S.

If you’re a lead person or foreman, you can expect to earn around $22–$35 per hour, depending on your region and experience. On the coasts, this can even double due to higher living costs and project demand.

For assistant superintendents, salaries range from $75,000–$105,000 per year, while superintendents typically make $85,000–$145,000 annually again, higher in coastal cities.

How Pay Differs Across Sectors

Commercial construction: Standard pay range (as mentioned above).
Civil construction: Roughly the same range as commercial.
Residential construction: Around 80–90% of commercial pay.
Maintenance: Typically, 70–90% of commercial rates.

Specialized industries such as oil and gas, mining, and heavy industrial can dramatically increase earnings. Some professionals in these fields make $250,000–$450,000+ per year due to the technical difficulty, remote locations, and high-risk conditions.

Do Certifications Boost Pay?

Yes, certifications both open doors and raise salaries. They help you get hired faster, but it’s the implementation of what you learn that truly drives your income upward.

Roles with the Most Overtime and Bonuses

If you’re hourly, you’ll typically get more overtime pay, especially in mission-critical or fast-paced projects like:

Data centers.
Semiconductor facilities.
Oil and gas projects.
Mining operations.

These jobs pay well because of their tight timelines, technical demands, and challenging environments.

For salaried positions, you’ll benefit from higher bonus structures instead of overtime, often tied to project performance and leadership responsibilities.

Hourly vs. Salary – Which Is Smarter?

It depends on your goals.

If you enjoy hands-on fieldwork and want to stay in a specialized trade, hourly pay can be more lucrative in the short term.
If you’re aiming to advance into higher leadership roles like superintendent, project manager, or beyond transitioning to salary is the smarter long-term move.

Final Thoughts

Site supervisors play a key role in every successful project, and their pay reflects the level of responsibility they carry. Whether you’re hourly or salaried, the best way to increase your earning potential is to keep learning, gain certifications, and expand your leadership skills.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

Key Skills for Project Management Jobs in the Construction Industry

Posted on October 16, 2025 by 20North

Read 12 minAt a Glance: On paper, construction management jobs prefer a bachelor’s degree in construction management or related field, plus a few years of industry experience. However, there are various technical skills that can supplement or in some cases substitute the hard experience necessary to succeed in the role.

The construction industry offers solid job opportunities and meaningful work, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting steady job growth through 2030. Project managers take charge of complex construction projects from initial concept through final inspection.

The role combines technical expertise with stakeholder management; you’ll need to understand building codes and blueprints while also leading teams and communicating with clients. While the work can be demanding, seeing your projects transform from plans to finished buildings makes it a successful career.

This guide will walk you through step-by-step of what it takes to build a meaningful career in construction project management.

Educational Requirements and Qualifications

Academic Background

While not technically necessary, a bachelor’s degree serves as the foundation for most construction management careers. The most direct path is through a construction management degree program, which combines technical expertise with management principles. Civil engineering degrees offer strong technical backgrounds, while architecture programs provide design expertise in the construction industry. Business administration degrees, while less common, can work well when paired with hands-on experience in construction.

Certifications

Professional certifications add value to your qualifications as a construction project manager. The Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential from the Construction Management Association of America stands out as a respected certification. The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute also carries weight.Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety certifications are mandatory, particularly the 30-hour construction safety course. Some states require specific licenses for construction managers overseeing large projects.

Experience Requirements

Most construction companies look for 3-5 years of field experience before considering someone for a project management role. The typical career path starts with positions like assistant project manager or project coordinator. Entry-level roles often involve construction site supervision, scheduling, or cost estimation. Moving up to project manager usually takes 5-7 years of progressive experience. Senior management positions managing multiple construction projects or overseeing large-scale developments typically require 10+ years in the related field.

Technical Skills and Knowledge

Construction-Specific Abilities

Reading blueprints is a fundamental technical expertise for construction project managers. You’ll need to understand architectural drawings, engineering specifications, and construction documentation. This includes the ability to spot potential design conflicts and verify that plans meet building requirements.

Knowledge of construction process methods and materials shapes your daily decisions as a project manager. You should understand concrete specifications, steel grades, wood framing techniques, and modern construction approaches. This background helps you schedule work properly and validate that contractors use correct materials and installation practices.

Building codes vary by location and project type. As a construction manager, you must stay updated on local, state, and federal regulations covering everything from foundation requirements to fire safety standards. Regular review of code updates keeps your construction projects compliant and prevents costly rework.

Software Proficiency

Modern construction management relies heavily on digital tools. Project management software like Elevate Construction’s Integrated Production Control System helps track project timelines, documents, and team communications. You’ll use these platforms daily to monitor project execution and coordinate work.

Basic computer-aided design (CAD) knowledge helps you review and mark up digital drawings. While you won’t typically create plans, understanding these programs allows you to check measurements and suggest practical design modifications when needed.

Budget software proficiency is mandatory for tracking costs and maintaining financial control. Experience with construction management systems and cost databases helps you monitor expenses, process payment applications, and forecast project spending accurately.

Safety and Compliance

OSHA regulations form the foundation of construction site safety. You must understand fall protection requirements, trenching rules, proper equipment operation standards, and other workplace safety mandates. This knowledge protects workers and prevents violations.

Keeping a construction site safe requires consistent quality control and enforcement of safety protocols. You’ll implement safety training programs, conduct regular inspections, and maintain proper documentation. Understanding how to create site-specific safety plans keeps your projects running safely.

Risk management involves identifying and planning for potential problems. This includes monitoring weather impacts, coordinating equipment and material deliveries, and developing best practices for possible delays. Proper risk assessment prevents accidents and keeps construction projects on schedule.

Daily Responsibilities and Duties

Project Oversight

As a construction project manager, much of your daily oversight comes down to managing details. You’ll track costs closely, review contractor invoices, and adjust spending plans as needed. Along with budgets, you’ll update project timelines, coordinate deliveries, and keep the construction process moving. A portion of your time will also be spent on-site, walking the project to ensure quality standards are met and building codes are followed.

Team Management

A crucial role in day-to-day operations involves stakeholder management and team coordination. Meetings with general contractors are done to review progress and address challenges that arise. You’ll coordinate with project team members to assign tasks and ensure clear understanding of responsibilities, all the while maintaining communication with building owners, architects, and city inspectors to keep them updated on construction project status.

Administrative Tasks

Each day includes updating project documents, filling out progress reports, and keeping detailed records of all construction site activities. You’ll process change orders when plans need updates. You’ll also handle permit applications and ensure proper approvals before initiating new phases of project execution. Safety reports and compliance documents will take up a good chunk of your responsibilities too.

Every task connects to the others; the budget affects scheduling, team performance impacts quality, and good documentation helps everything run smoothly. Your role is to ensure all these components work together to successfully complete the construction project.

Sharpen Your Project Management Skills

Construction project management offers a rewarding career path with strong growth potential. The construction industry continues to expand, with the number of job opportunities expected to grow $5 billion by 2031.

To start your journey, focus on getting a bachelor’s degree in construction management or a related field, gaining hands-on experience through assistant project manager roles, and obtaining relevant certifications. Many employers look for candidates with a few years of construction experience before moving into management positions. Familiarity with modern project management software is also valuable, as it helps teams collaborate efficiently, track timelines, and deliver projects on time.

Ready to take the next step?

Elevate Construction offers training programs and bootcamps designed to sharpen your skills in construction project management.

Book one of our bootcamps today and start your journey toward project success.

–

✅ Reviewed by Jason Schroeder

About the Reviewer: 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.

What Is A Site Supervisor’s Responsibilities?

Posted on October 16, 2025October 20, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 6 min

What Are a Site Supervisor’s Responsibilities?

If you’re stepping into the role of a Site Supervisor, congratulations, you’re taking on one of the most important positions on a construction project. This blog dives into your core responsibilities and the key systems you need to manage to run an efficient, safe, and organized site.

Daily Reports

As a Site Supervisor, you’re responsible for completing daily reports or logs. These should document weather, site conditions, delays, issues, and general progress. With today’s technology and AI tools, documenting is easier than ever but accuracy and attention to detail are still crucial.

A helpful habit: take plenty of photos throughout the day to maintain a clear record of progress and conditions.

Essential Logs to Maintain

Beyond daily reports, you’ll also need to track a few critical project logs:

Trade Partner Preparation / Quality Logs (buyout, preconstruction meetings, inspections).
Submittal or Procurement Logs (to manage material deliveries and supply chains).
Testing and Inspection Logs (to ensure compliance and performance checks).
Risk and Opportunity Registers (to identify, track, and mitigate potential issues).
Roadblock Tracker (to spot and resolve problems quickly arguably your most important log).

Additionally, make time for regular field walks, reviewing drawings, and updating your schedule or production plan.

Safety, Scheduling & Compliance

Your two biggest priorities as a Site Supervisor? Safety and rhythm.

Safety means ensuring compliance with all site rules, cleanliness, and organization.

Rhythm means keeping every crew aligned with the schedule so the project flows smoothly.
These two elements shape your site’s environment and your leadership.

What If You Miss a Report or Hazard?

Occasionally missing a report for good reason isn’t catastrophic, but consistency matters. You should never miss daily reports or fail to document safety hazards. If it happens and you’re genuinely doing your best, ask your team for support but always treat safety as your first priority.

Stakeholder Management

Depending on the project, you’ll also have some level of client and stakeholder interaction. Be approachable, professional, and collaborative, you represent your company every time you step on site.

Systems and Templates

To stay organized, use proven systems and checklists. I recommend the following resources:

Elevating Construction Superintendents.
Elevating Construction Senior Superintendents.
Elevating Pre-Construction Planning.

These guides outline the minimum base systems and daily habits that help Site Supervisors excel.

Key Takeaway

A great Site Supervisor keeps the project moving by mastering daily reporting, maintaining key logs, prioritizing safety, and staying organized through proven systems and checklists. Consistency and communication are what turn good supervision into great leadership.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

Never Built This Type of Project Before? Here’s Where A Superintendent Should Start

Posted on October 15, 2025October 15, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 8 min

Never Built This Type of Project Before? Here’s Where a Superintendent Should Start

If you’ve ever found yourself leading a type of construction project you’ve never built before maybe a bridge, an airport, or a lab, you’re not alone. Many great superintendents started exactly there. The secret? Strong processes and smart preparation.

I come from a background where one of my first mentors told me something that completely changed how I saw construction:

“Our processes make us great. You can take anyone with reasonable intelligence, attach them to strong processes, and they can build a great job.”

That mindset shaped everything that came after and it’s exactly what this blog is about.

Process Builders vs. Experience Builders

There are generally two types of builders in construction:

Process Builders – Those who follow structured, proven systems to build any project successfully, whether it’s a school, a dam, or an airport.
Experience Builders – Those who believe you need experience building a certain type of project before you can build another one like it.

Most of the industry leans toward the “experience builder” mindset but the truth lies somewhere in between.

The book How Big Things Get Done studied over 16,000 projects worldwide and found one major success factor: having an experienced builder with a loyal team. Think of Frank Crowe, the legendary builder behind the Hoover Dam. His experienced leadership and strong team delivered the project ahead of schedule. The same happened with the Empire State Building.

So, yes, experience matters. But if you’re sharp, disciplined, and committed to learning, processes can bridge the gap and help you perform as if you’ve done it before.

How to Approach a Project You’ve Never Built Before

Here’s the step-by-step approach I recommend, the same one I’ve used throughout my career.

Take Ownership

If you’re leading the project, own it completely. Understand what’s required, what risks exist, and what skills or experience you may need to supplement. Leadership starts with accountability.

Understand the Mission Clearly

Get absolute clarity on:

The conditions of satisfaction.
Owner expectations.
Project scope, schedule, and specifications.

The clearer you are on the mission, the better you can plan and execute.

Gather the Wisdom of the Team

This is the most important step.
If you haven’t built this type of project before, find people who have. Tour their projects. Ask questions.

When I was a project superintendent on a research laboratory in Tucson, I had never built a lab before. So, I reached out to veteran superintendents, visited similar projects weekly, and absorbed every bit of knowledge I could. That wisdom was invaluable.

Secure the Right Resources

If you’re building something specialized, say, a data center, connect with experts: MEP superintendents, electricians, and planners who’ve done it before. Understand what makes that type of project unique, and prepare your tools, systems, and team accordingly.

Get the Proper Training

Every project type has unique challenges. Learn the rules of the environment you’re building in:

Airports: foreign object debris (FOD) prevention, shutdowns, and passenger safety.
Bridges: traffic control and work under live conditions.
Data centers: high-voltage safety and redundancy systems.

Training gives you the confidence and knowledge to lead effectively in specialized environments.

Find a Mentor

Even if the “experienced builder” can’t be on-site, they can still be your guide. Seek out mentors who’ve built similar projects before and stay in touch throughout the process. Their insights can help you avoid pitfalls and accelerate your growth.

The Big Picture

If you follow this process, take ownership, gain clarity, gather wisdom, secure resources, get trained, and find a mentor, you can build anything.

Strong processes, combined with the right experience and mentorship, make you unstoppable.

Key Takeaway

You don’t need to have built every type of project to succeed, you just need a solid process, the humility to learn, and the courage to lead.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

How To Become A Construction Site Supervisor

Posted on October 14, 2025October 14, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 8 min

How to Become a Construction Site Supervisor

If you’ve been in the field for years and are now thinking about stepping into a leadership role, this blog is for you. Becoming a construction site supervisor doesn’t mean starting over, it’s about transforming how you present yourself, think, and lead. Let’s dive into what it takes to make that transition smoothly and successfully.

What Is a Site Supervisor?

A site supervisor is anyone who takes on a management, supervisory, or project delivery role on a construction site. This could include:

Foremen or general foremen.
Assistant superintendents.
Superintendents.
Or other positions that directly manage the work on-site.

No matter your exact title, the principles for moving up are the same.

From Tradesperson to Supervisor Without Starting Over

If you’ve been in the trades for years and want to move up, here’s what works. These steps have been proven time and time again.

Dress Like a Supervisor

You don’t need to wear a suit, but appearance matters. Wear a collared shirt, clean and professional PPE, and neat work clothes. Keep your pants and boots clean, no holes, no stains. When you look sharp, people start seeing you as someone ready for the next level.

Talk Like a Professional

You don’t have to sound fake, just intentional. Supervisors communicate clearly, respectfully, and confidently. Limit slang and profanity, and focus on being articulate and professional while keeping your personality intact.

Get Organized

This is one of the biggest factors that separates future supervisors from everyone else.

Keep your home, truck, desk, and phone clean and organized.
Make sure your voicemail isn’t full.
Start using a to-do list and stay on top of your commitments.

Professional organization communicates reliability and that’s what earns trust and promotions.

Take Every Opportunity to Learn and Lead

If there’s a chance to grow, take it.

Attend training sessions.
Read books about leadership and construction.
Volunteer to lead coordination meetings or create three-week lookaheads.

When you start stepping up, people notice.

Jason shared how he once bought his own computer, learned AutoCAD on his own, and started experimenting with scheduling. His initiative earned him a promotion from cement mason to field engineer. That’s the kind of drive that gets recognized.

Focus on Soft Skills

Technical skills will get you far but soft skills will get you promoted.

Start by reading:

How to Win Friends and Influence People.
Leadership and Self-Deception.

Learn how to manage people, resolve conflict, and keep your composure under pressure. Leadership isn’t about control; it’s about influence and emotional intelligence.

How to Show You’re Ready

Don’t try to convince your manager you’re ready, prove it.

Volunteer for leadership opportunities:

“Hey, let me lead that meeting.”
“I’ll handle the next schedule update.”

Keep taking on responsibilities until your actions speak louder than any words. Eventually, your manager will realize. you’re already doing the job.

Should You Stay Loyal or Switch Companies?

This is one of the hardest questions.

The reality is, in construction, career growth often requires changing companies at least once or twice. That’s because many organizations raise wages slowly, while others will pay more to bring in experienced hires.

Jason’s advice is straightforward:

If your current company values you and pays you fairly, stay and grow there.
If they don’t, and you’re stuck or underpaid, it might be time to move on.

It’s not disloyalty, it’s how the system is designed.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a site supervisor is about evolution, not reinvention. Start showing up as the person you want to become in how you dress, talk, organize, and lead.

Keep learning. Keep volunteering. Keep proving yourself through action.

Key Takeaway

You don’t need a new start, just a new standard. Elevate how you present, speak, and organize yourself, and leadership opportunities will naturally follow.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

How Much Does A Site Supervisor Earn?

Posted on October 14, 2025October 14, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 8 min

How Much Does a Site Supervisor Earn?

How much does a site supervisor actually earn? In this blog, we’ll break it down honestly, from hourly rates to long-term career growth and the hidden benefits you might overlook.

Typical Range

In the United States, site supervisors typically earn between $22 and $35 per hour.
In the United Kingdom, entry-level supervisors make £18 to £25 per hour, and with five to ten years of experience, that can double.

As you advance, overseeing multiple crews, larger areas, or moving toward a superintendent role, salaries can climb to $85,000–$100,000+ per year.

It’s always best to research local pay scales for the most accurate figures in your area.

Can You Make Six Figures Without a Degree?

Yes, it’s possible. If “site supervisor” in your region means you’re acting as a general foreman or assistant superintendent, you can absolutely reach six figures especially when you take on more work, responsibility, and risk.

A college degree isn’t a strict requirement. As Jason shared from his own experience, being a continual learner matters far more.

Pay Structure: Hourly or Salary?

This depends heavily on where you work.

On the West Coast (and often in unionized environments), foremen and general foremen are usually hourly employees with overtime pay.
Once you transition to assistant superintendent, you typically move to a salary meaning no overtime, but often access to bonus structures.

In some regions (like the Midwest near Chicago), even superintendents may still receive overtime pay through union agreements.

If you’re moving to salary, be sure to negotiate fairly for your base pay and bonus potential, since overtime won’t be included.

Which Jobs Pay the Most?

Between the main construction sectors, commercial construction pays the most, followed by infrastructure and then residential.

However, specialized industries can pay significantly higher:

Oil and gas.
Mining.
High-risk remote projects (like offshore rigs).

These environments often come with higher compensation due to the increased risk and difficulty.

Union vs. Non-Union Pay

Let’s keep this neutral and fact-based.

Historically, unions have played an important role in protecting workers’ rights and ensuring proper training and benefits. Many union tradespeople are exceptionally skilled and well-compensated.

However, in some non-union (or “Right-to-Work”) regions, the pay and skill levels can vary more widely.

“When I worked in Southern California, every carpenter was highly skilled. When I moved to Texas, the overall skill level was noticeably lower.”

If you’re just starting out, unions can provide valuable training and stability. But if you find a great company that treats employees well and pays competitively, you may not need union representation.

Ultimately, it’s about finding a system that works best for you and your growth.

Hidden Perks to Look For

When negotiating your offer, don’t just look at the base pay. Consider these additional benefits that can make a huge difference:

Basic perks:

Company truck or vehicle allowance.
Gas card.
Laptop, iPad, or communication gear.

Major perks:

Per diem (if working away from home).
Regional cost-of-living adjustments (especially in high-cost areas like California or the Northeast).
Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Retirement or 401(k) plans.
Bonus opportunities.

A strong compensation package considers all these elements together, not just the salary figure.

Final Thoughts

This blog wraps up some of the most common questions about site supervisor pay, roles, and career paths.

Remember, salaries vary by location, market, and company. What matters most is understanding your value, staying curious, and continuing to learn.

Key Takeaway

A site supervisor’s earnings depend on experience, location, and scope of responsibility but with continuous learning, negotiation skills, and awareness of benefits beyond salary, you can build a six-figure career in construction even without a degree.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

Production, not Administration!

Posted on October 13, 2025October 14, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 8 min

The Difference between Administration and Production

In construction, there’s a clear divide between two types of people, those who administer and those who get things done.
The difference between these two mindsets is the difference between projects that stall and projects that soar.

Administration vs Production

The construction industry today is filled with administrator’s people who thrive on paperwork, reports, and meetings but rarely produce anything of value. It’s a system rooted in the teachings of the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the PMP certification process, which, as stated in its own guide, focuses heavily on administration rather than production.

When I read the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), I realized it had nothing to do with actually building things. It doesn’t even claim to cover production systems or production management. It’s all about managing from a desk not leading from the field.

I gave it several tries, even invested $1,500 in test prep, and still couldn’t stomach it. It wasn’t reality. Construction isn’t about endless reviews, risk registers, or document trails it’s about building things and moving the ball down the field.

The “Administrators” vs the “Doers”

I’ve seen this play out too many times.
There’s an individual I’ve had to work with brilliant on paper, completely ineffective in action. Endless meetings, endless opinions, endless analysis and zero implementation. Every session turned into a three-hour cycle of “discuss, re-discuss, and return to square one.”

This person represents what I call the era of administration people obsessed with managing, not doing. They believe their job is to create reports, send emails, give opinions, and “monitor progress,” yet they never move a single thing forward.

Then there are the doers the builders, the honey badgers of construction. They don’t wait for meetings or reports; they take ownership, make decisions, clear roadblocks, and execute. They are the ones who actually get things done.

The Real Product

Progress, Not Paperwork

Construction is not about administration it’s about production.
It’s about physically creating something of value. But we’ve reached a point where many “project managers” think their product is the email, not the building.

I’ve seen PMs spend their entire day sending updates, making decisions without consulting the field, and producing reports nobody reads all while the project stands still. They’ve been trained to believe that managing information is equivalent to leading production. It’s not.

A true leader doesn’t hide behind credentials or certifications. They lead crews, train teams, make real-time calls, walk the job site, and ensure that work flows smoothly.

As I often say, you can either be a commentator or a player.
Commentators talk about the game.
Players move the ball down the field.

And right now, in too many places, we’ve sent our players to commentator school and we wonder why no one’s scoring.

Time to Get Back on the Field

If you’re tired of waste, meetings, and meaningless paperwork, it’s time to shift your focus.
If it doesn’t help build something, it’s not adding value. The reports might look nice, the meetings might feel important, but if they don’t advance the work they’re waste.

We need fewer administrators and more builders.
Fewer talkers and more doers.
Less management and more movement.

Construction is about getting things done so stop talking about it and start building.

Key Takeaway

The future of construction belongs to the builders the ones who lead from the field, take action, and move work forward. Administration doesn’t build projects people who get things done do.

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)

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The Difference between Administration and Production

Administration vs Production

The “Administrators” vs the “Doers”

The Real Product

Time to Get Back on the Field

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