Prepared Details

Preparation is one of the most underrated skills in construction and in life. We often talk about systems, planning, or innovation, but those things only matter when the details are handled ahead of time. I had a powerful reminder of this while driving to Dallas, Texas for the Super PM Bootcamp with my son Levi.

Before the trip, we took time to ensure everything was in order. The truck had its oil changed, the trailer was inspected, the roadside kit and toolkits were stocked, and every lock, chain, and safety measure was ready. Even small things were taken care of, like having a new charger and a stand for my phone. We made sure that everything we could anticipate was handled so we could hit the road without stress.

As we drove, I realized how much peace of mind comes from this level of preparation. When we arrived at the hotel in El Paso, I faced a common problem: where do you park a truck with a trailer downtown? I called ahead, the valet gave me a solution, and because everything was locked and ready, I could confidently leave the vehicle and walk away. Levi and I were free to enjoy the evening without stress because we had everything secured and handled.

This feeling of being absolutely prepared is more than just comfort. It creates the conditions for success. When a dust cap came off one of the trailer axles, I did not panic. I had the grease, tools, and replacements ready, so the issue was solved quickly. I have seen firsthand what happens when those details are ignored. Years ago, I had multiple experiences with boat trailers where the bearings overheated, caught fire, and forced me to limp home pouring water on them just to make it back. Those were lessons learned the hard way. This time, because I had prepared, even unexpected problems were minor adjustments instead of disasters.

Another element of preparation was timing. Instead of waiting until the last possible moment to leave, we left with buffers built in. That gave us room to absorb delays like road closures, unexpected stops, or important phone calls without jeopardizing our arrival time. Because of the extra space, we still made it to our destination smoothly.

That morning, while talking with Kate, I had what I called a Paul Akers moment. Paul is famous for his approach to lean and simplicity, and as I looked at the truck, trailer, and gear all organized, I felt the power of having everything in its place. The systems were clean, the tools were ready, and the environment was set up to support the journey. With all the details handled, I could focus on enjoying the trip, spending time with Levi, and thinking about the bigger picture of the bootcamp.

Kate said something that struck me. She reminded me that when the details are taken care of, you free yourself to focus on innovation, creativity, and the work that truly matters. Without preparation, you are constantly wasting time fixing, searching, or reacting to problems. With preparation, you are free to spend your time on progress.

This lesson extends beyond a road trip or a trailer. It is how I want my life, home, office, and projects to be. Imagine a backpack or a suitcase where everything has a place, where nothing is missing, and where you can grab what you need instantly. Imagine a home or office that is organized so completely that you never waste energy on clutter or broken systems. That is the essence of lean.

Of course, not everyone has the resources of someone like Paul Akers to buy the best tools, foam inserts, or storage systems. When you are young, raising a family, or working with limited means, it can be harder to build that environment. But the principle remains the same: start where you are, prepare what you can, and keep striving for a system where everything is ready before the work begins.

In my own life, with a house full of family and limited space, I know how challenging this can be. But the vision is clear. A larger, well designed home and workspace would allow us to fully implement these systems, and I am committed to making that happen. Lean is not just about construction projects. It is about how we live, how we prepare, and how we free ourselves to spend time on what matters most.

The trip to Dallas reminded me that preparation is not just about avoiding problems. It is about creating space for joy, for family, and for innovation. When you take care of the details in advance, you create the conditions for remarkable experiences and meaningful work.

Key Takeaway
When the details are handled ahead of time, you free yourself to focus on innovation, creativity, and the work that matters most.