Who is Jason Schroeder?

Building Rapport in the Construction Industry

In today’s blog, I want to share a bit about myself to build rapport with you, the readers. The goal is to connect, inspire, and uplift the construction industry. My name is Jason Schroeder, and I’m passionate about building strong relationships and creating an industry where workers thrive. Through this blog, I want to share my experiences and how they’ve shaped my approach to leadership and success in construction.

Building Trust and Rapport

Trust is the foundation of any relationship, and building trust starts with getting to know each other. I remember a time when I went into a meeting with a Director of Construction at a university, and she wasn’t sure what to make of me. I could tell she thought I was a bit over-the-top and energetic. Her feedback was eye-opening but hard to hear. I realized that in interviews and meetings, I could come across too strong at first. However, as people get to know me, they understand my heart and intentions. It took me time to learn that while I can be assertive, what matters most is genuinely caring about the people I work with.

Early Lessons and Building a Work Ethic

When I was young, I realized that to earn my parents’ love, I needed to work. So, I stopped playing video games, started cleaning the backyard, and organizing things around our house. This early work ethic became my addiction. As a teenager, I even falsified a work permit to start working with Conco Construction, where I learned everything from concrete form setting to operating equipment. I went on to work with other companies, always learning from those around me, but also facing challenges along the way. I didn’t always succeed, but I learned from each experience, from making mistakes to being more proactive in problem-solving.

Learning Through Failures and Leadership Development

I’ve had my fair share of failures. One of the hardest lessons came when I helped put my wife’s father’s business out of business. That experience woke me up to the importance of supporting small businesses and women- and minority-owned enterprises. I also learned the hard way that construction accidents, especially those that result in loss of life, have a profound impact on families. I was personally affected when my first boss’s son tragically lost his life on a job site due to an accident. These experiences shaped my approach to leadership and the importance of taking care of workers on the job site.

Why I Care About Workers’ Health and Safety

My purpose has always been to make a difference in the lives of workers. In construction, workers are the backbone of our industry, and their health and safety should always come first. This is why I’m so passionate about providing resources and solutions that improve workers’ physical well-being. I’ve seen firsthand how preventing injuries and supporting workers with proactive care can lead to a more productive, engaged, and happy workforce.

Key Takeaways

Building trust starts with understanding and connecting with people. Over the years, I’ve learned that being assertive and driven doesn’t always translate well, but when people know that you genuinely care, they’re more willing to follow your lead. My early work experiences taught me the value of hard work, learning from failures, and building rapport with colleagues and trade partners. I’ve realized that construction is not just about the buildings we create, but about the people we build. The experiences I’ve gone through, including the difficult lessons about accidents and failures, have strengthened my resolve to take care of workers, build safer environments, and make a positive impact on the industry. Through building a culture of care and respect for people, we can create a remarkable industry where everyone can thrive.