Danny Jiménez⁩, Author at Elevate Constructionist

Who Approves Plans For Construction?

Posted on October 31, 2025October 31, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 6 min

Who Approves Construction Plans? Here’s a Simple Breakdown

Ever wondered who’s actually responsible for approving construction plans before a project begins? In this blog, I’ll give you a quick and simple breakdown so you can clearly understand the process from start to finish.

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

The main entity that approves construction plans is called the Authority Having Jurisdiction, or AHJ. This is typically your city or county, though sometimes it can be state or even federal especially when dealing with large government or military projects.

The AHJ enforces the building codes in its area and ensures your plans comply with those local regulations. So, whether your project is residential, commercial, or industrial, you’ll need their approval before breaking ground unless your project falls under one of the rare exemption cases.

The Approval Process

Once your drawings are ready, they must be reviewed and permitted by the AHJ. After approval, your project falls under the supervision of local inspectors. They’ll ensure the work follows the permitted plans, and eventually, they’ll issue a temporary certificate of occupancy and later a full certificate of occupancy once everything passes inspection.

Construction Drawings

The design team, together with the engineers, owner, and construction manager, prepares multiple sets of construction drawings. Ideally, trade partners are involved early on to ensure coordination and accuracy. Once finalized, these drawings are submitted to the city for review. After approval, you’re off to the races!

Deferred Submittals

Sometimes, not all parts of the design are complete when the main permit is submitted. In such cases, a deferred submittal process is used. Here’s how it works:

The designer, owner, and general contractor coordinate the remaining portions of the design.
A trade partner completes the engineering and detailed drawings.
The final documents are then submitted to the city for review and approval.

Once approved, work can proceed on those deferred items.

Regular Submittals

Regular submittals are for materials, assemblies, or equipment already approved under the main building permit. However, details such as product type, dimensions, installation data, and assembly specifications must still be reviewed.

The trade partner and general contractor review these before sending them to the design team. Once the architect or engineer signs off, the materials can be ordered and installed.

Final Thoughts

So, who approves construction plans? It all comes down to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), the governing body responsible for ensuring your project meets all local building codes. Understanding this process helps you plan ahead, avoid costly delays, and keep your project running smoothly.

Key Takeaway

Every successful construction project starts with AHJ approval. Knowing how and when to navigate the permitting and submittal processes can save time, money, and unnecessary stress.

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.

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How Much Do Field Operators Make?

Posted on October 30, 2025October 30, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 7 min

How Much Do Field Operators Make?

This is a question that comes up often, so in this blog, I’m breaking down exactly what field operators earn and what factors influence those wages. I’ll also cover a few common questions about overtime, union pay, certifications, and what it really takes to reach top dollar in this career.

Before we dive in, know this: our team does in-depth research for every topic. We build detailed outlines, pull from reliable data, and compile the most valuable information so you can get clear insights fast and get back to doing what matters most at work and at home.

Average Salary

Let’s start with the numbers. Some operators are making up to $60–$85 an hour especially on the West Coast with strong union benefits. That’s an incredible wage, and for good reason.

In Arizona, for example, equipment operators typically earn $28–$45 per hour. Pay varies widely based on location, experience, and whether you’re a part of a union. Non-union, non-coastal operators usually fall in that $28–$45 range, while union operators on the coasts can reach $60 or even $85 an hour.

It’s a great career comparable to becoming a pilot or ship captain. You need skill, patience, and proper training. It’s not easy work, and it’s not something just anyone can do well. Field operators are responsible for safety, precision, and major assets on site.

Union vs. Non-Union Pay Ranges

Union operators typically earn more because of negotiated benefits and collective agreements. But even if you’re non-union, strong relationships, skill, and reliability can push your earnings higher.

If your company doesn’t offer top pay, many experienced operators start their own businesses buying equipment, running small operations, and eventually expanding into full-scale services like trucking, pumping, or excavation.

Overtime Pay

Yes, operators do get paid overtime and often quite well. Most earn time and a half after 40 hours, and sometimes double time after a certain threshold. Overtime rules vary between union and non-union regions, but it’s safe to say this job rewards hard work and long hours.

Operator vs. Supervisor Pay

Here’s an interesting fact: many operators earn as much or even more than supervisors. That’s why you don’t see as many operators switching into management. They’re already doing what they love and earning great money.

Certifications That Increase Pay

Certifications make a difference. Being trained and certified on multiple types of equipment like forklifts, track hoes, blades, and backhoes boosts both your value and your pay.

Versatility matters. Even though most operators excel at one primary machine, those who can handle different types are much more in demand.

My Experience

I’ve always respected operators. I grew up running equipment like a Case with old-school controls and had to relearn everything when two-stick controls came out. It wasn’t easy, I had to cross my arms and look ridiculous just to make it work! But it taught me how challenging this work really is.

Operating equipment takes intelligence, precision, and endurance. It’s physical, it’s technical, and it’s stressful but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Key Takeaway

Field operators earn every dollar they make. Their work demands skill, accuracy, and patience and those who master it can build long, successful, and well-paying careers, whether in a union, a private company, or their own business.

If you want to learn more we have:

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Repeating Your Order

Posted on October 29, 2025October 29, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 7 min

The Power of One Piece Flow in Communication

I’m writing this blog from Super Peanut Boot Camp an amazing class where we’re having a great time learning and growing together. During a short break, I stepped outside to share a quick thought that connects everyday life to how we communicate and collaborate at work.

Let’s start with something we’ve all experienced, repeating your order at the drive-thru.

Have you ever gone through a drive-thru, given your order clearly and confidently, and then the person on the other end says, “Wait, what you said?” or “Can you repeat that again?”

You take a deep breath, repeat your order, and then they ask again. At this point, you’re thinking, Are you even listening to me?

Now, this isn’t about criticizing anyone working hard in those roles they’re doing their best. The point is about what happens when we communicate before we’re truly ready to listen. It’s frustrating when we have to repeat ourselves because someone isn’t fully present or is trying to multitask.

If the drive-thru attendant just said, “Hey, give me 10 seconds to get focused, then I’ll take your order,” we’d all be fine with that. But when someone asks for input and then doesn’t actually hear it, it disrespects time and creates confusion.

And this same thing happens in construction all the time.

The Problem with “Batching” Communication

When we’re doing pull planning or virtual collaboration sessions, we often fall into the same trap. Trade partners start listing off multiple activities at once “We’ll install this, pour that, excavate here, sleeve there…” and the person facilitating gets lost trying to keep up.

At Lean Takt, we’ve seen this pattern repeatedly. The facilitator ends up saying, “Can you repeat that?” again and again, which slows down the meeting and frustrates everyone involved.

The fix? One piece flow.

One-Piece Flow in Pull Planning

We’ve trained our lean engineers to use a simple but powerful structure when documenting each activity in a pull plan. Whenever someone declares a task, it should always include four components:

Company name
Duration
Activity name
Day it can start

For example:

“This activity is for Jason Schroeder Electric. It’s a 5-day task to install overhead electrical conduit, starting on day 35.”

That’s one complete “piece.” Once it’s captured, the facilitator can say, “Got it what’s next?”

Each activity becomes a clearly defined unit of work fully heard, understood, and documented before moving on.

Why This Matters

When we batch conversations or stack multiple ideas at once, we lose focus and create confusion. Batching slows down meetings, leads to mistakes, and makes everyone feel unheard.

Instead, finish one conversation, one activity, one commitment at a time.

In trade partner meetings, pull planning sessions, or even schedule reviews, this rhythm can transform communication. Listen fully, understand completely, and record clearly before moving on.

The One Thing at a Time Rule

As superintendents, foremen, or facilitators, we can set the tone. When one person talks, everyone listens. When one activity is discussed, it’s fully captured before the next begins.

This simple discipline doing one thing at a time creates flow, clarity, and respect in every meeting.

Key Takeaway

Stop batching your conversations, Start finishing your thoughts.
Whether it’s ordering food or running a pull planning session, one piece flow communication one clear, complete activity at a time keeps everyone aligned, efficient, and respected.

If you want to learn more we have:

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On we go

Work | Life Balance, Feat. Brent Bowen

Posted on October 29, 2025October 29, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 8 min

Building a Better Work Life Balance: Lessons from the Field

In this blog, we feature a powerful and heartfelt conversation with construction leader Brent Bowen from Person Services. Brent shares his personal story about learning the hard way what true work-life balance means and how prioritizing family ultimately makes us better professionals and leaders.

The Wake Up Call

Early in his career, Brent was working relentless hour’s sixteen-hour days, seven or even eight days a week at a power plant project on the West Coast. His wife, who had moved across the country away from family, was home with their two small children.

One day, she met him at the door holding both kids and said, “I didn’t sign up for this.” That moment hit hard.

Brent realized that while he was trying to provide for his family, he was losing precious time with his family. He called his general superintendent, who immediately told him to take time off. “That was easy,” Brent remembered. “Why didn’t I do that earlier?”

After that, he sought advice from his father, who gave him a piece of wisdom that would reshape his life:

“In five, ten, or twenty years, nobody will drive by that power plant and say, ‘Brent Bowen built this.’
But they will look at your children and your family and say, ‘Brent Bowen built this.’”

That perspective changed everything. Brent decided to become not just a better worker, but a better husband, father, and friend.

The Mindset Shift

Brent explained that finding balance wasn’t just about taking time off it was about a mindset change. He started planning intentionally, using tools like time-blocking and buffers to ensure family always had space in his schedule.

“I didn’t miss any of my son’s high school football games,” he said proudly. “Before that, I probably would’ve missed half of them and not realized how much I’d regret it later.”

As a leader, he now encourages his team to take time off and plan around family commitments. “We still have to serve our clients,” he said, “but we also have to serve our families.”

The Power of Planning and Presence

One of Brent’s most memorable examples of planning was during his son’s freshman football season. While working in California, his family was still in Arizona. Every Wednesday, he’d leave work at 2:00 p.m. to make it to the game by 6:30. After spending time with family, he’d drive back at 2:00 a.m. to start again.

It wasn’t easy but it was worth it. The team and leadership supported him because he communicated and planned ahead.

Balancing Family and Technology

When asked what his wife might say about work-life balance, Brent laughed and said, “She’d probably tell you to put that on my tombstone ‘He was a hard worker.’”

He admitted that putting his phone down is still a challenge, but he’s working on it. The couple found new ways to connect, like golfing together in the evenings or maintaining a weekly date night. “That’s why I’ve got to hit the road at three o’clock today,” he joked. “We’ve got a date night.”

Lessons for Construction Leaders

This discussion revealed a key truth work life balance isn’t about choosing between your job and your family. It’s about planning intentionally so both can thrive.

Jason Schroeder, the blog’s host, added examples from his own life: his wife reminding him to take vacations, delegate work, put down his phone, and take time to think. These lessons tie directly to leadership when we plan and delegate well, we create space to live fully.

Brent summed it up beautifully:

“Be present. Don’t take it for granted. Don’t get too far down a path where you can’t fix it. The more planning and preparation we do at work, the easier our lives can be at home. You’ll sleep better, rest better, and be truly present.”

Key Takeaway

Work life balance isn’t a luxury it’s a discipline. As Brent Bowen reminds us, our greatest project isn’t the one we’re building in the field; it’s the one we’re building at home. Through intentional planning, clear boundaries, and presence, we can be both great builders and great family members.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

What Is A Deferred Submittal In Construction?

Posted on October 29, 2025October 29, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 7 min

What Is a Deferred Submittal in Construction?

If you’ve ever wondered what a deferred submittal really means in construction, you’re not alone. Many people in the field encounter it but don’t fully understand how it works or why it matters. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into what deferred submittals are, why they exist, and how to handle them the right way.

Regular Submittals vs. Deferred Submittals

A regular submittal happens when the design is already complete. In this case, the contractor simply needs to select the materials and equipment, confirm installation methods, and make sure everything aligns with the specifications. Once the architect approves, you can order and build without delay.

A deferred submittal, on the other hand, involves additional design and engineering work that still needs to be completed. These submittals require approval from the city or authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), not just the architect. That means there’s an extra process step and often a longer lead time.

What Typically Counts as a Deferred Submittal?

Deferred submittals are usually tied to systems or components that need trade partner expertise for design and engineering. Common examples include:

Steel stairs – The steel contractor designs and engineers how the stairs tie into the structure.
Roof trusses – Require specialized design for load capacity and configuration.
In general, if a component requires additional calculations or custom engineering, it will likely fall under the deferred submittal category.

A quick tip: you can always call your city office and ask what they classify as a deferred submittal. The architect will usually have already identified these in accordance with local regulations.

Who Decides What Can Be Deferred?

The city ultimately has authority over what qualifies as a deferred submittal. However, the design team and owner can also make recommendations if there’s flexibility within the project scope.

Why You Should Never Install Before Approval

Installing work before a deferred submittal is approved is a major risk. The city or inspector can reject the work, forcing costly rework or even removal. It’s always best to wait for full approval before proceeding, no shortcuts.

How to Track Deferred Submittals

Tracking these submittals is crucial for project flow.
Here’s a simple system that works well:

Keep a separate list of regular and deferred submittals.
Tie each to the related activities in your production plan.
Review them weekly during strategic planning and procurement meetings. This ensures you catch any delays early and maintain smooth coordination across trades.

The Inspector’s Role

The inspector, representing the AHJ, has complete oversight of deferred submittals. They must confirm that all designs are approved before work begins. These submittals often involve structural or life-safety systems, so the inspector’s approval isn’t optional; it’s mandatory.

Key Takeaway

Deferred submittals add an extra layer of process but for good reason. They ensure that complex or safety-critical systems are properly designed, reviewed, and approved before installation. By tracking them closely and respecting the approval process, you protect your project from rework, delays, and compliance issues.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

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Remote Review Offices

Posted on October 28, 2025October 28, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 9 min

The Tricked Out Office Every Construction Leader Needs

If you’re a project director, project executive, or general superintendent, you know how much time is lost just driving from site to site. What if your office could be more than a desk and a laptop? What if it could become a command center a place where you lead projects effectively, stay connected with your teams, and still maintain balance and creativity?

That’s the idea behind creating a tricked out construction office one that merges Lean thinking, Takt principles, and smart technology to make your leadership environment truly work for you.

Lean, Takt, and the Competency Problem

I recently got a message about owners starting to include Lean and Takt requirements in RFPs and contractors not knowing what to do with them. Here’s the truth, this isn’t a Lean or Takt problem. It’s a competency problem.

Too many general contractors don’t understand Last Planner, pull planning, or the fundamentals of flow. Many don’t even know how to properly use CPM software or interpret a project schedule. The issue isn’t just adopting the buzzwords; it’s building real capability.

When Lean and Takt are mentioned in an RFP and the contractor doesn’t know how to implement them bring in experts who do. It’s time we stop treating modern construction methods like optional features and start embedding them into the way we manage projects.

Rethinking the Construction Leader’s Office

If I were a general superintendent or project executive today, here’s what my office would look like:

A sit-stand desk with dual monitors and a high-performance computer (maybe even one for Windows and one for Mac).
A large touchscreen display something like the VIBE smart board mounted on the wall to connect live with any project team.
Cameras and microphones for seamless two-way video collaboration.
Whiteboards and brainstorming walls on every available surface, expanding creativity instead of limiting it to a single screen.

The point is to design an office that reflects the scale of your responsibility. A cramped setup with one laptop gives you a narrow “portal” into your work. It limits your view, your creativity, and your effectiveness.

Opening “Bigger Portals” to Your Projects

Think of your digital connection to projects like a Doctor Strange portal.

If you’re managing remotely with a small laptop screen, it’s like trying to crawl through a tiny, dangerous portal you’ll cut your productivity in half. But if you have a massive touchscreen setup, digital whiteboards, and collaboration tools like Miro, Canva, or Teams you’re opening a huge, functional portal into your projects.

With the right setup, you can review:

Master schedules
Procurement logs
Zone maps
Financials
Risk and opportunity registers

All in real time with your teams.

You could conduct project reviews remotely, similar to Hensel Phelps’ “Book of 14” checkpoints, and still maintain strong oversight.

Balancing Remote and Onsite Leadership

Of course, nothing replaces face to face leadership. You still need to walk the jobsite, shake hands, and feel the project’s rhythm. But you can balance that with smarter remote leadership.

Instead of spending 15–20 hours a week behind the wheel, dedicate one or two days a week for physical site visits and use your tricked-out office the rest of the time for deep, productive project reviews.

You can even run 15-minute virtual pre-walks before site visits to review key project points and address issues before you arrive. This not only saves time but also makes your in-person visits far more valuable.

Build Your Environment with Intentionality

Every construction leader deserves a workspace designed for performance. That means:

The tools and equipment to visualize and manage effectively.
The training to use those tools well.
The time to focus deeply instead of constantly reacting.

Don’t settle for a tiny laptop screen that limits your field of view. Design your office with purpose, one that inspires creativity, supports remote collaboration, and gives you full visibility into your projects.

Because when your environment levels up, so does your leadership.

Key Takeaway:

A general superintendent or project executive’s office should be more than a workspace it should be a leadership cockpit. By combining Lean thinking, modern technology, and intentional design, construction leaders can reduce wasted time, improve collaboration, and elevate both their performance and their teams’ success.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

We’ll Go To hell Together

Posted on October 28, 2025October 28, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 11 min

If Paradise Is Pressure… We’ll Go to Hell Together

Tonight, I’m writing from a place of deep reflection and connection. Sometimes we plan topics ahead of time, and sometimes life just hands us something we need to speak about. This is one of those nights.

Before diving in, I want to say thank you to everyone who’s reached out lately with encouragement and feedback. Knowing that people connect with what I share means more than I can explain. It reminds me that we’re all part of something greater than ourselves a shared consciousness, a collective wisdom that connects us through love, compassion, and experience.

Recently, I’ve been revisiting The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. In it, he talks about the “un-manifested” this deep source from which everything arises. Someone once described it to me as a giant pond of mercury, where shapes emerge, take form, and then return to the pool. That image stuck with me because it reminds me that we’re all part of something vast and beautiful, constantly moving between the spiritual and the physical.

Leaving the Church

I want to share something deeply personal something I’ve wrestled with for over a year. My family and I recently left the church that had been a part of our lives for more than 20 years.

For most of that time, I was deeply involved. I even served as a bishop. We were what you might call a “legacy family.” But over time, I began to feel tension between my values of love, acceptance, and empathy and some of the cultural and institutional patterns I saw around me.

I’ve never believed that any loving God would condemn others for being born into the “wrong” circumstances, or for having identities that differ from social norms. I couldn’t reconcile that.

The turning point came when one of my kids returned home early from a mission and was told they were a disappointment. Another was excluded from leadership opportunities simply for wearing a rainbow pin a quiet message of safety and inclusion for others.

That was it for me.

When an organization’s culture even unintentionally harms or excludes people, especially your own children, something inside you breaks. And for me, integrity demanded that I couldn’t stay.

We left respectfully, without bitterness or burning bridges, but I won’t lie it shattered me. I lost not just my church, but my sense of certainty. The beliefs that had given my life structure and purpose for decades suddenly collapsed.

Finding a New Kind of Faith

In that void, I found something unexpected. I began to explore new ideas about presence, consciousness, and what it means to live in alignment with love. Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now became a lifeline.

Through it, I discovered that joy doesn’t depend on doctrine. It comes from awareness, stillness, and a connection to something bigger something that can’t be named or contained by religion.

Today, I’m more at peace than I’ve ever been. I don’t claim to have all the answers about God, heaven, or eternity. But I know this: whatever divine source exists, it’s far more loving and inclusive than we can imagine.

A Song That Broke Me Open

There’s a song by David Archuleta called “Hell Together.” It wrecked me the first time I heard it.

“If I have to live without you, I don’t want to live forever
In someone else’s heaven.
So let them close the gates.
If they don’t like the way you’re made,
Then they’re not any better.
If paradise is pressure,
We’ll go to hell together.”

That song became my anthem. Because that’s exactly how I feel.

If “paradise” means conforming at the expense of love, compassion, and authenticity, then I don’t want it.
If heaven means rejecting people for who they are, I’ll walk away even if that means walking through fire.

Choosing Love Over Fear

I know many people who’ve faced similar journeys friends disowned by family, children who no longer speak to parents, people judged or exiled for being honest about who they are.

And here’s what I believe: most people who reject others aren’t trying to be cruel. They truly think they’re doing the right thing. But they’ve been taught to confuse love with control, belonging with obedience.

To those of you who feel unseen, unworthy, or unloved I see you.
You matter.
You are not broken.
And you are not alone.

If your community can’t accept you for who you are, then let them close the gates.
You and I we’ll go to hell together.

Because love, acceptance, and family are worth more than any version of paradise built on shame or exclusion.

Remembering What Really Matters

I once asked a friend, “What would you do for your family?”
He looked at me with absolute conviction and said, “Anything.”

That moment grounded me. It reminded me that heaven isn’t a distant promise its right here, in the people we love and the compassion we give.

When I think about my grandmother the most loving person I’ve ever known I realize that she embodied everything divine. She didn’t preach it. She lived it. Sweet, kind, unshakably loyal.

That’s the kind of heaven I believe in now one we build with love, empathy, and the courage to stand by the people who need us most.

So wherever you are, however you identify, whatever your story looks like I want you to know:
You’re seen.
You’re loved.
And it’s all going to be okay.

Key Takeaway

True faith isn’t about rules or belonging to a group it’s about unconditional love.
When your beliefs no longer align with compassion, choose love anyway.
If “paradise” requires pretending, pressuring, or excluding others, then it’s not paradise at all.

Sometimes the most sacred act is standing with those who’ve been cast out and saying,

“If paradise is pressure, we’ll go to hell together.”

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

A Mix of Topics

Posted on October 28, 2025October 28, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 8 min

Who Really Speaks for the Trades

In this blog, I want to cover a few important topics and share some insights that can help you on the job site, whether you’re a worker, leader, or owner. Let’s dive in.

Feedback from Our Community

First, a huge thank you to everyone who’s participating in our project manager boot camps and engaging with the Elevate Construction community. One listener shared:

“Jason, I was in your project manager boot camp the past couple of days and I wanted to thank you for running such an awesome program. I plan on implementing quite a few of your theories and look forward to seeing some changes.”

It’s inspiring to hear that the content we produce is having a real impact on job sites. That’s exactly why we do this to provide value that spreads and scales throughout the construction industry.

Who Really Speaks for the Trades?

I’ve noticed on social media that some people advocating for trades are actually tearing down others instead of providing solutions. They may claim to “speak for the trades,” but if they’re just complaining, they aren’t actually creating change.

Think of the Dr. Seuss example of the Lorax, the Lorax speaks for the trees and acts to protect them. But someone who just complains without action is no better than the tree itself they aren’t creating progress.

At Elevate, we focus on changing the system from within. We work with general contractors, owners, and owners’ reps to create solutions that actually make a difference. The voice that fixes the system speaks louder for the trades than the voice that simply complains.

Everything Starts with Paul Akers

If you want to truly understand Lean, it all starts with Paul Akers. His book 2 Second Lean is a must-read, and it’s worth reading twice and putting into action. While there are many Lean experts, Paul is the foundation of how the construction industry has adopted Lean practices. Last planner systems and pull planning are great, but the principles Paul teaches are where it all begins.

Rethinking Pull Plans

There’s a lot of debate about pull plans: should they be in-person, with printed stickies? My experience shows that virtual pull plans often work even better, even when teams are together in person.

The key isn’t the physical format its how you declare, control, and visualize the work. Clear, typed stickies in tools like Mural can improve readability, streamline communication, and avoid messy handwriting or pre-formatted distractions.

A Simple Communication Hack

At boot camp, we explored a concept called gray boxing. This technique involves lightening contextual information in schedules, emails, or drawings so the main focus stands out.

For example, when pull planning a phase of work, you can gray out other phases for context but highlight the current focus. It’s a small adjustment that dramatically improves communication and speeds up decision making.

Closing Thoughts

This blog is a collection of smaller insights rather than a deep dive into a single topic, but these ideas can help improve collaboration, leadership, and Lean practices on your projects.

Future blogs will cover modular construction, builder interfaces, leadership approaches, managing roadblocks from trade partners, and techniques like diggers and sketching ideas.

At Elevate, our mission is clear: to elevate the construction experience for workers, leaders, and companies across the country. Let’s lean in, collaborate, and fix the system together.

Key Takeaway

Action speaks louder than complaints. If you want to advocate for the trades or make any meaningful change focus on creating solutions from within the system, not just repeating the problems. Clear communication, Lean principles, and practical tools like gray boxing will amplify your impact.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

What Happens In A Pre-construction Meeting?

Posted on October 28, 2025October 28, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 7 min

The Power of Pre-Construction Meetings – Setting Projects Up for Success

What happens in a pre-construction meeting? Most of the industry dreads them but they shouldn’t. When done right, these meetings can make your life on a project infinitely easier. They are the key to preventing failures before they ever happen. The problem isn’t the meeting itself, it’s the boring, outdated way we often run them. A great pre-construction meeting is exciting, productive, and essential for creating a successful jobsite.

Two Types of Pre-Construction Meetings

There are generally two types of pre-construction meetings: one before the entire project begins (often with the owner or inspector), and another before each trade starts work. This blog focuses on the latter, the pre-construction or preparatory meeting that happens for every trade partner.

Once a trade’s contract is executed, a pre-mobilization call or email should happen about three weeks before the meeting. This sets expectations, what submittals, safety plans, quality plans, and documentation need to be ready. Then, in the pre-con meeting itself, the foreman and superintendent for that trade gather with the project team to go over everything: drawings, specs, schedules, logistics, safety, and quality requirements.

The Problem with “Boring” Meetings

Too often, construction meetings get bogged down in unnecessary documentation driven by legal fear. People take long, lifeless minutes that no one reads again. Instead, the focus should be on visual clarity pulling key information into one clear visual that the crew can use to build, inspect, and deliver high-quality work.

Forget the legal jargon. The real goal is simple: help the team clearly understand expectations and prepare fully before starting.

The Key Concept: Full Kit Before You Start

Here’s the mindset shift that changes everything: Don’t start work until you have a full kit to finish it.

That means no starting without complete information, materials, and approvals. It’s not about delay, it’s about preparation. This mindset keeps projects on track, improves quality, and reduces rework.

What Gets Discussed

Pre-construction meetings are about clarity. Teams discuss:

Expectations for safety and quality.
Schedules and logistics.
Submittals, permits, and long-lead items.
Procurement timelines.
Roles and responsibilities.

And most importantly, everyone is encouraged to ask questions. No matter how small or “stupid” a question might seem, asking it avoids costly mistakes later.

Who Runs the Meeting

Typically, the project engineer, superintendent, assistant PM, or project manager leads the pre-con meeting. Everyone who has a stake in the outcome or needs clarity should be there. This includes key foremen, safety reps, and anyone responsible for executing the work.

How It Differs from Safety or Site Meetings

Unlike daily or weekly meetings, which focus on ongoing coordination and updates, the pre-construction meeting sets the foundation. It’s the onboarding moment for a trade aligning everyone on expectations, standards, and culture before work begins.

Why It Matters

Pre-construction meetings are one of the most underused yet powerful tools in construction. Sadly, only about 5% of contractors do them effectively. But those who do see fewer delays, higher quality, better safety, and smoother teamwork.

This simple meeting, done right can fix most of what’s wrong with construction today.

Key Takeaway
A well-run pre-construction meeting isn’t a formality; it’s the foundation of a successful project. Preparation, clarity, and teamwork before the first shovel hits the ground set the tone for everything that follows.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

A Message to Modular Companies

Posted on October 27, 2025October 27, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 7 min

Why Most Modular Companies Are Losing Millions (And How to Fix It)

I want to send a message to modular companies today. If you’re in this space, pay close attention this could save you time, money, and frustration.

Super PM Boot Camp

A Quick Update

Before diving in, I want to share an update about our Super PM Boot Camp. We’ve run it three times now, and each iteration has gotten better. From day one’s professional development covering mindset, team balance, organization, and health to building scaled projects with Styrofoam and blocks, every step is designed to teach real-world skills in a safe, hands on environment.

By day three, participants tie everything into our TAC production system simulation, learning to plan projects, pull schedule effectively, and run huddles and meetings efficiently. By the end, attendees walk away with a two page resource email filled with exercises, books, and strategies.

Continuous improvement is key. We standardized all deliverables, organized everything into a trailer for seamless setup, and automated supply management turning the boot camp into a high functioning, repeatable system.

Why Training Matters

A lot of people tell me “on the job training is enough.” I disagree. Investing in your people is investing in your projects. Humans make mistakes that’s part of learning. The cost of mistakes, lost productivity, and time is an investment in growth.

I’ve seen firsthand how proper training transforms careers. One listener shared how reading Elevating Construction Superintendents and attending boot camps gave him hope to advance his career something he hadn’t felt in years. This is why structured training and mentoring matter.

The Harsh Reality for Modular Companies

Here’s what I’ve observed in modular construction:

Factories are inefficient: Layouts are poor, stations aren’t leveled, inventory is mismanaged, and basic lean manufacturing principles like 5S are ignored.
Field installation is chaotic: Projects face delays, poor quality, and rework because the right systems aren’t in place.
Business practices are weak: Many companies overextend themselves, lack leadership discipline, and fail to implement structured strategies like EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System).

Some companies even turn down consulting help just to take credit for improvements only to see millions of dollars invested without shipping a single unit.

How Modular Companies Can Turn It Around

If you want modular construction to succeed, focus on three things:

Run your business properly: Follow disciplined strategies, build a strong leadership team, and avoid overextending resources.
Optimize your manufacturing floor: Hire lean experts, time every step of production, level labor and stations, implement 5S, reduce waste, and streamline flow.
Master Field installation: Supervise safety, schedule, and quality rigorously. Run projects on attack time and minimize rework.

Done correctly, modular companies with investment dollars in place could be making significant profits. But ignoring these principles guarantees loss, inefficiency, and frustration.

Final Thoughts

Consultants aren’t an expense they’re an investment. Lean systems aren’t optional they’re essential. The modular industry has huge potential, but only disciplined leadership, lean manufacturing, and effective field execution will unlock it.

If done right, modular and prefab can thrive but it starts with knowing what you’re doing and committing to continuous improvement.

Key Takeaway

Success in modular construction comes down to disciplined business practices, lean manufacturing, and rigorous field execution. Investments in people, processes, and systems aren’t optional they’re the difference between profit and perpetual loss.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

The Power of One Piece Flow in Communication

The Tricked Out Office Every Construction Leader Needs

Rethinking the Construction Leader’s Office

Opening “Bigger Portals” to Your Projects

Balancing Remote and Onsite Leadership

Build Your Environment with Intentionality

Key Takeaway:

If Paradise Is Pressure… We’ll Go to Hell Together

Leaving the Church

Finding a New Kind of Faith

A Song That Broke Me Open

Choosing Love Over Fear

Remembering What Really Matters

Who Really Speaks for the Trades

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