From Hammer to Hero: The Team-Building Genius of Mark Story

Ever wondered how the best construction leaders turn chaotic projects into high-performing teams?

In this episode, Jason sits down with Mark Story, a 37-year industry veteran with roots in the trades and a reputation for transforming troubled jobs into thriving team environments. Mark isn't just a builder; he's a relationship architect.

They dive deep into the habits, mindset, and philosophies that set Mark apart: how he listens to lead, empowers others to win, and creates project cultures where people feel safe, supported, and inspired. From letting people fail on purpose to showing up like their biggest fan, Mark’s leadership lessons will change how you think about team dynamics on any construction site.

Core Habits for Effective Leadership and Connection:

• Look, listen, and feel: Stay present and tuned into your surroundings and team.

• Help people win: Focus on empowering others to succeed.

• Mark ‘L’ at the top of your notepad to remind yourself to listen: A visual prompt to stay in listening mode.

• Be curious: Approach challenges and people with genuine interest.

• Ask thoughtful questions: Use inquiry to understand, not to control.

• Make intentional time to connect: Prioritize meaningful engagement with your team.

• Watch how you ask: Frame questions in a way that invites honesty and collaboration.

• Try not to lead the witness: Avoid biasing responses; let insights surface naturally.

• Let people fail safely: Give room for learning and growth through experience.

• Care enough to have tough conversations: Address real issues with courage and compassion.

• Plan using visual learning tools: Make information accessible, clear, and easy to act on.

Contact Mark Story:

Mark Story.
Commercial Construction Services LLC.
Construction Consulting.
Cell 612-968-0257
Mark@storyccs.com

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

Are you a leader who brings clarity or chaos?

In this bold and refreshing episode, Jason Schroeder tackles two tough truths:

1. Why blaming owners for not doing Lean is just an excuse.

2. And what it really means to be a toxic seagull on the jobsite.

He unpacks a real conversation with a former CEO who claimed Lean wasn’t used because “owners didn’t want to pay for it.” Jason respectfully calls BS and explains why doing the right thing isn't optional for real builders.

Then it gets personal.

Have you ever flown into a project, stirred things up, then flown back to corporate thinking you “added value”? You might be a toxic seagull.

This episode will challenge how you show up as a leader, how you serve your team and whether you’re dropping solutions… or just dropping crap.

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

In this episode, Jason goes off in the best way about a crucial mindset shift:

• When something breaks down do you fix the system, or blame the people?
• Do you create buffers or bulldoze schedules in the name of “efficiency”?
• Do you leador just criticize?

💥 Inside this episode:

• Why buffers create flow, not waste.

• The real difference between excellence and perfection.

• Why comparing everything to “data centers” is a joke.

• How control on a jobsite is either disrespectful or necessary depending on how you do it.

• A raw take on leadership, culture, and what happens when feedback loops are broken.

If you’re tired of buzzwords, ready for real improvement, and want to lead better, this episode is for you.

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

Ever feel like your team is sprinting straight into a wall?

In this thought-provoking episode, Jason Schroeder breaks down why rushing without clearing roadblocks is one of the most dangerous habits in construction. Using a powerful analogy (spoiler: it involves smashing into walls), Jason challenges one of the most common misapplications of the Last Planner System and percent plan complete (PPC).

Discover how a simple language problem—calling everything a “constraint”—is wrecking your team’s ability to plan, prioritize, and stay safe. If you’ve ever been frustrated with chaotic boards, missed milestones, or wasted effort, this is the podcast that will shift your thinking for good.

Ready to stop running into walls and start leading with clarity?

Hit play now.

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

In this podcast we cover:

• A question from a listener.
• How to plan temporary cooling.

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

In this podcast we cover:

• What honest debate is.
• Why we do not criticize or blame people.
• The proper way to share ideas.

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

In this podcast we cover:

• What is a baseline in CPM?
• What is a baseline strategy in Takt?

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you’ll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I’d appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw