Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder

In this full-circle episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, Adam Hoots sits down live at the 2026 LCI Congress in Atlanta with Joe Donarumo and Keyan Zandy, authors of The Lean Builder — the book and brand that gave birth to this podcast. Recorded just after Joe received the 2026 LCI Pioneer Award, the conversation begins with recognition, gratitude, and the long arc of two builders who started by simply sharing what was working in the field. Keyan reflects on attending his first LCI conference roughly 15 years ago, learning from others, eventually presenting, writing the book, and now watching The Lean Builder become a resource used throughout the industry. Joe and Keyan also turn the microphone back toward Adam and reflect on why they originally trusted him to carry the Hoots on the Ground podcast. They saw a rare combination: a field-first builder who came up digging ditches as a plumber's helper, but who could also connect practical construction experience to systems, research, and Lean principles. More than 100 episodes later, the three reflect on the relationships, stories, and lessons that have grown from that decision. The conversation dives deep into: ·         Why authentic field voices matter more than polished theory ·         The impact Buddy Brumley had on The Lean Builder, Adam, and the Old Dawg community ·         Why the old construction model of sacrificing health, family, and life for the job cannot continue ·         The difference between working fewer hours and improving the quality of the hours we work ·         Why daily huddles, visual communication, constraint management, and stronger relationships make work easier instead of simply adding more Lean activity ·         How construction must improve basic working conditions if it wants to compete with other industries for the next generation ·         Why craft professionals care about bathrooms, lunch areas, dignity, predictability, and quality of life — not just wages ·         Why leadership, communication, vulnerability, delegation, conflict preparation, and other "soft skills" are really the next hard skills ·         How The Lean Builder is evolving from a book and master class into a membership community designed to connect practitioners and develop NextGen Builders Joe and Keyan explain that the future of The Lean Builder is not about pretending they still run daily huddles themselves. Instead, it is about staying authentic to what they practice today: leading a construction company, developing people, improving communication, and creating a network where field practitioners can learn directly from other field practitioners. The conversation also tackles a tension that has been building throughout this podcast: what does the word "Lean" actually mean anymore? Keyan keeps it simple — respect for people, adding value while reducing waste, and continuous improvement. Joe reinforces that none of those principles require a specific tool, a Last Planner board, a Takt plan, or even attendance at LCI Congress. The tools matter, but the principles come first. This episode is part reunion, part reflection, and part challenge to the construction industry. The Lean Builder started because two practitioners believed the field deserved a voice. Episode 102 brings that story full circle — while making it clear that the next generation of builders will need much more than technical expertise. They will need the human skills to lead people well. KEY TAKEAWAYS: •         The Field Needs Its Own Voice — The Lean Builder worked because it was written by practitioners for practitioners. The same principle applies to podcasts, training, and leadership development. •         Authenticity Is the Advantage — Joe and Keyan built trust because their material came from hard knocks, real jobs, and lessons they personally lived. •         Quality of Work Matters More Than Just Hours — Construction may always require hard work, but better planning, communication, and systems can make those hours more valuable and less destructive. •         Stop Making Sacrifice the Standard — The industry cannot keep expecting superintendents and craft professionals to sacrifice marriages, health, children, and personal life just to be considered committed. •         Basic Dignity Is a Recruiting Strategy — Clean restrooms, places to wash hands, decent lunch areas, predictable work, and humane conditions matter to the next generation. •         The Next Hard Skills Are Human Skills — Communication, vulnerability, delegation, conflict preparation, listening, and time management are essential construction leadership capabilities. •         One Size Fits One — Once leaders understand the technical work, the next challenge is learning how to develop different people in different ways. •         Lean Is Bigger Than the Tools — Daily huddles, pull planning, Takt, and Last Planner are valuable, but Lean can begin with respect for people, adding value, reducing waste, and continuous improvement. •         There Are No Lean Masters — Every new project brings new people, new trade partners, and new conditions. The reward for a great project is another opportunity to start the journey again. •         Rising Water Raises All Boats — Construction companies are not only competing with one another for talent; they are competing with every other industry. Sharing what works helps strengthen the entire profession. EPISODE QUOTES (paraphrased): •         "Any time you think you're an expert, that's the first opportunity to close your mind to learning something new." •         "The boots on the ground need a voice." •         "Our older generation put the job ahead of their marriages, health, and children. The next generation shouldn't have to." •         "It isn't only about working fewer hours. It's about improving the quality of the hours we're working." •         "We're not really battling each other for talent. We're battling every other industry that's kicking our butts." •         "If the next generation doesn't find this industry appealing, we're not going to have anybody to do the work." •         "Once you've mastered the work, the next skill is helping other people master it." •         "One size fits one." •         "Lean doesn't require Last Planner, Takt planning, or a conference. Start with respect for people, reduce waste, add value, and continuously improve." •         "You can't master Lean. Your reward for a great project is a brand-new project with a brand-new group of people." RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: •         The Lean Builder — Book, Master Class & Membership (https://theleanbuilder.com/) •         The Lean Builder — Paperback (https://theleanbuilder.com/product/the-lean-builder/) •         2026 LCI Congress — Atlanta, Georgia (https://congress.leanconstruction.org/) •         Lean Construction Institute (https://leanconstruction.org/) •         Skiles Group (https://skilesgroup.com/) •         Old Dawg Builders Community (https://www.skool.com/olddawg) GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: Joe Donarumo — Co-author and Principal of The Lean Builder, Senior Vice President at Skiles Group, longtime field leader and Lean practitioner, and 2026 LCI Pioneer Award recipient. https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-donarumo/ Keyan Zandy — Co-author and Principal of The Lean Builder, CEO of Skiles Group, Lean Construction advocate, and 2023 LCI Pioneer Award recipient. https://www.linkedin.com/in/keyanzandy/ Adam Hoots — Host and producer of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, construction leader, educator, Old Dawg Builders founder, and longtime advocate for field-first leadership and respect for craft professionals. https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhoots/ ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST: The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.

In this episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, Adam Hoots sits down with Daniel Allison — better known as "The Average Dude" — for a wide-ranging conversation about courage, personal development, energy, trust, human connection, and what happens when we stop waiting for the world to give us permission to become who we are meant to be. Daniel traces his personal development journey back to November 11, 2014, a day when his marriage and personal life were under heavy strain and he made a decision to start changing himself. What followed was not a polished reinvention, but years of intentionally walking into uncomfortable rooms, speaking, interviewing people, joining communities, journaling, asking deeper questions, and learning to take responsibility for the person staring back at him in the mirror. The "Average Dude" name came from a random comment that could have been taken as an insult. Instead, Daniel turned it into permission. He stopped waiting for credentials, pedigree, or outside approval and started putting his ideas into the world. His message is not that he is ordinary — it is that ordinary people can take uncommon action when they stop being trapped by other people's thoughts. The conversation dives deep into:   Why it takes courage to connect — and sometimes the first win is simply getting out of the car How F3's Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith gave Daniel a community of men who "leave no man behind" Why the truth of self requires courage, ownership, and personal responsibility How interviewing nearly a thousand people changed Daniel's perspective on judgment and human connection Why trust shortens the distance between people in sales, leadership, and life How First Sip became a daily discipline for getting your mind right at 7:55 every weekday morning Why energy management may be more important than time management How discomfort, embarrassment, and failure become fuel for growth Why artificial intelligence can help with self-reflection — but cannot replace real human connection What The Energy Bus taught Daniel about attitude, positivity, and the energy we bring into a room Why The Power of Now and "no conclusions" help Daniel stay present and open Adam and Daniel also connect these ideas back to construction. Job sites are full of different personalities, pressures, perspectives, and unseen stories. The leaders who create the most value are often the ones who can get curious before they judge, find the human behind the role, and build enough trust for people to tell the truth. Daniel closes with a simple challenge: when life is in an ebb, get control of your attitude, get around positive people, and pay attention to what they are seeing. Your energy changes what you notice — and what you notice shapes what you do next. This episode is about becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable, finding your frequency, and having the courage to connect. Or, as Daniel says: Let's roll. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Courage Creates Connection — New relationships, communities, and opportunities often begin with one uncomfortable action: getting out of the car and walking through the door. Stop Waiting for Permission — "The Average Dude" became a way for Daniel to stop worrying about pedigree and outside judgment and start acting on what was already in his heart. The Truth of Self Requires Responsibility — Once we become aware of our own patterns, wounds, behaviors, and choices, awareness creates a responsibility to do something with what we now know. Perspective Is Bigger Than First Impressions — Daniel intentionally talks with people who think differently because curiosity can break down snap judgments and expand our understanding of the world. Trust Accelerates Everything — In sales, leadership, and relationships, real progress happens faster when people feel safe enough to lower their guard and talk about the actual situation. Energy > Time — Time without energy does not produce much. Managing your state, environment, relationships, and mindset can determine how effectively you use the time you have. Discomfort Is Part of the Workout — Awkward moments, failed shows, rejection, and embarrassment are not automatically bad outcomes. They can be repetitions that build courage and capability. Human Connection Becomes More Valuable as Technology Grows — Artificial intelligence can accelerate thinking and reflection, but humans still bring stories, meaning, trust, empathy, and energy to the system. Be Here Now — Let go of yesterday, stop trying to control tomorrow, and resist forming conclusions so early that you stop receiving new information. Excavate Your Own Shame — Strong people do the work to understand and own their own shame instead of throwing the spoils of that excavation onto everyone around them. RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: FIRST SIP Get Your Mind Right - https://www.linkedin.com/company/firstsiplive/home/ F3 Nation — Fitness, Fellowship & Faith - https://f3nation.com/ The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon - https://theenergybus.com/  The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle - https://shop.eckharttolle.com/products/the-power-of-now Toastmasters International - https://www.toastmasters.org/ The Lean Builder – www.theleanbuilder.com EPISODE QUOTES (paraphrased): "It takes courage to connect." "If I'm not walking through new doors, new people are not going to come find me." "Leave the judgment to the world and focus on what you can control." "Once you understand the truth of yourself, you have a responsibility to change." "Energy management is more important than time management." "Find your frequency." "Real human connection is the energy that makes the whole system go." "Perfectionism holds us back. Sometimes the days that feel messy are the days we grow the most." "No conclusions. Be here now. Stay open to new information." "The strongest people excavate their own shame without throwing the spoils on others." "Let go — and let's roll." GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: Daniel Allison "The Average Dude" — Sales and business development professional, connector, interviewer, personal-development student, and co-host of FIRST SIP. Daniel's work centers on energy, human connection, courage, trust, and helping people "get their mind right." - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-allison-a7103828/ Adam Hoots — Host/Producer of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido and Lean Builder focused on field leadership, human connection, and bringing respect back to the people doing the work. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhoots/ ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST: The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.

In this milestone 100th episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, the microphone gets flipped. Mike Chiles takes over as host and interviews Adam Hoots, bringing the podcast full circle from Episode 1 and creating space to pause, reflect, learn, and look ahead. Adam revisits the beginning of the show and the trust Joe Donarumo and Keyan Zandy placed in him to bring a field-first voice to The Lean Builder. What began as a podcast focused on translating Lean concepts into language builders could actually use became something much bigger: a four-year learning journey about people, leadership, health, faith, relationships, and the responsibility leaders have to improve the lives of the people doing the work. The conversation gets deeply personal as Adam reflects on the 48-day hospitalization that stopped his fast-moving consulting career in its tracks, the loss of his transplanted kidney, dialysis, and the eventual kidney transplant that gave him another chance. He shares how Buddy Brumley became an anchor during that season and helped pull The Old Dawg Lean Thesaurus out of him while simultaneously challenging Adam to see Lean as something far greater than a collection of tools. Mike and Adam revisit the people and conversations that shaped the first 100 episodes, including lessons from Buddy Brumley, Jesse Hernandez, Felipe Engineer-Manriquez, Mack Story, Jeff Reilly, Brent Darnell, Boone White, Gabe Lightner, and many others. The recurring lesson is clear: construction does not transform through tools alone. It transforms when leaders develop themselves, genuinely see the humans doing the work, and create environments where those people can flourish. Adam also finally defines the phrase that has lived in the show's title for 100 episodes: "bullshido." Borrowed from the martial arts world, it describes what happens when ideas are mixed, repackaged, and separated from their original meaning. For Adam, Lean becomes bullshido when tools, certifications, jargon, and consultant-driven systems become more important than the frontline people they were supposed to serve. The episode then turns toward the future. Adam announces that Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido is beginning to sunset as the mission expands beyond one person and beyond the word Lean. The next chapter is centered on the Old Dawg Builders community and the Old Dawg Leadership Podcast: builders building builders, sharing construction wisdom with the next generation, and developing leaders who improve themselves first, others second, and ultimately their teams, companies, and industry. After 100 episodes, this is not a goodbye. It is a reflection on where the journey started, gratitude for everyone who helped shape it, and a declaration that the work is only beginning. KEY TAKEAWAYS: •         Pause, Reflect, Learn, Share — Reflection is where experience begins turning into wisdom. Episode 100 intentionally looks backward so those lessons can be carried forward. •         Continuous Improvement for the Betterment of People — Lean is not improvement for improvement's sake. The purpose is to create greater value and better conditions for the humans doing the work. •         Develop the Capability to Develop Capability — Leadership is not about becoming the person with every answer. It is about creating environments where other people can learn, grow, solve problems, and eventually develop others. •         Respect Must End in Human Flourishing — Respect for people cannot stop at slogans, kindness, or jobsite rules. The ultimate test is whether the people in the system are actually becoming better and flourishing at work and at home. •         Leadership Requires Range — Laissez-faire, transactional, and transformational leadership all have a place. The challenge is understanding the person, situation, and purpose well enough to know which approach is needed. •         Between Stimulus and Response Is a Choice — Emotional intelligence requires awareness and regulation. Leaders can learn to pause, select their response, and act intentionally rather than simply react. •         Beware of Bullshido — Lean loses its meaning when tools, certifications, jargon, and consultant-created variations become more important than the people doing the work. •         Leadership Lives on the Ground — Leadership is found in the mud, meetings, sweat, tears, conversations, and daily interactions where builders either create suffering or create environments where people can succeed. •         Build Yourself Before Building Others — Personal mindfulness and character come first. The progression is yourself first, others second, and the team, company, and industry third. •         The Next Chapter Is Bigger Than Hoots — The future is about community, leadership, wisdom transfer, and builders building builders through the Old Dawg Builders community. RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: •         The Lean Builder — Joe Donarumo and Keyan Zandy https://theleanbuilder.com/ •         The Old Dawg Lean Thesaurus — Adam Hoots and Buddy Brumley https://a.co/d/07Yg73BV •         Old Dawg Builders Community — https://www.skool.com/olddawg •         Old Dawg Leadership Podcast —https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MONxYKqdfk&list=PLKqwflrGs-zw •         Lean Construction Institute (LCI) — https://leanconstruction.org/ •         Making Construction Easier, Better, Faster — Felipe Engineer-Manriquez https://www.theebfcshow.com/ •         Five Principles of Human and Organizational Performance — Dr. Todd Conklin https://a.co/d/06Ka8Wbx •         Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention — https://www.preventconstructionsuicide.com/ •         Miles that Matter Virtual 5K —https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Springfield/MilesThatMatterVirtual5K EPISODE QUOTES (paraphrased): •         "Continuous improvement for the betterment of people." •         "How do we develop the capability to develop capability?" •         "The last dimension of respect for people is the flourishing of the individual." •         "If you are only talking Lean, you are missing the boat. What we are really talking about is leadership." •         "87% of the reason people follow you is because of who you are; 13% is what you know." •         "It is not Hoots on the Ground. It is boots on the ground." •         "Leadership lives on the ground. It is in the mud, the meetings, the work, the tears, the sweat, and the blood." •         "Build yourself first, others second, and the team, company, and industry third." •         "We are builders building builders who are building buildings." •         "We ain't done yet, baby. This is only the beginning." GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: •         Adam Hoots  https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhoots/  — The tables turn for Episode 100 as Adam becomes the guest and reflects on the first 100 episodes of Hoots on the Ground, his personal journey, the evolution of his thinking about Lean and leadership, and what comes next. •         Mike Chiles https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-chiles/  — Guest host for Episode 100, Old Dawg Leadership Podcast co-host, trusted friend, and construction leader who guides Adam through the reflection on the past four years. ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST: The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.

In this episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, Adam Hoots welcomes internationally recognized Lean leadership expert, author, speaker, and Japan learning guide Katie Anderson for one of the most human-centered conversations the podcast has featured. Katie, author of Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn, shares lessons learned through her friendship with former Toyota leader Isao Yoshino and years spent living in Japan. Rather than focusing solely on Lean tools, the discussion explores the deeper purpose of Lean: developing people. The conversation dives into why organizations become overly focused on technical excellence while overlooking the social systems that enable people to thrive. Adam shares reflections from his own trip to Japan and how it reshaped his thinking around respect for people, visual management, discipline, and leadership. Topics include: ·         Why people must come before processes and tools. ·         Breaking the "telling habit" to develop others. ·         Leadership as a practice instead of a title. ·         Lean as a sociotechnical system. ·         Japanese concepts including Omotenashi, Shikō, Kaizen, and the Daruma Doll. ·         Turning learning into action instead of simply consuming more information. Whether you're in construction, healthcare, manufacturing, or any leadership role, this episode reminds us that organizations improve only when people intentionally help other people grow. KEY TAKEAWAYS: ·         People Before Process — Sustainable improvement begins by developing people before optimizing tools. ·         Break the Telling Habit — Great leaders ask questions instead of always supplying answers. ·         Leadership Is a Verb — Leadership is demonstrated through daily behaviors, not job titles. ·         Lean Is Sociotechnical — Great results require both strong systems and strong human relationships. ·         Intention Drives Action — Align daily behaviors with purpose and values. ·         Small Improvements Compound — Better happens through continuous, incremental improvement. ·         Learning Requires Action — Knowledge only becomes valuable when applied. ·         Respect Is Demonstrated — Small acts of service and genuine care build trust. EPISODE QUOTES (paraphrased): ·         "The only real secret to Toyota is its attitude toward learning." ·         "Leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about creating the conditions where others can discover them." ·         "People come before process." ·         "Break the telling habit." ·         "The goal isn't the tool. The goal is helping people learn." ·         "Intention is where heart meets direction." ·         "Kaizen starts with improving yourself." ·         "Don't just collect knowledge. Harvest it by putting it into practice." RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: •         Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn: https://kbjanderson.com/learning-to-lead/ •         Chain of Learning Podcast: https://kbjanderson.com/podcast/ •         Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/ •         Toyota Production System •         Isao Yoshino •         John Shook •         Omotenashi •         Kaizen •         Daruma Doll GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: •         Katie Anderson — https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson/ - International leadership consultant, author, speaker, executive coach, host of the Chain of Learning podcast, and leader of immersive Japan Leadership Experiences. •         Adam Hoots — https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhoots/ - Host of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, Lean Builder, educator, and advocate for field leadership. ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST: The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.

In this wide-ranging episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, Adam Hoots sits down with Geoff Lobley, a Calgary-based construction professional, educator, and risk specialist with TRAVIS Engineering Inc., who came up through the trades and has worked nearly every seat on the org chart. Adam and Geoff have only crossed paths a couple of times (the first in Auburn), but Geoff is the kind of person whose energy you feel the moment he walks into a room. Recording from a deep-frozen Calgary, Canada, at -25°C, the two skip the small talk and dig straight into the human side of building.  Geoff is refreshingly honest about not being a natural "people person." He shares how a painful personal loss, paired with a blunt-but-caring boss named Lisa Gibson, cracked him open to mentorship at exactly the right moment — and reframed vulnerability from a perceived weakness into the fastest way to build trust and rapport. The conversation dives deep into: •       Why vulnerability is the fastest path to trust and why it isn't the same thing as weakness •       The mental health and suicide crisis in construction and why the six-day-week culture deserves scrutiny •       Walking the six core principles of Lean back to a single idea: respect for people •       Reflective practice — reflection in action and reflection on action — as a daily Lean habit Geoff doesn't shy away from the hard stuff. He talks candidly about the mental health and suicide crisis on jobsites, the band-aid-but-meaningful value of bringing one-hour mental health sessions to crews, and a Calgary Construction Association program working to do exactly that, one site at a time. He and Adam also wrestle honestly with work-life balance, the "but I learned twice as much" justification for brutal hours, and what that learning really costs. Then Geoff ties it all together by walking through the six Lean principles — continuous improvement, focus on flow, eliminate waste, generate value, and optimize the whole — and routing each one back through people. The conversation lands on reflective practice and a deceptively simple language hack: flip "don't forget to" into "remember to," because the brain quietly drops that first word. Equal parts honesty, humor, and hard-won wisdom, this episode is a reminder that the most important system on any jobsite is the human being standing on it — and that small, intentional acts of lean (and of care) compound over an entire career. Key Takeaways: •       Vulnerability Builds Trust Faster: Sharing a little personal context early — even a quick chat about someone's Mustang collection — opens doors that pure technical competence never will. •       Construction Has a Mental Health Crisis: By percentage, the industry's suicide rate rivals or exceeds that of veterans. A one-hour jobsite session is a band-aid — but band-aids still matter. •       Question the Six-Day Week: Working twice the hours doesn't mean learning twice as much. Ask what it's really costing you — and the people waiting at home. •       Respect for People Anchors Everything: Run the six Lean principles through a human lens, and they all come back to developing, valuing, and looking out for the people doing the work. •       "Remember To" Beats "Don't Forget To": The brain skips the first word, so "don't forget" becomes "forget." Flip the language, and people actually follow through. •       Listen Your Way to Honesty: Like going from water-skiing to scuba diving, the right question at the right moment lets people open up one layer at a time. •       Reflective Practice Is a Lean Habit: Pull two lessons learned out of every weekly trade meeting — what went well, what didn't — before anyone forgets the good stuff. EPISODE QUOTES: •       "Anybody can do the technical work. If you want to advance, you focus on the people around you." •       "Vulnerability isn't weakness — it's being open enough to build trust, and the more open you are, the faster you build it." •       "We exceed the number of suicides compared to veterans. Think about that for a minute." •       "Did you really learn twice as much? And even if you learned more, was it worth it? At what cost?" •       "The brain skips the first word, so 'don't forget to' becomes 'forget to.' Flip it to 'remember to.'" •       "If you feel you're missing your opportunities, you are. So just ask — make the opportunities." •       "Find a small increment. 5S your desk, 5S your files. Those are easy wins — and they don't hurt at home either." RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Lean Builder Calgary Construction Association (Lean Community of Practice) Depth Builder — Jesse Hernandez  Lean Construction Institute GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: Geoff Lobley | LinkedIn — Construction professional, educator & risk specialist | Instructor at SAIT | Calgary Lean Community of Practice | TRAVIS Engineering, Inc.  Adam Hoots | LinkedIn  — Host/Producer of Hoots on the Ground and Lean builder focused on respect for craft and field leadership. ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST: The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.

Be Curious, Not Judgmental: The Neuroscience of Leading Construction Teams with Roxanne Evans (Episode 96) In this episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, host Adam Hoots is joined by Mike Chiles and special guest Roxanne Evans, owner of Brain Balance in Lee's Summit, Missouri. This conversation picks up where an earlier episode on neurodivergence left off — diving deeper into how the brain develops, how technology and modern lifestyles are widening developmental gaps, and what construction leaders can do about it. Roxanne brings a rare combination of perspectives: a former educator, a mother of four boys, and an operator of a Brain Balance center for nearly a decade. Her journey into brain health began with her own son's struggles with attention, focus, and emotional regulation — and the transformation she witnessed after going through the Brain Balance program became the foundation of her life's work. The conversation dives deep into: Why the brain's base operating system — built from birth to age three — determines how we process and respond to everything around us How developmental gaps that were once one to two years are now three to five years wide, starting in kindergarten Why the real problem isn't just screen time — it's the absence of physical movement that compounds the damage The two behavioral profiles Roxanne sees most on job sites: turtles (shut down and withdraw) and race cars with no brakes (always busy, rarely productive) Why a worker on their phone may not be lazy — they may be overwhelmed and avoiding a task they couldn't process How a leader's own emotional regulation sets the tone for the entire team What mirror neurons are and why some workers can't learn by watching — no matter how many times you demonstrate Roxanne also answers a question that lands for every leader in the room: why can you handle a five-alarm crisis at work with a calm two-level response, but blow up at home over something small? Her answer — that home is where the brain finally relaxes its performance — reframes the problem entirely and points toward practical solutions. This is a rich, practical episode that challenges construction leaders to see their people through a new lens — not as underperformers, but as individuals whose brains may need different support to thrive. Because when leaders build better brains on their job sites, everybody wins. Key Takeaways: Everything Starts in the Brain: How the brain perceives, processes, and responds to information determines behavior on and off the job site. Gaps in this base operating system show up as attention struggles, emotional dysregulation, and difficulty completing tasks. The Developmental Gap Is Wider Than Ever: Where prior generations saw a one-to-two-year developmental gap, today's workforce is seeing gaps of three to five years. The age of full brain maturity has shifted from 25 to around 35, meaning many workers are functioning at a younger cognitive and emotional level than their age would suggest. Tech Isn't the Only Problem — It's the Absence of Movement: Screens keep the brain's fight-or-flight system perpetually activated, but the deeper issue is sitting still. Physical movement — especially bilateral activity like walking, crawling, and weight training — is essential for building brain function, processing speed, and emotional regulation. Turtles vs. Race Cars: Workers tend to fall into two profiles when overwhelmed: those who shut down and withdraw (turtles), and those who stay constantly busy but accomplish little (race cars with no brakes). Recognizing which type you're dealing with is the first step to leading them effectively. Phone Use May Signal Overwhelm, Not Laziness: When a worker reaches for their phone instead of completing a task, they may be avoiding it because they were overwhelmed by instructions they couldn't fully process — not because they don't care. Curiosity, not judgment, is the right response. The Leader's Regulation Sets the Team's Regulation: Culture starts with the leader. A calm, curious, regulated leader creates safety that helps even dysregulated team members stay in a learning state. An unpredictable leader keeps everyone in fight-or-flight — which shuts down learning entirely. Mirror Neurons Matter in the Trades: Not all workers can learn by watching. Some brains haven't developed the mirroring capacity to accurately replicate a demonstrated skill. This isn't defiance or laziness — it's a gap that, once addressed, can unlock strong performance. Meeting Design Can Unlock Better Performance: Keep meetings to 20 minutes or less, allow movement, build in physical resets, and create shout-out moments that get people clapping and engaged. These aren't soft perks — they're neurological tools that keep brains in a state where learning and retention are actually possible. The Home vs. Work Regulation Gap Is Real: Many leaders hold it together under pressure at work but lose their cool at home over small things. Home is the brain's safe place — where it relaxes into its default regulation patterns. The fix isn't trying harder; it's building better brain regulation so the gap between settings shrinks.   EPISODE QUOTES: "Everything starts in the brain. How the brain perceives information sets the tone for how it processes — and then how it responds." "We used to see a one-to-two-year developmental gap. Now we're seeing three to five years, starting in kindergarten — and those trajectories just keep widening." "It's not the screens alone. It's the absence of body movement that's creating the bigger problem. When our body moves, it tells our brain information — and our brain can grow and change based on that." "When someone's on their phone instead of doing the task, they may not be lazy — they might be overwhelmed and avoiding looking incompetent. Be curious, not judgmental." "My regulation sets the tone for everyone else's. If they know they're safe with me, they can stay in a learning state instead of fight-or-flight." "At work you hold it together because there are consequences. At home, they love you no matter what — so the brain relaxes into its default patterns. That's why you blow up over the small stuff at home." "What we want is for their life to be enriched because they worked with you. Not just that we required them to perform — but that we taught them how to be well."   RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Brain Balance Centers  Brain Balance – Lee's Summit, MO  Brent Darnell International – Emotional Intelligence in Construction  Yerkes-Dodson Law (The Goldilocks Rule) GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: Roxanne Evans — Owner and Director, Brain Balance of Lee's Summit, MO. Former educator, mother of four boys, and community leader. Roxanne opened her Brain Balance center in 2015 and has spent nearly a decade helping children and adults build the neurological foundation for attention, emotional regulation, learning, and performance. Mike Chiles — Lean construction leader, educator, and co-host of the Chiles Brothers conversations on the podcast. Mike is based in the Kansas City area and has a heart for community, construction, and bringing better tools to the people who build. Adam Hoots  — Host/Producer of Hoots on the Ground and Lean builder focused on respect for craft and field leadership.   ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST: The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.  

In this wide-ranging episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, Adam Hoots connects with Derek Sinnott, a self-described pracademic from Wexford, Ireland. Derek is a civil engineer-turned-academic at SETU (South East Technological University), a Lean coach, and the Chair of the Supply Chain Sustainability School in Ireland. Adam and Derek first crossed paths in Japan, and the conversation that unfolded there clearly stuck — because Derek showed up in Ireland when Adam brought a team of Clemson students over for a construction competition, and that says everything you need to know about who Derek is. Derek opens up about his background growing up on a farm, finding his footing in engineering after struggling through secondary school, and ultimately discovering his true calling in training, coaching, and developing people across the construction industry. The conversation dives deep into: •       Why the biggest inefficiency in construction is the illusion of collaboration •       The difference between being efficient and being effective when coaching teams •       What sustainability really means in Ireland — and why it goes way beyond green building •       The supply chain as the true value-delivery engine of every project •       Why early contractor involvement is critical, and what it looks like when done well •       How asking good questions leads to better relationships — and better buildings Derek also shares his deep respect for trade workers and frontline teams — the people who actually put nail to formwork — and reflects on what real respect for people looks like in practice. He talks about the power of simply walking the job and being curious rather than coming in with a fixed agenda. They also revisit the ASCE student competition that brought Adam's Clemson team to Ireland (earning two third-place trophies and a Best Speaker Award), explore the possibility of teaming up for the upcoming November competition, and Derek teases a podcast of his own on the horizon. This episode is equal parts Lean philosophy, sustainability education, and authentic human connection — a reminder that no matter what ocean separates us, we're all telling the same story in different accents. KEY TAKEAWAYS: •       Collaboration ≠ More Meetings: Real collaboration means breaking down silos and sharing learning, not just scheduling more conversations. •       Coach, Don't Consult: The most effective intervention isn't solving problems for teams — it's helping them develop the ability to solve their own. •       Sustainability Is Bigger Than Green: ESG — environmental, social, and governance — means taking care of your people, your community, and running an ethical business. •       Supply Chain Is Everything: The trade partners and vendors who install and deliver are the true value-creators. Educating and supporting them is how projects succeed. •       Decisions Made Early, Lived With Long: The choices made in pre-construction shape 90% of cost, schedule, and quality outcomes, and ripple through the building's entire lifecycle. •       "Can't" Is a Four-Letter Word: Derek's most despised phrase — there's always a path forward, even when there are constraints. •       Better, Faster, Together: The motto of Lean Construction Ireland and a philosophy that puts people first in pursuit of continuous improvement.   EPISODE QUOTES (paraphrased): •       "The biggest inefficiency in construction is the illusion that collaboration has taken place." •       "The most efficient thing is to just go solve it. But the most effective thing is to step back and coach." •       "I get disappointed when a group doesn't challenge me — that means nothing is landing." •       "Good looks like better than before." •       "Can't — that word drives me absolutely bananas." •       "We're always in pursuit of perfection. I'm not sure what that looks like, but it's an awful lot better than what we do at the moment." •       "It's not about being soft. It's just: how are you doing?"   RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: • Lean Construction Ireland  • Supply Chain Sustainability School    • SETU (South East Technological University, Ireland) • Associated Schools of Construction Region 8 (ASC) Competition   GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: •   Derek Sinnott — Executive Coach & Strategic Advisor to CEOs & Senior Leaders in the Built Environment | Chair | MC | Speaker | Author | Director (https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-sinnott) • Adam Hoots  — Host/Producer of Hoots on the Ground and Lean builder focused on respect for craft and field leadership.(https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhoots/)   ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST: The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.

Lean at the Crossroads: Culture, Community, and Congress with Elizabeth Taylor (Episode 94) In this heartfelt and high-energy episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, Adam Hoots sits down with Elizabeth Taylor, National Director of Lean at JE Dunn Construction and 2026 LCI Congress Co-Chair, to talk about leadership, culture, and what it really means to build community in construction. Elizabeth shares her journey from project management to Lean coaching, including her AMAZING Lean experience on the Williston Rec Center project in North Dakota, where living onsite and stumbling through The Last Planner System® created lifelong relationships and a powerful example of what Lean culture can truly look like. The conversation dives deep into: •       The difference between Lean tools and Lean culture •       Why relationships accelerate project performance •       How to move from "doing Lean" to being a Lean organization •       The importance of field-first thinking and supporting trade workers •       What it takes to lead at scale inside a national construction firm Elizabeth also opens up about personal loss, vulnerability, and how the Lean community has supported her during one of the most difficult seasons of her life. This episode goes beyond business, it's about humanity, leadership courage, and creating intentional spaces where people belong. Check out Elizabeth illustrating true vulnerability, live in person as she handles the questions from Hoots. They also preview the 2026 LCI Congress in Atlanta, themed "Lean at the Crossroads: Building the Future Together." Elizabeth shares insights into this year's four tracks: 1.    Next Generation Delivery Integration 2.    Field First Lean: Tools, Flow & Daily Improvement 3.    Becoming a Lean Organization Through Culture & Learning 4.    Whole Team, Whole Project Integration   If you've ever wondered what Congress looks like behind the curtains, whether your story is worth sharing, this episode is your sign to step up. Abstracts are due Thursday, March 5th. Don't wait. Submit to speak here: https://congress.leanconstruction.org/abstract-submission/ This one is part Lean strategy, part leadership masterclass, and part reminder that we can't do life, or construction, alone.   Key Takeaways: •       Lean Is More Than Tools: Last Planner may start the journey, but culture and trust sustain it. •       Relationships Drive Results: Teams that cook dinner together and problem-solve together build projects differently. •       Vulnerability Is Leadership: Real culture change starts when leaders model openness and humanity. •       Field First Matters: Trade workers carry the weight of poor systems—Lean must serve them. •       Lean at Every Level: Personal, project, organizational, and industry-wide transformation are all connected. •       Congress Is Community: LCI isn't just about sessions—it's about conversations, connection, and shared growth.   ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST: The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction. RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: •       Lean Construction Institute (LCI) Congress 2026  — Atlanta, GA •       JE Dunn Construction National Lean Program •       Signia Hotel and conference Center  (LCI Congress 2026 venue area)   GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: •       Elizabeth Taylor — National Director of Lean, JD Dunn Construction | 2026 LCI Congress Co-Chair (https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethmckiernan/) •       Adam Hoots  — Host/Producer of Hoots on the Ground and Lean builder focused on respect for craft and field leadership (https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhoots/)   EPISODE QUOTES (paraphrased): •       "Lean tools are easy to grab onto. Culture is what makes them work." •       "You can't tell me it won't work. I've seen it work." •       "We're all just humans doing construction." •       "We can't do this thing called life alone." •       "Don't say 'we can't.' That's where the work starts." •       "Make it visual. Make it simple. That's how you get everybody on the same page."