Hoots on the Ground | The Lean Builder

Bridging the Mind, Hands & Heart in Construction with Dominic Desmarais (Episode 86)

In this episode, host Adam Hoots connects with Dominic Desmarais, a Canadian mechanical engineer and Lean Construction enthusiast with more than two decades of experience. Recorded live from Kyoto, Japan, at The International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC) 33, Dominic shares insights from his profound Lean journey, his passion for bridging the traditional divides between thinkers and doers, and the critical interplay of mind, hands, and heart in the workplace. Dominic examines the fundamenta...

Stewarding Human Potential and Trust in Construction with John Toups (Episode 85)

Respect, Flow, and Transformation with Niklas Modig (Episode 84)

Continuous Flow Construction with Hal Macomber (Episode 83)

In this insightful episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, Adam Hoots is joined by Hal Macomber , a respected leader, coach, and influential figure in the field of Lean Construction. Hal shares over 35 years of experience pioneering Lean practices, offering profound insights into continuous flow construction, human-centered leadership, and the power of engaging frontline workers. Hal reflects on the industry's progress, emphasizing that while Lean has made significant strides, substant...

Growth through Grace and Mentorship in Construction with Ryan Taylor & Rene Duron (Episode 82)

In this powerful episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido , Adam Hoots sits down with Ryan Taylor , a Superintendent at San Antonio Water System (SAWS) , and Rene Duron , a Construction Specialist for SAWS and THIS podcast editor. This episode delves deep into mentorship, leadership, and personal growth in construction while reinforcing the values of trust, accountability, and human connection in the industry. Ryan shares his journey at SAWS, where he has dedicated 25 years to the organi...

Building Trust, Teams, & Respect: The Human Side of Construction with Tom Fuduric (Episode 81)

In this insightful episode, Adam Hoots welcomes Tom Fuduric, a lecturer at Clemson University and a construction industry veteran with over 40 years of experience. Together, they explore how to build high-performing teams and emphasize the importance of human connections in the construction industry. Tom shares his journey from working summers in road construction to becoming a safety and HR leader, eventually transitioning to academia. He discusses the evolution of the courses he co-instructs w...

Practical Insights and Hard Truths with Sam Sinclair (Episode 80)

Embracing Lean: The People-Centric Approach with Kent Hedges (Episode 79)

In this episode of 'Hoots on the Ground,' host Adam Hoots welcomes Kent Hedges, a Lean construction advocate and manager of large capital projects at a major healthcare company. Kent shares insights from his extensive 28-year career in the construction industry, which began with a stint as a civil engineer in the Navy before transitioning to healthcare construction management. He discusses the profound impact of Lean methodologies in his work, focusing not only on eliminating waste but most impo...

Constructing Connections: Building a Better Industry with Matt Graves (Episode 78)

In this episode, Adam Hoots engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Matt Graves , known for his pioneering work with Construction Yeti and as the co-host of the CM Mentors Podcast. This conversation navigates through Matt's transformative journey within the construction industry, highlighting his transition from project management to embracing a role as an owner's representative. Matt shares his unique insights on the construction process, underscoring the critical need for a holistic persp...

Embracing Lean from Masonry to Management with Joe Pryor (Episode 77)

Joe Pryor shares his journey from a family masonry business to implementing Lean Construction principles as a leader, emphasizing the importance of respect, team dynamics, and work-life balance in transforming the construction industry and personal growth. In this podcast episode, Adam Hoots interviews the great Joe Pryor, revealing his comprehensive journey from the early days in his family's masonry enterprise to his critical roles as a Superintendent and Vice President of Field Operations. Jo...

Challenging Tradition by Transforming Management with Dr Bob Emiliani (Episode 76)

Character Development with Mack Story (Episode 75)

During this episode, Mack Story dives into exactly who he is and where he came from! Hoots talks about all the amazing content that Mack puts out daily with his company, Blue Collar Leadership . Mack talks about his wife, Ria, and mentions her story, which you can see in her TEDx Talk linked below. He discusses how he and Ria got started with their speaking and consulting careers. He talks about his love for her and how strong that is and where it came from. Mak also dives into how all his probl...

Mindful Construction Embracing the Power of Now with Adam Hoots (Episode 74)

In this episode, Hoots delves into the spiritual dimensions of both business and personal growth. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Bob Emiliani's book, Management Mysterium: The Quest for Progress , he shares how this book has framed his understanding of the spiritual side of the construction industry. No this is not what you’re thinking when it comes to religion! Think more broadly… Hoots then takes us on a journey through Eckhart Tolle's book, The Power of Now , discussing how being present in the...

Being Present with Yourself with Matt Ohley (Episode 73)

This episode of Hoots on The Ground, Lean Builder Nation gets an introduction to the man behind the stories on LinkedIn, Mr. Matt Ohley ! (Note: Not OH-LAY!, Oh-lee!) Matt talks about the challenges he faced growing up in the legal system! He talks a lot about living in the present time, not in the past and not in the future, but in the present. He goes through how he discovered the importance of this concept and how he goes about accomplishing this difficult principle. Matt discusses the real l...

Treat People Like You Should: The Manny Hoyo Rule (Episode 72)

This is a must-watch episode of “Hoots on the Ground” with No Bullshido as we highlight ‘ The Manny Hoyo! ’ Manny is a Senior Superintendent with Skanska who works in the Boston area and shares how he spreads his gifts and talents to the world. Manny talks about how his upbringing has helped him become a better superintendent in the field. He also talks about being a senior superintendent with anxiety and being introverted, both require a daily battle. Manny dives into his recommendations for a ...

Managing Risk, Money, and Most Important Relationships with James Glass (Episode 71)

In this episode of The Lean Builder’s Hoots on the Ground podcast, we get to know James Glass with Turner Construction out of the Dallas, TX office. James started in the industry as a laborer, and he has learned much from his time supporting The Boy Scouts of America. He is still involved to this day without having children or grandchildren involved. His 40+ year career path in the construction industry took him from a laborer to a senior superintendent running large-scale work. James gives his ...

Mental Health Matters with Julie Dolan and Brian Winningham (Episode 70)

This is a can’t miss episode of The Lean Builder’s Hoots on the Ground podcast! During this episode, Julie Dolan, Brian Winningham, and Adam Hoots summarize their findings and learnings from the previous Construction Suicide Prevention episodes (check out Episodes 65-67 on our Podcasts page to give them a listen) . The team uses a liberating structure known as “WHAT? SO WHAT? NOW WHAT?” They run through the experience that they just had together – the What , while they discover the So What of th...

Don’t Let Them Have Real Estate in Your Mind with Scott Friend (Episode 69)

In this episode of The Lean Builder’s Hoots on the Ground Podcast, host Adam Hoots introduces The Lean Builder nation to everyone’s friend, Scott Friend! A father of three girls (and we get to meet one!!) and husband of a wise gal! A Sea Bee (Construction Battalion) Veteran who now serves the construction industry in several ways. Scott dives in to help The Lean Builder Nation understand what it’s like to build under real pressure in enemy territory. He tells us about his experience building ove...

Pursue Perfection with Heather Ormonde (Episode 68)

In this episode of The Lean Builder’s “Hoots on the Ground” podcast host Adam Hoots introduces The Lean Builder nation to Ms. Heather Ormonde. Heather talks about her beliefs in Lean running so deep that she had two babies in one pregnancy!! Heather has been practicing Lean for over 10 years and has made every LCI Congress since 2014 and has served as the Oklahoma CoP Leader for LCI since 2015 (though she is happy to relinquish that role for those in OK interested in stepping up). She shares upd...

Valuing Every Individual on the Jobsite with Panel (Episode 67)

In this episode of The Lean Builder’s “Hoots on the Ground” podcast, host Adam Hoots introduces a group of guests who share their experiences and insights on Lean construction. Joining Brian Winningham and Julie Dolan this week are Manny Hoyo, a senior superintendent with Skanska USA, and Sam Sinclair, a field superintendent with E.L. Pruitt. As a fun icebreaker, Adam asks each guest to introduce themselves and share a type of food they do not like. Brian “Ranger Winnie” Winningham kicks off the...

Construction Suicide Prevention - Week 2 | “Temporary Fence Panels” with Julie Dolan, Brian Winningham & Buddy Brumley (Episode 66)

In this episode, Brian Winningham shares a poem that he wrote about life in the construction industry titled Temporary Fence Panels . In the poem, Brian captures perfectly what it’s like to work on a construction project site. Before you know it, the day is gone, and you haven’t even started your own personal work. Staying until late in the night, and then you realize a problem on the job site that you must solve before you can go home! The OG Lean Builder, Buddy Brumley, shares his own experien...

Construction Suicide Prevention Week with Julie Dolan & Brian Winningham (Episode 65)

In this episode, Adam Hoots, Julie Dolan, and Brian Winningham discuss the taboo topic of mental health within the construction industry. This episode is the kickoff to several upcoming episodes where real field leaders lean in to share their real experiences on real topics! You will not want to miss the next few episodes. Hoots, Julie, and “Ranger Winnie” all get a little vulnerable as each of them describes how mental health has affected them personally. They also provide some recommendations ...

The Luckiest Man on the Planet with Jeff Fleetham (Episode 64)

In this captivating podcast episode Jeff Fleetham , a seasoned professional in the construction industry, delves deep into the profound meaning of a career, reframing it as a holistic life journey rather than a mere job description. He introduces the compelling notion that one's career extends beyond the workplace, encompassing personal growth, relationships, and aspirations. Jeff's personal anecdotes bring poignant authenticity to his message, notably through his father's struggle with Alzheime...

The Power of Relationships with Sam Dixon (Episode 63)

In this enlightening podcast episode, Adam Hoots engages in a captivating conversation with Sam Dixon, project executive with Omega Construction. Sam's journey through the world of construction is not just about erecting buildings, it's about embodying unwavering integrity and living by the values instilled in him from a young age. Drawing inspiration from his father's teachings, Sam emphasizes the significance of credibility and accountability, sharing valuable insights into the "Three Fs" prin...

Time Management is Bullshido with Adam Hoots (Episode 62)

In this episode titled, "Time Management is Bullshido," Adam Hoots, takes listeners on a journey to enhance their time management skills and become more efficient in their daily lives. He begins by expressing gratitude for a positive review from Rafa Franca of his book, The Old Dog Lean Thesaurus , and invites further feedback for future improvements. Adam emphasizes the importance of personal clarity and understanding what one wants in life. He encourages listeners to identify their values, str...

Leaving a Legacy with Bruce Gemmell (Episode 61)

In this episode, we have the privilege of hearing from Bruce Gemmell, a seasoned superintendent with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for his craft. Bruce takes us on a journey through his career, from humble beginnings as a layout foreman to becoming a respected leader in the construction industry. Through Bruce's engaging storytelling, we gain valuable insights into the principles of lean Construction and the significance of empathy in fostering successful collaborations within a team. We l...

Conquering Self-Doubt: Becoming the Buffalo – Hoots Solo (Episode 60)

In this inspiring episode, we tackle the pervasive issue of self-doubt and explore effective strategies to overcome it. Hoots opens up about his personal journey, sharing how his network has played a pivotal role in validating their path and fostering self-belief. Recognizing the power of surrounding oneself with the right people, Hoots emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive network that challenges self-doubt and encourages personal growth. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their...

A Journey of Growth and Collaboration with Nick Clemens and Sam Sinclair (Episode 59)

In this episode "A Journey of Growth and Collaboration in Construction," host Adam Hoots interviews Nick Clemens with O’Shea Builders and Sam Sinclair with E.L. Pruitt Co. Mechanical Contractors. They share their experiences and insights on implementing Lean Construction practices within their companies. They begin by discussing the significance of effective communication and organization in superintendent-only Lean coffees, where industry professionals gather to exchange knowledge and learn fro...

Inspiring Success in Electrical Construction with Tony Vacschaack (Episode 58)

In this captivating podcast episode, we sit down with Tony Vacschaack, a seasoned professional in the field of electrical construction. Tony is currently a Senior Project Manager with Martin Electric in New York. With his wealth of experience and a career spanning five decades, Tony shares valuable insights and unforgettable stories from his journey in the industry. From a construction project he was working on that blocked Interstate 20 while the president was coming through to overcoming chall...

The Molecular Biologist Builder with Tim Hoh (Episode 57)

In this episode of "The Lean Builder | Hoots on The Ground with No Bullshido," host Adam Hoots sits down with Tim Hoh , a seasoned construction professional who has been implementing Lean Construction at CRB Builders . Tim studied microbiology in college and somehow found his way into CRB to work on a life science project. Hoh shares his journey into the construction industry and how he discovered the power of Lean Construction. He discusses the challenges of implementing Lean Construction princ...