# Ep.1617 - Continuous Improvement: Start with Fundamentals

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/elevate-construction-36348/ep-1617-continuous-improvement-start-with-fundamentals
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/elevate-construction-36348/ep-1617-continuous-improvement-start-with-fundamentals.md
Podcast: [Elevate Construction](https://stenobird.com/podcast/elevate-construction-36348)
Published: 2026-06-02T16:35:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.elevateconstructionist.com/podcast-feed/
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/elevateconstruction/Ep._1617.mp3?dest-id=2129210
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/elevate-construction-36348/episodes/ep-1617-continuous-improvement-start-with-fundamentals
Duration seconds: 569

## Resource

In this episode, Jason dives into why continuous improvement alone cannot drive success in U.S. construction companies. While the concept of Kaizen thrives in Japan, Jason explains that most companies in the U.S. are far from ready to improve, they first need to establish the fundamentals. What you'll learn in this episode: Why continuous improvement works best in a system that is already stable and standardized. The importance of respecting people and creating safe, organized, and inclusive environments. How one-piece flow and total participation form the backbone of effective operations. Why visual systems are critical for communication and alignment. How the U.S. construction culture differs from Japan and what needs to change before improving. Are you focusing on improvement or are you building the foundation first? 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

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## Transcript

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