Do your teams think of you as a PRODUCTION MONSTER?

In a lively conversation between Jesse Hernandez and Lance Furuyama, two industry veterans share insights on careers in construction, leadership, and the evolution of their professional lives. Their discussion reveals the nuances of working in the construction industry, the importance of empathy and respect for workers, and the transformative power of effective leadership.

Jesse begins by sharing his journey, which started in 1995. "I began as a laborer and quickly became a plumbing apprentice," he recalls. Rising through the ranks, Jesse earned his journeyman status and gained experience in various roles including installer, foreman, and superintendent. "I spent over 20 years on the trade side before transitioning to a major general contractor, focusing on implementing and deploying change," he explains. His career trajectory eventually led him into safety, environmental health, and starting his own business.

Lance highlights a key shift in Jesse's career: "At some point, you turned into a production monster, right?" Jesse laughs, agreeing with the description. "When I first got into lean construction, my focus was on maximizing production to earn bonuses. I used to push and scream, driving people hard. It wasn’t sustainable. I ran people ragged."

This intense focus on production, while effective in the short term, led to a realization. "About seven or eight years ago, I understood that using my knowledge to make things better for people was more sustainable," Jesse reflects. This shift in perspective led him to his current mission: helping leaders and decision-makers improve work conditions and productivity.

Lance asks about Jesse’s current focus on the SQI (Sweat Equity Improvement) program. "How did you develop this program to help both workers and decision-makers?" Jesse credits his experience and mentors. "I didn’t invent it. I learned from amazing people like Bryant Sanders. The program focuses on studying work to improve conditions for workers while increasing productivity."

Jesse shares a poignant story about Ruben, an electrician whose work environment was optimized to reduce physical strain. "Ruben told me he didn’t pass out in his chair after work anymore. He could help his wife with dishes, play with his grandkids, and sleep well. That was a huge moment for me. Improving his work improved his life."

Jesse emphasizes the importance of building trust and understanding workers' challenges. "Go to the job site, introduce yourself, and learn about the workers. Ask them about their experiences and challenges," he advises. This approach not only builds empathy but also helps identify areas for improvement.

One significant insight Jesse shares is the impact of ergonomic work design. "Simple changes like adjusting the height of cabinets can make a big difference. It reduces physical strain and improves productivity."

Lance points out that improving work conditions and increasing productivity are not mutually exclusive. "People think you either look out for the worker or focus on production. But they’re not in conflict." Jesse agrees, noting that his program helps decision-makers use their influence to design work that benefits both the workers and the bottom line.

Jesse’s passion for improving the construction industry is evident. "It’s about using your influence to design work that suits the workers. This demonstrates true appreciation and respect," he says. For those interested in starting with SQI, Jesse recommends simple steps like learning workers’ names and studying their work to identify areas for improvement.

The conversation between Jesse and Lance highlights the importance of empathy, respect, and strategic thinking in the construction industry. By focusing on human-centered leadership, Jesse’s SQI program offers a pathway to better work conditions and improved productivity, benefiting both workers and decision-makers.