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

Growth through Grace and Mentorship in Construction

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, Growth Through Grace and Mentorship in Construction, 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 organization, developing infrastructure and the next generation of construction leaders. Once an entry-level technician, Rene credits Ryan’s mentorship for his rapid career growth, showcasing the power of support, faith, and the right opportunities to shape a leader.

The conversation highlights:

• The importance of mentorship in the construction industry and how the right guidance can unlock potential.
• How trust, faith, and accountability play a key role in developing teams and growing as a leader.
• Why human connection and empathy matter more than technical skills when driving positive workplace culture.
• The evolution of leadership from a traditional, rigid mindset to a more people-focused approach.
• Lessons from extreme ownership and intentional leadership inspired by Jocko Willink and Timothy Keller.
• Adapting Lean principles to real-world scenarios, ensuring that tools serve the system, not the other way around.

Through heartfelt storytelling, Ryan and Rene demonstrate that leadership is not about titles but about empowering others. Their mentor-mentee relationship embodies what it means to “pay it forward,” ensuring that knowledge and wisdom don’t die with experience but fuel future leaders’ 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:

• The Lean Builder | Blog, book, resources, news, and events.
• Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink | Leadership and discipline strategies for success.
• Timothy Keller’s Teachings | Wisdom on leadership, faith, and service.
• The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle | The importance of being present.
• San Antonio Water System (SAWS) | Infrastructure and water management in Texas.

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Adam Hoots | LinkedIn | Podcast host, Lean Construction Shepherd at ConstructionACHEsolutions.
• Ryan Taylor | Superintendent at SAWS | Leader in construction operations and mentorship.
• Rene Duron | LinkedIn | Construction Specialist at SAWS, Podcast Editor at Duron Styles.

EPISODE QUOTES:

• “The way up is down. The way to true power is to give up power in order to serve.” – Timothy Keller
• “Smile through the suck.” – Ryan Taylor & Rene Duron
• “Mentorship isn’t about supervision; it’s about seeing potential and fueling it.” – Adam Hoots
• “Be present. Work hard. Show up with a smile.” – Lessons from Ryan’s mother, Barbara Nefford

This episode is a must-listen for those passionate about leadership, Lean principles, and mentorship in construction. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, this conversation will leave you inspired to empower others and be the change you seek.