In this episode of The Why We Build Podcast, host Greg Woleck and co-host Steve Wheeler sit down with Jon Pereira, Production Manager at MAK Design Build, to talk about crew culture — that hard-to-define jobsite magic that makes the workday flow better, teams feel stronger, and clients feel more confident.

Jon shares practical, low-cost ways to build jobsite engagement and morale through intentional leadership and simple human moments — like sharing a burrito at a concrete pour or role-playing tough conversations during Taco Tuesday (spelled TALK-O Tuesday for a reason).

From modeling great client communication to integrating trade partners into the company culture, Jon offers a masterclass in leadership from the jobsite out.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Crew Culture = Jobsite Family: Culture isn’t a buzzword at MAK Design Build — it’s a daily practice rooted in trust, laughter, mutual support, and respect among carpenters, PMs, designers, and trade partners.
• Burrito Days & Milestone Meals: A concrete pour isn't just a production milestone — it’s Burrito Day, where team members (including clients and kids!) gather, break bread, share stories, and align goals. It’s simple, memorable, and reinforces schedule accountability and camaraderie.
• Talk-O Tuesday (Taco Tuesday): This initiative brings production team members into the office for lunch and role-playing sessions on handling tough client conversations. It’s training disguised as tacos — building emotional intelligence and shared language.
• Integrating Trade Partners into Culture: Even though 85% of MAK’s work is completed by trade partners, they’re treated like family — invited to events, engaged in team rituals, and included in communication loops.
• Communicating with Clients: Jon coaches his team using templates and validation techniques to defuse tense moments. Core message: validate first, answer later. Avoid cornering yourself with premature promises.
• Using Numbers to Drive Ownership: Through the Great Game of Business framework, team members learn how their roles directly impact profitability. This creates healthy accountability and team incentives (like lunch and bonuses).

🛠️ Best Quote:

“The magic you’re looking for is in the work you’re not doing.” — Unknown

📚 Lightning Round with Jon Pereira:

• Favorite Book: The Hobbit
• Famous Builder to Lunch With: Frank Lloyd Wright
• Dream Superpower: Invisibility
• Random Skill to Learn: Fly fishing
• Cats or Dogs? Dogs
• Favorite Vacation Spot: Hawaii

📣 Call to Action:

If you’re a production manager, design lead, or company owner in the remodeling space — this episode is a must-listen. Share it with your team and ask: What’s our burrito day?

Related Resources:

• Learn more about Remodelers Advantage Roundtables
• Connect with Greg: greg@remodelersadvantage.com
• www,MAKdesignbuild.com
• Discover how you can bring culture, accountability, and momentum to your remodeling team