The Hard Knock School of Project Management

 Mark Caples left high school at 15 to study Automation Robotics, later becoming a carpenter, home builder, and inspector. His diverse career led him to found a luxury remodeling firm, manage projects for a proptech startup, and serve as a football referee. As a construction business consultant, Mark has leveraged his experiences into writing a project management book, "The Hard Knock School of Project Management," showcasing his journey of resilience and leadership. Additionally, he hosts a leadership podcast, sharing insights from his unique path as a self-taught polymath with skills in construction, inspection, and music. 

  In "The Hard Knock School of Project Management," Mark Caples, a construction business consultant, charts his journey from the ground up to mastering chaos in residential remodeling. With candid insights, he recounts lessons learned from project setbacks and successes, teaching how to embrace discomfort, make hard choices, prioritize people management, acknowledge the unsung victories, bridge communication gaps, and adapt when plans unravel. This project management book serves as a roadmap for turning errors into opportunities, proving that genuine leadership is born from resilience and adaptability. Mark extends these lessons through his leadership podcast, offering practical advice for navigating the unpredictable world of project management. 

The Hard Knock University Podcast is your go-to leadership podcast for mastering the art and science of project management, straight from the pages of The Hard Knock School of Project Management book by host and construction business coach Mark Caples. Each episode peels back the layers of traditional project management teachings, offering raw, real-world insights that only come from years in the field. Here, theory meets practice as Mark dissects common project management scenarios, shares personal anecdotes, and interviews guests who've navigated the complex waters of project leadership. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, this podcast will challenge your thinking, inspire new strategies, and provide a community for discussing the highs and lows of managing projects with authenticity and humor. Tune in to learn how to turn every project challenge into an opportunity for growth, innovation, and success.