The Practical Entrepreneur: Things They Don’t Teach In School

The Practical Entrepreneur: Things They Don't Teach In School is the no-fluff, real-world guide to starting and running a business—written by someone who's actually done it. Author Andrew Coleman pulls back the curtain on entrepreneurship with lessons learned from 20 years of building successful businesses, including a party rental company, event venues, an Airbnb, and more. This isn't a book filled with vague motivational quotes or recycled business advice from professors who've never launched a company. Instead, Coleman shares brutally honest, practical insights that only come from hands-on experience. You'll learn how to think like an entrepreneur, avoid the freedom trap, build a business that doesn't own you, and create systems that allow you to scale or step away. You'll also get unconventional but effective strategies on how to use your website for market research, deal with competition by building relationships, and grow into the stress that naturally comes with business ownership. Coleman tackles myths about passion, perfection, and risk, showing readers that it's okay not to love what you sell—as long as you love the life your business provides. Through direct, entertaining, and highly relatable chapters, you'll discover what it really takes to survive and thrive as an entrepreneur. Whether you're just starting your first business or trying to grow a side hustle into a sustainable company, this book delivers honest, actionable advice that cuts through the noise. It's everything they didn't teach you in school—but should have.