Educator · Strategist · Builder
Mark
Szymanski
I build AI-powered digital systems for businesses, and teach others how to do it, too.
Trusted by
About
Pittsburgh-based educator, strategist, and lifelong learner.
I help business owners find where they're bleeding time and money, then build the systems to fix it. Websites, automations, AI workflows, and everything in between.
I also make YouTube content about business, technology, AI, and the creator economy. I run Modern Builders Society, a community for people doing the work, and I host the Fueled By Progress podcast.
Read my full story →How I work
I figure out what your business actually needs,
then I build it.
No boilerplate discovery decks. No pretending to be bigger than I am. Just a direct conversation, honest work, and a site or system that actually runs your business.
Success Stories
The work, told straight.
A testimonial tells you what someone thought. A success story tells you what actually happened.
Apr 2026 Valor PGH: a website, a lead system, and a partner in under two weeks
Kyle asked me to build a website. Two weeks later he had a website, a lead capture system, a content plan, and a partner who knows his business.
Sep 2025 Polverini & Wiater: a new firm, a new site, a new start
Jake's firm was rebranding, shuffling partners, and changing its name and domain. The website had to show up for all of it at once. We built the firm's new digital identity and launched it the same day the rebrand went live.
Jul 2024 
Sheffler & Company: a 50-year-old engineering firm, a new digital front door
A civil engineering and surveying firm with half a century of work behind them had a Wix page that didn't look like it. We rebuilt the public face of a serious company, handled an acquisition mid-build, and shipped the nicest lead form I have ever made.
What I Do
Learn, watch, build.
Proof
Don't take my word for it.
Mark and I have known each other for a while, so when my firm was going through a rebrand, new name, new partner, new domain, new everything, he was the person I called. He understood what we needed the website to do, and he was flexible with the timeline while we got the partnership side of things finalized. When that all came together, we were able to launch right on schedule. What we had before was a website built with GoDaddy's website builder that did not represent our firm at all. What we have now actually looks like the kind of firm we want to be. He has been a steady presence since launch, managing the site, pushing updates, and giving me his honest read whenever I ask him about next steps. That's exactly what I need.
Read the full story
Polverini & Wiater: a new firm, a new site, a new start
Jake Polverini
Partner, Polverini & Wiater, PLLC
I hit Mark up a few years ago because I needed a better website and I did not really know where to start. I am not a tech guy. What I got was somebody who actually figured out what I needed before I did. He rebuilt the site, got us on real email through Google Workspace, set us up on Calendly, and cleaned up the domain mess I had going on across a couple of different places. That stuff alone made my business feel more put together overnight. Since then he has just kept helping. When we started moving more into hardscaping and design+build work, he rebuilt the site again so we could add landing pages and campaigns faster. He has thrown good ideas at me for years, some we have done, some are still on the list. If you are a small business owner looking for someone who actually thinks about your business and not just the thing you hired him for, talk to Mark.
Read the full story
Quality Choice Landscaping: three years, three chapters, one relationship
Austin Avampato
Owner, Quality Choice Landscaping
I came to Mark thinking I needed a new website. That's what I asked for. What I ended up getting was somebody who actually took the time to learn my business and came back with ideas I hadn't thought of. Not just for the site, but for how my whole digital presence could work harder for me. And we actually built those ideas into the final product. The site itself is miles better than what I had. It's clean, it loads fast, it actually represents all three of my businesses instead of just one. But the real value was that I didn't have to micromanage the process. He asked good questions, had something to show me within a few days, and we went back and forth on it from there. Two weeks from the first call, it was live. If you're a small business owner trying to get your online presence sorted out and you're sick of getting quoted three-month timelines for basic stuff, call Mark. You won't regret it.
Read the full story
Valor PGH: a website, a lead system, and a partner in under two weeks
Kyle Simmons
Founder, Valor PGH
Thanks for your recent videos on AI coding. I'm definitely going to be trying to create a new site with Astro. I also want to say thanks for the introduction to Wispr Flow. I have been using it with Google Antigravity for the last half hour, and I tried going without it and it hurt physically 😂 And I used the app on my Android phone to write this message!
Matt Green
CEO @ Calico Systems
God-like powers. Thank you for a great video
In response to
These 4 JetEngine AI Features Save Me Hours on Every Build
@EliasRise
Great video! The AI features in Jet Engine look super helpful for speeding up WordPress builds. I love how you showed the Website Structure Builder and MCP Server really cool stuff. Thanks for the clear and practical walkthrough! BigLike!
In response to
These 4 JetEngine AI Features Save Me Hours on Every Build
@JubranZakri
Thanks buddy this is really helpful!!
In response to
Custom WordPress Client Portal (FREE TUTORIAL SERIES): Introduction
@YoussefElfataDev
To be honest , I love your authenticity which is so scarce in the AI building space. Keep going. I actually am enjoying your 9 hour build video.
In response to
I'm Done Forcing Content That Doesn't Feel Right
@Martsys1
I originally reached out to Mark after finding his YouTube course on custom post types. He reassured me that the data architecture I had in mind was achievable, though it would require transitioning from ACF Pro to JetEngine. Mark offered a clear, practical, no-shortcode-reliant path forward—unlike other developers I’d spoken with—and then guided me through migrating my data architecture to the new system. What I appreciated most was that Mark stayed committed to the final outcome rather than being strictly bound by the original estimate. When we hit an unexpected hurdle, he explored several solutions on his own time and ultimately developed a custom, Claude-assisted plugin to resolve the issue. I also appreciated him following up after our sessions to check in on the site’s deployment. In addition to his unquestionable expertise in data architecture and his effective use of modern tools, including AI, Mark is personable, easy to work with, and brings a great sense of humour to the process. I’d absolutely recommend him to anyone dealing with complex data challenges.
Ania Bogacka
Founder and Publisher
Good job Mark! This is really slick!
In response to
My Client Wanted A Web App. I Built It In 8 Hours with AI.
@ReubenHochstetler
Mark and I have known each other for a while, so when my firm was going through a rebrand, new name, new partner, new domain, new everything, he was the person I called. He understood what we needed the website to do, and he was flexible with the timeline while we got the partnership side of things finalized. When that all came together, we were able to launch right on schedule. What we had before was a website built with GoDaddy's website builder that did not represent our firm at all. What we have now actually looks like the kind of firm we want to be. He has been a steady presence since launch, managing the site, pushing updates, and giving me his honest read whenever I ask him about next steps. That's exactly what I need.
Read the full story
Polverini & Wiater: a new firm, a new site, a new start
Jake Polverini
Partner, Polverini & Wiater, PLLC
I hit Mark up a few years ago because I needed a better website and I did not really know where to start. I am not a tech guy. What I got was somebody who actually figured out what I needed before I did. He rebuilt the site, got us on real email through Google Workspace, set us up on Calendly, and cleaned up the domain mess I had going on across a couple of different places. That stuff alone made my business feel more put together overnight. Since then he has just kept helping. When we started moving more into hardscaping and design+build work, he rebuilt the site again so we could add landing pages and campaigns faster. He has thrown good ideas at me for years, some we have done, some are still on the list. If you are a small business owner looking for someone who actually thinks about your business and not just the thing you hired him for, talk to Mark.
Read the full story
Quality Choice Landscaping: three years, three chapters, one relationship
Austin Avampato
Owner, Quality Choice Landscaping
I came to Mark thinking I needed a new website. That's what I asked for. What I ended up getting was somebody who actually took the time to learn my business and came back with ideas I hadn't thought of. Not just for the site, but for how my whole digital presence could work harder for me. And we actually built those ideas into the final product. The site itself is miles better than what I had. It's clean, it loads fast, it actually represents all three of my businesses instead of just one. But the real value was that I didn't have to micromanage the process. He asked good questions, had something to show me within a few days, and we went back and forth on it from there. Two weeks from the first call, it was live. If you're a small business owner trying to get your online presence sorted out and you're sick of getting quoted three-month timelines for basic stuff, call Mark. You won't regret it.
Read the full story
Valor PGH: a website, a lead system, and a partner in under two weeks
Kyle Simmons
Founder, Valor PGH
Thanks for your recent videos on AI coding. I'm definitely going to be trying to create a new site with Astro. I also want to say thanks for the introduction to Wispr Flow. I have been using it with Google Antigravity for the last half hour, and I tried going without it and it hurt physically 😂 And I used the app on my Android phone to write this message!
Matt Green
CEO @ Calico Systems
God-like powers. Thank you for a great video
In response to
These 4 JetEngine AI Features Save Me Hours on Every Build
@EliasRise
Great video! The AI features in Jet Engine look super helpful for speeding up WordPress builds. I love how you showed the Website Structure Builder and MCP Server really cool stuff. Thanks for the clear and practical walkthrough! BigLike!
In response to
These 4 JetEngine AI Features Save Me Hours on Every Build
@JubranZakri
Thanks buddy this is really helpful!!
In response to
Custom WordPress Client Portal (FREE TUTORIAL SERIES): Introduction
@YoussefElfataDev
To be honest , I love your authenticity which is so scarce in the AI building space. Keep going. I actually am enjoying your 9 hour build video.
In response to
I'm Done Forcing Content That Doesn't Feel Right
@Martsys1
I originally reached out to Mark after finding his YouTube course on custom post types. He reassured me that the data architecture I had in mind was achievable, though it would require transitioning from ACF Pro to JetEngine. Mark offered a clear, practical, no-shortcode-reliant path forward—unlike other developers I’d spoken with—and then guided me through migrating my data architecture to the new system. What I appreciated most was that Mark stayed committed to the final outcome rather than being strictly bound by the original estimate. When we hit an unexpected hurdle, he explored several solutions on his own time and ultimately developed a custom, Claude-assisted plugin to resolve the issue. I also appreciated him following up after our sessions to check in on the site’s deployment. In addition to his unquestionable expertise in data architecture and his effective use of modern tools, including AI, Mark is personable, easy to work with, and brings a great sense of humour to the process. I’d absolutely recommend him to anyone dealing with complex data challenges.
Ania Bogacka
Founder and Publisher
Good job Mark! This is really slick!
In response to
My Client Wanted A Web App. I Built It In 8 Hours with AI.
@ReubenHochstetler
Hey Mark, I'm watching your vid, in the first hour I noticed your process is much different than mine. I tend to start with the front end and then uncover what's needed next as I go then solve problems and made decisions along the way. Just the first part I saw was interesting to spend the time up front thinking through the app at a high level. Interested to see what your process is like as you're actively getting things built so I'm going to keep watching for sure. It's very helpful to see other developers processes and just wanted to say thanks for doing it!
In response to
RAW: I Built a Web App for Content Generation (9 HOURS)
@noejunior-nocode
I reached out to Mark after seeing his content, and he immediately understood the mess I was in with my travel website's data structure. He put together a clear proposal and got to work that same week. Destinations, attractions, articles, all interconnected through JetEngine relations. He understood the hierarchy I was trying to build (country, region, city) and not only set up the queries and relationships, but wrote custom code so the system automatically classifies content by level when I publish. Over 10+ hours of advisory sessions, he solved problems I didn't even know how to articulate, from relational queries to display logic to front-end dynamic content. I trusted his judgment so much that when he suggested a better builder, I was ready to migrate the whole site. The data architecture is set up perfectly now, and I can scale to hundreds of destinations without the system breaking. If you need someone who genuinely understands how content systems and data architecture work at a deep level, Mark is that person.
Ian Lewis
Founder of TopExplora
We are definitely entering a new era with AI. After stumbling into Mark's videos on youtube, I decided to get on an advisory call with him regarding a specific project that involves several approaches with web apps, wordpress, etc. He helped me put my head around it all, and gave me several suggestions on how to approach all this with Claude Code and really, an overall look at how to approach these things in todays age. He was extremely honest, caring, and, as all this is new, enjoyed putting his thinking cap on to talk things through. If you are on the fence, or just a little hesitant on how to get things going with these new AI approaches, I highly recommend one of these advisory calls.
CGCito Giulini
Owner
I didn't even realize I had a workflow problem and a speed problem until I started watching Mark's content. That's what pushed me to take the course. Before, it took me forever to develop a website and put together proposals. Now it's so much easier. I used the course structure with a new client and it was beautiful and fast. I'm getting a ton of ideas and all the content has been incredibly helpful. I just wish he could put everything into a course so I can follow along from A to Z.
Tricia Gatia
WordPress Developer & Course Student
Mark's course has been an absolute game-changer. I was hesitant about the rapid changes in our industry, but this course has completely shifted my perspective. It's taught me how to embrace AI as a vital, everyday assistant rather than something to fear. The practical impact on my workflow has been massive. I’ve completely streamlined my operations, allowing me to take on more client projects in half the time, without sacrificing quality. Mark provides an incredibly solid, modern framework for planning and building client sites in 2026. The course has also given me the strategies I needed to manage client expectations and eliminate scope creep. If you want to future-proof your agency or freelance business and scale efficiently, I cannot recommend this course enough.
John Jobling
Webmaster
@MarkJSzymanski That's why I like following your posts Mark, you're not about the hype you're about real world application.
Noe Junior
muh man - I cannot even begin to say how much I appreciate your videos! Seriously helpful stuff! Been sending your channel to clients (albeit yes, not Bev but more technical ones) :) and the feeback and our workflows are on another level.
In response to
Claude Code for Beginners (How I'd Start in 2026)
@sumerianbrother
i think this is the most detailed explanation i have seen on this subject. But I still have a tiny issue, i have a project post type, but not every single project page has the exact same kinds of information. Some projects have more information of with a slightly different layout. im not sure if its possible to create a single post template for the projects and be able to have slightly different layouts?
In response to
WordPress Dynamic Data Fundamentals - Part 4: Archive and Single Templates
@kimzia1540
"the difference here is, we're going fast as f**k here, that's the difference" is a fantastic tagline for AI acceleration. Good job.
In response to
I Vibe-Coded a 100 Page Website. Here's The Result.
@jonathanbailey00
I really love this series, Mark. I watched all the videos you made about AI and stuff, and honestly, this is really good content. I started building my own website thanks to this, so thank you again. I think I will start digging into this a little bit more, because this could be like a quick shot website that you do for a client that needs a brochure real quick. I will continue also being on WordPress, especially Etch and bricks, so yeah, thanks for the content; it was really, really, really great. And by the way, I also used Wispr Flow to write this comment.
In response to
I Vibe-Coded a 100 Page Website. Here's The Result.
@themouhamadouba
Hey Mark, I'm watching your vid, in the first hour I noticed your process is much different than mine. I tend to start with the front end and then uncover what's needed next as I go then solve problems and made decisions along the way. Just the first part I saw was interesting to spend the time up front thinking through the app at a high level. Interested to see what your process is like as you're actively getting things built so I'm going to keep watching for sure. It's very helpful to see other developers processes and just wanted to say thanks for doing it!
In response to
RAW: I Built a Web App for Content Generation (9 HOURS)
@noejunior-nocode
I reached out to Mark after seeing his content, and he immediately understood the mess I was in with my travel website's data structure. He put together a clear proposal and got to work that same week. Destinations, attractions, articles, all interconnected through JetEngine relations. He understood the hierarchy I was trying to build (country, region, city) and not only set up the queries and relationships, but wrote custom code so the system automatically classifies content by level when I publish. Over 10+ hours of advisory sessions, he solved problems I didn't even know how to articulate, from relational queries to display logic to front-end dynamic content. I trusted his judgment so much that when he suggested a better builder, I was ready to migrate the whole site. The data architecture is set up perfectly now, and I can scale to hundreds of destinations without the system breaking. If you need someone who genuinely understands how content systems and data architecture work at a deep level, Mark is that person.
Ian Lewis
Founder of TopExplora
We are definitely entering a new era with AI. After stumbling into Mark's videos on youtube, I decided to get on an advisory call with him regarding a specific project that involves several approaches with web apps, wordpress, etc. He helped me put my head around it all, and gave me several suggestions on how to approach all this with Claude Code and really, an overall look at how to approach these things in todays age. He was extremely honest, caring, and, as all this is new, enjoyed putting his thinking cap on to talk things through. If you are on the fence, or just a little hesitant on how to get things going with these new AI approaches, I highly recommend one of these advisory calls.
CGCito Giulini
Owner
I didn't even realize I had a workflow problem and a speed problem until I started watching Mark's content. That's what pushed me to take the course. Before, it took me forever to develop a website and put together proposals. Now it's so much easier. I used the course structure with a new client and it was beautiful and fast. I'm getting a ton of ideas and all the content has been incredibly helpful. I just wish he could put everything into a course so I can follow along from A to Z.
Tricia Gatia
WordPress Developer & Course Student
Mark's course has been an absolute game-changer. I was hesitant about the rapid changes in our industry, but this course has completely shifted my perspective. It's taught me how to embrace AI as a vital, everyday assistant rather than something to fear. The practical impact on my workflow has been massive. I’ve completely streamlined my operations, allowing me to take on more client projects in half the time, without sacrificing quality. Mark provides an incredibly solid, modern framework for planning and building client sites in 2026. The course has also given me the strategies I needed to manage client expectations and eliminate scope creep. If you want to future-proof your agency or freelance business and scale efficiently, I cannot recommend this course enough.
John Jobling
Webmaster
@MarkJSzymanski That's why I like following your posts Mark, you're not about the hype you're about real world application.
Noe Junior
muh man - I cannot even begin to say how much I appreciate your videos! Seriously helpful stuff! Been sending your channel to clients (albeit yes, not Bev but more technical ones) :) and the feeback and our workflows are on another level.
In response to
Claude Code for Beginners (How I'd Start in 2026)
@sumerianbrother
i think this is the most detailed explanation i have seen on this subject. But I still have a tiny issue, i have a project post type, but not every single project page has the exact same kinds of information. Some projects have more information of with a slightly different layout. im not sure if its possible to create a single post template for the projects and be able to have slightly different layouts?
In response to
WordPress Dynamic Data Fundamentals - Part 4: Archive and Single Templates
@kimzia1540
"the difference here is, we're going fast as f**k here, that's the difference" is a fantastic tagline for AI acceleration. Good job.
In response to
I Vibe-Coded a 100 Page Website. Here's The Result.
@jonathanbailey00
I really love this series, Mark. I watched all the videos you made about AI and stuff, and honestly, this is really good content. I started building my own website thanks to this, so thank you again. I think I will start digging into this a little bit more, because this could be like a quick shot website that you do for a client that needs a brochure real quick. I will continue also being on WordPress, especially Etch and bricks, so yeah, thanks for the content; it was really, really, really great. And by the way, I also used Wispr Flow to write this comment.
In response to
I Vibe-Coded a 100 Page Website. Here's The Result.
@themouhamadouba
What's next?
Tell me what you need.
I have a lot of value I can provide. What's most useful to you depends on who you are and why you came. Pick the one that fits and I will point you at the right thing.
Not sure? Just send me a note.