The Deep End with Eric Triplett

In this episode of the "Pond Digger" podcast, host Eric Triplett welcomes guest Nate Swink, a young and highly successful entrepreneur in the contracting world. Nate's journey started at the age of 16 when he founded Swink's Welding, specializing in structural and miscellaneous steel. Now, he's on track to reach eight figures in business and has his sights set on the nine-figure mark. Throughout t...

The magical blend of gardens and water features can create an oasis of life in outdoor spaces! Jess Zander from You Can Do It Gardening, shares her expertise and passion for helping people transform their gardens.    In this episode, we talk about: Jess's passion for gardening and her transition from being a gardener to becoming a gardening coach Jess' social media and gardening journey Impact of...

Eric engages in a conversation with Matt Thibeau from Savant Marketing Agency. Together, they delve into the difficulties encountered by contractors who have strong marketing strategies but struggle with an efficient sales process. Matt's marketing agency employs paid media, such as Facebook ads, to streamline and organize marketing and sales procedures specifically designed for contractors.    In...

Want a pond that exudes clarity and beauty? Look no further than the marvels of undergravel filtration. Today's guest is Mike White, widely known as The Pond Wizard, who is acclaimed for his groundbreaking contributions to undergravel suction grid installation techniques. Mike discusses the success and popularity of undergravel filtration, its impact on the pond-building community, and its adoptio...

In this episode, Eric discusses his pet peeve of people saying "my bad" without authenticity or self-awareness. He explains how this phrase can leave others feeling disrespected and doubtful. Eric recommends showing genuine remorse and self-awareness when making mistakes to make others feel cared for rather than disrespected.   In this episode, we talk about: Lack of authenticity and self-awarenes...

Having uncomfortable conversations with customers is an important skill for contractors to master! Eric is joined by Thomas Williams from All American Renovations, a remodeling and home improvement company. The two discuss the power of having uncomfortable yet necessary conversations with customers.   In this episode, we talk about: Difficult conversations are necessary to set proper expectations,...

Today, Eric delves into the world of high-end freshwater aquarium installations with guest Mark Chen—a renowned aquarist from TMK Aquarist. The two explore the intricacies of creating awe-inspiring aquarium setups that go beyond the ordinary. Topics covered include aquascaping, plant selection, fish species, and more.   In this episode, we talk about: Mark's passion for freshwater conservation and...

Today's guest, Duncan Farrow from Farrow Built, highlights the significance of peer groups in the construction industry. He shares how these groups cultivate a culture of growth, encouraging individuals to aim high, expand their horizons, and thrive through teamwork, support, and shared experiences.   In this episode, we talk about… Details about Duncan's business, including its duration and curre...

Today Eric dives into the world of fish care with Dr. Jesse Sanders, a veterinarian specializing in taking care of aquatic animals. Dr. Sanders is really passionate about fish, and she talks about the different things we need to consider when it comes to taking care of them. Dr. Sanders also gives some helpful tips on properly caring for fish and talks about the challenges that pond owners face.  ...

Mark Wilson, The Pond Advisor, is back in the show. Over the years, Mark has established The Pond College, which offers individuals the opportunity to exercise their creative freedom without being overly concerned about product costs. Mark strongly believes that providing a space for people to practice and gain confidence is important in building a creative community. Today, he joins Eric to share...

Join Eric as he explores the interesting connection between fishing and contracting. He discusses the metaphorical meaning of "Fishing in a Barrel" and how to use this metaphor to create a successful business strategy. Tune in and find out how to find the right clients for your contracting business and develop a long-term success strategy.    In this episode, we talk about… Constantly striving for...

Ponds are often the first things people think of when it comes to water features, and they are the centrepiece of a backyard creating an oasis of serenity and beauty! Pond architects and designers Tyson Matyas and Douglas Strikwerda offer their expertise in ponds and water features and share valuable insights on everything related to water features, backyard ponds, and landscaping.   In this episo...

Today's guest is Meridith Grundei, a public speaking & presentation coach. Meridith talks about the benefits of public speaking, such as improving communication skills and becoming an expert in your field and shares tips for contractors to overcome their fear of public speaking and effectively convey their message to potential clients.   In this episode, we talk about… Importance of effective comm...

Today's guest Steve Myers, a retired wildlife biologist specializing in birds, shares actionable steps to attract birds to your backyard. Steve discusses his love and fascination with birds and shares how to create a bird-friendly habitat in your backyard, including providing food and water sources, nesting boxes, native plants, etc.   In this episode, we talk about… Steve's background on his love...

Consultation process involves significant time and resources, so it's reasonable to charge for consultation services. In order to ensure that contractors are adequately compensated for their time and effort, Eric recommends contractors charge for their expertise during site visits and property estimates.   In this episode, we talk about… The importance of contractors charging for their time and ho...

Small ponds can be impressive as long as they are done right, and size should not be a constraint in designing a pond! Today's guest is Larry Carnes from Reflections Water Gardens. Larry shares his industry experience building both large-scale and small-scale ponds over the years.   In this episode, we talk about… Larry's background in design and art and how he got into water features Challenges a...

A high-status contractor practices different strategies and business practices than a regular contractor. And Eric is here to share his insights on how to become one. He provides valuable tips and tricks to help you deliver excellent service, be profitable, and build long-term relationships with your clients.    In this episode, we talk about… Important things to focus on to become a high-status c...

Mother Nature has been doing a better job of controlling algae than the solutions that have been engineered! Today's guest, Kelly Billing, is an aquatic plant specialist and a water garden expert.   Kelly shares some amazing insights on water quality management in ponds by natural means and aquatic plants.    In this episode, we talk about… Kelly's journey into the world of aquatic plants Reducing...

Regardless of one's introverted or extroverted tendencies, business owners should set up communities and engage with them! Today's guest is Marvin Joles from Blacktop Banter, who is also the creator of the Asphalt Maintenance Community. Marvin talks about building a successful business with a community-based mindset.    In this episode, we talk about… The importance of community building and activ...

Today's guest is Gerard Touhey, the owner of Water Features by Gerard. Gerard shares his journey from Ireland to America and how he started building ponds in his backyard and eventually turned it into a business. He also provides insights into his business and branding strategies.   In this episode, we talk about… Gerard's experience building ponds in both Ireland and America The power of conventi...

Getting past potential customers' resistance can be challenging. But with the right approach, you can break down barriers and close deals more effectively. Eric breaks down various strategies you can use to disarm your clients' sales resistance and increase your business opportunities.   In this episode, we talk about… Different strategies to eliminate sales resistance The importance of disarming...

Join Eric and Leslie as they chat with Kathy Jo about their experience with the 4x4x48 challenge, which turned into a wildlife rehabilitation fundraiser. From their reasons for accepting the challenge to planning and executing the cycling event to their experiences during the ride, they discuss it all.   In this episode, we talk about… Eric, Leslie, and Kathy's experience with the 4x4x48 challenge...

Understanding others' perspectives is a superpower for contractors — by understanding clients' perspectives, contractors can create successful and positive experiences for everyone involved. Eric shares his views on perspective and how it has helped him be a better contractor, businessman, and family man.    In this episode, we talk about… Eric's perspective on perspective and the importance of pe...

Today's guest is Jake Langeslag, a lifelong bird enthusiast and owner of Aqua Eden, a pond construction company based in Minnesota. Jake shares his wealth of knowledge on birds, discussing his passion for them since childhood, and recounts his encounters and experiences with different bird species.    In this episode, we talk about… Jake's introduction to birdwatching and the birding community Enh...

If you're into fisheries, aquariums, and the aquarium industry — this episode is for you! Today's guest is Scott Crowe of Ocean State Aquatics. He talks about his journey from a fish hobbyist to a successful business owner, how the pandemic impacted his business, the importance of non-disclosure agreements in protecting your business, and much more.   In this episode, we talk about… Scott's transi...