The Deep End with Eric Triplett

Today's guest is Anthony Quintero. Anthony is the owner of Koi Enterprise in Sacramento. His company specializes in everything koi, from the fish themselves to the ponds and supplies needed to care for them. Anthony shares why having koi fish is a big responsibility and explains the things you need to consider before buying them.    In this episode, we talk about… The misunderstandings people have...

Today's guest is Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober. Ashton is a professional speaker and consultant who is an expert in all things "enneagram." Ashton explains the powerful impact this personality type system can have on not just your personal life, but the impact it can have on your business relationships.   In this episode, we talk about… How Eric's Sales Communication Coach introduced him to the Enneagram...

Today's guest is Chris Ashton of Enlighten Dog Training. Chris is a specialist in dog training and behavioral issues. He explores the unique bond between humans and their faithful companions as well as the benefits of giving your dog access to ponds and water features in backyards.   In this episode, we talk about… The importance of having a good sense of animals. How Chris became a dog trainer  T...

Do you want your email newsletter to help turn people into customers? Today's guest Laura Reale will teach you how. Laura runs an email marketing firm and also owns a contracting business. Laura explains why email marketing is a vital part of any brand strategy.   In this episode, we talk about… What is email marketing and branding Why do you need to be collecting emails from your clients Tips and...

Have you ever come across a bird that has fallen out of its nest? Have you ever wondered what you could do to help protect the wildlife in your backyard? Eric and Leslie share the best practices for rescuing and protecting wildlife in your backyard, including baby birds that have fallen out of their nests.   In this episode, Eric and Leslie talk about: The significance of preserving the beauty and...

Today's guest is Jaak Harju. Jaak established his business, Atlantis Water Gardens, while balancing a full-time job as a union heavy equipment operator and eventually devoted himself solely to the business. Jaak shares some marketing strategies and what's working and not working for him.   In this episode, we talk about… Jaak's experience doing travel projects for Atlantis The market for water fea...

This isn't the typical episode about building ponds or growing your contractor business. In this episode, Eric shares a story about a good friend who recently died due to suicide. Eric invites three close friends in order to discuss this difficult topic, as well as share beliefs about the afterlife.    In this episode, we talk about… Eric taking over his friend's aquarium business after his recent...

Today's guest is Heather K. Story. Heather is an executive coach who specializes in the transformation of businesses. Heather explains why it is so important for contractors to understand body language, when interacting with clients and employees.    In this episode, we talk about… How getting some exposure to the science of body language can be a game changer Chemically preparing yourself to be i...

Today's guest is Brian Diamond. Not only does Brian have over 20 years in the home improvement industry, but he is also a successful coach, helping contractors improve their lives and businesses. Brian explains the most important things contractors need to focus on, in order to have the life they want.    In this episode, we talk about… What Brian learned growing up with parents in the home improv...

Today's guest is Troy Holler. Troy and his two brothers host the popular YouTube channel, the Cichlid Bros. These brothers are not only aquarium hobbyists, but they are also passionate about sharing their experiences and knowledge with the world.    In this episode, we talk about… Why Troy loves working with his brothers Spitballing ideas with each other to make better content Growing up with a fa...

Today we are chatting with our friends, Paul and Barbie, about what it is like to work everyday with a spouse. We talk about all things business, friendship, and advice for other entrepreneurs who want a successful business and marriage.    In this episode, we talk about… Eric's long friendship with the Holderman family How working together is extremely challenging yet exceedingly rewarding Their...

Keeping your pond healthy and looking tip top all year long is important. We created a 2023 list of things you can do each season, to make sure you can enjoy your pond throughout the year!   In this episode, we talk about… Our plans for the podcast this year Suggestions for the types of flowers you can plant for Valentine's Day Doing cleanouts during certain time periods depending on the climate i...

Today's guest is Luan Nyguen. He went from working in casinos, to becoming a contractor. He is now the founder of a very successful deck building company. Luan Nyguen shares his secrets to success.    In this episode, we talk about… The transition from working in the casino industry to becoming a contractor What forced Luan to get off the tools and start running other areas of his business How foc...

Today's guest is Dan, "The Turtle Man." Dan has had a fascination with fish and aquatics since childhood, and now he is a conservationist who teaches others about turtles and other animal life.   In this episode, we talk about… Building ponds during Zoom classes Dan's growing fascination with fish and turtles as a young boy The multifaceted issues involved in turtle conservation Why captive breedi...

Today's guest, Tommy "San" Lira, is a bonsai enthusiast with over 40 years of experience. While he does not have formal training, Tommy "San" is a self-taught, bonsai expert. Tommy shares his passion for bonsai and his growing interest in koi fish and ponds.    In this episode, we talk about… Growing up with a father who knew how to perfectly prune trees The first time Tommy realized he wanted to...

Today's guest is Bryce Hollingsworth, also known as "Stone Bear Mason." Bryce is a stone worker who is dedicated to preserving the art of dry stone walling. This guy eats, breathes, and lives stone building. Bryce explains why you have to be obsessed with this type of work if you are going to do it.   In this episode, we talk about… Putting time and energy into the craft first, and social media se...

Today's guest is Mel, also known as the "Ha Y N Fish Keeper." Mel is a fish keeping enthusiast who acquired so many aquariums in his home, that he eventually had to move his fish to ponds.    In this episode, we talk about… Being infatuated with aquariums since childhood How Mel got inspired to create a pond in his backyard Deciding to go balls to the wall when creating the pond  Trying to manage...

Today we are joined by our good friends, Marsha and Stormy Sadler. The Sadler girls are a big part of our wildlife rehabilitation project here at Pond Digger Ranch. We chat about how Leslie and the Sadlers got into wildlife rescue and some wild stories they have had along the journey.   In this episode, we talk about… How Leslie's relationship with the Sadlers got started Marsha's first encounter...

Running your own contractor business is stressful. You gotta learn how to be a warrior and keep fighting to make it work. Not only for your own sanity but for the lives of the people who depend on you.  In this episode, we talk about… How Eric met Johnny "Dingo" - The crazy Australian who is now his nephew Johnny pulling through on Eric's pond build  Taking off the quarterback helmet and giving yo...

We all love building and maintaining our ponds, however it can get hot outside. One day, it was just so hot, Steve Hasty decided to work on his pond nude. He has never looked back since. Today we talk to The Naked Pond Builder. In this episode, we talk about… Eric skating in the Nude Bowl in Desert Hot Springs Recalling the first time Steve and Eric first met How Steve got free blocks, rocks, and...

Fall prevention will save you mountains of work and money in the Spring.   In this episode, Eric and Leslie talk about… What you can do to help your koi fish when their immunity lowers in the Winter Large water changes - Why they are necessary and How to do them The reasons they do not recommend or even offer Fall Cleanouts What do you when your fish population is too big Different food blends for...

Do you love design so much that you would design ponds for free if you could? Do you love creating a beautiful atmosphere for people with your designs? You are not just a designer, you are a visionary.   In this episode, Eric and Douglas talk about… Designers joining the industry just to make money Improving mental health due to the atmosphere a beautiful pond can give Cookie-cutter mentality and...

Are you a craftsman that struggles with hanging up the tool belt, because you have to take on other business responsibilities? You are not alone. Eric and Tyson have experience with this and offer advice on how to balance being in the field versus being in the office. In this episode, Eric and Tyson talk about… Hanging up the bags once you are managing multiple crews Relinquishing power when takin...

Production vs Perfection. Sometimes we find ourselves hyper-focused on one or the other. Blending production and perfection is possible when you have the right team working together! In this episode, Eric and Douglas talk about… Douglas' past work experience in contracting and the nursery field How Eric is more production focused while Douglas is more design focused Appreciating the artistic visio...

Ducks may be cute animals, but they require a lot of attention. Eric and Leslie have experience caring for ducks and in this episode, they share helpful information on how to care for these cute critters. They also share their upcoming plans to build a duck habitat on their ranch. In this episode, Eric and Leslie talk about:: The responsibilities involved in keeping ducks at your home Food that ca...