The Deep End with Eric Triplett

Eric and Benjamin discuss the history of MDM, specifically how Benjamin's father pioneered the use of 1725 RPM motors in non-submersible pumps for koi ponds. Benjamin clarifies that his father didn't invent the motor itself but was the first to apply it to this specific application, significantly impacting the water garden industry. The conversation touches on the evolution of the market, the shif...

Eric chats with Paul Cole, the CEO of EasyPro, a long-established company in the water gardening and lake/pond industries that recently became 100% employee-owned. They discuss the positive impacts of this transition on employee morale, teamwork, and innovation, as well as Cole's background and his decision to lead the company. The discussion also touches on EasyPro's extensive product offerings,...

Eric shares his business coaching session within the "Contractor Circle," focusing on themes of client communication, sales strategies, and personal growth. The participants discuss overcoming technical difficulties at the start, share personal wins related to applying coaching principles, and plan for a future intensive session on vital business questions. A significant portion of today's show ex...

Today's podcast discussion centers on the importance of situational awareness and forecasting potential problems. Eric and his friends share personal anecdotes illustrating how a lack of awareness can lead to negative consequences, ranging from inconvenient mishaps like getting stuck to more serious safety concerns. They explore the differences in personality and how those influence preparedness a...

Eric and his friends discuss their recent attempt at a challenging multi-sport endurance event called "4x4 by 48 - 2025." They recount their initial plan for a scenic trip focused on giant trees that was thwarted by unexpected weather conditions, forcing a last-minute audible to a desert-based route spanning four states. The conversation highlights the logistical hurdles, physical demands, emotion...

Eric shares his weekly coaching call for contractors, focusing on improving their communication and sales skills. He introduces the concept of using senses and gaining perspective, drawing parallels with a spy's techniques for gathering information. Discussions cover practical applications like active listening, asking insightful questions, and adapting to different personality types during client...

Today's episode is a candid conversation at the Water Garden Expo between Eric Triplett and Jim Nicholson from BTL Liners. Eric explores his misconceptions about BTL, initially associating them only with large-scale liner projects. Jim clarifies that while BTL is known for its large custom fabrications using reinforced polyethylene, they also cater to smaller applications and offer other liner typ...

Unlock the contractor mindset with Eric Tripplet as he delves into the multifaceted nature of riskfor entrepreneurs, urging you to consider not just potential losses, but the risk of inaction and future regret. Drawing from personal experiences, including business ventures and even a near mountain biking accident, Eric shares a powerful perspective shift on navigating challenges and growth. Discov...

Get ready for an incredible journey with Eric Triplett and his guest, John Magyar on today's edition of The Pond Digger Podcast! In this captivating episode, John shares his unbelievable experiences working with whale sharks at major public aquariums before diving into the world of ponds .  Discover his unique "fish first" approach to pond building , emphasizing the crucial needs of aquatic life i...

This live podcast recording from the Water Garden Expo 2025 features a conversation between the Eric and Brian Fitzsimmons of Pondscapes by Fitz, focusing on the topic of scaling a business. Fitzsimmons, who recently opened his ninth location, shares his experiences and insights on when and how to grow a contracting or retail business within the pond industry. The discussion touches upon his early...

Eric delves into the vital relationship between taking risks and reaping meaningful rewards in both business and life . The discussion highlights the critical need to not only embrace risk as entrepreneurs but also to consciously identify and plan for the rewards that drive us. Through personal stories and shared experiences within the contracting group, the episode underscores the power of recogn...

Today we feature Eric's interview with Jeffrey Duncan, a koi hobbyist, about his grand champion koi. The discussion centers around his journey, from purchasing the fish as a tosai (young koi) to raising it to grand champion status. They talk about the koi's bloodline, Jeffrey's pond setup, and husbandry techniques. He emphasizes the importance of patience, water quality, and selecting koi with gro...

Eric discusses the importance of continuous improvement and avoiding complacency in business. He emphasizes "earning it daily" and shares personal stories about disrupting his industry and recent experiences moving large koi fish. Eric stresses the need to adapt to competition and innovation, using Blockbuster's failure as a cautionary tale. The conversation explores setting goals, overcoming burn...

This edition of The Pond Digger Podcast features Eric Triplet in a fireside chat with Tyson Matayas and Ron Yelenich, discussing strategies for tackling tasks and maximizing productivity. The conversation explores various aspects of task management, from planning and preparation to the mindset required for efficient execution. They emphasize the importance of writing things down, setting miniature...

Eric details his experience rescuing a red-eared slider turtle from a small aquarium where it lived in isolation for years. He purchased the turtle and named her Freedom. Initially placing her in a large pond, he realized she lacked the muscle and experience to thrive, so he began rehabilitating her. He used smaller water tubs to help her regain strength and mobility before introducing her to a la...

Today's episode explores the power of storytelling in sales and communication, particularly within the contracting industry. Eric shares personal anecdotes, including a recent experience preparing for a speaking engagement, to illustrate the importance of crafting compelling narratives. The show emphasizes the need for authenticity and tailoring stories to resonate with the audience and their indi...

Eric Tripplet discusses going from good to great, using the Tom Brady versus Mahomes debate as a framework. The episode emphasizes that hard work beats talent when talent doesn't put in the hard work. It explores the importance of training, repetition, and being coachable, even for naturally gifted individuals. The conversation touches on leadership, the value of a strong team, and continuous self...

Eric's special guest is Weston Zimmerman from SynkedUP. Weston shares his journey in the landscaping and water feature industry. He discusses his early experiences, including working for Tussy Landscaping and learning about overhead recovery. The discussion explores the importance of understanding business finances and pricing strategies for contractors. Weston also details the development of his...

Discover how the movie "Remember the Titans" provides a powerful framework for pre-qualifying prospects and improving communication. Eric emphasizes the importance of simplicity and consistency, likening a focused playbook to the movie's core strategies.   Listeners will learn why sticking to fundamental questions, much like Coach Boone's limited but effective plays, can drive success. The episode...

Today's focus is on  future pacing , a sales and communication technique that involves helping people visualize their problems being solved. The episode explores how future pacing can be used in various contexts, from sales and coaching to personal relationships, to help others envision positive outcomes and make decisions. Examples include using future pacing to understand a customer's project vi...

Eric talks with Randy Stewart, who shares insights on the  Water Garden Expo , highlighting its evolution from a business-focused event to an industry-driven platform for education, networking, and growth. They discuss the expo's history, the importance of community and shared learning, and how the event has adapted over the years to serve both new and experienced pond builders. Randy emphasizes t...

Today you get a preview of the Pond Professional Alliance's (PPA) biggest event, a large-scale swim pond build. The episode features insights from industry experts Craig, Anna, and Larry, detailing the collaboration, innovative techniques, and manufacturer support driving this ambitious project. Listeners will discover the unique learning opportunities available, from advanced filtration systems t...

This episode delves into the importance of  self-reflection and course correction , as Eric discusses the need to review your progress at the end of each month, identify areas of success, and acknowledge where you fell short. The discussion includes a personal account of both triumphs and setbacks, offering a candid look at how to learn from mistakes and make necessary adjustments. You will hear a...

Today's podcast features a discussion between Eric Triplett and Tyson Matyas about the importance of foresight, not only in pond keeping but also in business. Enjoy personal stories about when foresight, or a lack thereof, and how it impacted their lives and businesses. The conversation covers pond construction, maintenance, and fish care, exploring whether foresight is instinctual or if it can be...

Eric explores the concept of contagion , not just as the spread of disease, but how it applies to business, sales, and personal interaction. He emphasizes how  winning, losing, and even a smile can be contagious.  The importance of an inner circle is highlighted, with the idea that surrounding yourself with winners and limiting negative influences can dramatically impact your success and mindset....