The Deep End with Eric Triplett

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...

Eric and his family started a wonderful, annual art show event that not only offers a great opportunity to local artists to sell their creations, but also supports wildlife rehabilitation efforts.  In this episode, hear them share their love for their annual show, Art In The Arena.   In this episode, they discuss: How his appreciation for garage sales inspired the idea for starting the art show Th...

What would you do if you purchased a home and you found out your home came with a pond in the backyard? Well, this is exactly what happened to our guest Laurie Krause. Laurie shares her story of discovering a pond in the backyard of her newly purchased house and all things she has learned about ponds so far.   Eric shares his insight on: Discovering a pond in your newly purchased home's backyard L...

Can you put a price on a life? Joshua Simmons shares why safety should be the culture of your life whether you're at work or at home!       Eric shares his insight on: What changed Joshua's view on safety at work and everywhere else      Doing dangerous things carefully and being aware you have one life to live Examples of work-related safety incidents and consequences  Experience is knowledge and...

Remodels can be a labor of love instead of a heavy burden. Tyson Matyas shares his story about installing his own pond and learning to be okay with change…      Eric shares his insight on: Tyson's first experience remodeling his entire backyard—the sky was not the limit  What specific parts Tyson wants to remodel of his yard and pond Reasons Tyson wants to remodel his pond: maintenance, size, util...

Today, Eric is joined by Josh Munson, a member of the Pond Digger team. The two show you an inside look at what's really going on behind the scenes — fighting, crying, sweating, bleeding, and the joy of winning.   Eric shares his insight on: How Josh found out about the Pond Digger and his interview with Eric for the job Establishing a strong company culture and deepening relationships Encounterin...

Ever accuse someone of something they didn't do? Slayer and Tyson join the show and share what they've learned about who or what is the most likely to steal koi…       In this episode, we talk about… Slayer's experience of firing a landscaper for stealing koi  Realizing crows eat koi-sized fish Predators are real—blue heron like fancy fish Evidence of another wipeout and live-trapping a skunk  Und...

Eric Twigg joins Eric and shares his experiences in the pond digging industry, what it's like to go ultra viral on TikTok, and why he just keeps it real and is all about more fish!    Eric shares his insight on: Twigg's first impression of the pond industry and first professional build  The value of putting yourself out there and being vulnerable Filtration systems, undergravel grids, and other le...

Listen to Eric's recent interview with Laura Reale on the Landscape Marketing Secrets Podcast, where he shares his experiences with TikTok, how to leverage TikTok as a business owner, and why TikTok doesn't have to be scary!    Eric shares his insight on: Observing the evolution of social media platforms When and why Eric started using TikTok Training the algorithm to get what you want from TikTok...

Brian Fitzimmons recalls how he persevered even after losing his growing business to a fire, and what it takes to successfully manage multiple stores, be the exclusive importer for a major brand, and own over 100 acres for his business…    Eric shares his insight on: What it takes to bounce back after a devastating fire Focusing on moving forward instead of on what could have been Shifting from le...

Dave Deponte shares his pond building experience, what he's learned about losing fish, why Eric is the reason he drinks less, and why it's okay to be neurotic about your pond.    Eric shares his insight on: How Dave became interested in ponds and dug his first pond by hand  Dave's initial unwillingness to hire Eric, until his wife him do it  How Dave's neurotic regimen of pond maintenance keeps hi...

Rehabilitating wildlife is second nature to the Pond Digger crew. Listen in as they share how they finally achieved their 501(c)(3) status, what they learned during their first fundraiser and what they have in store for the Pond Digger Ranch Wildlife Rehabilitation Foundation!    Eric shares his insight on: From opossums to great horned owls, how Leslie first started in wildlife rehab  The evoluti...

Finding the balance between humor and hard work can help create a positive workplace culture. Eric and the guys break down why laughter is just as necessary as productivity.     Eric shares his insight on: Balance between having fun vs. being productive  Creating a culture of hard expectations mixed with humor  The challenge of welcoming new members to your crew  Easing in to talking shit and know...

Failure can help you learn and grow if you let it. Eric, Tyson and Slayer remind us to shift out of the victim mindset and win from your failures!      Eric shares his insight on: Letting failure motivate you instead of dwelling on it  How Training with Triplett focuses on re-engaging and moving forward  Be 100% behind your brand and learn from projects even if they're successful  Overcoming obsta...

Eric and Leslie break down the body language of koi fish and specific visual clues to help keep your fish happy and out of danger.    Eric shares his insight on: Signs to look for if your fish breaches the water like Shamu: Breeding Parasites Low oxygen content in the water  Understanding common breeding behaviors  What flashing is and how it leads to scratching  Piping and the importance of prope...

If you want your employees to perform better, they must have effective training. Leslie Triplett explains how employees need the right pressure and release to get the job done right.  Eric shares his insight on: Old approaches to horse training and how it compares to terrible employers The history of using new technique of pressure and release training with horses Why training is focused on how ho...

Of course, you always want the right tool for the job, but do you really need to own the tool? Eric, Tyson and Slayer dive into their favorite tool brands and why it's so easy (and okay!) to get addicted to collecting tools.     Eric shares his insight on: Buying vs. renting tools for DIY jobs  Milwaukee vs. DeWalt power tools  Painting tools pink and mixing tool brands as the company grows  The d...