Today's episode features an interview with Darin Hartwig from Planet and DFW Aquarium , a company specializing in aquatic distribution and manufacturing that began in 1993. Hartwig discusses their unique Pro Matrix PVC bottom for larger tanks, which offers durability and flexibility, as an alternative to traditional glass or acrylic. The conversation also explores the evolution and challenges of the aquarium industry, particularly the shift from brick-and-mortar stores to online sales, emphasizi...
Jul 11, 2025•39 min
Erick Triplett interviews Erick and Erin Briggs about rattlesnake aversion training for pets, primarily dogs, but also other animals like goats and mini horses. They explain their method, which involves controlled exposure to muzzled live rattlesnakes, paired with a mild, targeted electronic stimulation to create a negative association for the animal, akin to touching a hot stove. The discussion also touches upon rattlesnake behavior, their natural habitats in Southern California, and the import...
Jul 09, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Harley Finberg, owner of PNW Custom , a company specializing in micro reef tanks, is Eric's guest today. Harley discusses the inspiration and evolution of these miniature aquariums, highlighting their portability and ease of maintenance compared to larger setups. He explains the manufacturing process using laser cutters and CNC machines, and details the tank's features like the battery pack for travel and an integrated heater/fan for temperature control. The interview also covers practical aspec...
Jul 07, 2025•50 min
Eric interviews Myke Clarkson, a producer who has successfully pitched a new shark competition series to Netflix titled "All the Sharks," set to release on July 4th. He explains the show's unique "Amazing Race" meets "Pokemon" format, where teams document and photograph various shark species for points to win money for charity. Clarkson highlights the challenges of filming across six countries with a large crew and emphasizes the show's goal to shift public perception of sharks from scary to exc...
Jul 04, 2025•44 min
Eric chats with Kris Kiser, the CEO of EQUIP Expo , a major trade show for the landscape and outdoor power equipment industries. They discuss the benefits and experiences offered by the annual expo, highlighting its size, diverse offerings, and unique atmosphere. The discussion also touches upon the networking opportunities, educational seminars, and real-world equipment demonstrations available at the event, emphasizing how attendees can grow their businesses and connect with industry peers and...
Jul 02, 2025•45 min
Today Eric speaks with Naylor Taliaferro from The LCR Media Podcast . Their discussion explores the profound benefits of attending in-person events for contractors and entrepreneurs. They emphasize that these gatherings offer unparalleled networking opportunities, allowing attendees to learn from peers, speakers, and even vendors. Naylor shares how strategic participation, such as stepping out of one's comfort zone and engaging with others, can lead to transformative business growth and personal...
Jun 27, 2025•54 min
Eric teaches how to provide extraordinary service that goes beyond average expectations, fostering memorability and positive word-of-mouth. The episode highlights the importance of active listening, empathy, and a constant self-improvement mindset not only in professional interactions but also in personal relationships to create truly remarkable moments that resonate deeply. Eric emphasizes that being remarkable isn't accidental, but rather a result of deliberate decision and thoughtfulness. Key...
Jun 25, 2025•51 min
This podcast episode, number 300, centers on the "Spartan mindset," drawing heavily from the movie "300" to explore principles of discipline, resilience, and leadership. Eric and his friend Tyson discuss how the ancient Spartan training, which emphasized physical and mental toughness from a young age, translates to modern life, business, and personal relationships. They highlight the importance of setting high standards, relentless training, embracing a "warrior's journey" mentality for daily ch...
Jun 24, 2025•1 hr 48 min
On today's episode Eric explores the pervasive nature of fear in business and personal life, particularly among contractors. Drawing inspiration from figures like Jocko Willink, Eric identifies common fears such as fear of judgment, fear of failure, and fear of success, emphasizing how these can prevent individuals from taking necessary risks or seeking help. Personal anecdotes illustrate how overcoming these fears, even when doing so "scared," can lead to significant growth and improved well-be...
Jun 20, 2025•49 min
This mid-year report from The Pond Digger Podcast offers an overview of the pond industry's current trends and the company's activities. Eric highlights a surge in pond remodels, often driven by new homeowners or a desire for technological upgrades like advanced underwater lighting. He also discusses the expansion of koi collections, potentially influenced by increased time at home, and his personal "Clear Water Guarantee" challenge to an industry sponsor. Finally, the report touches on team gro...
Jun 18, 2025•40 min
In the special Friday the 13th episode "Pond Myths," Eric focusses on various misconceptions surrounding backyard ponds and aquatic life, particularly koi fish. He challenges common beliefs, such as koi only growing to their environment's size or the incompatibility of plants and koi, by providing anecdotal evidence and practical explanations. He also addresses real-world challenges, like pond cloudiness from raccoons or new pond syndrome, and offers preventative measures against predators and e...
Jun 13, 2025•47 min
In this Friday the 13th podcast," Eric, addresses 13 common reasons why contracting businesses may not be thriving, framing them as "demons" to be overcome. He emphasizes that many contractors fail due to internal issues rather than external market forces. The episode offers practical advice on topics such as understanding business financials, overcoming the fear of raising prices, effective follow-up, the importance of branding, and training staff. Eric also highlights that contractors are ulti...
Jun 13, 2025•42 min
Today's podcast episode features a discussion between Eric, Jon Neimans, and Tee Cee, focusing on the fascinating world of cold water cichlids and other unique fish suitable for ponds. They share insights into various species, including the golden chenito from Uruguay, highlighting its ability to thrive in colder climates and coexist peacefully with other fish. The conversation also touches upon the challenges and rewards of fish collecting trips to locations like Uruguay and Alabama, emphasizin...
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr 24 min
Today Eric equates business and life challenges to the "Triple Crown" of horse racing. He uses the three races—the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes—to represent the vision, grit, and legacy phases of a contractor's journey. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-belief, seeking mentorship, and continuous training (even when unseen) to overcome obstacles and achieve personal and professional goals. Participants in the coaching call share their struggles with defini...
Jun 09, 2025•52 min
This episode offers crucial advice for homeowners seeking to hire pond contractors, aiming to prevent them from being exploited by unscrupulous individuals. Your host, Eric Triplet, along with his team, outlines ten essential questions homeowners should ask a contractor before engaging their services. These questions cover vital aspects such as licensing, insurance, warranties, project timelines, and communication protocols. The discussion emphasizes the importance of due diligence and recognizi...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 32 min
In this episode, Eric interviews Austin Johnson, one of his crew chiefs, about his five-and-a-half-year journey with the company. They discuss Austin's experience, from his first day and past jobs to his career growth, weight loss, and the camaraderie and challenges of working in pond construction and traveling for projects. The conversation also touches on the company's culture, including its approach to social media, employee development, and the overall transformation of Austin's life since j...
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Eric's looking to integrate a new app into his business. This episode describes a series of missteps by the salesperson, including being late, failing to introduce himself or acknowledge other decision-makers on the call, and ignoring pre-call notes. Eric contrasts this poor performance with effective sales techniques discussed in training sessions, such as falling on the sword to apologize for mistakes and actively engaging with all participants. The conversation also touches upon the app's fea...
Jun 02, 2025•51 min
When and why testing pond water is important is Eric's focus today. He shares his decades of experience with fish keeping, arguing that while some professionals emphasize frequent testing, it isn't always necessary in established, healthy ponds. He highlights situations where testing is vital, such as during the cycling of a new pond, when fish are being temporarily housed during renovations, or if fish show signs of distress. Eric also touches upon testing for salinity, particularly in the cont...
May 30, 2025•41 min
Drawing a parallel to a scientific test, this business application is presented as a way for contractors to gauge their readiness, alignment, and ability to perform under pressure, particularly when interacting with customers. Eric and his circle's discussion focuses on role-playing with peers as a key method for conducting this test, allowing individuals to receive honest feedback on their communication skills, tonality, and overall approach. The conversation also highlights the importance of a...
May 28, 2025•1 hr
Eric speaks with Lauren Nolan, the new editor of Pond Trade Magazine , a publication for water feature professionals. Lauren discusses her vision for the magazine, which includes honoring the publication's legacy while exploring opportunities for growth and increased industry interaction. She emphasizes the importance of print publications in providing in-depth content and credibility within the industry, despite the rise of digital media. Lauren also shares insights into her background as an En...
May 26, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Eric and guests share real experiences from their contracting businesses, focusing on problem-solving and sales strategies that actually work in the field. In this episode, you'll hear about: Active Listening as a Sales Tool - Why understanding a client's underlying motivations and problems matters more than jumping straight to solutions or competing on price alone. Client Engagement Stories - Real anecdotes showing how deeper conversations with clients can uncover larger projects and create hap...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Eric interviews Craig McBride and Ana Arntsonfrom the Pond Professionals Alliance (PPA). They discuss the organization's recent successes, highlighting a large-scale swim pond build at an expo and thanking the numerous sponsors and manufacturers who donated products and support. The conversation then shifts to the challenges the PPA faces, particularly administrative overwhelm and the need for more member and manufacturer support as they grow internationally. Finally, they outline their future v...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 20 min
Today's show captures one of Eric's coaching calls focused on personal and professional growth for contractors, introduced through the metaphor of a fire triangle with fuel, oxygen, and heat representing key elements for success. Participants share their struggles with finding and maintaining motivation, identifying what fuels their drive and what provides the necessary oxygen and heat, which can include self-awareness, confidence, continuous learning, and support from others. The conversation h...
May 19, 2025•54 min
Tyson and Slayer once agian join Eric to talk about their experiences in Las Vegas, specifically a memorable night involving gambling at a roulette table. They reflect on the excitement and camaraderie found in moments outside of their typical work environment, highlighting different approaches to risk and how shared leisure activities can deepen relationships and provide insights into personalities. They particularly focus on the humorous interactions that occurred throughout the night, emphasi...
May 16, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Eric's s special guest is Dave Duensing. Their conversation touches on Duensing's long career in the landscape and aquatic construction industry, his artistic approach to using natural materials like rock, and his philosophy on business and education. They discuss notable projects, including a large waterfall built under a tight deadline for a college football stadium, and his approach to estimating costs and managing projects, emphasizing details and sufficient budget for unforeseen issues. Due...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Eric highlights the parallels between the song ("The Mockingbird and the Crow" by Hardy) and the journey of contractors in business. He analyzes the song's structure and lyrics to illustrate the duality faced by contractors: being a skilled worker (the "mockingbird") versus becoming a successful business owner (the "crow"). Participants in the discussion reflect on this analogy, sharing personal experiences of transformation, overcoming challenges, and the importance of coaching and community in...
May 12, 2025•1 hr
Tyson Matyas and Ron "Slayer" Yelenich join Eric to discuss The Pond Digger's recent experience holding a large-scale job fair for their pond building business. They share insights and reflections on the hiring process, the types of candidates they encountered, and the challenges of finding qualified and suitable employees, particularly in the construction field. Topics include candidate preparedness, red flags during interviews, the differences between generations in the workforce, and the impo...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 34 min
Tyson Matyas interviews Eric Triplet, the inventor of the Helix Pond Skimmer, about the new Helix 2.0 model. Triplet explains the genesis of the original skimmer, driven by a need to address problems with existing products, and the challenges he faced as an "accidental manufacturer." They discuss the features and benefits of the new 2.0 model, which is smaller, easier to install, and more user-friendly, catering to both contractors and DIY pond enthusiasts. Triplet also touches on his hesitation...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Eric discusses the difference between a high-status contractor and a low-status contractor, using a personal anecdote about encountering another contractor with a dilapidated vehicle at a client's affluent home. The Pond Digger emphasizes the importance of professional appearance, proper pricing, and customer communication as key factors in achieving success and moving beyond merely surviving in the contracting business. He encourages contractors to constantly strive for improvement and seize op...
May 05, 2025•27 min
Eric explores the 60/40 principle in business, highlighting that a 60% failure rate in areas like sales calls or email open rates can still represent significant success when viewed through the lens of a low batting average in baseball or email marketing metrics. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of tracking numbers and constantly evaluating processes like pricing and sales training, with participants expressing a renewed commitment to consistent role-playing and sales practice for c...
May 02, 2025•36 min
