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 and fascination with birds The impact of wind turbines on the environment and bird populations Effort...
Apr 15, 2023•1 hr 8 min
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 how it can benefit their business Dispelling any negative perceptions associated with charging for consu...
Apr 15, 2023•32 min
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 and opportunities in the pond industry The importance of total design and getting creative with smaller...
Apr 01, 2023•1 hr 45 min
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 contractor The significance of knowing your numbers to run a successful business Asking questions and li...
Mar 31, 2023•34 min
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 the use of chemicals for water quality management Ecosystem management based on the natural way of absor...
Mar 25, 2023•1 hr 56 min
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 active participation in it Marvin's experience building communities in both rural and urban settings The imp...
Mar 24, 2023•1 hr 47 min
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 conventions and events for making connections Gerard's approach to his business and brand building Being hones...
Mar 17, 2023•1 hr 29 min
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 sales resistance when communicating with prospects Using courtesy when approaching potential customers...
Mar 16, 2023•41 min
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 The group's motivation for taking on the challenge and the idea of riding 200 miles The planning and ...
Mar 10, 2023•1 hr 41 min
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 perspective in life The significance of perspective in personal and professional relationships Certain ev...
Mar 10, 2023•25 min
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 Enhancing birdwatching experiences with ponds and water features Jake's journey of building a pond to attr...
Mar 06, 2023•1 hr 11 min
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 transition from his love for fish to building it into a business. Freshwater vs. saltwater fishes — differen...
Mar 03, 2023•1 hr 30 min
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 concerning koi fish and their value Why koi fish are not only for the rich and wealthy The point at wh...
Feb 25, 2023•55 min
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 personality type system The history of this ancient, personality typing system and how it differs from...
Feb 24, 2023•1 hr 9 min
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 The reason why dog beach works better than dog parks Chris’ experience of starting his own business in t...
Feb 17, 2023•1 hr 4 min
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 strategies for creating brand emails Getting people interested in what you do by email marketing Best...
Feb 16, 2023•1 hr 22 min
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 safety of our feathered and furry friends The relationship between the pond and the surrounding wildl...
Feb 10, 2023•36 min
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 features and ponds is still underserved and has a lot of growth opportunities Local marketing strategies ...
Feb 09, 2023•1 hr 16 min
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 passing Whether or not ghosts exists and if they are visible Trying to figure out how to help the wido...
Feb 03, 2023•1 hr 50 min
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 in your best state - mentally, emotionally, physically Addressing the elephant in the room with potentia...
Feb 03, 2023•1 hr 23 min
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 improvement industry Why personal development is vital to growing your business The importance of connecting ...
Jan 26, 2023•2 hr 4 min
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 family aquarium and a brown cichlid named ‘Bigfoot’ Helping a high profile client with his aquarium Setti...
Jan 20, 2023•1 hr 29 min
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 biggest struggle after all these years Tuning out the business for date nights Taking personality tests...
Jan 19, 2023•1 hr 14 min
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 in your area The dangers in doing deep cleanings in the warmer months The perfect time for aquatic plan...
Jan 07, 2023•42 min
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 focusing on your marketing will take you out of desperation mode Maximizing the word-of-mouth marketing Wh...
Jan 05, 2023•1 hr 21 min
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 breeding is a necessary evil Watching the turtles discover live food Turtles that do not know how to swim Pa...
Dec 30, 2022•1 hr 12 min
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 work with bonsai The reason Tommy reached out to the Pond Digger Ranch A unique, trade agreement betwee...
Dec 23, 2022•1 hr 12 min
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 second Being intentional about maintaining good health while doing this type of work The tools Bryce use...
Dec 22, 2022•1 hr 43 min
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 family life, career, and the passion for ponds The Ying Yang between his coaching career and building po...
Dec 16, 2022•1 hr 42 min
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 with wildlife - She rescued a hawk Saving baby racoons in a very scary situation The right thing to do...
Dec 09, 2022•1 hr 19 min
