EP305: Micro Mini Reefs with Harley Finberg of PNW Customs
Release Date: 07/07/2025
EP333: The Triple Threat - 333
The Pond Digger Podcast
This episode explores the concept of a "triple threat" across various aspects of life, including sports, music, business, sales, personal growth, family, and health. Eric and Tyson discuss how excelling in three key areas defines a standout individual or entity. For instance, in baseball, a triple crown hitter masters home runs, RBIs, and stolen bases, while a successful band needs lyrics, stage presence, and captivating musicality. The conversation emphasizes that identifying and cultivating these three crucial elements can lead to greater success and a more well-rounded approach in any...
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EP332: Is The Art of Showing Up Assertive or Aggressive?
The Pond Digger Podcast
Today's lively discussion is primarily focusing on the concept of assertiveness. Eric and his guests share personal anecdotes, including one individual's significant weight loss journey achieved through healthy eating, and another's experience meeting renowned entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk. A significant portion of the conversation explores the nuances of assertiveness in various contexts, particularly in sales and client interactions, distinguishing it from aggression or passivity. The group further illustrates assertiveness through a humorous story about a difficult client and also mentions...
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EP331: What Did You Expect? Are You Where You Thought You’d Be in Business, Health and Life?
The Pond Digger Podcast
Today Eric explores the concept of life expectancy, applying it to both personal well-being and business longevity. He shares anecdotes about active older adults, prompting reflection on quality of life and the importance of proactive health choices. A significant portion focuses on the survival rate of construction businesses, highlighting the high failure rate and urging contractors to invest in training, accountability, and strategic business design for profit and freedom. The discussion emphasizes that expectations in life and business evolve, and continuous effort, learning, and...
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EP330: 40 vs. 40 Same Hours, Different Lives
The Pond Digger Podcast
Today's episode explores the concept of value creation versus simply trading time for money. Eric Triplet and Tyson Matias, use anecdotes, such as a prolonged refrigerator repair and a quick, high-value mural installation, to illustrate that the market rewards skill, efficiency, and problem-solving, not just the duration of work. They discuss how mindset, continuous self-improvement, and a focus on providing greater value lead to significantly different financial outcomes and overall life satisfaction, even for individuals working the same number of hours. The conversation also touches on...
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EP329: A Look Inside the Machine with Israel Rodriguez, Justin Siler, & Tyson Matyas
The Pond Digger Podcast
Today's episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at a pond construction business, focusing on company culture, employee training, and the daily realities of the work. Eric interviews Israel Rodriguez, a long-term employee, about his initial hiring, his temporary departure and return, and his experiences within the company. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of physical labor, the importance of teamwork, and the unique satisfaction of building water features for clients. Eric and other team members also share personal anecdotes, emphasizing the close-knit, supportive...
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EP328: Attracting Clients VS. Chasing Prospects
The Pond Digger Podcast
Today, Eric explores the concepts of attraction versus chasing in business and personal interactions, emphasizing the importance of authentic self-expression to draw in desired connections. The speaker shares insights from figures like Gary Vaynerchuk, highlighting the shift from "social media" to "interest media," where sharing passions beyond one's core business can attract a wider, more engaged audience. This approach suggests that genuine interests, even seemingly unrelated ones, can resonate with high-value clients who share similar lifestyle choices and financial capabilities....
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EP327: The Dumb Sh*t Contractors Say - Wife Beater & Crocs Edition
The Pond Digger Podcast
Today Eric emphasizes the crucial role of professionalism and word choice in sales interactions. He argues that just as one wouldn't appear in unprofessional attire for an in-person meeting, using inappropriate language or slang is equally detrimental to a client's perception. The episode provides numerous examples of unacceptable vocabulary in sales, such as "cost," "problem," "cheap," "try," or "part ways," contrasting them with more effective alternatives like "investment," "challenge," "cost-effective," "experience," and "agreement." The overarching message is that every word contributes...
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EP326: Understanding Who You Are with Enneagram Personality Typing Specialist Jeff Cook
The Pond Digger Podcast
This podcast discussion introduces the Enneagram, a personality typing system that categorizes individuals into nine core motivations, often grouped into three triads based on dominant emotions: anger (body types 8, 9, 1), shame/attention (heart types 2, 3, 4), and fear/anxiety (head types 5, 6, 7). Eric and Jess share personal anecdotes about how understanding their own and others' Enneagram types has profoundly improved their relationships and communication, highlighting the system's ability to offer empathy and insight into underlying motivations rather than just observable behaviors. They...
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EP325: Juggling Glass Balls and Chainsaws- Weekly Compass
The Pond Digger Podcast
Today's episode is centered on the metaphor of "juggling glass balls and chainsaws," representing the delicate balance between life's priorities. Eric introduces the concept from former Coca-Cola CEO Brian Dyson, highlighting that work is a "rubber ball" that always bounces back, while health, family, friends, and spirit are "glass balls" that can shatter permanently if dropped. Participants share personal experiences and insights on maintaining awareness, adapting to imbalance, and prioritizing self-care amidst demanding work schedules and personal life changes. The conversation also touches...
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EP324: Advice From Gary Vaynerchuk to Pond Professionals
The Pond Digger Podcast
Eric features a conversation with Gary Vaynerchuk advising small to medium-sized business owners, particularly those in niche outdoor living spaces, on effective social media strategies. He emphasizes the importance of IRL (in-real-life) live streaming, consistent multi-platform posting, and amplifying organically successful content with paid media. Gary also highlights the shift towards interest-based media, encouraging businesses to share content about their personal passions—even if seemingly unrelated—to attract high-net-worth clients, as these diverse interests can create unexpected...
info_outlineHarley 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 aspects such as daily care, water changes, species compatibility, and the company's commitment to customer education and product innovation.
- Embrace side projects and challenges, as they can unexpectedly lead to your most popular and successful endeavors.
- Continuously seek to push the limits of your skills and capabilities to innovate and grow.
- Pay close attention to customer feedback and inspiration, as it can drive significant improvements and new ideas.
- Prioritize simplicity and consistency in your daily routines and processes for easier and more effective results.
- Cultivate resilience and adaptability when facing challenges, focusing on what more you can achieve rather than being discouraged by setbacks.
Resources:
- Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com
- Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips
- Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett
- The Pond Digger: https://theponddigger.com/
- Atlantic-Oase: https://www.atlantic-oase.com/
- Helix Pond Filtration: http://helixpondfiltration.com/
- TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group): TWT Contractor Circle
- TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group): TWT Contractor Power Circle
- The Pond Digger Instagram: Instagram
- The Pond Digger Facebook: Facebook
- Train With Triplett TikTok: TikTok
- EasyPro Pond Products: https://easypro.com/
- Pond Trade Magazine: https://www.pondtrademag.com/
- MDM Pumps: https://mdminc.com/sequence/
- 2025 LCR Summit - Oct. 20-21 Louisville, KY: https://www.lcrmedianetwork.com/
- PNW Custom: https://www.pnw-custom.com/