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EP307: Planet Aquariums with Darin Hartwig- President of DFW Aquarium Supplies

The Pond Digger Podcast

Release Date: 07/11/2025

EP333: The Triple Threat - 333 show art 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...

info_outline EP332: Is The Art of Showing Up Assertive or Aggressive? show art 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...

info_outline EP331: What Did You Expect? Are You Where You Thought You’d Be in Business, Health and Life? show art 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...

info_outline EP330: 40 vs. 40 Same Hours, Different Lives show art 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...

info_outline EP329: A Look Inside the Machine with Israel Rodriguez, Justin Siler, & Tyson Matyas show art 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...

info_outline EP328: Attracting Clients VS. Chasing Prospects show art 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....

info_outline EP327: The Dumb Sh*t Contractors Say - Wife Beater & Crocs Edition show art 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...

info_outline EP326: Understanding Who You Are with Enneagram Personality Typing Specialist Jeff Cook show art 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...

info_outline EP325: Juggling Glass Balls and Chainsaws- Weekly Compass show art 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...

info_outline EP324: Advice From Gary Vaynerchuk to Pond Professionals show art 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...

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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, emphasizing the need for independent stores to focus on installation and ongoing service to remain competitive. Hartwig also shares his personal history in the aquarium hobby and the growth of his business, detailing how he acquired pieces of other companies and now runs a large-scale manufacturing operation, with current trends showing a rise in demand for smaller, all-in-one tanks.

Key Takeaways listeners:
  • Do not project your own assumptions or financial limitations onto others; instead, understand their true desires and potential.
  • In a competitive environment, adapt your approach by offering valuable services that provide recurring income and differentiate you.
  • Embrace a proactive "hustle" mentality to continuously seek out new opportunities and leverage modern tools like social media for growth.
  • Recognize when a fundamental mindset shift is necessary for progress and understand that such significant change requires time and sustained effort.
  • Prioritize your personal health and well-being through consistent self-care, even when managing a demanding work schedule.

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