Libsyn Directory

S2-E38: What’s REALLY Trending in SoCal Aquatics Right Now (w/ Nolan's Aquarium)

Release Date: 04/20/2026

The Deep End with Eric Triplett

Gareth Scott, the founder of , talks with Eric during the LA Pet Fair. The conversation highlights how the company developed a sustainable, man-made alternative to harvesting live rock from natural coral reefs, which was once the industry standard. Scott explains the transition from importing Tonga branch rock to manufacturing calcium-based substrates in the USA to prevent environmental degradation and the spread of aquarium pests. The episode covers the technical aspects of their aquaculture process, including how they achieve a purple coralline aesthetic and ensure biological stability. Key...

S2-E54: Building a Business You Can Sell vs. Owning a Job

The Deep End with Eric Triplett

Eric and discuss the essential transition from simply owning a job to building a scalable business that can eventually be sold. They contrast their professional backgrounds, highlighting how strategic systems and team empowerment allow an entrepreneur to step away from daily labor while maintaining a profitable legacy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of high-level coaching and standard operating procedures to overcome common growth plateaus and avoid management burnout. By focusing on employee development and clear career ladders, they argue that business owners can foster a loyal...

S2-E53: Can Fish Really Fight Depression? Special Guest Evan Johnson

The Deep End with Eric Triplett

Evan Johnson, the founder of the nonprofit , shares how he provides natural aquariums to senior living facilities to combat depression and isolation among residents and staff. He cites specific research showing that observing fish can significantly lower stress hormones and improve mental health metrics like the PHQ-9 survey. Beyond the scientific benefits, the conversation highlights Evan’s entrepreneurial journey and his focus on expanding his mission across several countries. Key Takeaways: Incorporate aquariums or natural elements into your living and work spaces to help lower...

S2-E52: The Cost of Being the Face of the Brand with Mike Garvey

The Deep End with Eric Triplett

Eric and Mike Garvey from discuss the complexities of scaling a company when the founder serves as the primary personal brand. He recounts how his business, The Pond Digger, evolved from a solo identity into a team-oriented culture by intentionally highlighting his employees' diverse personalities. Triplett emphasizes that while being the face of a brand builds initial trust, it can eventually create a bottleneck if customers only want to work with the owner. The conversation explores strategies for succession and growth, such as introducing co-hosts or using timeless mascots to ensure the...

S2-E51: 25 Years Later: The Pond That Never Gave Up on Its Owner with Shad Dixon

The Deep End with Eric Triplett

This episode explores the enduring legacy of a water feature designed and constructed by Eric Triplett for his friend Shad Dixon twenty-five years ago. While many homeowners initially install ponds for aesthetic beauty or relaxation, the conversation reveals how these aquatic ecosystems become integral characters in a family’s life story. Over two decades, the pond remained a constant through major life transitions, including raising children, navigating divorce, and eventually caring for an aging parent. Despite years of varying maintenance, the original equipment and koi have survived,...

S2-E50: When Does Your Side Hustle Become A Distraction with Mike Garvey of Side Hustle Squad Podcast

The Deep End with Eric Triplett

Eric Triplett and discuss the complex transition from a side hustle to a legitimate business. Eric reflects on his decision to pause a coaching venture to refocus on his primary passion for aquatic ecosystem design and filtration technology. The conversation contrasts their professional journeys, highlighting how Mike built a business while serving as a state trooper, whereas Triplett turned a lifelong obsession with fish breeding into a career. They explore the motivations behind pursuing supplemental income, noting that some ventures serve as financial safety nets while others are purely...

S2-E49: Behind the Booth: The Pond Digger Team’s LA Pet Fair Experience

The Deep End with Eric Triplett

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes debrief from "The Deep End" podcast, where host Eric Triplet and his crew discuss their experience at the LA Pet Fair. The team explores the preparation and logistics required for the event, highlighting the transition from napkin sketches to handcrafted wooden plant displays. They credit the booth's success to a high-energy atmosphere, tropical soundscapes, and the centerpiece attraction: a massive Victoria lily. Each member offers a unique perspective on the fair, ranging from the challenges of security and humidity to the joy of educating new hobbyists. The...

S2-E48: The Mission Only Grows as Fast as the People Do - w/ Mike Garvey of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast

The Deep End with Eric Triplett

In this podcast, Eric and explore the transformative philosophy that scaling a business is fundamentally about scaling people. He recounts his professional evolution from a solo entrepreneur to the leader of a team, emphasizing that investing in employees is the only way to achieve a $50 million vision. Triplett explains how empowering staff to handle sales and technical decisions removes him as a bottleneck, ultimately fostering a culture of excellence and personal growth. The discussion highlights that setting high standards and providing daily motivation through team meetings are essential...

S2-E47: A Look Inside The Machine - With Employee Jacob Orduno

The Deep End with Eric Triplett

Eric interviews his twenty-year-old apprentice, Jacob Orduno, as part of a series titled "Look Inside the Machine." The conversation highlights Jacob’s exceptional work ethic and "old soul" demeanor, attributes that have allowed him to thrive in a demanding construction and ranching environment. They explore the importance of clear expectations and personal accountability, contrasting Jacob’s dedication to long-term mentorship with the short-term financial focus of his peers. Triplet reflects on his own leadership evolution, specifically his shift toward investing heavily in his team's...

S2-E46: When The Mission Gets Muddy & How Many Businesses is Too Many with Mike Garvey - Side Hustle Squad Podcast

The Deep End with Eric Triplett

Eric is back with guest Mike Garvey discussing the challenges of managing multiple businesses. Triplet reflects on his own professional journey, explaining how excessive diversification across construction, manufacturing, and coaching began to dilute his brand's impact. The conversation highlights the importance of focus, referencing advice from business leaders like Warren Buffett to eliminate distractions and prioritize a core mission. Both men explore how effective delegation and empowering a trusted team are essential for scaling without suffering from burnout. Key Takeaways: ...

More Episodes

The aquarium world is getting smaller, more specialized, and far more innovative.

Recorded at AquaSwap 2026, this conversation with Nolan of Nolan’s Aquarium explores how the fish-keeping industry is evolving as hobbyists shift toward nano tanks, aquatic plants, and Madaka ricefish—and why independent businesses need to evolve with them.

Nolan shares how his business moved away from breeding large African cichlids and toward categories that better reflect what customers are actually looking for today. The conversation also dives into the growing appeal of micro reef systems, including portable, battery-powered saltwater setups that are opening new possibilities for hobbyists who want flexibility without sacrificing complexity.

Along the way, Eric Triplet and Nolan discuss the role local fish clubs play in building knowledge, community, and long-term enthusiasm for the hobby. They also unpack why listening carefully to customer needs, stocking trusted specialty products, and staying close to the community remain some of the most important advantages an independent shop can have.

Covered in this episode:

• How shifting consumer demand is changing the direction of aquarium businesses
• Why nano tanks, aquatic plants, and Madaka ricefish are gaining traction
• What makes micro reef systems such a compelling innovation in the saltwater space
• How local fish clubs help grow the hobby for beginners and experienced keepers alike
• Why customer listening is essential for better recommendations and stronger business decisions
• How specialized dry goods can help independent shops stand out
• What authenticity looks like when stocking and recommending products
• Why curiosity and everyday conversation starters can create unexpected business opportunities

This episode offers a practical look at where the aquatic hobby is headed—and what it takes to stay relevant, useful, and passionate in a rapidly changing niche.

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