The Deep End with Eric Triplett
The Deep End with Eric Triplett is a show for contractors, builders, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, and leaders who want to sharpen their mindset, elevate their performance, and build remarkable lives. Hosted by Eric Triplett — “The Pond Digger” — a lifelong tradesman and 7-figure contractor, this podcast dives into leadership, sales communication, business systems, discipline, and personal mastery… all grounded in Eric’s decades of experience in construction, aquatics, and high-level coaching. Here, you’ll also hear powerful conversations on aquatics, wildlife, and the water world that shaped Eric’s career — from ponds and koi to aquariums and life outdoors. Whether you're running crews, running a business, or running toward a better version of yourself, this show challenges you to go deeper through depth, discipline, and diligence. Welcome to The Deep End — where trades meet transformation.
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S2-EP04: Pressure Testing The Deep End Rebrand Pre-Game with Issac Mashman
01/09/2026
S2-EP04: Pressure Testing The Deep End Rebrand Pre-Game with Issac Mashman
Today Eric talks with personal branding consultant regarding their professional evolutions for 2026. Triplett details his decision to rebrand his long-running podcast to The Deep End to broaden his appeal from a niche water feature audience to a wider market of general contractors and entrepreneurs. Mashman provides a strategic audit, encouraging Eric to leverage controversy with purpose by announcing the end of his current show to build anticipation for the new launch. In turn, Mashman outlines his ambitious "Inevitable Tour 365," a goal to complete an interview every day of the year to solidify his status as a leading authority in personal branding. The two discuss the importance of audio branding, professional edification through intro videos, and maintaining seamless brand identities across social media platforms. Key Takeaways: Distinguish your personal identity from your professional business brand to ensure your influence remains flexible and adaptable across different career phases and industries. Apply "controversy with purpose" by announcing strategic transitions or endings for current projects to generate curiosity and engagement for your next major venture. Establish immediate rapport with others by combining a personal "hook" based on your unique life interests with a professional "punchline" that highlights your specific expertise. Develop a consistent introductory ritual or "audio brand" for your content to build subconscious emotional triggers and immediate recognition with your audience. Pursue extreme discipline by setting high-intensity, measurable challenges that push your endurance and force you to scale your influence beyond a narrow niche. 🚨 : 🚨 🔱 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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S2-EP03: The Price Tag Principle
01/07/2026
S2-EP03: The Price Tag Principle
Today Eric introduces the Price Tag Principle, which posits that achieving personal or professional growth requires a specific cost paid in discipline, diligence, and depth. He argues that the universe does not negotiate on these costs and that individuals often fail because they are under-disciplined rather than truly stuck. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on entropy, described as the social and internal resistance that pulls people back toward their comfort zones, often through the well-meaning but limiting influence of family and friends. Eric challenges contractors to stop negotiating their own effort and instead embrace the discomfort necessary to reach a higher level of success. Participants in the call further explore these themes by discussing the "crab pot theory" of negative peer pressure and the importance of surrounding oneself with high-achieving individuals. Ultimately, the episode serves as a motivational call to action for the New Year, urging listeners to stop seeking immediate gratification and start making the necessary investments in their own growth. Key Takeaways: Accept that every "level up" in life has a price tag that must be paid through consistent discipline, diligence, and depth. Be vigilant against entropy, which often appears as subtle whispers of comfort or resistance from loved ones who may fear losing the person you used to be. Understand that the universe does not negotiate the cost of success, so you must stop looking for shortcuts and focus on making the necessary deposits of effort. Cultivate a circle of peers who will exert positive pressure and hold you accountable to your personal and professional goals. Evaluate your current circumstances as an honest receipt of what you have been willing to pay for through your past actions and level of discipline. 🚨 : 🚨 Thursday, January 8, 2026 7:00 PM EST 🔱 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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S2-EP02: Living In The Deep End
01/05/2026
S2-EP02: Living In The Deep End
In episode #2 of Eric's new podcast he uses personal anecdotes, such as rescuing his younger brother from a pool and escaping dangerous encounters while skateboarding, to illustrate the importance of urgency and accountability. He introduces the trident logo as a symbol for his core values of depth, discipline, and diligence, linking these to the mastery of one's craft. Throughout the session, he manages technical equipment and interacts with a live social media audience, demonstrating a modern approach to digital content creation. Ultimately, the episode serves as a motivational framework for listeners to embrace life's challenges with intentionality and leadership. Key Takeaways: • View challenging life experiences as opportunities for calibration and refinement rather than allowing them to define your identity. • Embrace responsibility the moment it is presented to you, as it often arrives before you feel fully prepared to handle it. • Avoid the "fake it until you make it" mentality by taking imperfect action, gathering feedback, and making constant iterations toward mastery. • Practice discipline by consistently showing up to do the necessary work even when you lack the motivation or desire to do so. • Implement the three pillars of depth, discipline, and diligence to navigate difficult situations with awareness and maintain high personal standards. 🚨 : 🚨 Thursday, January 8, 2026 7:00 PM EST 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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S2-EP01: Into The Deep End
01/02/2026
S2-EP01: Into The Deep End
Eric Triplett announces the rebrand of his show to The Deep End, shifting focus from specific industry tactics to personal development and capability. Drawing on forty years of experience in construction and aquatics, he emphasizes that the program is designed for tradesmen and leaders who strive to become the best versions of themselves. The content moves away from surface-level hype to explore the foundational values of depth, discipline, and diligence. Triplet argues that the "deep end" represents a space of high responsibility where growth occurs by facing challenges without excuses. Ultimately, the new show serves as an invitation for listeners to build professional standards and embrace the hard work required for long-term success. 🚨 : 🚨 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP377: The Final Episode of Pond Digger Podcast
12/31/2025
EP377: The Final Episode of Pond Digger Podcast
In this final episode of the Pond Digger Podcast, host Eric Triplet announces the conclusion of his seven-year journey to focus on a new professional chapter. Originally launched to provide educational resources for pond owners and koi enthusiasts, the show evolved into a platform for business coaching and leadership advice for various trade contractors. Triplet reflects on significant milestones, including his personal battle with stage four cancer, which shifted his perspective on time and purposeful living. He highlights the vast archive of evergreen content available to listeners, ranging from technical pond construction secrets to motivational insights on productivity. While the specific details of his next venture remain unrevealed, he emphasizes that the decision to end the podcast is a strategic move toward personal transformation and higher achievement. Triplet concludes by expressing profound gratitude to his community for their years of trust and engagement. 🚨 : 🚨 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP376: Foreward to The Final Episode
12/29/2025
EP376: Foreward to The Final Episode
Eric announces that the long-running Pond Digger Podcast is officially concluding after one final upcoming episode, emphasizing that the project has simply fulfilled its original purpose. He clarifies that this decision is not fueled by burnout or health issues, but rather a desire to close a significant life chapter with dignity. He expresses deep gratitude toward his listeners for their attention and credits the show for his personal growth in business and leadership. To maintain a connection with his audience, he encourages them to join his email list or follow him on social media for future updates. Ultimately, the message serves as a transparent transition toward his next professional endeavor while honoring the legacy of the podcast. 🚨 : 🚨 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP375: Race to the Face: Why Speed to the Lead Is Already Dead With James Hatfiled of LiveSwitch
12/26/2025
EP375: Race to the Face: Why Speed to the Lead Is Already Dead With James Hatfiled of LiveSwitch
Erica interviews James Hatfield, the co-founder of , to discuss how video technology and AI are transforming the contracting industry. Hatfield introduces the concept of "Race to the Face," arguing that virtual face-to-face interactions build trust faster than traditional phone calls or slow in-person estimates. The discussion highlights how the platform enables remote diagnostics, instant documentation, and AI-driven work orders, significantly reducing wasted travel time and overhead costs for service professionals. Beyond business efficiency, Hatfield emphasizes the human impact of technology, noting how it helps entrepreneurs reclaim personal time for their families. The conversation concludes with a focus on philanthropy and the importance of using professional success to serve others within the community. Key Takeaways: • Prioritize getting face-to-face with clients virtually to build immediate trust and increase your sales close rates compared to traditional phone calls or texts. • Use video technology to eliminate unnecessary travel for estimates, allowing you to reclaim valuable hours of your day to spend with your family. • Delegate repetitive administrative tasks like writing reports, CRM entries, or contracts to AI tools to increase your professional efficiency and reduce burnout. • Document your work through video to provide full transparency, which protects your business from disputes and strengthens long-term customer relationships. • Adopt a mindset of service by looking for consistent ways to give back to your community or industry without expecting anything in return. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP374: The Most Controversial Christmas Gift I’ve Ever Sold
12/24/2025
EP374: The Most Controversial Christmas Gift I’ve Ever Sold
Today Eric discusses the controversial practice of gifting live Japanese koi for Christmas. While social media critics view the surprise as irresponsible, Triplett argues that meticulous preparation and expertise can transform it into a deeply meaningful experience. He highlights the importance of vetting the recipient's experience and the health of their existing pond to ensure the animals thrive long after the holiday. By sharing a story where he refused a sale to an ill-prepared customer, he emphasizes that true thoughtfulness must prioritize the well-being of the fish over the shock value of the gift. Ultimately, he frames the koi as a living legacy that requires discipline and responsibility, much like managing a successful business or using professional-grade tools. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP373: Why AI Is the New Crew Member You’re Not Using Yet — A Deep Dive with CompanyCam’s CEO
12/22/2025
EP373: Why AI Is the New Crew Member You’re Not Using Yet — A Deep Dive with CompanyCam’s CEO
Today's podcast centers on how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the trades by allowing contractors to generate organized reports and notes through simple voice-to-text and photo capture. Luke from explains that many contractors resist technology because it is often difficult to use or distracting from their primary manual labor, so his goal is to make the app a seamless tool rather than a burden. A highlight of the show is a success story where Eric used the AI walkthrough feature to provide a client with a professional inspection report instantly, significantly increasing his perceived value. The two also explore the future of the industry, including potential integrations with smart glasses and advanced marketing portfolios. Key Takeaways: • Leverage AI to transform yourself from a creator into an editor by letting technology organize your raw information into structured notes and reports. • Build trust with potential clients by sharing educational portfolios of your work that provide visual context and teaching moments rather than just a sales pitch. • Streamline your daily workflow by adopting tools that simplify complex tasks to a single action, such as pointing a camera and speaking, to eliminate the possibility of making excuses for missed documentation. • Prioritize accuracy over speed when adopting new automated systems to ensure that the information you record is reliable and builds long-term trust with your team and clients. • Use wearable technology like smart glasses to document your environment and stay productive hands-free while remaining fully present and available to the people around you. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP372: The Eisnhower Matrix - Do, Dominate, Delegate, Delete
12/19/2025
EP372: The Eisnhower Matrix - Do, Dominate, Delegate, Delete
Eric introduces the concept of the Eisenhower Matrix as a tool for improving time management and business efficiency. This matrix is explained through its four quadrants—urgent/important, not urgent/important, urgent/not important, and not urgent/not important—and Eric emphasizes that Quadrant Two (not urgent, but important) is the "magical spot" for strategic planning and growth, encouraging listeners to delegate or eliminate tasks in the other quadrants to avoid living in a state of chaos. The discussion then broadens into how different personality types may perceive urgency and importance, with participants sharing personal anecdotes and challenges related to over-helping, procrastination, and managing staff expectations using these principles. Ultimately, Triplett advocates for a deeper understanding of one's own behavioral patterns and the matrix to improve leadership and business outcomes, citing related concepts from other business authors. Key Takeaways: Prioritize activities that are important but not urgent, which is the most effective zone for vision and future planning. Turn off phone notifications because they create false urgency for things that are not truly important. Delegate urgent and important tasks whenever possible to avoid being constantly stuck in a reactive state of "firefighting." Protect your time by learning to say "no" to other people's emergencies that are not important to your core goals. Refrain from giving customer discounts to ensure you can afford to hire teams and take care of your staff at a higher level. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP371: I've Always Done It That Way! Fire side Chat with Tyson Matayas and Slayer
12/17/2025
EP371: I've Always Done It That Way! Fire side Chat with Tyson Matayas and Slayer
Today Eric focuses on the concept of challenging traditional methods—or the mindset of "that’s the way I’ve always done it"—within business, specifically contracting and the aquatic hobby. Triplet emphasizes the importance of innovation and efficiency, using examples like adopting new software (CompanyCam) to dramatically shorten the time spent on client reports, moving from burning CDs to using digital playlists, and ditching physical blueprints for digital plans. The conversation also explores the psychological traps that keep contractors stuck in outdated, less-profitable routines, highlighting that clinging to old methods can prevent necessary growth and adaptation to modern technology. Ultimately, Eric and his guests advocate for staying open-minded and ready to pivot rather than being rigidly attached to established, even if suboptimal, practices. Key Takeaways: Always keep your mind open to suggestions and new ideas for improvement. Continuously look for innovation to create efficiencies and collapse time in your processes. Stay nimble and be ready to pivot and adjust your approach when situations change. Do not blindly accept long-standing practices; verify facts and question the way things have always been done. Maintain knowledge of old methods and foundational skills in case new technology fails or is unavailable. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP370: Tools, Scars, & Truths - Rapid Fire - Fire Side Chat with Tyson Matayas & Slayer
12/15/2025
EP370: Tools, Scars, & Truths - Rapid Fire - Fire Side Chat with Tyson Matayas & Slayer
Eric is joined by guests Tyson and Slayer in an episode conducted in a rapid-fire Q&A format. The discussion focuses on personal and professional experiences within the contracting and construction trades, covering topics such as favorite tools, regrettable purchasing decisions, scary job site moments, difficult phone calls, and times they felt "stuck" in their careers. They also share advice for their younger selves and discuss hypothetical actions if they won the lottery, with the overall aim of offering industry insights and personal anecdotes to entrepreneurs and pond professionals. Key Takeaways: Always invest in quality tools and equipment instead of choosing cheaper options. Be vigilant and avoid rushing when performing dangerous or critical work tasks. Begin each workday with a positive attitude and strive to be present for others. Utilize time blocking and detailed scheduling to focus on important long-term vision projects. Start saving a set amount of money regularly from an early age for a secure future. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP369: The Power of Quitting the Wrong Thing
12/12/2025
EP369: The Power of Quitting the Wrong Thing
Eric argues that true failure often results from working hard on the wrong tasks, rather than a lack of effort. He emphasizes the "nobility of quitting the wrong thing," stressing that stopping ineffective tactics or habits is a strategic move, not a sign of weakness. To illustrate this, Eric provides examples from business, such as contractors focusing on marketing before improving their sales skills, and personal growth, highlighting how clinging to an "old identity" or avoiding the "uncomfortable learning curve" can impede progress. Furthermore, the discussion touches on the importance of self-awareness—especially concerning one's personality type—to recognize when to pivot, evolve, and employ better strategies for achieving ultimate goals. Key Takeaways: Focus on quitting the wrong tactics and habits so the right ones have room to breathe. If your consistent hard work is not leading to progress, evaluate whether you are focused on the wrong activities. Prioritize getting necessary feedback and making adjustments quickly rather than waiting for initial perfection. Build a strong structure and culture within your team to avoid the costly cycle of hiring and firing. Use the 1-3-1 method to train your team members to think critically and recommend their own solutions to problems. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP368: The Battles That Build You… and the Battles That Bleed You
12/10/2025
EP368: The Battles That Build You… and the Battles That Bleed You
Eric discusses the crucial concept of picking your battles for personal and professional success, especially as an entrepreneur or contractor. He uses a quadrant system to categorize tasks as urgent, not urgent, important, and not important, advising listeners to focus primarily on urgent and important tasks while delegating or ignoring those that are not urgent and not important. The core message emphasizes that being overwhelmed comes from engaging in the wrong fights, stressing the need to prioritize vital areas like health, relationships, and business systems by dedicating quality time, often in the mornings, to these important tasks to control chaos and anxiety. Key Takeaways: Focus on the important and urgent tasks and ignore or delegate the non-important matters. Be selective with your battles, recognizing that saying yes to one means saying no to something else. Create specific time blocks, ideally in the morning, to execute important work before the day's chaos begins. Ask yourself constantly whether your current activity is moving you forward toward your desired goals. Prioritize "big rocks" such as your health, relationships, and big vision planning to prevent them from turning into urgent crises. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP367: THE COCOON - Rebuilding Yourself Into the Contractor You Were Meant To Be
12/08/2025
EP367: THE COCOON - Rebuilding Yourself Into the Contractor You Were Meant To Be
The main focus of today's episode is the metaphorical concept of the "cocoon," which represents a period of necessary self-rebuilding and transformation for business owners to achieve higher levels of success, similar to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Triplet emphasizes that while external help like coaching or peer groups can guide the process, the individual must fight their own way out of the cocoon, meaning they must implement the hard work and discipline required to break old habits, overcome discomfort, and develop new leadership skills to scale their business past common growth plateaus. Eric stresses that this transformation is a repeated lifestyle process, not a one-time event, and that many contractors fail by avoiding this crucial self-development phase. Key Takeaways: Recognize when your current version or habits are no longer sufficient to reach your future goals. Commit to doing the hard work yourself, as no one else can fight your way out of the cocoon for you. Embrace transformation as a continuous lifestyle rather than a singular, one-time event. Actively challenge your comfort zones and old habits to intentionally rebuild yourself on purpose. Stop waiting for external help to emerge from your struggle and start fighting immediately to achieve the next level of growth. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP366: The 365 Reckoning: What Happened to the Person You Promised You’d Become?
12/05/2025
EP366: The 365 Reckoning: What Happened to the Person You Promised You’d Become?
Eric establishes the theme of the 365 Reckoning, an annual self-audit designed to assess personal and professional growth over the previous year. He challenges listeners to stop living in a reactionary mode and instead approach the upcoming year with ruthless discipline and intentionality. A central point of the audit involves breaking the limiting "contractor conspiracy" mindset, advising them to price their services based on the successful business they aspire to be, rather than their current limitations. To facilitate this transformation, Eric suggests the tactical One-One-One Rule (daily decisions, weekly improvements, and year-long peer group commitment) to emphasize that large-scale change results from compounding micro-wins. Triplet stresses the necessity of immediate action, urging you to begin the difficult work now during the "separation season" rather than drifting until the New Year, underscoring the vital role of accountability for sustained success. Key Takeaways: Avoid living in a reactionary mode and be intentional about your actions to prevent drifting into chaos. Make and strictly keep the commitments you declare and contract with yourself. Plug into a peer group for accountability as sharing your goals makes you significantly more likely to achieve them. Implement the One-to-One-to-One rule by making one positive decision daily and focusing on one improvement or skill weekly. Begin charging towards your goals right now, using the final weeks of the year as a separation season rather than waiting for January 1st. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP365: What Your Pond Wants for Christmas
12/03/2025
EP365: What Your Pond Wants for Christmas
Eric discusses what your pond would want for Christmas. He suggests practical and thoughtful gifts to enhance your pond's appearance and health, including a real maintenance schedule, professional pond inspections, aquatic plants, remodels, new koi, water treatment packages, lighting, wildlife-attracting items, and outdoor furniture. The overarching theme emphasizes that the best gift for your pond is your time and presence. The episode aims to inspire listeners to think creatively about improving their ponds and enjoying them more, especially during the holiday season. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP364: What a Privilege to be Tired From My Work
12/01/2025
EP364: What a Privilege to be Tired From My Work
Eric discusses the philosophical concept that being worn out from work is actually a powerful sign of success. Triplet shares how he was inspired by the quote, "What a privilege to be tired from the work you once beg the universe for," which encourages listeners to reframe exhaustion as a blessing rooted in purpose. He recounts his career journey building aquariums and ponds, explaining the transition from hands-on labor to operating a large business, acknowledging that managing the "burden" of a growing enterprise is a necessary part of achieving his entrepreneurial dream. Triplet also reveals his newer role in mentoring and coaching fellow contractors through his "Train with Triplet" program, fulfilling an unexpected prediction that he would become a teacher. Throughout the narrative, he insists that gratitude is the key antidote to burnout, serving as a discipline necessary to appreciate one's current opportunities. Key Takeaways: View the fatigue from the work necessary to achieve your dreams as a privilege and a blessing. Treat gratitude as a discipline by constantly reminding yourself of the opportunities you have to serve. Use gratitude as an antidote to counteract feelings of professional stress and burnout. Do not allow the criticism or judgment of others to prevent you from pursuing your goals. Remember to soak up moments of success and continuously reflect on your achievements and wins. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP363: Living on the Edge: How Close Is Your Business to Broke?
11/28/2025
EP363: Living on the Edge: How Close Is Your Business to Broke?
Eric shares audio from a weekly coaching call primarily aimed at contractors and small business owners, emphasizing the fragility of their businesses and the constant risk of financial collapse, which he metaphorically terms the "contractor's glass floor." The discussion centers on the importance of proactive planning, understanding profit margins, and sales training to ensure business sustainability and the ability to "rebound" from unexpected setbacks like accidents, illness, or job losses. Participants share personal vulnerabilities and challenges related to financial management and the demanding nature of being an entrepreneur, underscoring the necessity of peer support and continuous training rather than operating in isolation. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on roleplaying and practicing communication skills to improve sales confidence and ensure proper client communication. Key Takeaways: Develop a clear rebound plan detailing how you would recover from major personal or professional risks. Refuse to become comfortable or complacent because relying on comfort often destroys a business. Work to fortify the financial foundation of your business so it can sustain disruptions without collapse. Continuously seek training and peer groups to avoid losing your edge and operating as a solitary entity. Thoroughly understand your operational numbers to ensure you charge profitably and avoid financing your own projects. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP362: The Hidden Skill That Separates Top Performers: Relentless Iteration
11/26/2025
EP362: The Hidden Skill That Separates Top Performers: Relentless Iteration
Today, Eric shares a "Weekly Compass Call," which focuses on the concept of iteration—the process of constant, small improvement. He emphasizes that continuous iteration is essential for personal and business growth, citing inspirational examples like the owner of the Savannah Bananas baseball team, Jesse Cole, who introduces 12 new ideas every game. The discussion identifies three main reasons why contractors fail to iterate: being overwhelmed by chaos in their business, succumbing to comfort, and expecting results too early. Eric asserts that improving sales processes and profits is the fastest way to overcome business chaos and commits to 52 weeks of webinars to help contractors outside of their current group. The call concludes with practical examples and roleplaying advice on improving sales communication, specifically by increasing consultation fees and developing confidence to handle objections, thereby fostering better business practices and personal relationships. Key Takeaways: Constantly perform and repeat processes, making slight improvements or adjustments with each attempt. Prioritize improving your sales process and profits to reduce business chaos and lower personal stress. Do not get comfortable with your current situation, as complacency kills progress and leads to stagnation. Enhance your communication by focusing on listening actively and asking thoughtful questions in business and personal relationships. Avoid letting negative past experiences with customers or people define how you approach new opportunities or interactions. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP361: If Your Pond Was Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner
11/24/2025
EP361: If Your Pond Was Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner
Eric, humorously emphasizes the necessity of properly cleaning and maintaining a residential pond before the Thanksgiving holiday. He uses the analogy of a pond "hosting Thanksgiving dinner" to illustrate the importance of presenting a pristine water feature, arguing that family members, particularly judgmental ones like "Uncle Steve," will inevitably scrutinize the pond while walking off their holiday meal. The podcast lists specific tasks, such as removing leaves, clearing algae, and checking the water levels, that a pond would "do" to prepare for guests if it were capable of hospitality. Finally, Eric urges listeners to either clean their pond immediately or call a professional for a last-minute service to ensure the feature is a centerpiece rather than an embarrassment, also offering a teaser for a future segment on Christmas gifts the pond "wants." Key Takeaways: Clean light fixtures on the underwater lights so the waterfalls are shimmering in the evening. Run a blower to clear leaves, pine needles, and debris away from the edges of the pond. Vacuum or sweep the bottom of the pond to remove excess fall leaves and maintain water quality. Call a local pond professional for an inspection or cleaning, even if it is close to the holiday. Trim plants surrounding the pond so the fish and waterfalls are clearly visible to visitors. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP360: The Thanksgiving Pond Intervention: Your Come-to-Jesus Moment Before the Holidays Hit Hard
11/21/2025
EP360: The Thanksgiving Pond Intervention: Your Come-to-Jesus Moment Before the Holidays Hit Hard
Eric provides a pre-holiday reality check for pond owners. He stresses that Thanksgiving marks the final opportunity to perform necessary fall and winter pond maintenance before the chaotic holiday season makes it impossible. Triplet uses urgency and fear of an embarrassing, neglected pond to motivate listeners, sharing anecdotes about clients who waited too long and suffered consequences, such as sick or dying fish. He advises listeners to immediately contact a local pond professional to get scheduled before December, emphasizing that proper maintenance reduces stress and protects their investment in their pond and fish. The episode serves as a firm warning that ignoring pond care now will lead to broken equipment, distressed koi, and increased personal stress during the holidays. Key Takeaways: Book service with your local pond professional immediately, aiming for a slot before Thanksgiving or in early December. Prioritize essential pond maintenance now because the holiday season rush has officially begun and time is running out. Proactively address pond debris and filter issues to prevent catastrophic pump failure and fish suffering during the holidays. • Always quarantine new fish before introducing them to your pond to protect your existing fish population. Maintain your pond as a beautiful oasis to reduce the stress and anxiety caused by holiday chaos and obligations. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP359: Iron Sharpens Iron - With Marvin & Nikki Joles of In The Mix Podcast
11/19/2025
EP359: Iron Sharpens Iron - With Marvin & Nikki Joles of In The Mix Podcast
Enjoy this conversation between Eric and the Jole's, Marvin & Nikki, focusing heavily on professional growth and community-building within the construction and asphalt industries. A central theme is the concept of "iron sharpens iron," which is discussed in the context of both personal development and professional accountability, particularly within coaching groups and through critiques during role-playing scenarios. The conversation highlights the unique work-life of one couple in the "dirt world" industry, covering topics like their joint attendance at industry conferences such as Equip expo and the Dirt World Summit, and the effort required for them to stay professionally sharp through observation, microlearning, and daily communication. Additionally, they discuss the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance while constantly traveling and managing content creation for the podcast . Key Takeaways: Embrace constructive criticism and difficult feedback as necessary steps in your personal and professional development. Stay observant and proactively pursue knowledge regarding new technologies and rapidly evolving industry trends. Commit to daily accountability and consistent effort in your pursuits to ensure continuous self-improvement. Practice open and transparent communication, addressing how situations make you feel without holding back. Actively build a strong professional community that provides support and allows for the honest exchange of ideas and challenges. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP358: How One Event Flipped Our Hustle w/ Larry Delisanti of Side Hustle Squad Podcast
11/17/2025
EP358: How One Event Flipped Our Hustle w/ Larry Delisanti of Side Hustle Squad Podcast
Eric's guest today is Larry from the The main topic of conversation is Larry's experience attending the Exposition, initially for equipment viewing, which unexpectedly led to a complete transformation of his business model—starting with raising prices, moving to better employee treatment, and adopting software like Jobber to streamline operations and payment collection. Both Eric and Larry emphasize the profound value of networking and socializing at these events, often citing specific learning opportunities that occurred outside of formal sessions, like at the bar. Larry also shares his strong positive opinion of battery-powered Kress equipment, despite initial employee resistance, highlighting the benefits of adopting new technology. Key Takeaways: Be courageous and implement steep rate increases for your services, followed by automated annual price adjustments. Adopt intuitive software to charge customers automatically upon job completion and instantly improve cash flow and eliminate outstanding debt. Prioritize socializing and networking at industry events because invaluable business insights often come from casual conversations. Eliminate the bottleneck of slow service by ensuring fast response times and quick quoting to capture new customers immediately. Make attending professional conferences a principled commitment because even a single piece of knowledge gained can radically improve your business. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP357: How Contractors Can Use AI to Bring Ideas to Life
11/14/2025
EP357: How Contractors Can Use AI to Bring Ideas to Life
Today's show documents a lively, late-night brainstorming session between two friends, Eric and Tyson, who are discussing branding and identity for Tyson's elite fire suppression business, Acefire. Fueled by whiskey and a fire in the background, the conversation quickly turns to leveraging ChatGPT, an AI tool, to formalize an "elite" group identity and an accompanying mascot, logo, and motto for Tyson's top employees. They discuss inspiration from military and fire department "brotherhood" aesthetics, focusing on a Reaper figure as a protector, and collaborate with the AI in real-time to refine the concept, ultimately deciding on the group name "The Fire Reapers" and the Latin motto "Morris Ignis" ("Death to Fire"). The discussion highlights the efficiency of using AI for creative framework development and branding execution. Key Takeaways: Structure complex professional knowledge by using AI to assemble your "brain dump" into a correct and usable framework. Improve client communication by summarizing lengthy technical explanations into concise descriptions that are easily grasped by those with little prior knowledge. Grow the perception of your company by establishing separate divisions for installation, maintenance, and service to create an image of authority and scale. Build internal pride and professionalism by visually recognizing your elite employees with accolades that reflect their high level of mastery and contribution. Maintain a commitment to excellence and growth by striving to constantly get better and encouraging your team to exceed expectations rather than settling for mediocrity. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP356: Negotiations Under Fire: Lessons From The FBI Down To The Jobsite
11/12/2025
EP356: Negotiations Under Fire: Lessons From The FBI Down To The Jobsite
Eric speaks with two former law enforcement officers, Chris and Dave, regarding their experiences with hostage negotiation training and undercover work, particularly on a Vice detail involving arrests for public indecency and the pursuit of pedophiles. They discuss how the principles of negotiation skills, such as active listening, mirroring, and building rapport, are surprisingly transferable to the world of sales and everyday life. The conversation shifts to intense anecdotes from their police careers, including a close-quarters knife fight and the emotionally challenging nature of interviewing suspects like child predators. Finally, they touch upon the challenges of modern law enforcement, including political pressures and issues within their former department, concluding with a discussion of Dave's current . Key Takeaways: Use active listening, mirroring, and paraphrasing techniques in everyday conversations. Mirroring is a simple technique of repeating a person's words to build rapport and prompt them to elaborate. Deliberately incorporate moments of silence into conversations to allow thoughts to gather and enhance impact. Continually practice negotiation philosophies because skills will degrade if you do not use them regularly. Identify potential verbal triggers beforehand so you know which topics or words to carefully avoid during sensitive discussions. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP355: Will ChatGPT Kill Google—and What It Means for Contractors
11/10/2025
EP355: Will ChatGPT Kill Google—and What It Means for Contractors
Timothy Warren of joins Eric on today's podcast. He discusses the impact of ChatGPT on the search industry and specifically on Google. Warren explains that Google had a "red alert" meeting after Chat GPT launched because the AI tool is superior to Google for complex search queries, though Google remains better for commercial, location-based searches. The discussion covers the history and rapid adoption of ChatGPT, Google's strategic response with tools like Gemini and AI Overviews—which are hurting many websites' traffic but serving Google's need to compete—and the changing landscape of jobs, suggesting that AI is replacing creative roles more quickly than technical ones. Finally, Warren offers practical SEO advice for businesses, emphasizing the need to validate SEO providers, focus on high-relevance, localized content, and the strategy of using multiple Google My Business locations to maximize local search visibility. Key Takeaways: Embrace AI tools like ChatGPT for complicated technical searches and rely on Google for commercial and local queries. Continually learn and grow with new technology, recognizing that sticking strictly to old methods can lead to job obsolescence. Use AI to help organize and framework your thoughts or complex talking points before delivering the final personalized content. When creating online content, focus heavily on content that is hyper-relevant to local, specific user intent rather than generalized blogging. If hiring an SEO company, immediately check whether they rank in the top three for "SEO agency" in their own city. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP354: Rise of the LawnBots: The Future Is Already Mowing
11/07/2025
EP354: Rise of the LawnBots: The Future Is Already Mowing
Eric has a conversation with Todd Zimmerman discussing , a company focused on electrification and robotization in the landscaping industry, particularly through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Kress offers two main product lines: professional-grade 60-volt battery-powered tools for commercial landscapers and a pro-grade homeowner line, both utilizing advanced battery technology for power and cost savings. The core of the discussion centers on their autonomous robotic mowers, including the homeowner-focused iPilot and the commercial-grade Voyager, which use a combination of RTK, stereo camera, and VSLAM technology for precise, pattern-based mowing and obstacle avoidance. Zimmerman highlights how these robotic mowers can transform the least profitable part of a landscaper's business into the most profitable by drastically reducing operating costs associated with labor, gas, and maintenance, while also addressing friction points and labor shortages in the industry. Key Takeaways: Embrace artificial intelligence tools to potentially help save both time and money in personal and professional applications. Landscapers should transition from gas-powered equipment to cordless products to realize significant annual operational savings per employee. Consider utilizing autonomous robotic mowers, which use virtual boundaries and object recognition, to handle lawn care even on steep slopes up to 39 degrees. Commercial operators can leverage autonomous mowing technology to convert the typically least profitable aspect of their business into the most profitable. Utilize management views and productivity reports in commercial apps to track crew efficiency, optimize travel routes, and accurately quote property jobs. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP353: Finding Your Voice with Mr. Producer
11/05/2025
EP353: Finding Your Voice with Mr. Producer
Eric sat down with , a seasoned podcast producer and former radio professional, to discuss his career journey and the evolution of audio communication. Mr. Producer shares how a chance encounter at age fifteen led him to a job in radio, detailing his practice of cultivating a powerful voice for the airwaves. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the shift from traditional radio to the rise of podcasting, highlighting how the fragmented media landscape has replaced the communal listening experience of the past. Mr. Producer also recounts his involvement as an "early adopter" of podcasting technology around 2004 and explains how he eventually retired from radio to help others launch and maintain their own successful podcasts, underscoring the importance of authenticity and finding one's niche in the current media environment. Key Takeaways: Define your personal "why" or purpose before embarking on a new project to ensure your efforts are meaningful to you. Embrace the fact that your initial attempts at a new endeavor will be your worst, and expect continuous improvement as you proceed. Work diligently to cultivate desired skills, such as reading aloud to practice pronunciation, projection, and tonality. Stick with your long-term goals and persevere beyond early discouragement, as consistency is key to reaping lasting benefits. Utilize new platforms like podcasting or content creation to document your journey, build credibility, and sharpen your communication skills. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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EP352: Who You Become When Your Back Is Against A Wall w/ Libby Delucien
11/03/2025
EP352: Who You Become When Your Back Is Against A Wall w/ Libby Delucien
Eric chats with and they discuss her remarkable journey from hitting rock bottom after a separation—being locked out of her house with nothing—to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the home service and software industries. She details how she leveraged her experience and skills to launch an organizing and cleaning company which quickly grew, leading to the creation of three separate software solutions for the industry. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on business philosophy, including the importance of a strong "why," leadership strategies, such as family quarterly meetings to prevent burnout, and innovative ideas like a tipping and Google review incentive system for her employees. The interview also touches on her experiences with mentors, notably Jonathan Potoschnik and Dan Martell, and her upcoming role as a speaker at Martell's event. Key Takeaways: View your business as a vehicle for a larger personal goal, keeping your self-worth separate from its daily performance. Find a powerful reason or "Why" for your actions that is strong enough to motivate you daily and make all excuses disappear. When starting fresh, use your past experiences and existing skills, such as being organized or structured, to accelerate your progress. Conduct regular family meetings to align on personal vision and schedule time off, ensuring you commit to these priorities before setting business demands. Recognize that intense learning and rapid execution are distinct seasons, and sometimes you must slow down the learning to accelerate execution. 🔗 Links and Resources Business & Sales Tools Pond Industry Resources Events & Communities Social Media
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