Eric interviews Mark Levenson, the Executive Editor of Coral Magazine, a saltwater aquarium publication, where he discusses the current state of the magazine and the hobby. Levenson notes that Coral Magazine is the last remaining publication of its kind, attributing declining sales to a vulnerable economy, international tariffs affecting advertisers, and a general lack of new, younger talent entering the saltwater aquarium community. He also describes the demanding process of producing the magazine, which is published six times a year, detailing his transition into the editor role without formal training following his predecessor's sudden death, and his ongoing work to ensure the content is accurate and well-referenced, even experimenting with AI-generated content to highlight its risks. The conversation also explores Levenson's personal history in the hobby, including his journey from a young enthusiast to a business owner and respected community figure who champions civility and education.

Key Takeaways:

• To ensure the longevity of a specialized field, actively work to foster and cultivate the next generation of experts and contributors.
• In business interactions, look beyond polite, silent rejections to understand and address the prospect's real insecurities or concerns.
• When faced with major personal changes, dedicate resources and energy to your own hobbies and passions for rejuvenation and a sense of self.
• Seek out educational conferences and gatherings related to your interests to gain expert knowledge directly and build a network of valuable contacts.
• When creating or managing a community, establish and enforce clear guidelines that prioritize kindness and respectful communication among members.

🔗 Links and Resources

Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett 

Pond Industry Resources

• The Pond Digger

• Helix Pond Filtration

• EasyPro Pond Products

• CORAL—The Reef & Marine Aquarium Magazine

• Atlantic-Oase

• Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips 

• Pond Trade Magazine

• Hikari Fish Food

Events & Communities

• 2025 LCR Summit (Oct. 20–21, Louisville, KY)

• EQUIP (Oct. 22 -24, Louisville, KY)

• TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group)

• TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group)

Social Media

• The Pond Digger on Instagram

• The Pond Digger on Facebook

• Train With Triplett on TikTok