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.

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THE CONTRACTOR CONSPIRACY WEBINAR Thursday, January 8, 2026 7:00 PM EST

Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

• FREE Contractor Sales Training

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

• TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group)

• TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group)

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• The Pond Digger on Instagram

• The Pond Digger on Facebook

• Train With Triplett on TikTok

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.

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Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

• FREE Contractor Sales Training

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

• 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

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.

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Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

• FREE Contractor Sales Training

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

• TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group)

• TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group)

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• The Pond Digger on Instagram

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• Train With Triplett on TikTok

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.

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Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

• FREE Contractor Sales Training

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

• 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

Erica interviews James Hatfield, the co-founder of LiveSwitch, 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.

Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

• FREE Contractor Sales Training

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

• 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

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.

Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

• FREE Contractor Sales Training

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

• 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

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 CompanyCam 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.

Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

• FREE Contractor Sales Training

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

• 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

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.

Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

• FREE Contractor Sales Training

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

• 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

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.

Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

• FREE Contractor Sales Training

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

• 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

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.

Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

• FREE Contractor Sales Training

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

• 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