Today's guest is Jake Langeslag, a lifelong bird enthusiast and owner of Aqua Eden, a pond construction company based in Minnesota. Jake shares his wealth of knowledge on birds, discussing his passion for them since childhood, and recounts his encounters and experiences with different bird species.

In this episode, we talk about…

• Jake's introduction to birdwatching and the birding community

• Enhancing birdwatching experiences with ponds and water features

• Jake's journey of building a pond to attract birds and integrating it into his family's life

• Potential threats to fish in ponds from birds and other predators

• Bird behavior in different locations and habitats

• Apps that can help beginners learn about bird calls and identify birds in their area

• The joy and excitement of birdwatching and encountering various bird species

• Creating a natural habitat to support birdwatching

• Respecting and preserving natural habitats for insects and birds

• The red-headed woodpecker recovery program and the importance of leaving dead trees in the woods for birds

Mentioned

Aqua Eden Website

Aqua Eden Facebook Page

Jake's YouTube Channel

Links to resources:

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

If you have any questions, feel free to email Eric with the subject line "Persuasive Pond Design" at:

[email protected]

If you're into fisheries, aquariums, and the aquarium industry — this episode is for you!

Today's guest is Scott Crowe of Ocean State Aquatics. He talks about his journey from a fish hobbyist to a successful business owner, how the pandemic impacted his business, the importance of non-disclosure agreements in protecting your business, and much more.

In this episode, we talk about…

• Scott's transition from his love for fish to building it into a business.

• Freshwater vs. saltwater fishes — differences in care, expenses, etc.

• How the fear of competing with big companies like Amazon and Petco is destroying many retail stores in the aquarium industry

• Hobbyist vs. non-hobbyist clients in the aquarium industry

• Practices to scale and grow your aquarium business

• The use of non-disclosure agreements when hiring employees

• The impact of the pandemic on Scott's aquarium business

• Issues with the aquarium industry, such as a lack of regulation, misleading product labeling, etc

• The work involved in importing and caring for fish

• Advice for individuals looking to start a business in the aquarium industry.

Mentioned

Ocean State Aquatics Website

Ocean State Aquatics YouTube Channel

Ocean State Aquatics Instagram

Ocean State Aquatics Facebook

Today's guest is Anthony Quintero. Anthony is the owner of Koi Enterprise in Sacramento. His company specializes in everything koi, from the fish themselves to the ponds and supplies needed to care for them. Anthony shares why having koi fish is a big responsibility and explains the things you need to consider before buying them.

In this episode, we talk about…

• The misunderstandings people have concerning koi fish and their value

• Why koi fish are not only for the rich and wealthy

• The point at which the fish's value starts to decline

• Not basing the value of the fish based on what the market says

• How every fish is like a snowflake - they are all different

• Not falling in love with a koi's pattern

• Sympathizing with those who have lost fish

• The challenges of koi hobbyists

• Selling koi fish online

Mentioned

Koi Enterprise website

Anthony's Instagram Get his app

Links to resources:

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

If you have any questions, feel free to email Eric with the subject line "Persuasive Pond Design" at:

[email protected]

Today's guest is Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober. Ashton is a professional speaker and consultant who is an expert in all things "enneagram." Ashton explains the powerful impact this personality type system can have on not just your personal life, but the impact it can have on your business relationships.

In this episode, we talk about…

• How Eric's Sales Communication Coach introduced him to the Enneagram personality type system

• The history of this ancient, personality typing system and how it differs from other systems

• Taking two different number types and figuring out how to best work together

• The healthy version of your type versus the unhealthy version

• How people use their number type to justify their behaviors and make excuses

• The purpose of the enneagram and what certain terms mean

• The different types we are naturally drawn to

• Encouraging other contractors to use this system to improve their working relationships

Mentioned

Get Ashton's books Connect with Ashton on IG Connect with Ashton on LinkedIn

Links to resources:

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

If you have any questions, feel free to email Eric with the subject line "Persuasive Pond Design" at:

[email protected]

Today's guest is Chris Ashton of Enlighten Dog Training. Chris is a specialist in dog training and behavioral issues. He explores the unique bond between humans and their faithful companions as well as the benefits of giving your dog access to ponds and water features in backyards.

In this episode, we talk about…

• The importance of having a good sense of animals.

• How Chris became a dog trainer

• The reason why dog beach works better than dog parks

• Chris' experience of starting his own business in the pet training industry

• Strategies for managing dogs that love to swim but can potentially cause damage

• Tips on training different breeds of dogs

• The role of dogs as the first line of defense and how dogs have been with humans for a long time

• The idea of training dogs to keep ponds safe

• How dogs can be a great learning tool for children and teach them about responsibility, life, and death

• The benefits of giving dogs access to ponds and water features in backyards

• The importance of providing dogs with outlets for their natural instincts and needs

Mentioned

Enlighten Dog Training

Links to resources:

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

If you have any questions, feel free to email Eric with the subject line "Persuasive Pond Design" at:

[email protected]

Do you want your email newsletter to help turn people into customers? Today's guest Laura Reale will teach you how. Laura runs an email marketing firm and also owns a contracting business. Laura explains why email marketing is a vital part of any brand strategy.

In this episode, we talk about…

• What is email marketing and branding

• Why do you need to be collecting emails from your clients

• Tips and strategies for creating brand emails

• Getting people interested in what you do by email marketing

• Best practices for international email communication

• Insights into email marketing open rates

• The role of having a call to action in your emails

• Tailoring your emails to your client's interests and needs

• Common email marketing mistakes to avoid

• The dangers of inconsistent email marketing

• The importance of your marketing person to understand your industry

• Seeing email marketing as a customer service tool, not just sales

• Eric and Laura's experience with ChatGPT and the downside of using AI

Mentioned

Laura's Website

Links to resources:

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook TikTok

If you have any questions, feel free to email Eric with the subject line "Persuasive Pond Design" at:

[email protected]

Have you ever come across a bird that has fallen out of its nest? Have you ever wondered what you could do to help protect the wildlife in your backyard? Eric and Leslie share the best practices for rescuing and protecting wildlife in your backyard, including baby birds that have fallen out of their nests.

In this episode, Eric and Leslie talk about:

• The significance of preserving the beauty and safety of our feathered and furry friends

• The relationship between the pond and the surrounding wildlife and the impact that human actions can have on it

• Why cutting trees between March to September should be avoided

• Trimming trees to provide a safe and secure habitat for birds and wildlife

• Letting wildlife be wild and how humanizing them can shorten their lifespan

• Actions to take if a baby bird is found in the yard

• Safely picking up and returning a baby bird that has fallen out of the nest

• Communicating with tree trimmers and ensuring they are aware of the presence of wildlife

Links to resources:

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

If you have any questions, feel free to email Eric with the subject line "Persuasive Pond Design" at:

[email protected]

Today's guest is Jaak Harju. Jaak established his business, Atlantis Water Gardens, while balancing a full-time job as a union heavy equipment operator and eventually devoted himself solely to the business. Jaak shares some marketing strategies and what's working and not working for him.

In this episode, we talk about…

• Jaak's experience doing travel projects for Atlantis

• The market for water features and ponds is still underserved and has a lot of growth opportunities

• Local marketing strategies to promote your business

• The impact of your home life on your business

• The need to balance the costs and benefits of marketing projects

• The long-term benefits of marketing investments, such as evergreen marketing

• Jaak's experience working on a project with Shaq and releasing a Youtube video about it

• The significance of a supportive spouse for the success of your business

• The importance of knowing your numbers and bidding projects correctly

• Utilizing YouTube for evergreen marketing of your business

• The role of team building in the pond construction industry

Mentioned

Atlantis Water Gardens YouTube channel

Atlantis Water Gardens Facebook Page

Atlantis Water Gardens Instagram

Links to resources:

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

If you have any questions, feel free to email Eric with the subject line "Persuasive Pond Design" at:

[email protected]

This isn't the typical episode about building ponds or growing your contractor business. In this episode, Eric shares a story about a good friend who recently died due to suicide. Eric invites three close friends in order to discuss this difficult topic, as well as share beliefs about the afterlife.

In this episode, we talk about…

• Eric taking over his friend's aquarium business after his recent passing
• Whether or not ghosts exists and if they are visible
• Trying to figure out how to help the widow after his friend's death
• Seeing so many "666" numbers everywhere
• The odd "spiritual" coincidences that kept stacking up
• Eerie rocking chair experiences
• The vastness of the universe and our theories on the afterlife
• Our experience with loved ones and suicides

Links to resources:

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook TikTok

If you have any questions, feel free to email Eric with the subject line "Persuasive Pond Design" at:

[email protected]

Today's guest is Heather K. Story. Heather is an executive coach who specializes in the transformation of businesses. Heather explains why it is so important for contractors to understand body language, when interacting with clients and employees.

In this episode, we talk about…

• How getting some exposure to the science of body language can be a game changer
• Chemically preparing yourself to be in your best state - mentally, emotionally, physically
• Addressing the elephant in the room with potential clients
• Why Heather believes you should be picky when choosing your clients
• Recovering from a bad first impression - It's almost impossible to do
• Building rapport by mirroring others and being authentic
• The number one thing that will "make or break" any relationship
• Developing the ability to sense what is going on around you
• Posture, hand gestures, and foot placement
• The pros and cons of labeling people based on their personality type

Mentioned

Heather's website

Heather's Linkedin

Links to resources:

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook TikTok

If you have any questions, feel free to email Eric with the subject line "Persuasive Pond Design" at:

[email protected]