Eric interviews Eric Cohen, a long-time figure in the aquarium industry, where he discusses his career evolution and current businesses, Blue Life USA and tankstop.com. Cohen details his early role as the second person to import live rock from Fiji to the US in the mid-1980s, sharing an anecdote about the first importer who went to jail for drug dealing. He explains how he co-founded Sea Dwelling Creatures in 1992, running it for 25 years before selling it in 2016 due to burnout and family health issues, driven by his growing focus on conservation. Cohen also discusses his re-entry into the livestock trade through tankstop.com, focusing on sustainable practices like importing real live rock from Australia and selling proprietary products through Blue Life USA, including the successful algae remedy Flux RX.

Key Takeaways:

• Be ready to seize unexpected business opportunities, even in the early stages of your professional life.
• Recognize the seasonal changes in life and be willing to step away from a demanding business due to burnout or family needs.
• Cultivate a spiritual or devotional practice, such as Bhakti Yoga, to help stay grounded and manage your ego.
• Provide exceptional and personalized customer service to ensure interactions remain enjoyable and keep people involved in the hobby.
• Embrace new passions, like e-mountain biking, to find physical activity and enjoyment later in life.

Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

Pond Industry Resources

• The Pond Digger

• Helix Pond Filtration

• EasyPro Pond Products

• Atlantic-Oase

• Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips

• Pond Trade Magazine

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

Today we are sharing a coaching session where Eric discusses the concept of "polite lies" in the context of sales, particularly for contractors. These lies, such as "let me think about it" or "I need to talk to my wife," are presented as symptoms of poor communication and a lack of trust or perceived value created by the salesperson. Eric emphasizes that contractors often fail to secure a deal because they talk too much, do not listen effectively, or do not build an adequate emotional connection with the prospect, leading to uncertainty and the prospect's polite evasion. The conversation highlights the value of consistent training and self-awareness to correct these mistakes, with participants sharing personal stories to illustrate how improved communication techniques, such as asking open-ended questions and prioritizing listening, can successfully "flip the script" and close sales.

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize listening more than speaking to effectively address the other person's uncertainties.
• Use any polite lies you hear as a gauge indicating that you need to work on your communication and self-awareness.
• Clearly outline processes and procedures so that others gain clarity on what comes next.
• Help others create urgency by asking them about the consequences of delaying their decision or project.
• Build genuine connections by allowing people to talk and share their stories rather than boasting about your awards or history.

Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

Pond Industry Resources

• The Pond Digger

• Helix Pond Filtration

• EasyPro Pond Products

• Atlantic-Oase

• Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips

• Pond Trade Magazine

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

Eric speaks with Shawn Hale, who is associated with the aquatic and coral hobby through ventures like Reef Builders, Reef Therapy, and the Reefstock show. The conversation begins with a discussion of Hale's multitasking lifestyle and previous experiences working multiple jobs to pay for school, contrasting this with the current challenges of managing his various professional commitments. A significant portion of the interview focuses on the Reeftock event in Las Vegas, with Hale discussing the marketing difficulties and lower-than-expected attendance for the inaugural show, while maintaining an optimistic outlook for its future. Hale also shares the emotional backstory of acquiring Reef Builders after the passing of its original founder, Jake Adams, and explains the platform's mission to provide diverse content—articles, videos, and podcasts—to educate and appeal to the broad reef-keeping community.

Key Takeaways:

• Dedicate yourself fully to your goals by accepting long hours and putting in the initial necessary grind.
• Always maintain an optimistic and positive mindset to maximize every opportunity, regardless of immediate circumstances.
• Be authentic in your personal and professional life and focus on being yourself instead of trying to imitate others.
• Analyze your mistakes and proactively plan projects, ensuring you allocate sufficient time and awareness for success.
• Maintain independence and credibility by diversifying your support structure rather than relying too heavily on any single source of influence.

Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

Pond Industry Resources

• The Pond Digger

• Helix Pond Filtration

• EasyPro Pond Products

• Atlantic-Oase

• Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips

• Pond Trade Magazine

Events & Communities

• 2025 LCR Summit (Oct. 20–21, 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

Today's episode is an interview with Ben, the owner of BSA Corals, focusing on his extensive experience and passion for the coral farming and collecting hobby. Ben, who has been in the aquarium business for over two decades, discusses his addiction to collecting high-quality corals and his strategy of sourcing directly from suppliers in places like Bali, emphasizing his preference for the "best stuff" rather than dealing with lower-grade specimens. The conversation covers the transition in the reef hobby from predominantly wild-caught organisms to modern aquaculture and mariculture practices, the use of nano reef tanks for portability, and the day-to-day operations of his 1,700-square-foot facility in Scottsdale, Arizona, which focuses heavily on propagating species like Eanthophilia.

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize quality in your endeavors, even if it means paying a little bit more for the best results.
• Cultivate a deep addiction or passion for your interests, as this drives superior results.
• Develop your visual intuition to understand the health and needs of a system without constant high-tech testing.
• Focus on propagation and growth to ensure you can keep resources for yourself while sharing success with others.
• Recognize that stability is key, as a good ecosystem allows things to be hardy and resilient to shifts.

Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

Pond Industry Resources

• The Pond Digger

• Helix Pond Filtration

• EasyPro Pond Products

• Atlantic-Oase

• Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips

• Pond Trade Magazine

Events & Communities

• 2025 LCR Summit (Oct. 20–21, 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

Eric focuses on the concept of the "one degree of correction," emphasizing that small, consistent adjustments lead to significant long-term results in both business and personal life. The discussion centers on the importance of tracking and visibility to identify issues, drawing parallels between steering an airplane off course by one degree and the cumulative effects of minor deviations in areas like caloric intake or construction project management. The latter half of the conversation features participants sharing personal struggles and strategies related to balancing entrepreneurial work with family time, highlighting the necessity of setting boundaries and prioritizing personal well-being to achieve overall success and avoid regret.

Key Takeaways:

• Consistently make small, one-degree course corrections to maintain your desired life trajectory.
• Clearly identify the destination you want to reach, or you will end up simply drifting.
• Stop guessing about key areas in your business or health and start tracking the important details for accuracy.
• Do not attempt to solve all problems simultaneously; instead, focus on correcting the one issue causing the most friction or time loss.
• Set aside intentional time for personal happiness and family, establishing hard limits that prioritize these important areas.

Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

Pond Industry Resources

• The Pond Digger

• Helix Pond Filtration

• EasyPro Pond Products

• Atlantic-Oase

• Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips

• Pond Trade Magazine

Events & Communities

• 2025 LCR Summit (Oct. 20–21, 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

Eric shares a "Weekly Compass" call, which serves as a business and personal development training session, emphasizing that "minutes equal money and mountains." He discusses the importance of tracking time, reducing workplace inefficiencies, and the cumulative impact of small, consistent actions in both business and personal growth. Examples range from calculating the financial cost of wasted time during meetings to highlighting participants' positive transformations in health and business success through daily, incremental improvements, or "the slight edge." The discussion also touches on the challenges of leadership, delegation, and maintaining personal well-being while striving for professional ascension.

Key Takeaways:

• Manage your minutes vigilantly to ensure they accumulate into wealth, not overwhelming problems.
• Incorporate small, consistent daily training moments to ensure deep, long-lasting growth.
• Strive for ascension in every activity, as every moment is either moving you toward growth or decline.
• Direct your attention toward educational content that furthers your goals rather than noise that creates frustration.
• If struggling or feeling self-sabotage, reset by returning to a simple, locked-in diet and prioritizing sufficient rest.

Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

Pond Industry Resources

• The Pond Digger

• Helix Pond Filtration

• EasyPro Pond Products

• Atlantic-Oase

• Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips

• Pond Trade Magazine

Events & Communities

• 2025 LCR Summit (Oct. 20–21, 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

Eric Triplet, and his guest, Tyson Matias, are focusing on pond maintenance and filtration. Triplet introduces The Clearwater Guarantee Experience segment, which highlights the Atlantic Oase product line and their promise of clear water if customers follow their program. The bulk of the discussion centers on Matias's personal experience with improving his backyard pond, specifically after Eric pointed out the presence of particulates despite the pond's meticulous design. Tyson recounts the year-long delay in installing the recommended FiltoClear pressure filter and his eventual satisfaction when the new system, which aids in removing solids, achieved crystal-clear water within three days. The conversation also touches on the three key aspects of achieving clear pond water: removing solids, biological filtration, and using a UV system to kill single-cell algae.

Key Takeaways:

• Establish a clear path to correction before attempting to fix a problem.
• Use a simple mason jar test to diagnose the specific particulates floating in your water.
• Apply constructive pessimism to identify flaws and continuously make things better.
• Hide necessary but unsightly equipment using creativity, such as fake rocks or strategically placed plants.
• Implement the three essential phases of clear water maintenance: removing solids, biological filtration, and UV exposure.

Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

Pond Industry Resources

• The Pond Digger

• Helix Pond Filtration

• EasyPro Pond Products

• Atlantic-Oase

• Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips

• Pond Trade Magazine

Events & Communities

• 2025 LCR Summit (Oct. 20–21, 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

Today's episode focuses on the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, which Eric and participants express sadness and distress over, tying the event to broader societal issues like the decline of free speech and civil discourse. Triplett emphasizes that the conversation is not political but rather focuses on the values Kirk stood for, such as logic, integrity, gratitude, and clear communication, applying these lessons to their audience of contractors and business leaders. Other participants share their emotional struggles, condemn the violence, and discuss the need for empathy, listening, and leading with core values like family and faith in response to traumatic events.

Key Takeaways:

• Practice clear thinking and use logic instead of defaulting to outrage.
• Cultivate civil discourse by listening more and seeking to understand opposing viewpoints with empathy.
• Guard your words, speak with precision, and avoid gossip or name-calling.
• Lead with core values like gratitude, honesty, respect, and integrity in all aspects of your life.
• Spend more dedicated time with your family and loved ones.

Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

Pond Industry Resources

• The Pond Digger

• Helix Pond Filtration

• EasyPro Pond Products

• Atlantic-Oase

• Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips

• Pond Trade Magazine

Events & Communities

• 2025 LCR Summit (Oct. 20–21, 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

This episode explores the concept of a "triple threat" across various aspects of life, including sports, music, business, sales, personal growth, family, and health. Eric and Tyson discuss how excelling in three key areas defines a standout individual or entity. For instance, in baseball, a triple crown hitter masters home runs, RBIs, and stolen bases, while a successful band needs lyrics, stage presence, and captivating musicality. The conversation emphasizes that identifying and cultivating these three crucial elements can lead to greater success and a more well-rounded approach in any endeavor.

Key Takeaways:

• Apply the triple threat concept to your passions and life goals, recognizing that good things often happen in threes and lead to balance and completeness.
• Cultivate a strong mindset, rigorous discipline, and positive habits to foster continuous personal growth.
• Prioritize your family by being present, showing love and attention, and dedicating quality time.
• Achieve optimal health through balanced nutrition, consistent physical training, and adequate recovery or sleep.
• Approach sales and personal interactions with empathy, educational value, and clear communication to serve others effectively and build trust.

Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

Pond Industry Resources

• The Pond Digger

• Helix Pond Filtration

• EasyPro Pond Products

• Atlantic-Oase

• Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips

• Pond Trade Magazine

Events & Communities

• 2025 LCR Summit (Oct. 20–21, 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

Today's lively discussion is primarily focusing on the concept of assertiveness. Eric and his guests share personal anecdotes, including one individual's significant weight loss journey achieved through healthy eating, and another's experience meeting renowned entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk. A significant portion of the conversation explores the nuances of assertiveness in various contexts, particularly in sales and client interactions, distinguishing it from aggression or passivity. The group further illustrates assertiveness through a humorous story about a difficult client and also mentions the qualities that billionaires share, as described by a coach.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand that assertiveness is about confident self-expression, not aggression or being pushy.
• Actively seek out and place yourself in positions that offer learning and opportunity.
• Communicate clearly and confidently to establish certainty and efficiently manage time for all parties.
• Challenge any negative beliefs you hold about being assertive, recognizing its positive impact on your life and interactions.
• Avoid making assumptions about others' capabilities and instead, confidently present all available options.

Business & Sales Tools

• Contractor Sales Secrets

• Book a Call with Eric Triplett

Pond Industry Resources

• The Pond Digger

• Helix Pond Filtration

• EasyPro Pond Products

• Atlantic-Oase

• Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips

• Pond Trade Magazine

Events & Communities

• 2025 LCR Summit (Oct. 20–21, 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