This episode of the Pond Digger podcast, hosted by Eric Triplet, focuses on the importance of going the extra mile, being kind, and bringing back tough love. Triplet and his guests emphasize that going the extra mile is a reflection of integrity, leads to repeat business, and sets a positive example for employees. They also believes that kindness is crucial for creating a positive work environment, fostering better production, and promoting overall mental health. The hosts discuss the decline of tough love in the workplace, arguing that it helps people develop self-awareness, resilience, and a stronger work ethic, while also shortening the learning curve and weeding out weak employees.

Key Takeaways...

• Always strive to go the extra mile in your work and personal life, as it is a reflection of your integrity and will lead to greater success.

• Cultivate kindness in all your interactions, as it creates a more positive and productive environment for everyone involved.

• Embrace tough love as a valuable tool for personal growth, as it helps develop self-awareness, resilience, and a strong work ethic.

• Remember that kindness and tough love are not mutually exclusive; you can be both kind and firm in your interactions with others.

• Strive to create a work environment that balances kindness with high expectations, leading to a more motivated and successful team.

Connect with Tyson: https://www.instagram.com/tysonmatyas/

Links to resources: 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

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 

This meeting of the contractor circle focuses on the importance of goal setting and accountability for the year 2025. Eric emphasizes identifying goals, reverse engineering them, creating a plan, and finding an accountability partner. He also highlights the significance of tracking progress through metrics and encourage participants to share their progress and challenges with the group.

Key Takeaways...

• Identify your goals for different aspects of your life including business, relationships, fitness, hobbies, and spirituality.
• Break down your goals into smaller steps and plan how you will achieve them.
• Find an accountability partner to share your goals with and who will help you stay on track.
• Track your progress regularly using metrics that are relevant to your goals.
• Celebrate your successes and don't get discouraged by setbacks - just pick yourself up and keep going.

Links to resources: 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

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 

Andy Jamieson, a natural pool designer from Cape Town, South Africa is Eric's special guest. The conversation begins with Andy's background in permaculture and his subsequent specialization in natural pools, spurred by a severe water crisis in Cape Town. Get ready to learn about the sustainable design and construction of natural pools, particularly Andy's innovative floating wetland systems as a cost-effective and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional pools.

The discussion further explores water conservation strategies, comparing approaches in South Africa and the United States, and touches on Andy's online course and community dedicated to DIY natural pool construction. 

Key Takeaways...

• Think critically about water usage and implement water conservation techniques.
• Consider converting a traditional pool to a natural pool for a more eco-friendly and enjoyable swimming experience.
• Floating wetlands are a cost-effective and efficient way to improve water quality in pools.
• Natural pools are living ecosystems that require observation and adjustments to maintain balance.
• Embrace sustainable practices and educate yourself on the benefits of living in harmony with nature.

Connect with Andy: https://www.instagram.com/leafandstone.naturalpools/

Links to resources: 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

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 

Eric's guest is Chris Phillips, a social media coach specializing in helping contractors grow their businesses. Chris emphasizes ditching excuses and consistently posting daily content, using a system he developed to distribute one post across seven social media platforms. He highlights the importance of showing the reality of the work, leveraging visuals and concise explanations to attract clients. The interview further discusses the benefits of building a strong online presence, emphasizing local hashtags and utilizing AI tools for efficiency, ultimately arguing that a robust social media strategy is an investment, not an obligation, leading to increased revenue and brand recognition.

https://craycraymedia.com/

Key Takeaways...

• Consistently posting on social media, even if it's just once a day, can lead to increased revenue and business growth.
• It's essential to use captions effectively, as they are now searchable by Google and other platforms, helping you reach a wider audience.
• Reusing old, successful content, even with slight modifications, can be beneficial in attracting new followers and going viral.
• Investing in social media coaching can provide valuable insights and strategies tailored to your specific business and needs.
• Building a strong digital footprint across various platforms creates an evergreen presence that showcases your expertise and attracts potential customers over time.

Links to resources: 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

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 

This special interview details the work of a Kenske Sito, the top koi fish shipment arranger in Japan. He describes the substantial volume of koi transported, peaking in autumn and spring, and the logistical challenges involved, including negotiating with airlines, handling damaged or dead fish, and ensuring proper packaging, especially during summer. Sito emphasizes the crucial role he plays connecting breeders with customers worldwide, highlighting the perishable nature of the product and the emotional investment breeders have in their koi. Finally, he touches on his family's history in koi breeding and his personal passion for the hobby, expressing a desire for global appreciation of koi.

Key Takeaways ...

• Life is full of risks, but by understanding and mitigating those risks, we can achieve great things.

• Building strong relationships is essential for success in any field, especially when trust and mutual understanding are paramount. 

• It's important to find passion in your work and strive to constantly improve your skills and knowledge.

• Recognizing and appreciating the hard work and dedication of those who contribute to our enjoyment is crucial.

• It is important to share your passions with others and inspire them to discover new interests and experiences.

Shintaro Koi Farm

Links to resources: 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

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 

Today's show features Eric's interview with Shigeru Mano San of Dainichi Koi, a highly respected Japanese koi farmer. The discussion centers on his koi breeding techniques, focusing on prioritizing body quality over pattern. He explains his meticulous selection process, revealing his large-scale operation and the significant effort involved. The interview also touches upon his business collaborations with his brothers and his ambitions in the U.S. market. Finally, he discusses his uniquely named koi varieties and his passion for the craft.

Key takeaways...

• Don't give up on your goals, even if they seem difficult to achieve.
• Trust your gut and your experience when making decisions.
• It's important to have a good work ethic and be passionate about what you do.
• Surround yourself with people who share your passion and can help you grow.
• Simple things can be beautiful and valuable.

Dainichi Koi Farm

Links to resources: 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

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 

There are a number of problems that arise when contractors do not focus on their sales process. Eric and Luke share how contractors should prioritize training their staff on proper sales techniques in order to convert leads into customers. When answering the phone, contractors should treat customers courteously and ask questions to determine their needs. Before discussing price, contractors should ask the customer if they are comfortable talking about money to avoid seeming pushy.

• Contractors may need to turn down potential clients if the client is not ready to invest in marketing due to internal issues, such as inadequate sales processes.
• When a contractor specializes in a niche market, they attract clients with more complex needs and goals, leading to more emotionally driven sales interactions.
• Sales training materials from outside of the landscaping industry can provide valuable insights for landscape business owners.
• Contractors should consistently evaluate their sales techniques and look for opportunities to improve.
• It's important for marketing agencies to offer support and training to clients who are struggling with sales.

Connect with Luke: https://www.instagram.com/landscape_seo

Links to resources: 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

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 

Today Eric talks with Tom Mays from SCAPE, the Southern California Aquatic Plant Enthusiasts. This volunteer-run, non-profit organization is celebrating its 20th anniversary of promoting the hobby of planted aquariums. The episode explores the club's history, its impact on the aquarium hobby, and the benefits of joining a community of passionate hobbyists. Listeners will gain insights into the world of planted tanks, including tips for beginners, the role of technology in the hobby's evolution, and the importance of conservation. Discover how SCAPE connects enthusiasts, fosters learning, and cultivates a welcoming environment for anyone interested in the fascinating world of aquatic plants.

Key Takeaways:

• Seek out local clubs and organizations that align with your interests, as these groups offer opportunities for learning, socializing, and sharing your passion with like-minded individuals.
• Embrace technological advancements and the wealth of information available online to enhance your knowledge and skills in your chosen hobby.
• Share your expertise and experience with newcomers to your hobby, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for beginners to learn and grow.
• Support local businesses and retailers who contribute to your hobby, recognizing their role in providing resources and expertise to the community.
• Never stop learning and exploring new aspects of your hobby, as there are always new discoveries and techniques to be found.

Connect with SCAPE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/scape/

Links to resources: 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

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 

The Rocky Mountain Koi Club, led by Elliot Virgil, is a thriving community of over 100 members who prioritize helpfulness and support within the koi hobby. Eric interviews Elliot and discovers the club's dedication and willingness to travel and volunteer at events like the All-American Koi Show, even when not showcasing their own fish. Elliot's personal journey in the koi hobby exemplifies his "all-in" philosophy, as his passion for koi grew rapidly, leading him to build an impressive 10,000-gallon pond and travel to Japan to purchase high-quality koi. This dedication and desire to help others succeed has contributed to the club's growth and success.

Key Takeaways...

• Embrace a helpful and collaborative attitude in your hobbies and communities, focusing on shared learning and support rather than solely on competition.

• Don't be afraid to "play all out" and pursue your passions wholeheartedly, as you'll likely regret the things you didn't do more than the things you did.

• Share your knowledge and enthusiasm with others, as it can create a ripple effect of positive impact and inspire others to join your hobby.

• Genuine care for others' success will often lead to reciprocal benefits, fostering a sense of abundance and community rather than scarcity.

• Be open to learning from others, even those with less experience than yourself, as everyone has unique perspectives and insights to offer.

Connect with The Rocky Mountain Koi Club: https://www.rockymountainkoiclub.org/

Links to resources: 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

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 

Today we feature Eric's weekly accountability call for contractors and entrepreneurs, "The Weekly Compass." The call participants discuss sales strategies, using the metaphor of a "new awakening" to represent transformative learning experiences. They analyze a sales interaction with a client needing a pond built, emphasizing strategic questioning and building rapport to guide the client toward a purchase. The discussion includes advice on how to outmaneuver competitors and secure the client's business.

Key Takeaways...

● Building a strong relationship with your customer is key to closing a deal.

● Understanding the customer's needs and challenges is essential to providing effective solutions.

● Asking thoughtful questions and listening attentively can help guide the conversation and build rapport.

● Being prepared to offer solutions and address concerns on the spot can demonstrate professionalism and expertise.

● Following up with customers and providing additional support can help ensure satisfaction and build long-term relationships.

Links to resources: 

Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com

Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com

The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com

Fitz Fish Ponds: Koi Trips

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

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