By Eric Triplett
5
148148 ratings
The podcast currently has 211 episodes available.
Graham is a British contractor who specializes in restoring old French properties. He's been in business for 17 years, but he's struggled financially, particularly in the early days after having a daughter. Discover Graham's journey of transforming his business and personal life through sales training, specifically with Eric's coaching group. Graham recounts how he initially resisted joining the group, doubting the methods, and facing skepticism from his peers. He ultimately decided to commit to the program. The conversation highlights the importance of deep immersion in sales training and the power of consistent practice and feedback through role-playing. Graham shares how this training impacted his mindset, his ability to handle clients, and ultimately, his relationship with his family. He stresses the transformative power of the training, which allowed him to increase his income, achieve a better work-life balance, and improve his communication skills, particularly with his wife. Ultimately, Graham emphasizes the importance of taking radical action and seeking support within a community of like-minded individuals to achieve significant change in business and personal life.
Connect with Graham: https://dandgbuildingservices.com/
Key Takeaways...
● Sales and profits can increase significantly by implementing learned strategies like charging consultation fees and focusing on client needs instead of always aiming for the lowest price.
● Individuals can sacrifice valuable family time and personal well-being by working long hours for minimal profit.
● Support and accountability from a community of like-minded individuals can help people stay committed to their training and personal growth.
● Committing to a program and embracing the changes it requires can lead to positive transformations in business and personal life.
● Breaking free from repeating unproductive patterns requires taking radical action and seeking support from others.
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:
TikTok
Today we learn about the hobbyist life of John Kim, a man with an extraordinary passion for multiple hobbies, particularly those related to plants, animals, and aquatic life. John highlights the benefits of belonging to multiple communities, emphasizing the importance of learning from experts, sharing knowledge, and fostering a sense of belonging. He discusses the unique challenges and rewards of running a nonprofit organization, and how his personal experience with these groups has influenced his approach to both hobbies and life in general. Throughout the conversation, John shares practical advice and insider tips for aspiring hobbyists, emphasizing the importance of finding a local community and immersing oneself in the subject matter.
Key Takeaways...
● An individual's passion for their hobbies can lead to deep involvement in various clubs and organizations.
● Connecting with a local community of hobbyists offers numerous benefits, including access to expertise, trading opportunities, and a sense of belonging.
● Maintaining a separation between hobbies and income sources can help preserve the enjoyment and prevent reliance on hobbies for financial stability.
● In-person interactions provide a richer learning experience compared to online forums, fostering humility and deeper connections among enthusiasts.
● Sharing knowledge and resources with the public through participation in clubs and educational programs contributes to a broader understanding and appreciation of various hobbies.
Connect with John: john7429 @ gmail.com
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:
TikTok
This episode is from a coaching call for contractors hosted by Eric. The call centers around the importance of repetition and dedication in achieving success, particularly in sales. Eric uses the example of Jerry Seinfeld, who wrote jokes for two hours every day, regardless of whether he was working or not, to illustrate the power of consistent practice. He also emphasizes the importance of building strong personal relationships with clients and understanding their needs. Eric then shares his personal experiences in Louisville and Denver where he spoke to contractors about improving their sales skills, highlighting the need for self-awareness and adjusting pricing strategies. The call concludes with a discussion about the importance of trust, process, and building a strong company culture, highlighting the benefits of having a reliable right-hand person.
Key Takeaways:
● Consistent, dedicated practice is crucial for success in any field, whether it's writing jokes, improving sales techniques, or developing any other skill.
● Contractors should carefully assess their pricing and profit margins to ensure long-term financial stability, and avoid undercharging simply because they are booking clients far in advance.
● It is essential to have a well-defined process in place for all aspects of a business to maintain consistency, efficiency, and avoid making decisions based on emotion.
● Building a strong team culture that values open communication and accountability can lead to better decision-making and business outcomes.
● Taking the time to actively listen to clients and understand their needs, even when busy, can lead to uncovering hidden opportunities and building stronger 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:
TikTok
Today Eric is joined by Dennis Yu, a former search engine engineer. They discuss how to make your brand "googable"—easily discoverable on Google. Yu explains that this isn’t about SEO tricks but building a trustworthy, consistent online presence. He emphasizes linking your website, social media, and other digital mentions to create a unified brand image. Yu demonstrates how fragmented online identities can confuse Google and stresses the value of offering free content, building relationships, and positioning your brand to attract premium clients through trust and credibility.
Connect with Dennis: https://dennisyu.com/
Key Takeaways...
● To improve search engine rankings, it's essential to demonstrate proof of your activities and expertise to Google.
● Connecting all your digital assets, including websites and social media profiles, is crucial for establishing a strong online presence.
● Separate personal and business branding is necessary, with distinct websites and social media accounts for each, to avoid confusing Google.
● Content should be localized, explicitly mentioning cities and locations to signal relevance to local searches.
● Sharing knowledge freely can enhance reputation and attract premium clients who value expertise and are willing to pay for it.
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:
TikTok
Eric interviews Brett Raymer, a well-known aquarium enthusiast and former star of the Animal Planet television show Tanked. Raymer reflects on his experiences with the show, including its impact on the aquarium hobby, the challenges of fame, and the ways he continues to engage with fans. He also discusses his plans for future projects, including a new aquarium-focused television show, a training platform, and a potential line of aquarium products. Raymer's passion for aquariums and his commitment to sharing that passion with others is evident throughout the conversation.
In this episode they talk about...
● How Brett's show, Tanked, aired for many seasons and had over 150 episodes.
● How the show was successful internationally and was translated into several languages.
● Fans who approach him while traveling, even in China.
● How Raymer sometimes gets confused with people from the show Shark Tank.
● The development of his new show that is going to revolutionize the industry.
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:
TikTok
Eric and members of his "Weekly Compass Coaching Call" discuss the art of selling and how to effectively apply pressure in sales situations, using the analogy of a baseball game and the pressure players face during crucial moments. They further analyze a specific sales call that one of the team members had, examining how his approach could have been more effective. The podcast ends with the team deciding to stage a role-playing exercise, where one of the team members will act as a customer to help the others improve their sales techniques.
In this episode, they talk about...
• Building Confidence Through Discomfort: Examing the benefits of intentionally putting oneself in uncomfortable situations as a means of building confidence and improving performance. • The "Columbo Principle": Asking seemingly naive questions that encourage the prospect to reveal their true desires and priorities. By appearing less knowledgeable, the salesperson can guide the conversation in a way that allows the prospect to convince themselves of the value of the service being offered. • "Going Off the Record": How to use the phrase "going off the record" as a way to create a sense of trust and intimacy with a potential client. This approach can be effective for eliciting honest feedback and understanding the client's true concerns, particularly when price is a sensitive issue. • The Importance of Timing in Closing a Deal: In one example, a client's willingness to pay a premium for immediate service highlighted the value of recognizing a client's need for speed and responding accordingly. In another example, a speaker suggests that delaying a meeting until after a client closes escrow on a property could lead to losing the opportunity to another contractor. • The Power of Offering Referrals Strategically: Referrals can be a powerful tool when used strategically. For example, referring clients to other contractors who may not be as qualified or reliable can ultimately lead those clients back to you for superior service.
Links to resources:
Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com
Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com
The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com
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:
TikTok
Today's episode explores the crucial topic of risk management for contractors, featuring expert guest John Shelonko, a seasoned risk management professional. John and Eric are joined by Kathy Jo Ferreria from Eric's team. They discuss the importance of contracts, insurance, employee safety, and the potential pitfalls contractors may face if they don't proactively manage these areas. This conversation will help equip contractors with insights and practical advice to protect themselves and their businesses from unforeseen risks.
In this episode, they talk about...
The significance of additional insured endorsements in contracts, which protect homeowners from liability if a contractor's employee gets injured or causes damage to a third party.
The importance of contractors maintaining good relationships with their insurance agents to understand policy details and the implications of handling claims independently.
The risks associated with not reporting incidents to insurance companies, including the potential for increased premiums or policy cancellations.
Essential safety protocols for contractors, emphasizing communication, reinforcement, and leading by example.
Links to resources:
Contractor Sales Secrets: ContractorSalesSecrets.com
Water Garden Expo 2025: WGExpo.com
The All American Koi Show: AllAmericanKoiShow.com
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:
TikTok
Eric sits down with one of his longtime team members, Mark VanderWoude, for a bittersweet conversation as Mark is leaving The Pond Digger team to pursue a career in law enforcement. They discuss Mark’s journey from working on ponds to preparing for the police academy and reminisce about the good times, the challenges, and the strong bond they’ve built over the years.
In this episode, they talk about…
Mark’s decision to join the San Bernardino Police Academy and how his time at The Pond Digger prepared him
Mark’s early days at the ranch and how he transitioned into the construction team
Fond memories of out-of-town trips, team dinners, and the camaraderie within the team
Lessons Mark learned during his time at Pond Digger–the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and a strong work ethic.
The role of camaraderie and teamwork at The Pond Digger and how it compares to the camaraderie expected in law enforcement
The emotional challenges of leadership and the lessons Mark learned from working with a close-knit team
Mark’s long-term vision for his career in law enforcement and his goal of joining SWAT
Links to resources:
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:
TikTok
Today’s guest is Mark MJ Wilson, a.k.a. The Pond Advisor, from the UK. MJ has over 35 years of experience in the water gardening industry and has written the upcoming book, Pond Passion to Profit: Achieving Prosperity and Fulfilment in the Business of Water Features, to help hobbyists passionate about ponds turn their pond and water feature passions into thriving, profitable businesses.
In this episode, they talk about…
Mark’s new book, Pond Passion to Profit to help people turn their passion for ponds into a business
How can hobbyists passionate about ponds turn that passion into a profitable business
Stigma and challenges hobbyists face when they try to monetize their passion
The importance of understanding basic business principles like cost of entry, specialization, and cash flow management
Balancing passion, skills, and profitability when starting a pond-related business
The services and offerings of POND College—workshops, sandbox training, one-on-one coaching, etc
Mark’s personalized business coaching and mentoring programs
The role of accountability and discipline in helping entrepreneurs achieve their goals
The benefits of having a personal trainer or coach in business
Dealing with the voices in your head that provide unhelpful advice
The importance of having structure, discipline, and freedom in running a successful business
Mentioned:
Join The Priority List for Pond Passion to Profit book: https://www.inspiredbypublishing.co.uk/pond-passion-to-profit
The Pond AdvisorWebsite: http://thepondadvisor.co.uk/
The Pond Advisor on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePondAdvisor/
The Pond Advisor on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEhx1ZATHf4YjV4dDNfpDEQ
Mark Wilson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepondadvisor/?hl=en
Links to resources:
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:
TikTok
Eric interviews Ramy Guirguis, the organizer of the first annual LA Pet Fair. The LA Pet Fair is a groundbreaking pet show, which brought together a wide array of animals, reptiles, birds, aquatic animals, etc. It took place in June 2024. They discuss the fair’s origins, its success, and future plans for the fair.
In this episode, they talk about…
The origin story of the LA Pet Fair event
How Ramy overcame initial vendor hesitation to create a successful first-year event
The fair’s success and the response from vendors and attendees
Vendor spaces and booth management at the event
Future plans for the LA Pet Fair and potential improvements
Importance of cross-promoting the different exhibit areas (reptiles, aquariums, birds) to attendees
Ramy’s goal of growing the pet industry and introducing new people to the hobby
Ramy’s memorable experiences from the event
Mentioned:
Call Ramy Guirguis at (619) 281-PETS (7387)
LA Pet Fair website: https://www.lapetfair.com/
Reptile Super Show website: https://reptilesupershow.com/
Links to resources:
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:
TikTok
The podcast currently has 211 episodes available.
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