Today Eric emphasizes the crucial role of professionalism and word choice in sales interactions. He argues that just as one wouldn't appear in unprofessional attire for an in-person meeting, using inappropriate language or slang is equally detrimental to a client's perception. The episode provides numerous examples of unacceptable vocabulary in sales, such as "cost," "problem," "cheap," "try," or "part ways," contrasting them with more effective alternatives like "investment," "challenge," "cost-effective," "experience," and "agreement." The overarching message is that every word contributes to the client's perception of trustworthiness and competence, underscoring the importance of thoughtful communication in sales presentations and discovery calls. 

Key Takeaways:

• Always dress professionally for sales consultations to convey respect and seriousness.
• Refrain from using profanity, locker room talk, or casual slang in professional interactions.
• Choose positive and professional vocabulary, such as "investment" instead of "cost" and "challenge" instead of "problem."
• Frame your sales approach as a service or presentation aimed at helping clients, rather than merely "pitching."
• Be mindful that every word you use shapes the client's perception and can either build trust or create resistance.

🔗 Links and Resources

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 podcast discussion introduces the Enneagram, a personality typing system that categorizes individuals into nine core motivations, often grouped into three triads based on dominant emotions: anger (body types 8, 9, 1), shame/attention (heart types 2, 3, 4), and fear/anxiety (head types 5, 6, 7). Eric and Jess share personal anecdotes about how understanding their own and others' Enneagram types has profoundly improved their relationships and communication, highlighting the system's ability to offer empathy and insight into underlying motivations rather than just observable behaviors.

They also touch upon the practical applications of the Enneagram in business, emphasizing its utility as a tool for better understanding clients and employees and fostering healthier interactions, while cautioning against its misuse for manipulation. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the Enneagram's value in promoting self-awareness and personal growth, allowing individuals to recognize their strengths and become their "healthiest selves."

Key Takeaways:

• Begin by identifying your own Enneagram type to gain a profound understanding of your core motivations and inner world.
• Use the Enneagram to improve communication and build deeper connections with your family and friends by understanding their underlying motivations.
• Apply Enneagram insights to your professional life to better connect with and motivate employees, clients, and prospects.
• Recognize that giving language to your motivations provides you with greater control over your emotional life and how you respond to the world.
• Cultivate greater empathy for others by understanding the fundamental drivers behind their behaviors, leading to stronger, more meaningful relationships.

🔗 Links and Resources

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 centered on the metaphor of "juggling glass balls and chainsaws," representing the delicate balance between life's priorities. Eric introduces the concept from former Coca-Cola CEO Brian Dyson, highlighting that work is a "rubber ball" that always bounces back, while health, family, friends, and spirit are "glass balls" that can shatter permanently if dropped. Participants share personal experiences and insights on maintaining awareness, adapting to imbalance, and prioritizing self-care amidst demanding work schedules and personal life changes. The conversation also touches on effective communication in sales and the importance of understanding individual client needs in service-based businesses.

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize your health, family, friends, and spirit as they are fragile glass balls that can shatter, unlike work which is a rubber ball that always bounces back.
• Maintain self-awareness regarding the state of your personal priorities to prevent them from shattering and to make timely decisions and commitments.
• Instead of striving for a perfect work-life balance, learn to be adaptable to constant changes and imbalances in life.
• Break robotic communication habits to foster deeper relationships and more meaningful conversations in both personal and professional interactions.
• Actively focus on your core well-being, including health and spirit, as a foundation for managing all other aspects of your life.

🔗 Links and Resources

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 features a conversation with Gary Vaynerchuk advising small to medium-sized business owners, particularly those in niche outdoor living spaces, on effective social media strategies. He emphasizes the importance of IRL (in-real-life) live streaming, consistent multi-platform posting, and amplifying organically successful content with paid media. Gary also highlights the shift towards interest-based media, encouraging businesses to share content about their personal passions—even if seemingly unrelated—to attract high-net-worth clients, as these diverse interests can create unexpected connection points and leads. Finally, he advises against fixating on follower counts, advocating instead for a focus on crafting compelling content and flowing with the momentum of successful platforms.

Key Takeaways:

• Integrate your personal passions and diverse interests into your content strategy, as social media's "interest media" algorithms can connect you with unexpected, high-net-worth leads for your core business.
• Consistently post content daily across multiple social media platforms, including often-overlooked ones like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Snapchat Spotlight, to maximize reach and awareness for long-lead sales cycles.
• Amplify content that performs well organically with paid media, rather than spending money to promote underperforming content or focusing solely on vanity metrics.
• Prioritize the craft and process of content creation over fixating on specific numerical goals, allowing for natural growth and virality on platforms where your content organically flows.
• Build trust by being service-oriented and transparent, such as explaining who might not be an ideal client for your business, which can surprisingly make people want to hire you more.

🔗 Links and Resources

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 captures a conversation with Sasha, the father of Gary Vaynerchk, during a large-scale landscaping project. Sasha expresses his surprise at the project's magnitude and the extensive use of natural rock sourced directly from his property, which is unusual for projects in California. The discussion highlights the collaborative efforts of various contractors and the strategic placement of massive rocks and logs to create a natural, forest-like aesthetic around a newly constructed pond. Sasha also shares anecdotes about meeting the main contractor, Brian, through a search for pond toys, and a humorous story about Brian's eventual connection with Gary Vaynerchuk. The conversation concludes with Sasha's plans for further planting and considerations for managing the pond's electrical usage and dealing with local wildlife like deer.

Key Takeaways:

• Don't underestimate the scale of your dreams and visions, as the reality can be even more impressive.
• Recognize and utilize the resources readily available in your own environment, as they can be invaluable.
• Foster strong collaboration among diverse teams, as it can lead to amazing results.
• Practice consistently to master challenging tasks, as repeated engagement improves skill and quality.
• Trust your instincts and pursue your goals with determination, even when others doubt you.

🔗 Links and Resources

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 speaks with Tom Swinarsky, the Mergers and Acquisitions Specialist at Fitz's Fish Ponds, a rapidly expanding East Coast company. Swinarsky discusses his journey from retail associate to his current leadership role, highlighting the company's growth during the pandemic and his personal commitment to its success. He also shares recollections of rebuilding the Saddle River location and the profound impact of water features on his life and the community, emphasizing the historical and emotional significance of their projects. The conversation portrays the dynamic culture of Fitz's Fish Ponds and Eric's admiration for Swinarsky's contributions.

Key Takeaways:

• Cultivate a deep passion for your work and industry as it fuels dedication and opens doors for growth.
• Actively seek out learning opportunities and embrace new responsibilities to accelerate your development within a company.
• Prioritize building and maintaining strong personal connections with all colleagues, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
• Overcome self-doubt in the face of daunting challenges, trusting in your ability to contribute and learn from difficult projects.
• Find profound personal meaning in your professional endeavors to enrich your experience and recognize the positive impact you create.

🔗 Links and Resources

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 and Brian discuss the upcoming pond build for Sasha Vaynerchuk, father of entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk. Brian recounts his developing friendship with Sasha, which began with a sales lead for a pond renovation, and emphasizes the organic nature of their connection beyond mere business. The conversation also touches upon Brian's first interaction with Gary Vee at a basketball game, establishing a lighthearted relationship dubbed the "Koi boys." They openly discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by this high-profile project, including logistical planning and the potential for business expansion, while highlighting the value of mentorship and genuine relationships in entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways:

• Cultivate genuine relationships as they can open doors to unexpected opportunities and invaluable mentorship.
• Actively seek out and learn from experienced individuals, even if their advice challenges your current thinking.
• Embrace the roller coaster of entrepreneurship by leaning into challenges and taking calculated risks to drive growth.
• Prioritize meticulous planning and efficient execution, especially when facing tight deadlines and multiple demands.
• Focus on building your personal brand and sharing your unique expertise to attract new opportunities and foster industry growth.

🔗 Links and Resources

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 features an interview with Viet Huynh from Hygreen, a company introducing an autonomous, solar-powered robotic lawnmower called Go, designed for residential use. The discussion highlights the mower's advanced features, including an AI camera for precise mapping and obstacle avoidance, ensuring it stays out of designated "no-go" areas like ponds or flower beds. Eric and Viet explore how this technology offers convenience, sustainability, and time-saving benefits for homeowners, suggesting it could allow individuals to focus on other pursuits like gardening or enjoying their ponds. The conversation also touches on the potential for this innovation to redefine the landscape industry, allowing professionals to shift from basic mowing to higher-margin services. The product is set for mass production in October and aims for a February 2026 release, with future plans including an autonomous pool cleaner.

Key Takeaways:

• Reclaim your time by automating tedious household chores like lawn mowing to focus on activities you enjoy.   • Invest in smart home technology to enhance your daily life and free up personal time.   • Prioritize higher-value pursuits such as gardening or building ponds, by delegating time-consuming tasks.   • Opt for sustainable solutions like electric, mulching mowers to benefit the environment and reduce noise pollution.   • Explore new innovations that leverage AI and robotics to improve efficiency and convenience in your home and lifestyle.   🔗 Links and Resources

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's guests are Jeff Allred and Clark Maxwell from Fleetio. The discussion centers on Fleetio's software, which helps businesses manage and maintain their vehicle assets and other equipment. They explain how the software streamlines maintenance tracking, expense reporting, and communication among team members, ultimately aiming to save time and money by preventing breakdowns and inefficient spending. The conversation also touches on integrations with fuel cards and GPS systems, the maintenance shop network, and the cost-effectiveness of Fleetio for fleets of varying sizes.

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize preventative maintenance for your vehicles and assets to avoid more expensive repairs and downtime later.
• Adopt a technological system to track all your fleet maintenance and expenses, moving beyond manual methods like spreadsheets or memory.
• Empower your entire team to report vehicle issues through a shared platform, improving communication and speeding up necessary repairs.
• Utilize data and reporting tools to make informed decisions about your fleet, such as when to repair or replace vehicles.
• Cultivate a company culture that emphasizes the protection and efficient use of all business assets, from large machinery to small tools.

🔗 Links and Resources

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 interviews Todd Reinhart from Reinhart Services, live at the Lawn and Landscape Technology Conference. The discussion centers on leveraging technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, to scale businesses in the green industry. Reinhart emphasizes the importance of tools like ChatGPT as a "ride-along mentor" and details his company's use of AI for data analytics, robotic lawnmowers, and even experimental exoskeletons to improve efficiency and reduce injuries. The conversation also touches upon the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), based on the book Traction, as a framework for business growth through vision, people management, data, processes, and accountability. Ultimately, the episode explores the transformative potential of emerging technologies and structured business systems for entrepreneurs in the landscape and pond industries.

Key Takeaways:

• Actively integrate AI into your daily routine, treating tools like ChatGPT as a constant companion and mentor by paying for the advanced subscription model.
• Commit to continuous learning by regularly consuming educational podcasts and books to sharpen your mind and stay informed about new ideas.
• Consider implementing a structured operating system like EOS to clarify your business vision, align your team, and improve accountability and processes.
• Develop a visionary mindset by looking for connections between different industries and ideas to anticipate future trends and foster innovation.
• Prioritize self-betterment and learning from others over external comparisons, jealousy, or tribalistic thinking.

🔗 Links and Resources

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