Podcast
The Deep End with Eric Triplett
Hosted by Eric Triplett · EN
The Deep End with Eric Triplett is a show for contractors, builders, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, and leaders who want to sharpen their mindset, elevate their performance, and build remarkable lives.
Hosted by Eric Triplett — "The Pond Digger" — a lifelong tradesman and 7-figure contractor, this podcast dives into leadership, sales communication, business systems, discipline, and personal mastery… all grounded in Eric's decades of experience in construction, aquatics, and high-level coaching.
Here, you'll also hear powerful conversations on aquatics, wildlife, and the water world that shaped Eric's career — from ponds and koi to aquariums and life outdoors.
Whether you're running crews, running a business, or running toward a better version of yourself, this show challenges you to go deeper through depth, discipline, and diligence.
Welcome to The Deep End — where trades meet transformation.
63episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
S2-E52: The Cost of Being the Face of the Brand with Mike Garvey
2d ago00:39:47Summary readyEric and Mike Garvey from The Side Hustle Squad Podcast discuss the complexities of scaling a company when the founder serves as the primary personal brand. He recounts how his business, The Pond Digger, evolved from a solo identity into a team-oriented culture by intentionally highlighting his employees' diverse personalities. Triplett emphasizes that while being the face of a brand builds initial trust, it can eventually create a bottleneck if customers only want to work with the owner. The conversation explores strategies for succession and growth, such as introducing co-hosts or using timeless mascots to ensure the business can thrive independently. Key Takeaways: Intentionally transition trust from yourself to your team members so the business can scale beyond your personal involvement. Develop diverse personalities within your organization to help your brand connect with a broader range of potential clients. Focus on building a professional team culture that delivers consistent quality without requiring your physical presence on every job site. Consider creating a timeless or abstract visual brand identity to prevent your business's image from being tied to the aging process of a single person. Protect your personal time and boundaries by establishing professional communication channels instead of giving out your personal contact information to every client. 🔱 Links & Resources 🚨 Sign Up for Eric's Email List https://forms.gle/QdcEbai6yPmpzhyn7 🌿 Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger https://theponddigger.com/ Helix Pond Filtration http://helixpondfiltration.com/ Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips https://fitzfishponds.com/koi-trips/ Pond Trade Magazine https://www.pondtrademag.com/ 📱 Connect The Pond Digger on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theponddigger The Pond Digger on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theponddigger Train With Triplett on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@trainwithtriplett 📅 Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/twtcontractorcircle 💼 Sponsors LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/TheDeepEnd
SummaryS2-E51: 25 Years Later: The Pond That Never Gave Up on Its Owner with Shad Dixon
5d ago00:53:37Summary readyThis episode explores the enduring legacy of a water feature designed and constructed by Eric Triplett for his friend Shad Dixon twenty-five years ago. While many homeowners initially install ponds for aesthetic beauty or relaxation, the conversation reveals how these aquatic ecosystems become integral characters in a family's life story. Over two decades, the pond remained a constant through major life transitions, including raising children, navigating divorce, and eventually caring for an aging parent. Despite years of varying maintenance, the original equipment and koi have survived, proving the long-term value of quality craftsmanship. Key Takeaways: Invest in a permanent backyard focal point to create a lasting environment where your family's history and memories can grow over many years. Dedicate a specific area of your home to quiet reflection and nature, such as a pond or garden, to help manage the stresses of daily life. Accept that meaningful hobbies and property improvements require consistent work and maintenance to provide long-term emotional and aesthetic rewards. Encourage children to engage with the natural world through simple, unstructured play in a safe, outdoor aquatic setting. Prioritize quality craftsmanship and reliable materials in home projects to ensure your investments stand the test of time and remain functional through significant life transitions. 🔱 Links & Resources 🚨 Sign Up for Eric's Email List https://forms.gle/QdcEbai6yPmpzhyn7 🌿 Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger https://theponddigger.com/ Helix Pond Filtration http://helixpondfiltration.com/ Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips https://fitzfishponds.com/koi-trips/ Pond Trade Magazine https://www.pondtrademag.com/ 📱 Connect The Pond Digger on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theponddigger The Pond Digger on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theponddigger Train With Triplett on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@trainwithtriplett 📅 Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/twtcontractorcircle 💼 Sponsors LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/TheDeepEnd
SummaryS2-E50: When Does Your Side Hustle Become A Distraction with Mike Garvey of Side Hustle Squad Podcast
1w ago00:33:24Summary readyEric Triplett and Mike Garvey discuss the complex transition from a side hustle to a legitimate business. Eric reflects on his decision to pause a coaching venture to refocus on his primary passion for aquatic ecosystem design and filtration technology. The conversation contrasts their professional journeys, highlighting how Mike built a business while serving as a state trooper, whereas Triplett turned a lifelong obsession with fish breeding into a career. They explore the motivations behind pursuing supplemental income, noting that some ventures serve as financial safety nets while others are purely for personal fulfillment. Key Takeaways: Start planning your post-career business years in advance to ensure you have a thriving foundation to step into when you retire. Operate your side hustle as a legitimate business from day one by securing proper licensing, insurance, and professional branding. Develop the discipline to step away from good opportunities when they begin to pull time and focus away from your primary mission. Leverage your personal passions and deep expertise to create a unique professional position that sets you apart from your competitors. Utilize a side hustle to provide creative fulfillment and joy if your primary career focuses mainly on stability and financial security. 🔱 Links & Resources 🚨 Sign Up for Eric's Email List https://forms.gle/QdcEbai6yPmpzhyn7 🌿 Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger https://theponddigger.com/ Helix Pond Filtration http://helixpondfiltration.com/ Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips https://fitzfishponds.com/koi-trips/ Pond Trade Magazine https://www.pondtrademag.com/ 📱 Connect The Pond Digger on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theponddigger The Pond Digger on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theponddigger Train With Triplett on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@trainwithtriplett 📅 Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/twtcontractorcircle 💼 Sponsors LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/TheDeepEnd
SummaryS2-E49: Behind the Booth: The Pond Digger Team's LA Pet Fair Experience
2w ago01:01:42Summary readyEnjoy a behind-the-scenes debrief from "The Deep End" podcast, where host Eric Triplet and his crew discuss their experience at the LA Pet Fair. The team explores the preparation and logistics required for the event, highlighting the transition from napkin sketches to handcrafted wooden plant displays. They credit the booth's success to a high-energy atmosphere, tropical soundscapes, and the centerpiece attraction: a massive Victoria lily. Each member offers a unique perspective on the fair, ranging from the challenges of security and humidity to the joy of educating new hobbyists. The conversation emphasizes the camaraderie and teamwork necessary to build a successful brand rooted in a passion for aquatic ecosystems. Key Takeaways: Approach every interaction with genuine kindness and a smile, as being authentically nice can help you navigate difficult logistical hurdles and solve problems more quickly. Use high-visibility branding and consistent attire to make your team stand out and ensure potential customers can easily identify who is there to help them. Focus on the presentation and elevation of your work to show its true value, as demonstrating how a product fits into a lifestyle is more impactful than just displaying the item itself. Remain flexible and willing to pivot your strategy when time or resources are tight, allowing your team's creativity to take over when original plans become unfeasible. Incorporate sensory elements like sound and lighting into your environment to create an immersive atmosphere that naturally attracts interest and keeps people engaged. 🔱 Links & Resources 🚨 Sign Up for Eric's Email List https://forms.gle/QdcEbai6yPmpzhyn7 🌿 Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger https://theponddigger.com/ Helix Pond Filtration http://helixpondfiltration.com/ Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips https://fitzfishponds.com/koi-trips/ Pond Trade Magazine https://www.pondtrademag.com/ 📱 Connect The Pond Digger on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theponddigger The Pond Digger on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theponddigger Train With Triplett on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@trainwithtriplett 📅 Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/twtcontractorcircle 💼 Sponsors LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/TheDeepEnd
SummaryS2-E48: The Mission Only Grows as Fast as the People Do - w/ Mike Garvey of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast
2w ago00:40:41Summary readyIn this podcast, Eric and Mike Garvey explore the transformative philosophy that scaling a business is fundamentally about scaling people. He recounts his professional evolution from a solo entrepreneur to the leader of a team, emphasizing that investing in employees is the only way to achieve a $50 million vision. Triplett explains how empowering staff to handle sales and technical decisions removes him as a bottleneck, ultimately fostering a culture of excellence and personal growth. The discussion highlights that setting high standards and providing daily motivation through team meetings are essential for building a successful brand. Key Takeaways: Shift your focus from the tasks you perform to the people you lead by making their professional and personal growth your primary mission. Empower your team members by teaching them the skills to handle more responsibilities, which frees you up to focus on scaling the bigger vision. Implement a multi-stage interview process that prioritizes cultural alignment and core values over technical experience alone. Establish clear standards of excellence and hold everyone accountable to them to ensure the entire team operates at a high level. Host brief daily meetings focused on celebrating wins and tracking metrics to keep your team energized, connected, and motivated. 🔱 Links & Resources 🚨 Sign Up for Eric's Email List https://forms.gle/QdcEbai6yPmpzhyn7 🌿 Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger https://theponddigger.com/ Helix Pond Filtration http://helixpondfiltration.com/ Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips https://fitzfishponds.com/koi-trips/ Pond Trade Magazine https://www.pondtrademag.com/ 📱 Connect The Pond Digger on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theponddigger The Pond Digger on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theponddigger Train With Triplett on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@trainwithtriplett 📅 Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/twtcontractorcircle 💼 Sponsors LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/TheDeepEnd
SummaryS2-E47: A Look Inside The Machine - With Employee Jacob Orduno
3w ago02:15:02Summary readyEric interviews his twenty-year-old apprentice, Jacob Orduno, as part of a series titled "Look Inside the Machine." The conversation highlights Jacob's exceptional work ethic and "old soul" demeanor, attributes that have allowed him to thrive in a demanding construction and ranching environment. They explore the importance of clear expectations and personal accountability, contrasting Jacob's dedication to long-term mentorship with the short-term financial focus of his peers. Triplet reflects on his own leadership evolution, specifically his shift toward investing heavily in his team's growth and organizational culture. Key Takeaways: Prioritize long-term mentorship and growth opportunities over immediate, higher-paying jobs that offer no clear path toward your ultimate dreams. Present yourself with professional excellence and integrity in every situation to reflect your personal values and maintain a high standard of character. Actively observe and analyze the behaviors and decision-making processes of experienced leaders to gain valuable insights that cannot be learned through traditional instruction. View constructive criticism and the need to redo work as essential learning moments that help align your performance with a higher standard of quality. Maintain a long-term perspective by focusing on your ultimate vision rather than rushing major life decisions or settling for short-term comfort. 🔱 Links & Resources 🚨 Sign Up for Eric's Email List https://forms.gle/QdcEbai6yPmpzhyn7 🌿 Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger https://theponddigger.com/ Helix Pond Filtration http://helixpondfiltration.com/ Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips https://fitzfishponds.com/koi-trips/ Pond Trade Magazine https://www.pondtrademag.com/ 📱 Connect The Pond Digger on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theponddigger The Pond Digger on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theponddigger Train With Triplett on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@trainwithtriplett 📅 Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/twtcontractorcircle 💼 Sponsors LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/TheDeepEnd
SummaryS2-E46: When The Mission Gets Muddy & How Many Businesses is Too Many with Mike Garvey - Side Hustle Squad Podcast
3w ago00:35:30Summary readyEric is back with guest Mike Garvey discussing the challenges of managing multiple businesses. Triplet reflects on his own professional journey, explaining how excessive diversification across construction, manufacturing, and coaching began to dilute his brand's impact. The conversation highlights the importance of focus, referencing advice from business leaders like Warren Buffett to eliminate distractions and prioritize a core mission. Both men explore how effective delegation and empowering a trusted team are essential for scaling without suffering from burnout. Key Takeaways: Identify your top interests and eliminate the majority to focus your energy on the two most impactful goals rather than being mediocre at ten. Empower your team by delegating decision-making authority so that the business can continue to grow and function effectively without you being the bottleneck for every task. Prune back projects or business branches that are draining your resources and distracting you from your primary mission and core passions. Prioritize mastering and scaling a single mission before attempting to diversify into unrelated industries that can dilute your brand and expertise. Share your vision and offer performance-based incentives to motivate team members to take ownership of their roles and drive the business forward. 🔱 Links & Resources 🚨 Sign Up for Eric's Email List https://forms.gle/QdcEbai6yPmpzhyn7 🛠 Business & Sales Tools Contractor Sales Secrets https://contractorsalessecrets.com/ Book a Call with Eric Triplett https://www.twtcontractorcoaching.com/callwithtriplett FREE Contractor Sales Training https://www.twtcontractorcoaching.com/cc 🌿 Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger https://theponddigger.com/ Helix Pond Filtration http://helixpondfiltration.com/ Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips https://fitzfishponds.com/koi-trips/ Pond Trade Magazine https://www.pondtrademag.com/ 📱 Connect The Pond Digger on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theponddigger The Pond Digger on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theponddigger Train With Triplett on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@trainwithtriplett 📅 Events & Communities TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group) https://www.facebook.com/groups/twtcontractorcircle TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group) https://www.facebook.com/groups/twtcontractorpowercircle 💼 Sponsors LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/TheDeepEnd
SummaryS2-E45: The Race Isn't Won at the First Turn
May 1100:30:59Summary readyEric uses the Kentucky Derby as a powerful metaphor for entrepreneurial persistence and personal growth. He highlights the story of a horse named Golden Tempo and its trainer, the first woman to win the race, to demonstrate that a poor starting position does not dictate one's ultimate success. Triplet argues that contractors and business owners often feel defeated by current hardships, but he insists that mental resilience and internal dialogue are the keys to a late-game victory. By focusing on discipline and belief rather than early-stage sprinting, individuals can overcome long odds and industry skepticism. Key Takeaways: Don't let your current position in life or business dictate where you will finish or define your ultimate potential. Master your internal dialogue by talking to yourself with the determination to win instead of just trying to avoid failure. Embrace persistence and realize that history does not care how old you are or how long it takes for you to reach your goals. Pursue your vision without seeking permission from competitors, family members, or industry critics who may doubt your path. Maintain a steady and disciplined pace to endure long-term pressure rather than burning out from an unsustainable early sprint. 🔱 Links & Resources 🚨 Sign Up for Eric's Email List https://forms.gle/QdcEbai6yPmpzhyn7 🛠 Business & Sales Tools Contractor Sales Secrets https://contractorsalessecrets.com/ Book a Call with Eric Triplett https://www.twtcontractorcoaching.com/callwithtriplett FREE Contractor Sales Training https://www.twtcontractorcoaching.com/cc 🌿 Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger https://theponddigger.com/ Helix Pond Filtration http://helixpondfiltration.com/ Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips https://fitzfishponds.com/koi-trips/ Pond Trade Magazine https://www.pondtrademag.com/ 📱 Connect The Pond Digger on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theponddigger The Pond Digger on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theponddigger Train With Triplett on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@trainwithtriplett 📅 Events & Communities Profit Accelerator Live - June 26-27 * Richmond, VA https://www.eventbrite.com/e/profit-accelerator-live-tickets-1983337228039 TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group) https://www.facebook.com/groups/twtcontractorcircle TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group) https://www.facebook.com/groups/twtcontractorpowercircle 💼 Sponsors LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/TheDeepEnd
SummaryS2-E44: You Can't Fix What You Can't See - Contractor Edition with Naylor Taliaferro
May 801:08:02Summary readyEric talks with Naylor Taliaferro about the hidden "blind spots" that prevent contractors from achieving growth. Taliaferro shares his journey from a soul-crushing corporate career to finding fulfillment by building a successful lawn care business and mentoring others in the industry. The conversation highlights the importance of mindset, specifically debunking the myth that "time is money" to help entrepreneurs prioritize their personal lives and long-term health. They promote the upcoming Profit Accelerator Live event, a hands-on workshop designed to help landscape professionals master money management and operational efficiency. Key Takeaways: Recognize that time is infinitely more valuable than money because it is the only resource that can never be recovered once it is spent. Schedule your life priorities first, including family and health, so that your business is built around your personal needs instead of the other way around. Prioritize mindset shifts over technical tactics, as your underlying beliefs determine whether you will successfully implement new business strategies. Seek out intimate mastermind groups to gain specific business advice that addresses your unique hurdles rather than only attending large-scale lectures. Identify hidden blind spots by engaging with mentors and communities that can highlight the costly mistakes you aren't yet aware of. 🔱 Links & Resources 🚨 Sign Up for Eric's Email List https://forms.gle/QdcEbai6yPmpzhyn7 🛠 Business & Sales Tools Contractor Sales Secrets https://contractorsalessecrets.com/ Book a Call with Eric Triplett https://www.twtcontractorcoaching.com/callwithtriplett FREE Contractor Sales Training https://www.twtcontractorcoaching.com/cc 🌿 Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger https://theponddigger.com/ Helix Pond Filtration http://helixpondfiltration.com/ Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips https://fitzfishponds.com/koi-trips/ Pond Trade Magazine https://www.pondtrademag.com/ 📱 Connect The Pond Digger on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theponddigger The Pond Digger on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theponddigger Train With Triplett on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@trainwithtriplett 📅 Events & Communities Profit Accelerator Live - June 26-27 * Richmond, VA https://www.eventbrite.com/e/profit-accelerator-live-tickets-1983337228039 TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group) https://www.facebook.com/groups/twtcontractorcircle TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group) https://www.facebook.com/groups/twtcontractorpowercircle 💼 Sponsors LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/TheDeepEnd
SummaryS2-E43: Are You Being Pushed by Pain… or Pulled by Purpose?
May 400:58:38Summary readyEric explores the dynamic between push and pull motivation, emphasizing the power of a compelling future vision to drive business growth. He argues that most entrepreneurs are merely pushed by immediate stressors like bills, whereas a defined, long-term goal acts as a gravitational force that attracts opportunities and accountability. To illustrate this transition, Eric discusses his own objective of building a $50 million brand through intentional team training and standardized operating procedures. Participants in the call share personal successes with these principles, such as overcoming limiting beliefs and improving sales techniques through silence and direct communication. Key Takeaways: Define a vision so big and compelling that it pulls you toward your goals rather than waiting for external pain to push you into action. Transition from being the sole source of knowledge to creating written or video standard operating procedures that allow your business to scale. Commit to training your team members daily to improve their performance and increase the overall value they bring to the company. Implement daily sync meetings to ensure everyone is aligned on tasks and to address issues before they become major problems. Stop waiting for customers to find you and instead proactively pursue your ideal clients through direct outreach and personal connections. 🔱 Links & Resources 🚨 Sign Up for Eric's Email List https://forms.gle/QdcEbai6yPmpzhyn7 🛠 Business & Sales Tools Contractor Sales Secrets https://contractorsalessecrets.com/ Book a Call with Eric Triplett https://www.twtcontractorcoaching.com/callwithtriplett FREE Contractor Sales Training https://www.twtcontractorcoaching.com/cc 🌿 Pond Industry Resources The Pond Digger https://theponddigger.com/ Helix Pond Filtration http://helixpondfiltration.com/ Fitz Fish Ponds – Koi Trips https://fitzfishponds.com/koi-trips/ Pond Trade Magazine https://www.pondtrademag.com/ 📱 Connect The Pond Digger on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theponddigger The Pond Digger on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theponddigger Train With Triplett on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@trainwithtriplett 📅 Events & Communities Profit Accelerator Live - June 26-27 * Richmond, VA https://www.eventbrite.com/e/profit-accelerator-live-tickets-1983337228039 TWT Contractor Circle (Facebook Group) https://www.facebook.com/groups/twtcontractorcircle TWT Contractor Power Circle (Facebook Group) https://www.facebook.com/groups/twtcontractorpowercircle 💼 Sponsors LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/TheDeepEnd
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