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.
60episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
S2-E49: Behind the Booth: The Pond Digger Team's LA Pet Fair Experience
Yesterday01:01:42Summary 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
4d 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
1w 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
2w 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
SummaryS2-E42: Your Circle Is Building You… or Breaking You - with Zoe Asher
May 101:56:54Summary readyEric talks with his friend Zoe Asher about building intentional adult friendships. They explore the idea of a "friendship audit," the loneliness many people are facing, especially men, and why vulnerability is key to real connection. Zoe encourages listeners to stop waiting for meaningful friendships to happen and instead become the kind of friend they hope to find. Key Takeaways: Perform a friendship audit to categorize your inner circle into specific roles such as the loyalist, confidant, champion, mentor, and truth-teller. Set recurring calendar alerts for your friends' significant life dates, including anniversaries of loss or celebration, to ensure you provide meaningful support year after year. Prioritize personal phone calls on birthdays rather than sending generic digital messages to stand out and foster a more authentic human connection. Proactively communicate your personal boundaries and emotional capacities to your friends to build a foundation of honesty and avoid the friction caused by unspoken expectations. Focus on becoming the type of friend you desire by leading with vulnerability and "going first" to embody the qualities you value in others. 🔱 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-E41: Culture, Coachella, & A Comeback - Weekly Compass 207
Apr 2700:47:52Summary readyIn this episode, Eric uses Justin Bieber's career trajectory to provide motivational insights for contractors and entrepreneurs. He frames Bieber's recent live performances as a masterclass in resilience and self-awareness, emphasizing how the artist successfully navigated public failure to launch a calculated comeback. Triplet parallels these celebrity struggles with the financial and personal hardships faced by tradesmen, such as bankruptcy and burnout. He urges his audience to stop hiding their vulnerabilities and instead return to their authentic roots to rebuild their businesses. Key Takeaways: Embrace your failures and setbacks as necessary opportunities to rebuild a stronger and more authentic version of yourself. Strip away the need to impress others and focus on being raw and vulnerable to build real trust with your audience. Reconnect with your original passion and roots to maintain your identity and ground yourself during difficult transitions. Prioritize strategic "chess moves" and smart planning over simply trying to work harder or grind through your problems. Practice transparent leadership by being willing to admit mistakes and adjust your course in real-time when you receive new information. 🔱 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-E40: How Much Money Is Enough? With Tyson Matyas & Slayer
Apr 2401:08:33Summary readyEric, Tyson, and Slayer explore the four levels of money and the subjective nature of personal value. They discuss the challenges of scaling a business, balancing rising overhead costs with the need to pay employees a living wage. The crew critiques the "copout" mindset that money is unimportant, arguing instead that financial success is necessary for survival, freedom, and legacy. Through anecdotes about firefighting, electrical work, and pond maintenance, they illustrate how market demand and specialized expertise dictate one's worth. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes that professional growth and a clear long-term vision are essential to avoiding stagnation and achieving a high quality of life. Key Takeaways: Focus on increasing your personal value and professional skills rather than expecting higher pay simply for the amount of time you have spent at a job. Stop telling yourself that money is not important and recognize it as a necessary tool for supporting your family and achieving your desired quality of life. Calculate your daily living expenses and overhead to understand exactly how much you need to earn to move beyond a paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. Align yourself with growth-oriented companies or set massive long-term visions for your own business to ensure you and your team have continuous opportunities for advancement. Seek out specific clients or "rooms" where your unique expertise is most highly valued and appreciated so you can command the compensation you deserve. 🔱 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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