The Deep End with Eric Triplett

Eric Triplett

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.

  1. 12H AGO

    S2-E32: What's Holding You Back? (It's Not What You Think)

    Eric teaches about the vital role of clarity and specificity in achieving professional and personal growth for contractors and business owners. He emphasizes that feeling "stuck" is often a symptom of undefined goals, suggesting that asking customers and oneself "what is holding you back?" can reveal hidden obstacles. To bridge these gaps, the discussion outlines four key areas of improvement: skills, belief systems, execution, and environment. Practical strategies are shared, such as tracking time in 15-minute increments to eliminate waste and using the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize urgent versus important tasks. The dialogue also highlights sales psychology, demonstrating how identifying specific objections can turn a "maybe" into a successful transaction.  Key Takeaways: Define your personal and professional goals with extreme specificity to provide your brain with the clarity needed to create a clear path forward. Audit your daily productivity by tracking your time in fifteen-minute increments to identify and eliminate activities that waste your time. Improve your sales and relationships by asking others what is holding them back from their goals to uncover their true fears or obstacles. Focus your energy on overcoming one major challenge at a time rather than trying to fix every problem in your life simultaneously. Maintain mental focus by using a task list to "brain dump" ideas and future needs so they do not distract you from your current priorities. 🚨 Sign Up for Eric's Email List 👉 https://forms.gle/QdcEbai6yPmpzhyn7 🔱 Links & Resources 🛠 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/ 💼 Sponsors LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/TheDeepEnd 📅 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 📱 Social Media 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

    1h 4m
  2. 2D AGO

    S2-E31: The Cobra Conundrum

    Today's episode features a discussion on the Cobra Effect, a phenomenon where superficial solutions to problems inadvertently make them worse. The speaker illustrates this through historical examples like bounty-driven snake breeding in India and China's one-child policy, which eventually led to unsustainable demographic shifts. He translates these lessons to the business world, warning entrepreneurs against underbidding projects or failing to delegate tasks like equipment transport and technical sealing. By micromanaging or incentivizing the wrong behaviors, leaders often create a "purgatory" of low margins and stagnant growth. To counter this, he advocates for the 131 method, which empowers employees to propose their own solutions rather than relying on management. Key Takeaways: Implement the 1-3-1 method by requiring team members to present one specific problem, three potential solutions, and their single best recommendation before you provide an answer. Commit to a persistent sales strategy by following up with leads between five and twelve times to capture the significant portion of business that most competitors abandon. Create video-based Standard Operating Procedures to ensure that critical training and techniques are not lost in translation as they are passed down through your team. Empower your employees to make small, daily efficiency improvements by adopting a lean methodology that encourages everyone to identify and eliminate wasted time. Carefully analyze your business incentives to ensure they do not trigger the "Cobra Effect," where a well-intentioned solution accidentally makes the original problem worse. 🚨 Sign Up for Eric's Email List 👉 https://forms.gle/QdcEbai6yPmpzhyn7 🔱 Links & Resources 🛠 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/ 💼 Sponsors LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/TheDeepEnd 📅 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 📱 Social Media 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

    47 min
  3. 5D AGO

    S2-E30: You Don't Have a Goal Problem, You Have a Priority Problem

    Eric emphasizes the critical distinction between setting goals and managing priorities. He argues that many business owners struggle because their daily schedules do not reflect their stated ambitions, suggesting that calendar management is the ultimate indicator of one's true values. Through personal anecdotes, Triplet describes how he recently pivoted his financial targets and delayed a book project to remain aligned with his core business objectives. He warns against "squirrel moments," or tempting distractions that offer minor gains but derail long-term strategic growth.  Key Takeaways: Review your calendar regularly to ensure your daily schedule reflects your actual priorities rather than just keeping you busy. Give yourself permission to pivot your financial and professional goals when new information or experiences change your perspective. Replace vague core values with specific, actionable characteristics like accountability and discipline to better align your team with your mission. Evaluate every new opportunity against your primary targets to avoid "squirrel moments" that act as distractions from your long-term objectives. Keep your written goals physically with you at all times to review them every morning and night to maintain a focused mindset. 🚨 Sign Up for Eric's Email List 👉 https://forms.gle/QdcEbai6yPmpzhyn7 🔱 Links & Resources 🛠 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/ 💼 Sponsors LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/TheDeepEnd 📅 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 📱 Social Media 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

    46 min
  4. MAR 23

    S2-E29: Sponsor Games Day Two: How to Film a Winning Brand Video Under Pressure from Podhouse Studios San Antonio, TX

    Eric and the Podhouse crew discuss their experience during the second day of the Sponsor Games, a collaborative event for content creators. Alongside his partners, Triplett describes a high-pressure challenge where teams had to follow a brand brief to script, film, and edit a sixty-second promotional video for Shure microphones in just over an hour. The group details their creative process, including selecting "money shots" and navigating the technical requirements of the brief while managing team dynamics. Following the production, industry expert Justin Moore provided critical feedback, highlighting common mistakes such as branding errors and lighting issues. The episode emphasizes the importance of clear communication and professional storytelling for contractors looking to build a personal brand. Eric concludes by encouraging listeners to overcome the fear of perfection and focus on delivering authentic value through video marketing. Key Takeaways:  Embrace collaboration by being willing to take direction and work effectively with a team even if you are already an expert in your field. Use storyboarding and sequential planning to maintain focus and maximize efficiency when working under strict time constraints. Pay close attention to every detail of a project brief, such as the correct spelling of brand names and specific technical requirements, to ensure your work meets professional standards. Prioritize clear and authentic communication of your value to quickly establish trust with potential partners or clients. Stop overthinking and start producing immediately, recognizing that consistent action and delivery are the best ways to improve your skills over time. 🚨 Sign Up for Eric's Email List 👉 https://forms.gle/QdcEbai6yPmpzhyn7 🔱 Links & Resources 🛠 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/ 💼 Sponsors LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/TheDeepEnd 📅 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 📱 Social Media 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

    47 min
  5. MAR 20

    S2-E28: Inside Sponsor Games: Raw Day One Debrief from the PodHouse Mobile Studio

    Eric Triplett and Mike Garvey debrief after the first day of the Sponsor Games event in San Antonio. Led by industry expert Justin Moore, the intensive workshop focuses on teaching creators and entrepreneurs how to move beyond basic sponsorships toward building mutually beneficial brand partnerships. They candidly discuss the logistical challenges of the event, such as high temperatures and technical audio issues, while highlighting the tactical value of the curriculum. They emphasize the importance of serving the brand's specific goals and using modern tools like AI and high-end audio gear to streamline professional pitches. The conversation concludes with them strategizing for an upcoming content creation challenge, expressing a competitive drive to apply their leadership and production skills to win the competition. Key Takeaways: Focus on building mutual partnerships where the brand, the creator, and the audience all benefit equally. Conduct thorough research on a brand's specific goals and current projects to understand exactly how you can best serve them. Use voice-to-text technology and AI tools to quickly organize and refine your ideas during high-pressure situations. Recognize your own unique strengths and weaknesses to ensure you are contributing to a team in the most effective role. Proactively place yourself in environments where opportunities happen and be ready to execute on them the moment they appear. 🚨 Sign Up for Eric's Email List 👉 https://forms.gle/QdcEbai6yPmpzhyn7 🔱 Links & Resources 🛠 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/ 💼 Sponsors LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/TheDeepEnd 📅 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 📱 Social Media 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

    1h 4m
  6. MAR 18

    S2-E27: 38 Special Productions with Mike Garvey

    Today's podcast is a conversation between Eric Triplett, a high-drive "Challenger" personality, and Mike Garvey, a strategic "Achiever." The two entrepreneurs discuss how their distinct Enneagram personality types led to the accidental formation of 38 Special Productions, a media company focused on the contracting industry. They detail the origin of their partnership, explaining how they combine their unique strengths to host Podhouse, a mobile content creation space for trade shows. The episode emphasizes the importance of professional branding and the "LEO vibe" they incorporate into their marketing to project authority and precision. Ultimately, their mission is to move beyond standard industry networking by building a collaborative media legacy for contractors and brands. Through their shared journey, they illustrate how aligned visions between different personality types can spark rapid business growth and innovation. Key Takeaways: Take a personality assessment like the Enneagram to gain deeper self-awareness and improve how you collaborate with different working styles. Partner with individuals who possess complementary personality types to drive significant forward momentum in your professional ventures. Develop a professional and cohesive brand identity to build authority and ensure your business stands out in a crowded market. Intentionally surround yourself with mentors and peers who inspire you and reflect the version of yourself you aspire to become. Challenge your initial judgments of others to remain open to unexpected and highly productive creative partnerships. 🚨 Sign Up for Eric's Email List 👉 https://forms.gle/QdcEbai6yPmpzhyn7 🔱 Links & Resources 🛠 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/ 💼 Sponsors LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/TheDeepEnd 📅 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 📱 Social Media 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

    52 min
  7. MAR 16

    S2-E26: Don't Go to Events Without A Plan - Sponsor Games San Antonio

    In this episode, Eric and his colleagues discuss the necessity of defining specific goals when attending professional conferences. While staying at a unique headquarters in San Antonio for the Sponsor Games, the group emphasizes that most attendees fail to see a return on investment because they lack a strategic game plan. Triplet explains his methods for proactive networking, such as using intentional "elevator pitches" and analyzing a room to identify valuable assets. The conversation highlights the importance of building authentic, long-term brand partnerships rather than seeking superficial sponsorships. The Podhouse group asserts that successful event attendance requires disciplined execution and a clear vision of what defines success before the trip even begins. Key Takeaways: Define exactly what success looks like before attending an event to ensure you achieve a measurable return on your investment of time and money. Develop a concise elevator pitch that clearly explains your value proposition to capture interest within the first few seconds of a conversation. Focus on building long-term, loyal partnerships with brands and collaborators rather than chasing short-term or superficial deals. Identify and lean into a specific niche to differentiate yourself from competitors and attract a more dedicated and relevant audience. Approach networking with intentionality by asking open-ended questions and proactively seeking out individuals who align with your strategic goals. 🚨 Sign Up for Eric's Email List 👉 https://forms.gle/QdcEbai6yPmpzhyn7 🔱 Links & Resources 🛠 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/ 💼 Sponsors LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/TheDeepEnd 📅 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 📱 Social Media 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

    1h 23m
  8. MAR 13

    S2-E25: Podhouse Madden Voyage DeBriefing

    Eric shares a "debriefing" session following the maiden voyage of the Podhouse, a collaborative content creation initiative based at an Airbnb in Las Vegas. Podcasters Eric Triplet, Mike Garvey, Larry DelliSanti, and John Pajak evaluate their experiences at the ConExpo convention, specifically highlighting the success of their "booth takeovers" and the attention-grabbing power of their coordinated branding. The group discusses strategic improvements for future events, such as implementing a "leapfrog" team system to streamline filming and ensuring all creators utilize standardized equipment. They also reflect on the importance of formalized house rules and NDAs to maintain a professional environment during high-energy business trips. The group outlines a vision for the future where this mobile studio model creates high-value synergy between content creators and commercial brands. Key Takeaways: Collaborate with like-minded individuals to foster synergy and generate innovative ideas that benefit the entire group. Spend time observing and absorbing new environments before executing a plan to ensure your strategy is well-informed and effective. Set clear professional standards and formal expectations from the beginning of a partnership to prevent misunderstandings and maintain productivity. Utilize consistent and eye-catching branding to differentiate yourself and attract attention in highly competitive spaces. Document both your successes and failures after major projects to facilitate continuous improvement and better preparation for future endeavors. 🚨 Sign Up for Eric's Email List 👉 https://forms.gle/QdcEbai6yPmpzhyn7 🔱 Links & Resources 🛠 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/ 💼 Sponsors LiveSwitch https://join.liveswitch.com/TheDeepEnd 📅 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 📱 Social Media 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

    51 min
5
out of 5
158 Ratings

About

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.

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