The Deep End with Eric Triplett

Eric Triplett
  • 5.0 (158)
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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. 10H AGO

    S2-E22: Contractor Confession - "The Machine I Wish I Would've Bought"

    Eric interviews Steve Weldon, a product specialist from Vermeer, during the ConExpo trade show in Las Vegas. The conversation focuses on the technical advantages of mini skid steers, highlighting features such as chariot-style platforms for operator safety and toolless access panels for easy maintenance. Triplet openly shares his contractor regret over previously purchasing a competitor's machine, noting that Vermeer's versatile attachments and superior lift capacity make them ideal for tight residential jobsites. The episode also emphasizes the high resale value and durability of these machines, positioning them as essential investments for growing trade businesses. Key Takeaways:  Research and select equipment that specifically fits your operational needs, such as compact machinery designed for navigating tight residential spaces. Prioritize tools and machinery that offer easy, toolless maintenance to minimize downtime and prevent messy repairs while on a client's property. Evaluate the safety and stability features of your equipment, focusing on designs that protect the operator and provide stability on uneven terrain. Consider the long-term resale value and durability of a brand before making a significant investment in new business assets. Join professional communities or peer groups to exchange industry insights, collaborate with colleagues, and maintain accountability for your growth. 🚨 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

    24 min

  2. 4D AGO

    S2-E21: The Movement Behind the Mic - PodHouse

    Eric introduces Podhouse, a strategic initiative described as a mobile content creation war room designed to amplify industry events. Moving beyond traditional podcasting, this project utilizes remote studio hubs to capture deep, authentic conversations that typically occur off-camera during trade shows and conferences. By documenting these interactions in long-form and short-form media, the creators aim to build a lasting digital legacy for contractors, brands, and innovators. The movement focuses on networking and authority positioning, transforming fleeting event moments into year-round marketing momentum. Ultimately, Podhouse serves as an off-hours epicenter where industry leaders collaborate to elevate the visibility of blue-collar businesses across the country. Key Takeaways: Immediately document your insights and lessons learned from major events to ensure they become long-term assets rather than forgotten notes in a drawer. Seek out "off-hours" opportunities for deep, meaningful conversations that go beyond the surface-level networking found on a trade show floor. Collaborate with peers and industry leaders to create an "amplification engine" that increases visibility and authority for everyone involved. Develop a strategic content plan that turns temporary, high-energy moments into lasting stories that resonate with your audience all year round. Actively engage with your professional community by showing up to events, supporting others, and sharing your unique perspective to help elevate the entire industry. 🚨 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

    19 min

  3. FEB 23

    S2-E20: Dancing Alone Before Moving The Masses.

    Today, Eric references a viral video of a lone dancer at a music festival to illustrate the foundations of leadership. He explains that starting a movement requires the courage to look foolish before others decide to join in. The speaker highlights the "second follower" as the pivotal force that transforms an individual's audacity into a collective culture. He challenges his audience of contractors to embrace discomfort and set high professional standards even when they feel isolated. Ultimately, the discussion serves as a call to action for leaders to initiate momentum through consistent, visible behavior rather than waiting for external approval. Key Takeaways: Embrace the courage to "dance alone" by being the first to set high standards and implement changes, even if it means initially looking foolish to others. Recognize that a true movement begins when you inspire the second person to join you, as their participation validates the vision and encourages the rest of the crowd to follow. Lead through visible actions and consistent behaviors rather than just instructions, because people are more likely to emulate what they see you doing. Overcome the fear of judgment and the hesitation to look stupid, as being willing to feel uncomfortable is a requirement for reaching the next level of personal and professional growth. Set significantly larger goals than you think are possible to shift your perspective and ensure that even your "misses" result in higher achievements than your original targets. 🚨 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

    1 hr

  4. FEB 20

    S2-EP19: Jumping the Shark… or Leading the Pack?

    Eric addresses a client's critique that his recent business decisions—specifically adding a Belgian Malinois to his crew—constitute "jumping the shark." Triplet uses this pop-culture reference to explain that what spectators perceive as a desperate or gimmicky decline is actually a strategic evolution for his brand. He reveals that the dog serves as both a security detail against death threats and a safety measure in rattlesnake-prone job sites, illustrating the gap between public perception and leadership reality. By reflecting on past risks, such as signing a million-dollar lease during a recession, he argues that true growth often looks like madness to those outside the process. The episode is a motivational call for leaders to embrace bold risks and ignore the discomfort of onlookers while leveling up their professional capabilities.  Key Takeaways: Embrace the discomfort of growth even when spectators or skeptics suggest that you have lost your way. Evaluate your major life decisions based on whether they expand your capabilities rather than just adding noise. Take calculated risks that align with your long-term vision, even when the timing feels uncertain or scary. Invest in your own development by teaching others, which forces you to become a better communicator and leader. Surround yourself with a community of growth-minded individuals who provide the peer pressure needed to reach the next level. 🚨 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

    32 min

  5. FEB 18

    S2-EP18: Storytime With Triplett - The TeamWork Test

    Today Eric argues that a company's primary challenge is not marketing or pricing, but rather the quality of its people. Drawing on leadership principles from Natalie Dawson, he describes a rigorous behavioral filtering process used at a recent job fair to identify high-performance candidates. Triplet emphasizes that technical skills are secondary to cultural alignment, noting that he disqualified the majority of applicants for failing to research the company or demonstrating poor professional etiquette. By treating teamwork as a filter rather than a feeling, he asserts that elite teams are built through high standards and high-volume interviewing.  Key Takeaways: Research the company thoroughly before any interview to demonstrate your commitment and alignment with their mission. Prioritize character and behavior over technical skills when building a team, as technical gaps are often easier to train than poor attitudes. Pay close attention to small details and habits, such as punctuality and how you conduct yourself in public, because they reflect your overall work ethic. Increase your volume of interactions and interviews to ensure you are selecting elite performers rather than simply filling a position with a warm body. Be specific about your goals and expectations to show that you are a decisive individual with a clear sense of direction and purpose. 🚨 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

    36 min

  6. FEB 16

    S2-EP17: Contractor Triage: Where Your Business Is Really Bleeding

    Today's show centers around the concept of contractor triage, a diagnostic framework designed to identify and repair critical failures in a business. Eric argues that simple sales training is often ineffective because it fails to address deeper "wounds" such as unstable mindsets, leadership deficiencies, and a lack of financial clarity. To achieve long-term stability, entrepreneurs must move beyond the role of a technician to become an effective operator who understands their numbers and communication patterns. The discussion highlights five specific bleed zones, including money mindset and identity, which must be stabilized before a business can successfully grow. Ultimately, the source emphasizes the necessity of vulnerability and peer support within a professional community to survive the high-pressure "battlefield" of contracting. Key Takeaways: • Determine your precise "daily nut" and overhead costs to ensure every business decision is based on actual data rather than guesswork. • Audit your leadership style and company culture to create an environment that naturally attracts high performers instead of blaming the labor market. • Identify and replace scarcity-based money mindsets with an abundance perspective to prevent subconscious sabotage during sales conversations. • Utilize personality profiling tools like DISC or the Enneagram to better understand and adapt your communication style to the needs of others. • Commit to transitioning your professional identity from a hands-on technician to a strategic business operator to achieve long-term stability and growth. 🚨 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 9m

  7. FEB 13

    S2-EP16: It Must Be Nice... But You Don't See The Risk?

    Eric explores the deep connection between business expansion and the moral responsibility of a leader. He argues that true success is not about personal luxury, but about building a massive "umbrella" of opportunity where employees can fulfill their own financial and personal dreams. Reflecting on his thirty-five-year career, he describes moving from a fear-based survival mindset to one of intentional risk-taking for the sake of his community, family, and team. He emphasizes that high service costs are necessary to sustain an infrastructure for life, allowing him to provide for his staff and fund his wife's dream of a wildlife rehabilitation center. The episode serves as a call for leaders to embrace aggressive growth and rigorous recruiting to create a legacy of collective achievement. Key Takeaways: Shift your focus from individual success to building a platform that allows everyone around you to grow and achieve their own dreams. Regularly sit down with your team to understand their personal, professional, and financial goals so you can help align their daily work with their long-term vision. Have the courage to charge what you are worth so you can build a sustainable machine that provides a high quality of life for your family and employees. Take massive action and embrace calculated risks instead of waiting for perfection, as progress is often made through feedback in the midst of the work. Create an environment that encourages others to start dreaming again by showing them that a bigger, more fulfilling life is possible through shared success. 🚨 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

    33 min

  8. FEB 9

    S2-EP15: Sales Pathology: What's Wrong With The Way Contractors Talk

    Eric introduces the concept of "sales pathology", which he defines as a repeated pattern of dysfunction in how contractors communicate with potential clients. He argues that many professionals suffer from "speech disorders" in sales—such as inconsistent pacing, over-explaining, or sounding uncertain—which ultimately destroy trust and lead to lost revenue. By comparing these issues to physical ailments or speech impediments, he emphasizes that these behaviors require specialized diagnosis and rigorous training to correct. Triplett highlights live role-playing as the essential "prescription" for identifying these hidden flaws that marketing alone cannot fix. Furthermore, the discussion touches on leadership and legacy, exploring how contractors can grow their businesses while supporting the personal goals of their employees. Through community accountability, Eric aims to help contractors break through financial plateaus and achieve a better quality of life. Key Takeaways: Identify and address your personal "sales pathologies," which are repeated patterns of dysfunctional communication that can create distrust and lower your value with clients. Commit to regular role-play training with peers to expose and correct communication blind spots that you may not be able to identify on your own. Maintain a consistent tone and cadence throughout your sales conversations, ensuring you sound just as confident when discussing pricing as you do when explaining the technical scope of work. Prioritize improving your sales communication skills before increasing your marketing budget to ensure you don't waste new leads on a dysfunctional sales process. Surround yourself with a community or peer group that provides the necessary pressure and accountability to help you maintain high standards and continuous professional growth. 🚨 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 6m
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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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