From Big Ponds to Big Leaps: Eric Triplett's Story of Innovation and Tenacity

Jeremy and Jason Julio interview Eric Triplett (“The Pond Digger”) about building and scaling a Southern California pond and aquatic business, surviving stage-four HPV-related tonsil cancer diagnosed in 2015, and the leadership lessons that followed. Triplett recounts noticing a swollen tonsil, facing seven surgeries over roughly three years, and temporarily shutting down his stressful construction division while setting longtime employees up with their own contractor licenses, then focusing on retail, service, and recurring maintenance. He explains how his fish obsession led from aquariums to ponds, the origin of the “Pond Digger” name, his patents (including the Helix Pond Skimmer), and a business model that includes substantial monthly and seasonal maintenance. He discusses podcasting and content creation (The Deep End, Pod House), using AI for marketing, studying DISC/Enneagram, and pursuing growth to $12M by aligning company goals with employee goals.

You'll learn about:

• Eric's Diagnosis And Mindset
• Business Pivot During Treatment
• Origin Of The Brand
• Scaling And Market Realities
• Recurring Revenue Maintenance
• Surviving 2008 And Learning Business
• Manufacturing Patents And Products
•  Content Journey And Podcast Rebrand
• Pod House Rules
• Goals and Team Alignment
• Born to Teach
• Scaling Systems and Delegation
• Leadership Psychology Tools
• Cancer Mindset Shift
• Starting in a New Market
• Using AI for Marketing
• Legacy and Exit Strategy

Ready for boardroom-level help with your own business?

• Grow, sell, or exit your service company with Potomac: https://www.potomaccompany.com

Connect with the hosts:

• Blue Collar Twins – Jason & Jeremy Julio: https://bluecollartwins.com

Connect with Paul:

• Paul Giannamore – Managing Director & M&A advisor at Potomac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore