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This week on the podcast, Joanne Shaw speaks with Ernest Williams from Aquascape about the popularity of water features in landscaping, including pondless designs, fountainscapes, and natural swimming ponds. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: Pondless Water Features in Landscaping Increasingly popular in landscaping for their low maintenance and safety Enhances curb appeal and attracts wildlife Provides the sound of water without the upkeep of traditional ponds Preferred by homeowners seeking aesthetics and simplicity Pondless Water Features Design and Functionality Mimics natural water flow; includes bubbling elements and disappearing streams Built with similar mechanics as ponds but without standing water Water recirculates through a hidden basin, minimizing runoff Can integrate downspouts and rainwater harvesting for stormwater management Design and Maintenance Mini spillway and aqua basin designs allow features to fit any yard size Water should remain in basins during winter to prevent cracking/freezing Maintenance includes removing pumps before freezing temperatures Naturalistic design is achieved using varied rocks Proper maintenance and design extend feature lifespan Noise Reduction Water features help block unwanted sounds (e.g., traffic) Creates a soothing outdoor environment Watching water can lower blood pressure and heart rate An affordable and visually appealing way to improve outdoor spaces Installation Both professional installation and DIY options are available Certified landscape companies offer installation and customer service DIY products available for homeowners The Aquascape University program provides contractor training and certification Aquascape YouTube channel offers homeowner experiences and advice Construction and Materials Quality materials (granite, field stone) prevent calcium buildup and algae Kits are available for efficient construction Not all yard rocks are suitable for ponds Existing ponds can be converted to pondless features for less maintenance Aqua blocks allow efficient use of space and are load-bearing Pondless Features and Natural Pools Redesigning or converting old ponds to pondless features reduces maintenance Existing rocks can sometimes be incorporated into new designs Recreation ponds (natural swimming ponds) are eco-friendly pool alternatives Suitable for swimming and environmentally conscious homeowners Many specialized contractors are available in Ontario and Quebec Water Conservation in Yard Design Pools can be converted into natural swimming or recreation ponds Water collection systems (e.g., aqua blocks) help manage yard water issues Systems collect/filter water, reduce stormwater runoff, and address muddy yards Emphasizes the importance of water conservation and management in landscaping To learn more about pondless water features and everything Aquascape offers, visit them at www.aquascapeinc.com and view their videos on YouTube. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to downthegardenpathpodcast@hotmail.com, or connect via her website at down2earth.ca. Are you a landscape or gardening expert? We'd love to have you on the show! Click here to learn more. Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast. Down the Garden Path Podcast On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible. In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon. Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.
In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and fellow pond builder Joey Genovese from Genoscape Inc. They're a full-service landscape construction company specializing in water features. Joey's been in the game over two decades, evolving from general landscaping to becoming one of the most respected water feature specialists in the industry. We dig into everything, from slogging through mud at early Aquascape builds to installing 100-ton boulders in Southern Africa. We talk about surviving the 2008 crash, downsizing smart, building a niche brand, and most importantly… knowing your numbers. It's an unfiltered, real convo about what it takes to go from scrappy craftsmen to sustainable business owner, and the mindset shift that makes all the difference. This ones for you if you're a builder, creator, or business owner trying to make your work profitable and purposeful. Follow Joe on Instagram: @genoscape_inc.landscaping If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out: SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @SynkedUP
On this special episode of The Cost of Doing Business, I sit down with longtime friend and mentor Greg Wittstock, CEO and Founder of Aquascape. We dive deep into the real, messy journey of transforming a hobby into a thriving business, creating a company culture that lasts, and empowering a team strong enough to run the show without you. "If you're working IN the business, you have a job. If you're working ON the business, you have a company." Greg's straightforward advice years ago was the catalyst that inspired me to start my own company, SynkedUP. Today, we revisit those life changing moments, discussing how setbacks can become stepping stones toward bigger successes, and why letting go is key to growth and entrepreneurial freedom. This conversation is real, raw, and packed with lessons every entrepreneur needs to hear. If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out: SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @SynkedUP
The Tank Talk Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanktalkpodcast?utmsource=igwebbuttonshare_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== The Tank Talk Podcast on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tanktalkpodcast?isfromwebapp=1&sender_device=pc The Tank Talk Facebook group is a place to share your aquariums, ask questions or just hang out with cool people: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1674032529542132/ Johns website with live plants, live snails fish food, chemicals and all the equipment you need for your aquarium. Plus fun KGTropicals merch: https://keepfishkeeping.com Jasons website where you can order Primetime Aquatics merch or reserve your fish to be picked up at local swaps in the Chicago area: https://www.primetimeaquatics.com
Take your aquarium aquascaping to the next level and create a stunning dream reef tank. In this video, we'll share aquascaping tips and techniques to help you design and set up a breathtaking reef tank that will help you have a more successful reef aquarium. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced aquarist, this aquarium video podcast is packed with valuable insights and inspiration to help you create a thriving and beautiful aquascape for your reef tank. How often do you test your reef aquarium? Do you have a day set aside for tank maintenance? TRY MAGIC MIND! visit https://www.magicmind.com/THECORALREEFJAN Get Your FREE Reef Tank Start Up Checklist here! https://the-coral-reef-talk-24479470.hubspotpagebuilder.com/reef-tank-start-up-checklist Learn more about The Nitrogen cycle and how to cycle your reef aquarium with my free reef tank start up check list. I WROTE A BOOK!! get your copy today link below! Finn The Brave Blue Tang https://amzn.to/4cXnMWg (paid link) Top 5 Amazon deal video https://youtu.be/Lee8am2lCK0 Amazon Affiliate Deals Just FOR YOU Hygger mini Wavemaker https://amzn.to/4eUxARB (paid link) Hygger inverter Wavemaker https://amzn.to/3VbHHdu (paid link) Aquarium Siphon https://amzn.to/4gazgaq (paid link) Aqqa Hang on back filter https://amzn.to/3VdbtyI (paid link) Aquarium thermometers https://amzn.to/4g00HE8 (paid link) Get your Free Audible Trial, click here. https://www.audibletrial.com/TheCoralReefTalk #reeftank #thecoralreeftalk #aquarium Check Out https://share.epidemicsound.com/f2hm59 music by epidemic sound All information provided in this video is the opinion of The Coral Reef Talk based on experience in the reef aquarium hobby. There are many ways to approach the hobby. Please continue to research other sources on the topics and ideas expressed in this video.
Join Paul Jamison as he sits down with Greg Wittstock, The Pond Guy, in this dynamic first installment of a two-part series. In this episode, Greg shares his thoughts on The Ohio State Buckeyes, their offensive line struggles, and his predictions for their college football season. Shifting gears, Greg reveals how he grew AquaScape into a 130-employee powerhouse, the strategies behind pricing his services, and the keys to building a winning team. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to scale their business. Black Friday Sale Connect with Paul: Click Here Upcoming Events: Lawn Care Life Conference: Get Your Tickets Here Save 50% off Equip Exposition Tickets Paul's Recommended Professionals: Try the CRM Jobber Get a Professional Website - Footbridge Media The Landscaping Bookkeeper Call Rail Paul's Books: How to Build a Thriving Lawn Care Business Cut That Grass and Make That Cash Paul's Business Building Resources: Price Increase Letter Template Contract Templates Know Your Numbers
Greg Wittstock, The Pond Guy, is owner and CEO of Aquascape, Inc., which he founded in 1991. He has been dabbling in water gardens since the age of 12 and has a love of everything water and turtles. After experimenting with ponds for over eight years, Greg had a “light bulb” moment during a drive home from the boring summer job he took during college in 1990. He decided that he wanted to do something he loved for a living – he wanted to build ponds. Just 30 seconds later, he had a company name, Aquascape. The next year, Greg began building ponds during his breaks in the school year. From there, he developed the Aquascape business model, which includes a mix of distribution, retail, and contractor services. Aquascape Inc. is now the leading manufacturer of water feature products in North America, serving and educating thousands of customers world-wide. Greg authored The Pond Guy on Marketing, has appeared on the cover of Inc. Magazine, and was a cast member of Nat Geo Wild's Pond Stars series. Follow Greg's current adventures on his YouTube channel as he meets incredible people, views beautiful water features, and shares what it means to truly love and be Living the Aquascape Lifestyle®. https://www.youtube.com/gregwittstockthepondguy
You don't need a lot of space to have your own pond. A fountainscape or pondless waterfall is easy to install on a patio. It's even possible to have an above ground pond in a small space. With a little extra TLC, and the right balance, it will thrive. Epic Gardening Shop Homepage: https://growepic.co/4565ZJUBotanical Interests Shop Homepage: https://growepic.co/3yHK5ADBook Collection Page: https://growepic.co/3X0a4NIEG Homesteading Book: https://growepic.co/3X1KvMcLearn More: 11 Aquatic Plants for Your Garden PondConnect With Greg the Pond Guy:Greg Wittstock, The Pond Guy, is owner and CEO of Aquascape, Inc. After experimenting with ponds for over eight years, Greg had a “light bulb” moment. He decided that he wanted to do something he loved for a living – he wanted to build ponds. From there he created the Aquascape, Inc. business model. Greg authored The Pond Guy on Marketing and has appeared on the cover of Inc. Magazine and in Nat Geo Wild's “Pond Stars” series.InstagramFacebookYouTubeTikTokLove Epic Gardening products?Apply to the Epic Affiliate Program. Shop the StoreAs an exclusive for listeners, use code THEBEET for 5% off your entire order on our store, featuring our flagship Birdies Raised Beds. These are the original metal raised beds, lasting up to 5-10x longer than wooden beds, are ethically made in Australia, and have a customizable modular design. Get Our BooksLooking for a beginner's guide to growing food in small spaces? Kevin's book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, explains the core, essential information that you'll need to grow plants, no matter where you live!He also wrote Grow Bag Gardening to provide you with specialized knowledge that can bring you success when growing in fabric pots.Preorder Kevin's newest book Epic Homesteading if you are looking to turn your home into a thriving homestead! Order signed copies of Kevin's books, plus more of his favorite titles in our store.More ResourcesLooking for more information? Follow us:Our BlogYouTube (Including The Beet Podcast, Epic Homesteading and Jacques in the Garden and Botanical Interest )Instagram (Including Epic Homesteading, Jacques)PinterestTikTokFacebookFacebook GroupDiscord Server
Fish are a critical part of ponds. Koi are commonly considered, but there are so many fish you can include in a pond. They become living artwork in the pond scape. But they also have a function! Epic Gardening Shop Homepage: https://growepic.co/3UZ9T2kBotanical Interests Shop Homepage: https://growepic.co/4c47kTOBook Collection Page: https://growepic.co/4e8uREIEG Homesteading Book: https://growepic.co/4aKbSOaLearn More: 11 Aquatic Plants for Your Garden PondConnect With Greg the Pond Guy:Greg Wittstock, The Pond Guy, is owner and CEO of Aquascape, Inc. After experimenting with ponds for over eight years, Greg had a “light bulb” moment. He decided that he wanted to do something he loved for a living – he wanted to build ponds. From there he created the Aquascape, Inc. business model. Greg authored The Pond Guy on Marketing and has appeared on the cover of Inc. Magazine and in Nat Geo Wild's “Pond Stars” series.InstagramFacebookYouTubeTikTokLove Epic Gardening products?Apply to the Epic Affiliate Program. Shop the StoreAs an exclusive for listeners, use code THEBEET for 5% off your entire order on our store, featuring our flagship Birdies Raised Beds. These are the original metal raised beds, lasting up to 5-10x longer than wooden beds, are ethically made in Australia, and have a customizable modular design. Get Our BooksLooking for a beginner's guide to growing food in small spaces? Kevin's book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, explains the core, essential information that you'll need to grow plants, no matter where you live!He also wrote Grow Bag Gardening to provide you with specialized knowledge that can bring you success when growing in fabric pots.Preorder Kevin's newest book Epic Homesteading if you are looking to turn your home into a thriving homestead! Order signed copies of Kevin's books, plus more of his favorite titles in our store.More ResourcesLooking for more information? Follow us:Our BlogYouTube (Including The Beet Podcast, Epic Homesteading and Jacques in the Garden and Botanical Interest )Instagram (Including Epic Homesteading, Jacques)PinterestTikTokFacebookFacebook GroupDiscord Server
Adding a water feature to your yard starts with a solid plan. Not only do you need to know where the water edge is, but you'll need to think about landscaping, elevation, and how the pond fits into the landscape. Hiring a certified Aquascaper to create something magnificent is an option too. Epic Gardening Shop Homepage: https://growepic.co/3wQk7u9Botanical Interests Shop Homepage: https://growepic.co/4bK4DH2Book Collection Page: https://growepic.co/3wRuDkSEG Homesteading Book: https://growepic.co/3yEXbhMLearn More: 11 Aquatic Plants for Your Garden PondConnect With Greg the Pond Guy:Greg Wittstock, The Pond Guy, is owner and CEO of Aquascape, Inc. After experimenting with ponds for over eight years, Greg had a “light bulb” moment. He decided that he wanted to do something he loved for a living – he wanted to build ponds. From there he created the Aquascape, Inc. business model. Greg authored The Pond Guy on Marketing and has appeared on the cover of Inc. Magazine and in Nat Geo Wild's “Pond Stars” series.InstagramFacebookYouTubeTikTokLove Epic Gardening products?Apply to the Epic Affiliate Program. Shop the StoreAs an exclusive for listeners, use code THEBEET for 5% off your entire order on our store, featuring our flagship Birdies Raised Beds. These are the original metal raised beds, lasting up to 5-10x longer than wooden beds, are ethically made in Australia, and have a customizable modular design. Get Our BooksLooking for a beginner's guide to growing food in small spaces? Kevin's book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, explains the core, essential information that you'll need to grow plants, no matter where you live!He also wrote Grow Bag Gardening to provide you with specialized knowledge that can bring you success when growing in fabric pots.Preorder Kevin's newest book Epic Homesteading if you are looking to turn your home into a thriving homestead! Order signed copies of Kevin's books, plus more of his favorite titles in our store.More ResourcesLooking for more information? Follow us:Our BlogYouTube (Including The Beet Podcast, Epic Homesteading and Jacques in the Garden and Botanical Interest )Instagram (Including Epic Homesteading, Jacques)PinterestTikTokFacebookFacebook GroupDiscord Server
Gardens without water are incomplete, according to Greg the Pond Guy. There is no feature that will change a garden more than a pond. Not only is the sound of moving water relaxing, water features bring in wildlife and insects that support the ecosystem. It's not just the water feature, but everything it entails. Epic Gardening Shop Homepage: https://growepic.co/4bGsd7vBotanical Interests Shop Homepage: https://growepic.co/4bXNk5LBook Collection Page: https://growepic.co/3VqwzdmEG Homesteading Book: https://growepic.co/3yKzuETLearn More: 11 Aquatic Plants for Your Garden PondConnect With Greg the Pond Guy:Greg Wittstock, The Pond Guy, is owner and CEO of Aquascape, Inc. After experimenting with ponds for over eight years, Greg had a “light bulb” moment. He decided that he wanted to do something he loved for a living – he wanted to build ponds. From there he created the Aquascape, Inc. business model. Greg authored The Pond Guy on Marketing and has appeared on the cover of Inc. Magazine and in Nat Geo Wild's “Pond Stars” series.InstagramFacebookYouTubeTikTokLove Epic Gardening products?Apply to the Epic Affiliate Program. Shop the StoreAs an exclusive for listeners, use code THEBEET for 5% off your entire order on our store, featuring our flagship Birdies Raised Beds. These are the original metal raised beds, lasting up to 5-10x longer than wooden beds, are ethically made in Australia, and have a customizable modular design. Get Our BooksLooking for a beginner's guide to growing food in small spaces? Kevin's book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, explains the core, essential information that you'll need to grow plants, no matter where you live!He also wrote Grow Bag Gardening to provide you with specialized knowledge that can bring you success when growing in fabric pots.Preorder Kevin's newest book Epic Homesteading if you are looking to turn your home into a thriving homestead! Order signed copies of Kevin's books, plus more of his favorite titles in our store.More ResourcesLooking for more information? Follow us:Our BlogYouTube (Including The Beet Podcast, Epic Homesteading and Jacques in the Garden and Botanical Interest )Instagram (Including Epic Homesteading, Jacques)PinterestTikTokFacebookFacebook GroupDiscord Server
Greg Whitstock, the Pond Guy has been in the pond trade for 33 years. He founded his professional pond business Aquascape in college. It all started when he decided he wanted to work in a field he loved, and built a pond for his turtles. Today Aquascape is the #1 pond contracting company in Chicago. Epic Gardening Shop Homepage: https://growepic.co/4bEHc1SBotanical Interests Shop Homepage: https://growepic.co/4bDbq5oBook Collection Page: https://growepic.co/456JWm9EG Homesteading Book: https://growepic.co/3wZL8LALearn More: 11 Aquatic Plants for Your Garden PondConnect With Greg the Pond Guy:Greg Wittstock, The Pond Guy, is owner and CEO of Aquascape, Inc. After experimenting with ponds for over eight years, Greg had a “light bulb” moment. He decided that he wanted to do something he loved for a living – he wanted to build ponds. From there he created the Aquascape, Inc. business model. Greg authored The Pond Guy on Marketing and has appeared on the cover of Inc. Magazine and in Nat Geo Wild's “Pond Stars” series.InstagramFacebookYouTubeTikTokLove Epic Gardening products?Apply to the Epic Affiliate Program. Shop the StoreAs an exclusive for listeners, use code THEBEET for 5% off your entire order on our store, featuring our flagship Birdies Raised Beds. These are the original metal raised beds, lasting up to 5-10x longer than wooden beds, are ethically made in Australia, and have a customizable modular design. Get Our BooksLooking for a beginner's guide to growing food in small spaces? Kevin's book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, explains the core, essential information that you'll need to grow plants, no matter where you live!He also wrote Grow Bag Gardening to provide you with specialized knowledge that can bring you success when growing in fabric pots.Preorder Kevin's newest book Epic Homesteading if you are looking to turn your home into a thriving homestead! Order signed copies of Kevin's books, plus more of his favorite titles in our store.More ResourcesLooking for more information? Follow us:Our BlogYouTube (Including The Beet Podcast, Epic Homesteading and Jacques in the Garden and Botanical Interest )Instagram (Including Epic Homesteading, Jacques)PinterestTikTokFacebookFacebook GroupDiscord Server
Weston is the Co-Founder and CEO of SynkedUP, an award-winning landscaping business management software that helps contractors know their numbers, systematize their pricing, and cut estimating time by up to 90%, resulting in predictable profits. They have 2K+ active users who use their platform to handle all the moving parts and demands of running their business, including budgeting, estimating, scheduling, time tracking, getting info to field crews, job costing, etc. Weston has 15+ years experience in the landscaping industry and possesses an intimate knowledge of the landscape project lifecycle, including the opportunities and pitfalls that contractors face in today's market. When he was landscaping, he received the coveted Aquascape's Artist of the Year award for his talent in creating water features, and constructed stunning waterfalls and koi ponds in backyards throughout the U.S., including for some well-known personalities like Shaq O'Neill and Logan Paul.
Before Down the Garden Path became a podcast, it was a weekly radio show on RealityRadio101.com! In this last installment of our "vintage" podcast episodes from 2017, Joanne Shaw and Matthew Dressing learn more about ponds and their ecosystems with Aquascape's Ernest Williams. Ernest educates listeners on water treatments, beneficial bacteria and best practices in pond maintenance. They discuss the importance of plants and review the math required to calculate how many fish to put in a pond to keep everything balanced. Tune in to learn more about what Aquascape has to offer. Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast. You can also email your questions and comments to downthegardenpathpodcast@hotmail.com, or connect with Joanne via her website: down2earth.ca Down the Garden Path Podcast On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low maintenance as possible. In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon. Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.
Before Down the Garden Path became a podcast, it was a weekly radio show on RealityRadio101.com! In this "vintage" episode from April 2017, Joanne Shaw and Matthew Dressing discuss some common misconceptions about water features with Aquascape's Ernest Williams. They also talk about the different liner options and how to calculate the correct size pump. (Yes, they had to do some MATH!) Tune in to learn more about what Aquascape has to offer. Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast. Email your questions and comments to downthegardenpathpodcast@hotmail.com, or connect with Joanne via her website: down2earth.ca Down the Garden Path Podcast On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low maintenance as possible. In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon. Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.
In this episode we talk about aquascaping Remy's new Red Sea 625 G2+, Mark's new coral purchases and Raj's recent concussion. Reefstock Tickets: http://reefstock.show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Laura continues her conversation with Aquascape's Mike Hammer about the Certified Aquascape Contractor program and some program concerns.
Laura talks to Aquascape's Mike Hammer about the Certified Aquascape Contractor program
Greg Wittstock has had a 31-year career and counting in what started as his hobby. He has sold over a billion dollars year to date. His core values are Family, Service, Doing Your Best, and Fun. Aquascape's vision focuses on an ecosystem approach to water features that relies on the most natural balance of circulation, filtration, plants, fish, and rocks and gravel to ensure sustainability. As a natural evolution, Aquascape strengthens and cultivates its commitment to the environment and the responsible use of water. Water is our planet's greatest resource and Aquascape is dedicated to providing natural, responsible, and creative landscape solutions. Greg has been named “Best Boss” and acknowledged by FORTUNE as well has been nominated for Ernst and Young's Entrepreneur of the year award. In this episode, Greg and Brad discuss how Greg has made billions making ponds. Listen to how he got started with his entrepreneurial journey. Follow Greg @gregwittstockthepondguy And check out what Greg can do for you by going to https://www.aquascapeinc.com Bomb: Let Greg's team know you came from the #BOMBSQUAD if you want a pond from his company! Bomb: You HAVE to showcase your work {Youtube, social media, and the internet} Bomb: “My life is about relationships” - Greg Wittstock Bomb: The yin for your yang in business Bomb: “Get yourself to the best you can and that's how you serve those around you the most.” - Brad Lea
Today's episode is with the myth and the legend - Matt Hiner, from Hiner Outdoor in the beautiful Rockies of Colorado. I respect Matt a ton as an artist and peer in the industry. We first met many years ago in the Aquascape circles, and have hit it off since. In our conversation, we explored what it looks like to go from $1 million in sales to $5 million. Matt's story is raw and real, and there are many gold nuggets to glean from his experiences. Teaser... a lot of it comes down to leadership. You can follow Matt's story on Instagram at Matt Hiner (@the_yardist) and follow his company Hiner Outdoor at H I N E R (@hineroutdoorliving) Thank you Matt for being a part of the #synkedupcrew. Crush it in 2023! If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out: SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/
Ed came to Aquascape in 1993 as a construction laborer, but a little creativity and a positive outlook on life and business helped catapult Ed to the position of Vice President of Field Research and Contractor Development. For more than a decade, Ed has successfully built hundreds of custom-designed ponds from small backyard water gardens to large lakes and commercial water features. He holds a B.S. in Zoology, with an emphasis in Limnology, and concentrated his master's studies in Marine Biology.
Greg Wittstock, The Pond Guy, is owner and CEO of Aquascape, Inc. He has been dabbling in water gardens since the age of 12 and has a love of everything water and turtles. After experimenting with ponds for over eight years, Greg had a “light bulb” moment during a drive home from the boring summer job he took during college in 1990. He decided that he wanted to do something he loved for a living – he wanted to build ponds. Just 30 seconds later, he had a company name, Aquascape. The next year, he began building ponds during his breaks in the school year. From there he created the Aquascape, Inc. business model, which includes a mix of distribution, retail, and installation services.Greg is a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from water gardening to business success and strategy. He authored The Pond Guy on Marketing and has appeared on the cover of Inc. Magazine. You may have also seen him on Nat Geo Wild's “Pond Stars” series.
WELCOME TO SEASON 2 in this episode we are taking a deep dive to listen to Aquascape the first poetry album by Seon The Poet. This album is an experience led by Lofi designed to relax and inspire listeners with visual sounds and transformative short-form poetry. Today's episode covers all the fun in case you missed the live listening party. Additionally, the mic is turned on host thanks to Guest moderators from Previous episodes: Scott Harrell and Melikia Courtney with my wife and executive producer Mimi (as well as my 10-month-old daughter "the sound engineer") so enjoy the extended this episode it's we are all family. Don't forget to check out Aquascape for yourself on your favorite streaming platform. SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OF THE MODERATORS AND VISITORS.Host Social Media@Seonthepoet (Twitter) (Instagram) (Clubhouse)______________________________________________________Guest Moderators - Social MediaScott @harrellconsultinggroup (Instagram)@SCOTTHCG (Clubhouse)Melikia@santazhelpr (Instagram)@Melikia (Clubhouse)@Melikiac (twitter)Mimi@mimi_uninterrupted (Instagram)@teawithmimi (Clubhouse)@mimispillstea (Twitter)______________________________________________________MUSIC(intro / Outtro) Coffee and HerbsAquascape: Apple Music, Spotify ______________________________________________________Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you won't miss a thing ✌
This week, in a special bonus episode, Greg Wittstock, founder of Aquascape, explains how he invented the backyard pond industry, how he improvised a business model, and how he almost lost it all. After failing at franchising, Wittstock decided to give away his pond building expertise and marketing to landscape contractors in what he calls “a franchise system without a franchise fee.” And it worked. Always candid to a fault, he recounts how the business shot to $59 million in annual sales, why it then stagnated for 10 years, and what he ultimately figured out about social media marketing. Plus: he also explains why his first rule of customer service is: Don't give them what they ask for. Give them what they want.Show Notes:Here's Bo Burlingham's profile of Greg Wittstock: https://www.inc.com/magazine/20031101/aquascape.htmlHere's Greg's video of Shaquille O'Neal's pond installation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti-k4LUQBNs
Welcome to Rumble Fish! After last week's technical problems we're back with a shinny new episode. This week we're staying in California to chat with Brian @greenthumbscapers about his underwater journey but also about the always inspire outdoors and much more, are you ready?Follow Brian on IG by clicking here.Show the hosts some love: @paula_underwater @aqua_scapeadventureSupport the show
Welcome to Rumble Fish and to another 'Under 1K and Fabulous' episode.Travel with us to South Africa to meet Nikita @nikitasnatureverse!Are you ready?Follow Nikita on IG, click here!Support the show
Driven by this week's celebrations of May the 4th, Rumble Fish is giving into the dark side and sitting down with black water master Scott @tanninaquatics to talk about botanical method aquariums. and it's recent popularity in the community. Are you ready?For more info you can visit Scott's website:www.tanninaquatics.comOr follow him on Instagram bliclicking here!Support the show
Welcome to another Rumble Fish episode sending us all the way back to Canada to chat with Dou @cookie.dou_scapes about his underwater journey. We also talked about his first book and how the hobby has changed his life.If you want to participate in the crowdfunding of Dou's first book 'Aquascape Therapy' you can do so by clicking here!Or visit his Instagram profile @cookie.dou_scapesSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WLASXXZQU2Q7W)
Welcome to another underwater journey that this week is going to take us well above the water line because Ryan @boxgardener is not only an aquarium lover but a true nature nut that is just as passionate about aquascaping as he is about the weeds growing off the cracks on the concrete in his neighborhood. Are you ready?Follow Ryan on Instagram, click here!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WLASXXZQU2Q7W)
See Paul's water features on Greg Wittstock, The Pond Guy:No More Concrete Ponds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xwvq3VkByoEpic Catio with Koi Pond: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXCx1EbRNlAPond Renovation for Wedding Venue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ds0Lyaq5Iw Visit The Pond Gnome: https://www.pondgnome.com/Visit Aquascape Inc: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/Become a Certified Aquascape Contractor: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/professionals/become_a_certified_aquascape_contractorAttend Aquascape University: https://www.aquascapeuniversity.com/
Welcome to another Rumble Fish episode, please fasten your seat belts, this is a long haul flight today! And what a treat, we're meeting with Jacky @litiaquaria all the way in Singapore and he is taking us to the very beginning of his very colorful underwater journey. Are you ready?Follow Jacky on IG by clicking here! Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WLASXXZQU2Q7W)
See AquaReale's water features on Greg Wittstock, The Pond Guy:Visiting an Indoor Koi Pond: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYZspFSsv_gJump into This Plunge Pool Pond: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq2esvBcw5sThis Pond Is the Perfect Work-from-Home View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIJ03BjZxnk Visit AquaReale: https://www.aquareale.com/Visit Aquascape Inc: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/Become a Certified Aquascape Contractor: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/professionals/become_a_certified_aquascape_contractorAttend Aquascape University: https://www.aquascapeuniversity.com/
Welcome to another Rumble! On today's episode we have a great conversation about the hobby with Kalem @kalemsfishtanks. From spending his allowance on fish to keeping some of the most colorful and beautiful scapes in town.Are you ready?Follow Kalem on Instagram by clicking here.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WLASXXZQU2Q7W)
SEE MARC'S WATER FEATURES ON GREG WITTSTOCK, THE POND GUY:Grass Won't Grow? Get a Pond: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpl_wRh1tN8Waterfall Paul's Yard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0jwBl30l1ISmall Garden Pond for Indoor Courtyard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLvJMsHTDW4You Won't Believe This Private Estate Pond: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-RMY1c3J2ACool Pond Shop with Unique Displays: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz5N80g6dIsVISIT DOMINA'S AGWAY: https://dominasagway.com/VISIT AQUASCAPE INC: https://aquascapeinc.comATTEND AQUASCAPE UNIVERSITY: https://www.aquascapeuniversity.com/BECOME A CERTIFIED AQUASCAPE CONTRACTOR: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/professionals/become_a_certified_aquascape_contractor
Welcome to Rumble Fish, jump in with us this week on Rose's @rosehipscapes journey. From childhood fish tanks and smuggling arachnids behind mom's back to beautiful scapes and exciting plans for the future.Are you ready?To follow Rose on IG click HERE!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WLASXXZQU2Q7W)
Today Christine joins us on the Aquarium Genius Podcast all the way from Calgary, Canada. According to her Instagram handle she's still a neophyte, but her home office tells a different story. We talk about Christine's experience getting into the aquascaping hobby, about her current aquariums and about how to get the most enjoyment out of your tanks.Check out Christine on Instagram: @aquascape_neophyteCheck out myself on Instagram: @aquariumgeniusMore information on the Aquarium Genius Community can be found here.
SEE JOHN'S WATER FEATURE PROJECTS ON GREG WITTSTOCK, THE POND GUYHouse Built with Koi Pond in Mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogrJ-CSi2OYA 9-Foot Waterfall in Illinois?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUZvGz2WxT4Natural Waterfall Flows into Swimming Pond: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOVtE-KZAHcGarden Koi Pond with Emerald Island: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op-6jZgqaik VISIT ARTISTIC DESIGN GARDEN PONDS: https://www.adgponds.com/VISIT AQUASCAPE, INC: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/BECOME A CERTIFIED AQUASCAPE CONTRACTOR: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/professionals/become_a_certified_aquascape_contractorATTEND AQUASCAPE UNIVERSITY: https://www.aquascapeuniversity.com/
SEE KINGDOM LANDSCAPING'S WATER FEATURES ON GREG WITTSTOCK, THE POND GUY:Koi Pond for Wildlife Preservehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93RDYlCnRBMGarden Pond: Gift to Doctorhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gERmk8tjb_MFront Yard Pond for Mother's Dayhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4_Mq7XlGvQMossy Waterfall: Envy of the Neighborhoodhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgal5VyapkgSupersized Pond in Massive Gardenhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6sUV-OcQRUVISIT KINGDOM LANDSCAPING: http://www.kingdomlandscaping.com/VISIT AQUASCAPE, INC: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/BECOME A POND BUILDER: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/professionals/contractorHIRE A CERTIFIED AQUASCAPE CONTRACTOR: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/find-aquascape-certified-contractors
SEE JEREMIAH'S WATER FEATURES ON GREG WITTSTOCK, THE POND GUY:100 Koi in Front Yard Pondhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG0_4ZXPNxkBackyard Pond Becomes a Waterfallhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ogCXqKihH0Goodbye Pool - Hello Gorgeous Pondhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bCWEt9rju4VISIT MOCK PROPERTY SERVICES: https://mockpropertyservices.com/VISIT AQUASCAPE, INC: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/BECOME A POND BUILDER: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/professionals/contractor
VISIT YOUTUBE TO SEE THE POND BEYOND ON GREG WITTSTOCK, THE POND GUY:Massive Pond Looks Like a Public Parkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZgATW6Ur5EThis Farm Pond Could Not BEE Any Betterhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB4gl13XEBsVISIT THE POND BEYOND: https://thepondbeyond.net/VISIT AQUASCAPE, INC: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/FIND A CERTIFIED AQUASCAPE CONTRACTOR: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/find-aquascape-certified-contractorsLEARN HOW TO BECOME A WATER FEATURE PRO: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/professionals/
VISIT YOUTUBE TO SEE GROUNDS KEEPER ON GREG WITTSTOCK, THE POND GUY:If You Love Someone, Give Them a Turtle Pondhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hECqw2bBeoIBubbling Fountains and Rainy Day Adventureshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTV4ZlskP7UWandering Through a Wildlife Habitathttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydqP2X4zOGMBut Wait, There's More! 4 Water Features, 1 Househttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL9h1e7QJEQVISIT GROUNDS KEEPER: https://www.groundskeeperinc1973.com/VISIT AQUASCAPE, INC: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/FIND A CERTIFIED AQUASCAPE CONTRACTOR: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/find-aquascape-certified-contractorsLEARN HOW TO BECOME A WATER FEATURE PRO: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/professionals/
Sit with us and listen to Jay @tanknut take us down memory lane to his first days in front an aquarium all the way to the present day. Are you ready?Follow Jay on IG @tanknutSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WLASXXZQU2Q7W)
On today's episode we have not one but two very special guests for you. Ryan @ry_the_scape_guy and Stelios @petrichor_gm, two very well known friends of the podcast that are joining us for the second time to put us up to date on what's been going on for them during the last year and just rumble like we do. Are you ready?Follow Ryan and Stelios on IG:@ry_the_scape_guy@petrichor_gmSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WLASXXZQU2Q7W)
This week we go back to the good old UK to chat with James @the_nature_scaper about his underwater journey, from staring at saltwater tanks when he was a kid to setting up awesome scapes today.Are you ready to rumble?Follow James on IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_nature_scaper/Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WLASXXZQU2Q7W)
On this episode we go back to Canada to chat with lovely and talented Christine @aquascape_neophyte about her journey in her newly found love for aquariums and everything aquascaping.Are you ready to rumble?Follow Christine on IG: https://www.instagram.com/aquascape_neophyteSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WLASXXZQU2Q7W)
Welcome to Rumble Fish for another great rumble! This week we travel to the city of lights, Paris, for a chat with Quentin from @parisianscape. To know about his very first aquarium all the way to his plans for the near future and everything in between, grab your favorite holiday drink and enjoy!Follow Quentin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parisianscapeThanks to Hiro Aquatics for sponsoring this episode and our November giveaway. Check our Instagram page @rumblefishpodcast to enter for a chance to win a mini led spotlight and a piece of Rumble Fish merchandise.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WLASXXZQU2Q7W)
On this weeks episode we sit with Anthony @buiscape for a nice relaxed chat about the ins and out of his underwater journey, the hobby and everything in between. Are you ready?Follow Anthony on Instagram: @buiscapeThanks to Hiro Aquatics for sponsoring this episode and our November giveaway. Check our Instagram page @rumblefishpodcast to enter for a chance to win a mini led spotlight and a piece of Rumble Fish merchandise.Sponsored by Hiro Aquatics Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WLASXXZQU2Q7W)
Buckle up Rumble Crew because you're in for a wild ride through the ins and outs of the aquascaping industry with someone who has been in it for a long time. Jeff Senske, co-founder of Aquarium Design group sat and chat with us about his first steps in the hobby and how he turned it into an amazing professional endeavor. All of that and cooking, bomb sniffing dogs and the things a man does for love! Are you ready?Follow Jeff on Instagram: @aquariumdesigngroupAnd also on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AquariumDesignGroup/videosThanks to Hiro Aquatics for sponsoring this episode and our November giveaway. Check our Instagram page @rumblefishpodcast to enter for a chance to win a mini led spotlight and a piece of Rumble Fish merchandise.Sponsored by Hiro Aquatics Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WLASXXZQU2Q7W)
Welcome to another Rumble Fish episode, sit with us and enjoy a great conversation with Courtney @courtneykeeps all the way from London a ready to rumble about the hobby, cooking, childhood memories and much more. Are you ready?Follow Courtney on IG @courtneykeepsThanks to Hiro Aquatics for sponsoring this episode and our November giveaway. Check our Instagram page @rumblefishpodcast to enter for a chance to win a mini led spotlight and a piece of Rumble Fish merchandise.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WLASXXZQU2Q7W)
We close October with Juris @juri_js. All the way from Germany we rambled about finding your passion, business, and everything else aquascaping related.Listen and get to know the person behind the scapes.Are you ready?Follow Juris on IG @juri_jsAnd youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLgPlYlHA8HtIcKp33x0hdwThanks to Oase for being our sponsor this month and bringing you a great prize for October's giveaway.Sponsored by Oase Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WLASXXZQU2Q7W)