In this episode, I sit down with the 2025 Aquascape Business Man of the Year. He’s proof that you don’t need decades to become successful—you just need the right systems, a tight grip on your numbers, and the willingness to learn from your mistakes and your peers. After stumbling early on, almost filing bankruptcy, he adopted an unconventional subcontractor model paired with packaged services and proven processes that changed everything. Now he’s thriving, and he’s here to share exactly how he did it.

Running a successful pond business takes grit—and Bubba’s got it in spades. After two decades of hard lessons and late nights working in the business (plus a second full-time job), he made the leap to working on it. The result? Freedom, growth, and the Top Frog Award for 2025! Hear how he scaled his operation, shifted his mindset, and built the life he always envisioned.

Charlie and Net Ross of Virginia Water Gardens share their story after being awarded Top Frog Retailer.

What does it really take to win the prestigious Certified Aquascape Contractor of the Year award? In this episode, the 2025 winner—Poseidon's Aquatic Designs—is revealed and dives into what sets them apart. Hear the inspiring story behind their rise, how they’ve embodied the true spirit of the CAC tribe, and why they’re recognized for their leadership and impact on fellow contractors.

Daniel Taylor is the proud recipient of the Chris Baker Spirit Award from Aquascape.

Brad Fontaine is both deserving and proud to be the recipient of the Conservationist of the Year award from Aquascape.

Joe Zawistowski of Black Koi Water Features is the proud recipient of Aquascape's Digital Influencer of the Year. Check out his social media channels and you'll see his talent.

Great pond builders. Even better partners. After nearly a decade of chasing their dream—navigating certification roadblocks and life’s many curveballs—Justin and Janine are finally being recognized as Rookie of the Year. Their journey proves that success isn’t always fast, but it’s always sweeter when shared. Tune in to hear how this powerhouse couple turned passion into purpose and found not just a business, but a family in the CAC network.

ZOO INDUSTRY: Innovative Water Features by Dan Upsher of DU Waterscapes

“Pick a Horse to Ride and Ride It!”

“Finding Success Through Community: Phillip Byard’s Journey”

HOW A FASHION VISIONARY BECAME A POND BUILDING PIONEER

“Growing Your Maintenance Game: Lessons from Parker, ‘The Pond Fixer’”

“Thinking about opening up a Retail Water Garden Store?! You might want to think twice! Don’t take my word for it, hear from a Pond Peer..." Clay Goad of New Hope Aquascapes talks with Greg Wittstock, The Pond Guy, about opening a retail location.

Join me as I sit down with Ben and Joe Pemberton to discuss their experiences building a massive pond in Africa alongside Ed The Pond Professor and fellow licensed CACs. We'll explore the challenges they faced, the experience they received on the job site, and gain insight into the powerful impact this project will have once completed!

A VERY unique pond business model is discussed with my long-time family friends Lisa and Michael Ballentine. They're figuring out a way to make a profitable business that also fits their lifestyle! Lisa taught me a very valuable lesson using our Hands of The Artist Coffee Table books that I will forever share with every Certified Aquascape Contractor.

Dive deep into the world of pond building and retail business ownership with Alan, a seasoned veteran with 34 years of invaluable experience. In this episode, Alan reflects on his journey and shares his hard-earned wisdom around "knowing your numbers." He reveals how mastering this fundamental strategy could have transformed his trajectory much earlier in his career.

An inspiring tale of a determined entrepreneur who went from having to sell his truck to afford the Aquascape Academy to being nominated for Artist of the Year. In this episode, we explore how changing your mindset can profoundly impact the growth of your business, your art and your life.

Join me and Diego as we discuss his journey from hitting roadblocks in landscaping to being honored as Aquascape Artist of the Year. We'll explore how he pivoted his business, incorporated stunning water features, and developed a passion for crafting breathtaking waterfalls and ponds. Tune in for inspiring stories, valuable business insights, and tips to elevate your landscaping and water feature business to new heights!"

You don't want to miss the story of Paul Holdeman who's been a Certified Aquascape Contractor for 20 years and enjoys a million-dollar business. Paul initially worked in property manager after graduating from Arizona State University. Most of his job involved problems with landscaping and water features. He became a partner in a landscaping business and was particularly drawn to water features. He separated from his business partner to focus solely on water features as "The Pond Gnome" after attending one of Aquascape's pond-building workshops. Paul became a Certified Aquascape Contractor and grew his business into a million-dollar success. Listen in as he shares his exciting story.