Pondemonium Educates Contractors in Water Garden Industry

Distributors, contractors, and retailers from across North America came together for a week of water garden education and networking at Pondemonium 2007, held July 14-22 in St. Charles, Ill. Attendance topped more than 1,000 industry professionals.

A variety of classes and workshops filled the week as those in the water gardening business were educated on all things ponds. The Standard and Advanced Build-A-Pond Days led off the week, and despite the threat of rain, the show went on, as contractors created some pretty amazing water features. The boot camps kept attendees dry with a classroom setting, reviewing content regarding sales, marketing, human resources, and fish.

Rookie Pond College was a new addition to the Pondemonium regimen, as those just getting in to the pond building game and those needing a refresher were treated to classes on building, fish, plants, and running a business. Regular Pond College brought classes on several different subjects, with four separate tracks – Standard, Certified Aquascape Contractor, Retail, and Water Garden Excellence.

During his opening address at Pond College, Aquascape founder and CEO preached the benefits of a balanced lifestyle and finding the right business model to build a successful company. At the end of his speech, Wittstock presented newly-retired Vice President of Operations Jack Luedtke with a plaque honoring his dedication to the company. He also announced the arrival of Aquascape’s new President, T.D. Decker.

“We’re proud to have T.D. join our team here at Aquascape,” Wittstock said. “We believe that with his coaching and experience, he can help take Aquascape to the next level.”

When it came to getting your hands dirty, the “As Long As It Has Water” Building Contest proved to be a favorite event for the week as 19 teams strutted their stuff building both Ponds and Pondless Waterfalls. In the end, The Pond Guy Peer Group and East Coast teams took the overall title after combining features. That night featured the Blow-out BBQ Bash to wrap up the Pondemonium festivities.

“Every year, the energy and passion demonstrated by both customers and employees makes me proud to be a part of this industry,” Wittstock said. “This year was no different. Ideas were exchanged, friends were made, and everyone learned a thing or two. I call that success.” 

Next year’s Pondemonium will be held July 13-20, 2008. For more information on Pondemonium or any of Aquascape’s other great training events, log on to www.aquascapeinc.com or call 866/877-6637 (U.S.) or 866/766-3426 (CAN)