Every so often, an issue of POND Trade comes together with such synergy that it reminds me
exactly why I fell in love with this industry — and the November / December 2025 issue is a perfect example. Across every story — from monumental pond builds to quiet moments of aquatic artistry— the common thread is collaboration. It’s the energy that emerges when creativity, craftsmanship and community intersect.
As I reflect on features like “Vaynerchuk Family Pond Build”, where passion and partnership produced a
400,000-gallon masterpiece, or “Carving Stone in Winter”, where Larry Carnes and his team turned frigid adversity into beauty, I’m reminded that no one achieves greatness alone. Our industry thrives when we share knowledge, work together and celebrate one another’s wins. That spirit shines through “Fitz’s Fish Ponds Koi Fest”, now a national gathering point for koi enthusiasts and professionals alike, and through the international reach of “The Waterlily Weigh-Off”.
Whether it’s a massive collaborative build like “Vegas East” or the quiet innovation behind better pond aeration discussed in “When Your Pond Runs Out of Air”, or the artistry revealed in our “Aquascaping“
story, every page in this issue celebrates how we’re all part of something bigger than ourselves.
In “From Overworked to Automated”, we take that idea one step further by exploring how artificial intelligence and automation are helping business owners work smarter, not harder.
The pond industry has always been about more than water and stone. It’s about relationships — between builders and clients, between hobbyists and nature, and between colleagues who might start as competitors but end up as friends. That’s what makes this community so unique. We don’t just build ponds; we build connections that help our entire industry grow stronger.
Nowhere is that spirit of collaboration more alive than in the “Water Artisans of the Year” contest. This annual celebration defines our craft. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just getting started, this is your chance to be recognized, inspire others and connect with the industry on a bigger stage. Winners will be featured in POND Trade Magazine and remembered for their creativity, skill and passion. As you read through this issue, I encourage you to lookfor opportunities to collaborate — because every great project, idea and innovation begins when we come together.
Until the next splash,
Lauren Nolan
Publisher, POND Trade Magazine
