Nick "The Pond Kings" Bio
Ryan "The Pond Dragon" Bio
Hello, I am Nick Needham and I am the founder of Pond King Water Gardens. This is how it all started.
My parents and I had moved to Florida right after graduating from high school. I went with my parents because my family is number one of importance to me, and I wanted to build my future where my family was. My intention became to gain my Florida residency and enroll in a local community college until I was able to go to a larger school. At the time my goal was to become a high school teacher. Well it was not long after living in Florida that I decided the location just was not fit with what I enjoyed in life. We were on the coast and it was a very tourist dense area. Well this made it very hard to find a job, let alone a career path. It took me over a month to find a job (which just added to my negative experience of Florida). Well after about ten months of ignoring my inner voice, which was screaming for Minnesota, I finally listened to the call. I made the choice to move back. One of my best friends owns Steam Geeks; he offered me a position, which made it able for me to afford living on my own.
Things went great until the slow period of winter hit. My friend had to give me heartbreaking news. He was no longer able to afford keeping me employed full time. This was hard on both of us, but at the time I was in panic mode (how was I going to survive?) and only worried about my feelings involved. I had to tell my friend I needed to move to a position of full time to keep my head above water. As soon as I parted ways with my friend I made a quick phone call to my older brother (still lived in MN). I explained my situation and he said “Weird Nick! One of our guys just put in his two week notice today! I will talk to my boss and I am sure he will bring you in for an interview.” I was blown away, I couldn’t believe it.
I was hired without even having to fill out an application or even have an interview. My brother was so pivotal to his company and such a great employee that all it took was his recommendation for me to find a job. I had no clue that this one phone call would change my life from then on. I was brought into Premier Aquarium Service in Feb of 04. I was trained in as an aquarium service technician, where my duties where going to several clients daily and maintaining their Aquariums. As spring came around my employer and I had started talking about “A need” his business had. The guy I replaced was his pond specialist, and now that position was wide open. He explained how his client load, along with my brothers, was to large to add the pond stuff to their schedules. I am the type that looks at an opportunity with a positive attitude and I jumped in with both feet. I could not have foreseen the love and passion I was going to have for working on ponds. I became his pond guy! I was in charge of everything except for the office work. After I completed my first pond I was pumped. I came back to the shop beaming. “Guys I have to come up with a nickname for myself here. I need something memorable!” Well after some joking around, I jokingly said “The Pond King” and it stuck. I didn’t come up with that nickname as an insult to any other builders out there, or to be conceited. I simply wanted an easy way for my clients and potential clients to remember me. After working for Premier Water Features (He saw my talents and created a sister business to accommodate me) for three years I came to a point where I felt the need to move on. It was not until I had gone my own way that I realized how right I was. I am just a happy person who has an attitude of gratitude and I needed to strike out on my own.
I realized that it was time for me to decide my own future, to take my destiny into my own hands if you will. I have done a lot of soul learning over the years, and I realized that I needed to be in control of the people I surround myself with in order to have the success I desire. I didn’t agree with some of the employees that were starting to gain power and dictate direction within his company. My inner voice screamed to get away from the situation. The only thing I could think to do was to become my own boss. It was after about a year of these employees starting to change my feelings that I decided I had enough. I approached my boss about purchasing the sister company. It was not worth much and it didn’t make sense from a business stand point for him to sell it to me. He declined to sell it to me. It was in April of 2007 that I decided to start Pond King Water Gardens. I fell into my passion by chance, and now I am able to teach people how to create works of beauty. I am able to give my clients the successful water features they deserve. I am able to give my clients their own chunk of paradise on their own property.
Ryan "The Pond Dragon" Liggett's Bio
Hello! My name is Ryan Liggett. I want to thank you for taking the time to read this! I just want to give you a little information about myself. I am 21 years old, born in Minneapolis and have lived in Apple Valley all my life. I live with my loving family consisting of my mom, dad, 3 little brothers and of course my 5 year old black lab. I've always had a love for animals and the outdoors.
When I was growing up my parents would let me buy 4 mallard ducklings from Fluegals in Rosemount. We would buy them in the spring time and I would take care of them all summer long until winter came and we would let them go. I really loved hanging out with them. As funny as it may sound, they would follow me around the neighborhood and sit outside the front door if I went inside. I also enjoyed teaching them how to fly. I would hold them with my hands under their wings and run around the yard so they would flap their wings and get the flying sensation. Then after a few times of tossing they would get the hang of it and fly! We also bought a little kiddie pool for the ducks and they would be in and out of it all day playing. I think the ducks would Have enjoyed a pond much better though!
Ever since I was a little boy I loved being outside. I used to get heat exhaustion as a kid because I didn't want to stop to get some water when playing out in the woods and the field behind my house. I was afraid I would miss out on the action. My grandma has a decent size back yard but when I was young I thought her yard was endless and I called it the "jungle" because it has a lot of trees. While she was babysitting me she always knew where I would be; in the jungle exploring.
As I grew older my love for the outdoors only got stronger. When I was 16 years old and started working, I knew that I didn't want to work inside. My first few jobs were retail and restaurant but I held on to my mowing jobs that I acquired. I still mow my neighbor’s lawn today and take great pride in his lawn looking better than everyone else’s on the street! I have always been told that I am a hard worker and have a good work ethic and I also take great pride in that. I strive to do better in everything I do whether it be a hobby or work.
Some of my hobbies are hiking, canoeing, fishing, boating, and of course working on cars and trucks. I have always loved muscle cars and everything about them since I was a kid. I love the deep rumble and the smell of gasoline. When I was 15 years old I got a 1979 Camaro that was on its last leg. I still have it today and it is running very strong with a built race motor and much more. I won’t get started on my truck either but I love it just as much. I also love my classic rock and country music and a good barbeque on a nice summer evening with friends and family!
I am currently going to Dakota County Technical College to be an automotive technician. I am very interested in being an engine builder of Nascar style engines. That and my love for outdoors is pretty much what all my time goes into. I recently took my first trip to the boundary waters with my best friend and it was one of the most amazing things I've ever done. I’ve been wanting to visit there ever since I was 13 and starting hearing about what that place was. I love being out in the "middle of nowhere" with nothing around you but the forest, with a lake or a river nearby (preferably with a waterfall).
Someday I want to live out in the country or somewhere remote where I can’t see my neighbor’s house by looking out my bedroom window. There's nothing like relaxing after a hard day at work and listening to running water. It is very soothing for me. I feel like I have worked hard all my life. I've always been the guy in the family that you call when you’re moving or need a tree taken down in your yard. I have also worked a variety of labor based jobs for the past 4 years and have loved every minute of it. I hope this gives you a good start at getting to know me. Thank you again for reading and have a wonderful day!!