Ben Bryant shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Ben, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
The biggest misunderstanding about my business is that ponds are nothing but work—constant cleaning, murky water, and stressed-out fish in winter. The truth is, most of those “problems” aren’t problems at all if the pond is designed and built correctly from the start. Unfortunately, many features we see were put in by landscapers or as DIY projects, and they miss the filtration, depth, and circulation that make all the difference.
When a pond is built the right way, fish can survive Minnesota winters without worry, water stays clear, and maintenance is simple. That’s where we come in—not just fixing issues, but creating and maintaining systems that let people enjoy their pond without the stress.
In the end, ponds aren’t problems to manage, they’re ecosystems to experience. We make sure they’re set up to thrive so families can relax, watch their fish flourish year-round, and reconnect with nature right outside their door!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ben Bryant, owner and lead water artist at Superior Ponds. We’re one of Minnesota’s highest-reviewed water feature companies, with more than 600 clients serviced across the state. Unlike most contractors, we focus exclusively on water features and our specialty is on pond maintenance. We’ve built the only maintenance-specialized water feature company in the Midwest.
What makes us unique is our philosophy: ponds shouldn’t be problems. When they’re built and cared for correctly, they’re stress-free ecosystems that practically take care of themselves. That’s why we exist—to keep ponds crystal-clear, fish thriving (even through Minnesota winters), and busy homeowners free to simply enjoy their backyards.
For me, this isn’t just work. It’s about helping people reconnect with water, create memories with their families, and discover a deeper sense of peace right outside their back door.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the moments that really shaped how I see the world goes back to my childhood in the backwoods of Montana. We had a little creek—what we called a “crick”—that practically ran through our backyard. It wasn’t unusual to see deer, or even a Grizzly or Black Bear, passing through the neighborhood, but the water always drew me in.
My older brother and I would ride our bikes down to that creek with makeshift nets we crafted from orange fruit bags. We’d scoop up minnows, chase crawdaddies under the rocks, and carry our treasures home in buckets. Most of the time, though, it wasn’t about what we caught, it was about splashing around, exploring, and being connected to God’s creation.
That simple, natural rhythm of life—just me, my brother, and the water—taught me early on the joy of being outdoors and the peace that comes from being connected to water. It’s a memory that has stayed with me and still shapes the way I see my work and the world today. I love getting back to those peaceful memories and recreating those experiences for my kids.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Living with severe ulcerative colitis has been one of the hardest parts of my life, and also one of the most shaping. It’s the kind of challenge that forces you to slow down when you don’t want to, and it reminds you every day that you’re not invincible.
What that suffering has taught me, something success never could, is the value of perspective. It’s easy, especially as a business owner, to think the grind is everything: more sales, bigger projects, longer hours. But when your body tells you to stop, you learn quickly what really matters—faith, family, health, and purpose.
It’s also taught me empathy. I know what it’s like to fight battles no one else can see, and that changes how I lead my team, how I connect with customers, and how I live my life. Success builds confidence, but suffering builds character and grit. In a strange way, I’m grateful for that.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in my industry is that “anyone can build a pond.” Too often I see landscapers or DIYers approach ponds as just another weekend project or backyard add-on. The truth is, ponds aren’t just holes in the ground with water, liner, and a pump. They’re living ecosystems that require an understanding of circulation, filtration, depth, and long-term balance.
Many landscapers never got the chance to practice and learn in controlled environments under experienced teachers like me and my team, so they repeat the same mistakes: shallow builds, undersized filtration, and poor water movement. DIYers, on the other hand, usually learn by trial and error, which can lead to years of frustration and wasted money. Ultimately resulting in the conclusion that ponds are nothing but hard work.
The result is ponds that don’t work the way they should. Homeowners end up believing ponds are “high-maintenance problems,” when really the problem is poor design and lack of training. A properly built pond, done with knowledge and care, is one of the most low-maintenance, rewarding features you can have in your yard.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I and my team at Superior Ponds understand deeply, that most people don’t, is that ponds are not supposed to be endless work. When a pond is designed and built correctly, it becomes a self-sustaining ecosystem that practically takes care of itself. Clear water, healthy fish that survive the Minnesota winter, and a balanced system aren’t accidents. They come from proper building, filtration, circulation, and ongoing care.
Most homeowners, and even many landscapers or DIY builders, don’t realize this. They see ponds as high-maintenance problems because so many were built without training, practice, or the right foundation. The truth is, a well-built pond should be the easiest and most rewarding part of your yard. Instead of spending weekends fighting algae and worrying about your koi in the cold months, you should be enjoying peace, beauty, and connection with nature.
That’s the difference between a pond that drains your energy and a pond that restores it. And it’s why I’ve built my life around teaching people and maintaining ponds the way nature intended.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.superiorpondsmn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superiorpondsmn
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/superior-ponds
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1XP3krEwdH/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SuperiorPonds
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/p1ETxnhSGk3xCbLFA
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/superiorpondsmn/
