Dear Fitz’s Fish Ponds Family,

Seven years ago today marked one of the most pivotal moments of my life — both professionally and personally.

It was a Saturday night. I was home watching A Star Is Born when I received the call every business owner fears: there was a fire in our new building on Route 22 — our only location at the time.

I remember pausing for just a second to gather my thoughts before jumping into my car and racing there. When I arrived, flames were already engulfing the building. Without thinking, I grabbed fire extinguishers and ran inside, determined to fight it myself. Looking back now, I realize how reckless that was. But in that moment, instinct took over.

Within minutes, everything we had worked for — the building, our inventory, equipment, client lists, computers, even the new display we had just completed — was gone. Reduced to ashes.

The reality of being underinsured hit quickly. A 300-page insurance policy suddenly became required reading. It felt overwhelming. Devastating. Final.

But here’s what I learned in that moment: the building wasn’t the business.

The inventory wasn’t the dream.

The systems weren’t the heart.

What truly mattered was our mindset — and the incredible team behind this company.

Out of that devastation came clarity. Resilience. Grit.

Seven years later, Fitz’s Fish Ponds has grown beyond anything I could have imagined. Today, we are one of the largest pond and koi companies in America. We service more than 1,000 ponds annually, design and build world-class water features across the country, and host one of the largest single koi events in the world, welcoming nearly 2,000 attendees each year. We’ve supplied Champion-winning Japanese koi and have even been featured on INC.com.

None of that happened by accident.

It was built on loyalty, relentless effort, belief — and a team that treats this company like family.

Some people say I’m too kind. That I give too many chances. But I choose to lead with empathy. I choose to trust people first and give them the opportunity to prove themselves. Very few people understand what it feels like to watch everything you’ve built since you were twelve years old disappear overnight. That fire didn’t just burn a building — it tested everything I believed in.

And what I learned is this:

It didn’t end us.
It refined us.

That experience shaped the leader I am today. It strengthened my belief in resilience, trust, compassion, and surrounding yourself with people who care deeply about the mission.

I am unbelievably proud of the late nights, the sacrifices, the love, and the belief our team pours into Fitz’s Fish Ponds every single day. We truly are a family — and together, we’ve built something incredibly special.

To our customers, partners, and supporters: thank you for believing in us. Thank you for trusting us with your ponds, your koi, and your backyards. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Here’s to seven years of growth — and to continuing to build something extraordinary together.

With gratitude,

Brian Fitzsimmons
Founder & CEO
Fitz’s Fish Ponds