My experience with Bulletproof has been through media collaboration rather than as a construction client, but they've shown their integrity and high standards at every turn. They respond fast and communicate well, making collaborations easy. They have taken valuable time to educate me on the ins and outs of pond and lake construction, despite the fact that they were gaining nothing from it. As a fellow media professional, I'm impressed by how their content authentically captures their hard work. The quality is obvious. This is a team of good people who take clear pride in what they build, and for good reason.
We highly recommend Bulletproof. They’ve been a go-to expert for pond and lake construction for years, consistently bringing honest expertise, professionalism, and genuine care to every project. From ownership and estimators to foremen and field crews, their entire team is knowledgeable, responsive, and easy to work with.
Most recently, we partnered with Bulletproof on a lake in Northwest Arkansas that they constructed and that we helped design as a trophy fishery and multipurpose family lake. We were impressed once again by the quality of their work, communication, professionalism, and ability to creatively solve problems and adapt when challenges arose.
Bulletproof has extensive hands-on experience with large-scale pond, lake, and wetland construction, including dam repairs, lake and pond leak repairs, major clean-outs, geosynthetic liner installations, and complex excavation projects. Their use of LiDAR surveying and AutoCAD 3D design also helps set projects up for success before construction even begins.
What stands out most to us, however, is how they collaborate. They work closely with fisheries professionals, environmental specialists, lake management companies, and engineers to approach projects from every angle.
They’re responsive, open to feedback, and committed to finding practical, amicable solutions when issues arise. That combination of experience, integrity, and willingness to collaborate is hard to find.
We’re proud of the lake we recently completed together in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, and we’re looking forward to the next one!
Photos attached are from the Prairie Grove, Arkansas project over the past year.
Midwest, thank you for taking the time to write this.
The fishery planning, habitat and structure, the stocking program, the LiDAR survey and Civil 3D earthwork design and construction, it all came together as one plan with both of us at the table. Every contour, depth, and grade decision had your fishery expertise behind it, and that is the reason this Northwest Arkansas lake is as phenomenal as it is.
Having you recognize the value in how we approach this work, the construction, survey and modeling, the designing, and the way we communicate and solve problems in the field, means more than you probably know. Hearing that from pros of your caliber is a real honor.
We have deep respect for what your team brings in fishery management, habitat, and ecology.
Proud of how this one turned out in Prairie Grove. It is a true trophy fishery and recreational lake, and will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Cannot wait for the next ones! Cheers!
— Bulletproof Pond & Lake Team 🩵
Eric Busick2026.08.06
Working with Bulletproof Ponds has been an outstanding experience. They are a true partner from start to finish, making collaboration easy through excellent communication, responsiveness, and professionalism.
The quality of their work is exceptional. Their attention to detail, expertise, and pride in what they do is evident in the finished product.
I highly recommend Bulletproof Ponds to anyone looking for a team that communicates well, produces top-quality work, and is a pleasure to collaborate with.
Thank you Eric! Responsiveness and professionalism are things we are always aiming to get right, so hearing you say that is a big deal to us. It is wonderful that the pride, expertise, and quality of our pond, lake, and wetlands work stands out to you as well.
Being easy and enjoyable to work with runs both directions, and you made it that way from where we stood.
Recommendations like yours is not something we take for granted, especially from pros of your caliber.
Thank you, Eric! Here is to more long-lasting pond, lake, and wetland projects to come! 🥂
— Bulletproof Pond & Lake Team 🩵
Carol King2026.06.24
We have partnered with Bulletproof Ponds on several occasions. They have always done quality pond work from what we have seen. They are a great partner to work with! We look forward to many more collaborations!
Carol, what a treat it has been earning this review from you all. Here's a big cheers to many more collabs together on fantastic pond, lake, and earthmoving projects! 🥂
— Bulletproof Pond & Lake Team 🩵
Betty Coleman2026.05.29
the crew at Bullettproof Pond and Lake were able to finally fix the leaks in my pond. Other companies only created more problems. I was able to add a fishing dock and am pleased to have the area surrounding this farm pond restored.
Thank you for your kind words, Betty! We are so happy that we were able to restore your pond. Here's to years of fishing to come! 🎣
Alex Wasif2026.05.14
Do not recommend.
Paid ~$50,000 deposit on a ~$135,000 pond project. Contractor (Ryan with Bulletproof Pond & Lake) showed up and worked for one day, then abandoned the job claiming the soil was unsuitable—the same soil I paid him $6,800 to test.
I later hired an independent Arkansas civil engineer who confirmed the soil was suitable for a pond (34% clay). According to the engineer, the real issue was the contractor brought the wrong equipment and lacked the knowledge and experience—not the site conditions.
Ryan also represented himself as a licensed contractor in Arkansas, which I later found was not true.
End result: major property damage from clearing, significant financial loss, and no pond.
They are a professional marketing company with very little knowledge of pond building. What’s worse, however, is the dishonesty and willingness to walk away with other people’s money.
Proceed with extreme caution.
Update regarding Bulletproof Pond & Lake’s response:
To address Ryan’s claims regarding “active springs” on the property: there are no active springs on the project site.
After Bulletproof abandoned the project, I hired an independent Arkansas civil engineer for a second opinion. The engineer concluded the site was suitable for pond construction, found approximately 34% clay content, and stated that water above shale is normal and not unusual for this type of project.
The engineer’s opinion was that the primary issue was related to construction approach and equipment selection — not that the property was unsuitable for a pond.
Additionally, Ryan’s characterization of the legal case is misleading.
The court did not rule that Bulletproof was properly licensed in Arkansas. In fact, the judge made clear that Ryan/Bulletproof did not hold the Arkansas contractor licensing required for this project.
What the court did rule was that the contract’s venue clause requires the case to proceed in Kansas rather than Arkansas. That is a procedural venue issue — not a ruling on the merits of the claims.
The lawsuit is being refiled accordingly.
I stand by my experience and encourage others considering large pond projects to thoroughly verify licensing, qualifications, and independent engineering opinions before proceeding.
Edited Response: Alex, we won't debate litigation in a public forum. That process will speak for itself.
During excavation, active water movement presented itself in the basin. This was an unknown subsurface condition that materially affected our ability to perform the work as contracted.
The deposit was applied to actual costs incurred. Our total costs exceeded it, and we did not pursue the difference.
We issued a change order to address the changed conditions. It was not accepted. We had no basis to continue the work as contracted and removed ourselves from the project.
Previous Response:
Alex, we understand why you are upset, and we do not take that lightly.
We want to clarify a few important facts for anyone reading this.
Before construction began, soil testing was performed to evaluate the site. After that, the heavily treed property was cleared by the client. Once we mobilized equipment and began excavation, active springs presented themselves across the site in areas that would have become the bottom of the pond.
These were unknown subsurface conditions that were not apparent during the initial evaluation. Once they were uncovered, they materially changed the project and affected whether the pond could be built as originally planned.
That matters because once a pond fills, water pressure pushes back through weak areas in the basin. In this case, the springs were not strong enough to resist that pressure, which would have turned them into leak paths. In simple terms, the pond would not have held water long term.
The decision to stop work and present a change order was necessary because the springs were unknown subsurface conditions that materially changed the project. Once those conditions were uncovered, the work could not be performed as originally contracted. At that point, we had two choices: continue building a pond we believed would fail, or stop the project. If we had kept going, you would have ended up with a pond that leaked and became an ongoing problem.
We were not willing to do that, could not build a dam as contracted out of the material on site and we were not willing to put our name on a project we believed would fail.
That decision was not about the wrong equipment, and it was not about lack of experience. Knowing when a site cannot be built as originally planned is part of real experience in pond construction. Ryan is the founder and current owner of the company. He was not on site operating equipment. His role was overseeing the project and meeting with the crew. He personally made multiple trips to the site as soon as these spring conditions were uncovered.
As for cost, the deposit was applied to actual project costs incurred, primarily mobilizing and demobilizing equipment and crew to and from your site. Our total cost on the project exceeded the deposit amount, and we chose not to pursue the remaining balance.
We also presented alternative options in an effort to move the project forward, including the option of lining the pond with a liner. We offered to help facilitate that and other presented processes as an owner’s representative at no cost to you. Those options were declined.
We also disagree with the statements made about licensing and about our company. Bulletproof Pond and Lake is a construction company, not a marketing company. We are hired to make hard calls when site conditions show a pond will not perform, and that is exactly what happened here.
This was not the outcome you wanted, and it was not the outcome we wanted either. But stopping a project is sometimes the right decision when the alternative is taking a client’s money for a pond that will not hold water and can not be built as contracted.
We stand behind that decision, and this matter has since been dismissed in court.
Mike2026.05.07
Outstanding, expert level work. Highly recommend, expectations were exceeded from the first meeting discussing pond and land layout all the way to the finished product.
Thank you!!
Adding an update for 2026.
Ashley Office Manager reaches out at times to see how much I am enjoying the pond. After 3 years the pond is doing great. Ryan and team performed a very professional job.
Water level remains approximately 2-3 feet below the bank during the summer without rain.
Water plants are growing only around the edges; depth allows for single diffuser aeration.
Some brief details of the journey after the build:
Planting of beans and rye grass in areas without vegetation followed up by seeding prairie grasses and clovers.
Within 3 rains the pond had nearly filled. The swells caught more water than I imagined.
Water test performed by a laboratory for pH, Alkalinity, Hardness, Conductivity, Turbidity, Chlorophyll-a, Phosphorus, Nitrogen (Total) providing a professional baseline.
Spring stocking - fathead minnows, green sunfish, northern bluegill, (25) redear sunfish, (25) copper-nose, (10) rainbow dace, and one black/white Koi. No signs of over population.
PS10 Pond Aeration System added the first summer. Addition of bacteria, 1 acre size to start.
Water pump added 12.5 GPH with venturi to the shallow area on the ponds west side to help circulation, algae control and increase dissolved oxygen.
Gypsum and bentonite initially added to settle some of the suspended clay solids, zeolite added where water enters from the swells to help filter, hold moisture and reduce turbidity.
This year when starting the aeration system, there's no change in the waters color from debris in the bottom.
Water clarity is improving due to the establishment of grass and clovers. Goal - continue lightly adding gypsum, control all erosion.
2026 water quality measured with a YSI pro series, and HM-200 handhelds.
DO 7.23 MG/L
CD 92 µS/CM
PH 7.9
Test strips:
Alkalinity remains low (initial reading in 2023 18 mg/L)
Hardness mg/L 40-50
Carbonate ppm 40
Nitrite-Nitrate 0
Iron 0
Thanks!!
Hey Mike! Thank you for entrusting us with your unique pond project. We're thrilled to hear your expectations where entirely exceeded with us. Thanks so much for leaving your review of your experience! Cheers to your awesome upgraded pond! :)
Don Schumaker2026.03.13
Pictures yet to upload. I've worked with Bulletproof over the years and have followed them for a long time and from a contractor standpoint (I've been a GC for going on 20 years now) they are the real deal. Bulletproof is an expert in ponds and lakes. Period. Not just in theory, but in execution. The technology, methods and solutions they bring up are things you don't see from most excavators in this space, it feels like they have a development team of 20 people on staff. Their core liners, how they approach lining ponds, their diagnostics they do, and their depth of knowledge behind their work puts them on a completely different level than others.
We've seen our share of "I can build you this or that" contractors, and the service bulletproof offers almost makes it feel like they aren't even a contractor, they are the Amazon of building ponds. We've worked with engineering companies that don't do the level of diagnostics they do.
I can't speak for services outside of ponds and lakes but everything they have done for our clients, and partners have been top notch.
Communication has always been solid, and they have gone out of their way more times than I can count to to answer questions, share resources, and help me avoid costly mistakes. They've saved me hours , no probably days of research but sharing what they know and helping me with our plans and projects.
They've helped with permitting, reviewing project ideas, and are always extremely patient when I bring up changes or ask a lot of questions. I've reached out after hours fully expecting no response till then next day,and still heard back that night. Rare!
The crews in the field are respectful hard workers and want to do things right. That matters to me
From someone who works with contractors every day, I see this company really cares more than just "let's get this done and get out of here"
They are a rarity and I wish them nothing but success and will continue to work with them and recommend them every chance I get.
Highly recommend considering bulletproof, you won't regret it.
Don. Wow, wow, wow. Reading this as a team stopped us in our tracks in the best possible way. To hear this perspective from someone with nearly 20 years as a GC, who works with contractors day in and day out, means more to us than we can properly put into words. This is an honor receiving such detailed feedback. 💙
What you shared so clearly reflects why we do what we do — not just building ponds and lakes, but doing the deep thinking, the diagnostics, the problem-solving, and the behind-the-scenes work that most people never see. Knowing that our methods, technology, and approach stand out to someone who understands the space at such a deep level is incredibly affirming for our entire team.
Your comments about communication, patience, after-hours responses, and our field crews hit especially close to home, and thank you so so so much for including this feedback. Those are intentional choices, and it means a lot to know they’ve made a real difference for you, your clients, and your projects.. That kind of trust and partnership is something we never take lightly.
We’d genuinely love to connect with you soon to thank you in person and hear more about your experience — this review has been massively impactful for our entire team, and it deserves a real conversation, not just a reply.
Until then Don, please know how grateful we are for your support, your recommendations, and the respect you’ve shown us over the years.
From all of us at Bulletproof — thank you for the work you do, the standard you hold, and the kind words you shared. It genuinely means the world to us. 💙
Brandon Culver2026.03.05
Ashley was very knowledgeable and professional. She guided me in the direction I needed to get us the design we were hoping for. Highly recommend!!!!
Brandon, thank you so much for leaving your feedback! That's exactly what we aim for! It was a pleasure helping bring that vision of yours more to life. We're glad Ashley could help guide you to your ultimate goals and needs. Please do let us know if there's any other pond, lake, or wetland project you'd like assistance with in the future. 💙 Thanks again for the review!
— Bulletproof Pond & Lake Team
Corinna Lee2026.02.11
I have hesitated to post this for quite some time, but as the condition of our pond continues to worsen, I feel it’s important to share our experience.
Three years ago, we hired Bulletproof to renovate our farm pond during the early stages of their expansion into pond projects. Ryan came out, assessed the site, and provided a quote to clear the area and enlarge the pond and dam. It was a significant investment for us—well into five figures—but we trusted their expertise and the process they outlined.
Unfortunately, despite that investment, we are left with a pond that has become an eyesore. It appears there may be a leak or another unresolved issue that has not been properly identified or corrected. We have reached out multiple times seeking a resolution, but the problem remains unaddressed.
Had we known the project would result in the current condition—or that additional work might be necessary—we would have chosen to leave the pond as it was rather than move forward with such a substantial expense.
We understand that the company has grown and may now be focused on larger, more elaborate projects. However, it is disappointing that one of their earlier pond projects has not received the follow-through needed to resolve ongoing concerns. We had high expectations and simply hoped for a finished product that reflected the investment made and the farm we have invested 25 years in.
We appreciate you sharing this, and we’re truly sorry to hear how disappointed you feel. We know how much a farm pond means to a property, and we never want anyone to feel let down after making a major investment.
When we first evaluated the pond, we performed soil borings to assess the condition of the dam and determine whether an expansion would likely trigger leakage. At that time, nothing in the tested areas indicated the dam could not handle the added stress of raising the water level. It’s important to understand that soil sampling only shows conditions at specific drill points and does not provide a complete picture of everything buried inside an older dam.
After the pond was expanded and the water level increased, the added hydraulic pressure exposed a weak area within the original dam. When we returned to investigate, we discovered buried root material and debris, including milk crates, within sections of the original dam construction from long before we were involved. Those materials were not introduced by our work and were not visible during the initial testing.
Although this condition was outside of our original scope, we returned and installed a clay core repair at no charge, approximately a $12,000 cost to us, because we believe in standing behind our name and doing what we feel is right.
We also want to address the comment about outreach. We have not received recent communication regarding ongoing issues, but if something was missed, that was never intentional. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, and we always have a dedicated receptionist and client success representative available to answer the phone.
Everything we were hired to do was completed as agreed, and we took additional steps in good faith when an unexpected pre existing condition surfaced.
We’re genuinely sorry this situation has continued to be frustrating, and we do wish you the best in getting the pond to the condition you want for your farm.
Andrew Rudolph2026.01.21
Great company that is easy to communicate with and does an awesome job!
Pond Construction
We spoke directly with Brian at Bulletproof and his knowledge on pond construction was evident. He is truly out there to help people achieve there dream ponds. We recommend him to anyone with leaky pond issues or dam work!
Date of experience: 21 January, 2026
Jacob, we appreciate the review! Fantastic working with you all! 💪
— Bulletproof Pond & Lake Team
Ali Buchan2026.01.21
The team at Bulletproof is very knowledgeable and helped answer our questions about the structural needs of our pond project. Very professional and courteous. Highly recommend!
Ali, thank you so much for your review. So wonderful to hear this from you. It's always a treat working with you and your professional team for ponds and lakes!
— Bulletproof Pond & Lake Team
Tim Snyder2026.01.20
Bulletproof are the experts in new pond construction and leaking ponds. We have used them on many projects and have always had great results.
Tim, thank you so much for your review. It's always a pleasure working with you and your company! Here's to many more years of working alongside each-other!
This business is experiencing a pattern of false, coordinated, and malicious reviews from connected accounts, constituting harassment, stalking, coordinated defamation, and review manipulation in violation of Google’s policies.
As stated in prior false reviews, this submission adds to our documented, open investigation into this pattern of abuse. We have no customer, lead, service request, or report of any kind under this name, and no record supporting the claims made.
This matter is being pursued regardless of whether this review remains or is removed. Anonymous or private accounts do not provide protection—activity on Google’s platforms is traceable and will be identified. Keeping this review only strengthens the documented pattern of misconduct; voluntary removal is strongly advised.
Lance West2026.01.17
Bullet Proof Ponds are the best in the business! Above and beyond professionals, awesome to do business with!
Lance, what a treat seeing your review! It's always a pleasure working with you all over at 4West. We're smiling over here, seeing your feedback on working with us. Cheers to many more projects together, and our continued partnership! We appreciate you all and your expertise. 🥂🩵
— Bulletproof Pond & Lake Team
james gochenour2026.01.10
From the very first day working with Bulletproof ponds until the final completion my experience with this company was amazing. Not only did they perform with a total professional attitude the project looks amazing. They were very fair on additional work i wanted to add on. Their communications with me during the project was amazing. The only thing i am sad about is i miss watching their skills with the heavy machinery. I am a contractor of 45 years and i have to say these guys at Bulletproof impressed the heck out of me.
Thank you for such a thoughtful review. Our entire team had a fabulous time working with you, and your pond project was easily one of our team's favorites here recently!
It was an honor working for someone with 45 years of experience in the industry, and your trust in us—especially with a project and investment of this scale, meant a great deal. We’re glad to hear that the process, communication, and final result met your expectations!
We’re excited to see the incredible additions you and your loved ones continue to make. We look forward to capturing some after shots, and much more, as your stunning pond evolves! 🌿 🌊
Thank you again for choosing our team and for being such a fun client to work for 💙 Cheers to the new pond and many memories yet to be made!! 🥂
— Bulletproof Pond & Lake Team
CBB2026.01.05
We hired Ryan, Hunter and the Bulletproof team for a 2nd project at our house, which included a retaining wall for our pond. Hunter, the project lead, spent significant time understanding the exact scope and details of the project, and then completed the project as if the pond was his own. Hunter's communication with me and his enthusiasm for the project were both outstanding. The owner was even out on site in a loader moving dirt when one of his employees had an emergency and the team was short a worker. That is dedication to the client! Super grateful for the team.
Chad, it was a pleasure working with you again, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback on your experience with us. 💙
Hunter brings a lot of ownership to every project, so hearing that he treated your pond as if it were his own, with stellar communication and care meant a great deal to him and the entire team! That level of care and attention is exactly what we aim for on every job.
We’re also grateful you brought up Ryan coming out and getting things wrapped up within timeframe, even when challenges came up with some team members being out, and just what that meant to you. Thank you so much for your continued trust in us here at Bulletproof Pond & Lake. We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with you again, Chad!
As always, don't hesitate to reach back out with any future additions or pond and lake projects ;)
— Bulletproof Pond & Lake Team
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