417 How To Live a Life of Significance: Insights from Aaron Walker
Scaling UP! H2O
“ Don’t Just Be Successful – Be Significant” How do you define success? Is it about financial achievement, accolades, or influence? What if true fulfillment lies in significance rather than just success? In this episode of the Scaling Up H2O podcast, we welcome back a distinguished guest, . With over four decades of entrepreneurial experience, Aaron has not only built thriving businesses but has also dedicated his life to mentoring others, helping them navigate their paths with purpose. His belief that "Relationships Matter Most" is a guiding principle for those seeking deeper...
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416 The SteriPen Revisited: Scaling UP! Your UV Digestion Knowledge
Scaling UP! H2O
“Always test your tools before field use. Side-by-side comparisons ensure repeatability and accuracy.” In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host delivers an in-depth update on the SteriPen, a widely used tool for water treatment professionals. After overwhelming demand from listeners, we revisit the SteriPen, its capabilities, and its impact on testing organic phosphates and azoles. If you're looking for efficiency, precision, and portability in water testing, this episode is packed with actionable insights. The Evolution of the SteriPen Learn how the SteriPen became a game-changer...
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415 Green Building Updates: What You Need to Know
Scaling UP! H2O
“When there’s a will, there’s a way.” - Charlie Cichetti Sustainability is more than just a trend—it’s a commitment to a better future. In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore sits down with , LEED Fellow + WELL AP, CEO + Co-Founder of a leading expert in green building to discuss the latest updates in sustainability and how they impact industries worldwide. From energy efficiency to new LEED requirements, Charlie breaks down what professionals need to know about the latest green building innovations. Whether you’re a facilities manager, an industrial...
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414 Pinks and Blues: Trace's Phosphate Redux
Scaling UP! H2O
"Scaling is like debt—it’s always better to prevent it than to clean it up later." Phosphate plays a crucial role in Industrial Water Treatment, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood chemicals. In this Pinks and Blues episode, Trace Blackmore revisits phosphate chemistry and its application in cooling systems, corrosion prevention, and scale inhibition. Breaking Down Phosphate Chemistry Phosphate exists in different forms, each with specific applications in water treatment. Orthophosphate (PO4³⁻): The simplest and most reactive form, used for corrosion inhibition. ...
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413 Charting the Future: Mastering the Art of Strategic Planning
Scaling UP! H2O
"Strategic planning is creating certainty in an uncertain world." – Tim Fulton Strategic planning is essential for success in any business, yet many companies either overlook or struggle with the process. In this episode, Trace Blackmore welcomes back , President of , to explore the fundamentals of strategic planning and how businesses can chart their course for success. Tim shares insights on why strategic planning matters, how to involve the right people, and how to create a plan that actually works. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or part of a team, this episode...
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412 Pinks & Blues: The Iron-clad Saga
Scaling UP! H2O
"Be the iron fist that keeps your water flowing clean and clear." - Trace Blackmore Welcome back to another insightful Pinks & Blues episode of Scaling UP! H2O! In this episode, host Trace Blackmore dives into the fascinating world of iron in water treatment systems. While iron is essential for life, it can be a major problem in industrial water systems, leading to corrosion, equipment damage, and inefficiencies. This episode unpacks the science behind iron, testing methods, and practical strategies for managing its impact. Understanding the Iron Triangle To effectively manage...
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411 Adiabatic Humidification: Harnessing Nature's Cooling Power for Efficient Climate Control
Scaling UP! H2O
“Be curious because the more you learn, the more exciting it is. Hit those challenges head on.” - Ryan Reimer Adiabatic humidification is revolutionizing climate control, offering an energy-efficient way to maintain humidity and cooling in industrial and commercial spaces. But what exactly is adiabatic humidification, and how does it compare to traditional isothermal methods? In this episode, host Trace Blackmore welcomes of , to break down the mechanics, benefits, and critical applications of adiabatic humidification. Together, they explore how this low-energy cooling method...
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410 Unleash Your Pricing Power: Casey Brown's 'Fearless Pricing' Revolutionizes Business Value
Scaling UP! H2O
"If you’re excellent at what you do, you’ve got to be paid like you’re excellent." – Casey Brown Ever wondered if you're truly getting paid what you're worth? In this unmissable episode of Scaling UP! H2O, we bring back , speaker, founder of and author of the newly released Known for her electrifying talks and actionable insights, Casey dives deep into how businesses can build confidence, charge their true value, and break free from the fear of pricing discussions. From her journey as an engineer to becoming a pricing powerhouse, Casey's passion for helping businesses...
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409 A Western Refinery's Journey to Improved Water Efficiency
Scaling UP! H2O
"Water is a limited resource, and in this refinery, every gallon saved is a win for sustainability." – Juan Meneses Water is a critical resource in industrial operations, and improving efficiency is a top priority for many companies. In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, returning guest , District Manager at , discusses how a Western refinery optimized its water footprint using advanced treatment technologies. This episode is packed with insights on water conservation strategies, sustainability goals, and the role of advanced monitoring technologies like 3D TRASAR in maximizing...
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408 Pinks and Blues: The Power of Processes
Scaling UP! H2O
What gets measured gets improved. But without a process, how do we know what to improve? In this brand-new episode, , the host of and the CEO and Founder of , dives deep into the power of processes in industrial water treatment. Learn why creating and documenting processes is essential for consistency, collaboration, and success. Hear Trace's personal journey of process discovery, practical steps for implementation, and how processes can make your work more efficient and fun. Plus, a new "Water You Know" segment by James McDonald challenges your water treatment knowledge....
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"Take a victory lap today and celebrate all the wonderful things you've done this year." – Trace Blackmore
In this milestone 400th episode, host Trace Blackmore reflects on the podcast’s incredible journey and the achievements of 2024. From personal accomplishments to listener engagement and standout episodes, this celebration highlights the growth of the Scaling UP! Nation.
Scaling UP! H2O by the Numbers: What 2024 Taught Us
Trace shares how the podcast grew across countries like Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand while continuing to top charts on Apple and Spotify.
Personal Triumphs: From Scuba Diving to Off-Roading Adventures
This year wasn’t just about podcasting. Trace shares personal milestones, including certifying his 1,000th scuba diver, losing 20 pounds, and embracing off-roading adventures in his wife’s Jeep.
Behind the Mic: Guests, Stats, and Records
With 51 guests in 2024, 35% were women, and 65% were men. This diverse lineup included highlights like the Women of Water (Episode 380) and Legionella Awareness Month series. The podcast also broke a record with six guests in a single episode.
From Legionella to Boilers: Most Shared Episodes of 2024
Episodes like Are Legionella Cases Truly on the Rise? (Episode 376) and Steam Boiler Essentials (Episodes 353 & 354) delivered actionable insights that sparked industry discussions.
AWT Innovation Award: A Shared Honor
This year, Scaling UP! H2O was honored with the 2024 AWT Innovation Award at the AWT Annual Conference. Recognizing the podcast’s impact on advancing the water treatment industry, this award is a testament to the dedication of the Scaling UP! Nation.
The Timeless Impact of Episode 179
Kathleen Edelman’s Temperaments episode remains the most downloaded in podcast history, offering lasting lessons on improving communication and relationships.
The Scaling UP! Nation Community: More Than a Podcast
More than a podcast, Scaling UP! H2O is a movement driven by its listeners. With 10,000 LinkedIn followers and a growing global presence, the Scaling UP! Nation continues to make waves in the water treatment industry.
A Look Ahead: What’s Next for 2025
Trace teases what’s to come, including new contributions from James MacDonald and an even greater focus on delivering high-quality content for water treatment professionals.
Powered by Our Partners: Sponsors Who Believe in the Mission
This podcast thrives thanks to sponsors who believe in its mission. Their support ensures the production of valuable, high-quality episodes.
Here’s to the Next Chapter, Together
Trace thanks everyone who made this milestone possible, celebrating 400 episodes as a shared achievement with the Scaling UP! Nation. Together, we’re shaping the future of water treatment.
And as always, we’re scaling up knowledge, so we don’t scale up our systems.
Timestamps:
01:10 - Trace reflects on the podcast’s journey, shares gratitude for the Scaling UP! Nation, and highlights achievements while offering forward-looking insights.
04:25 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals
08:39 – Trace shares his personal milestones from 2024
09:22 – Drop by Drop with James McDonald
14:49 – Trace delivers the Podcast Highlights of 2024
43:44 - Gratitude for Sponsors, Guests, and Listeners
45:18 – A Look Ahead to 2025
46:21 – Episode Wrap-Up and New Year Wishes
Connect with Scaling UP! H2O
Submit a show idea: Submit a Show Idea
LinkedIn: in/traceblackmore/
YouTube: @ScalingUpH2O
Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses
The Rising Tide Mastermind
World Vision Global 6k
001 A New Podcast for Water Treaters
179 Another One that Teaches Us to Communicate Better with Others
348 Credentials and Codes: Plumbing Strategies Against Legionella
350 Polymer Perspectives: Understanding Copolymer Innovations in Water Treatment
351 Maximizing Water’s Potential: Tech and Water Treaters in Perfect Harmony
353 Steam Boilers: Essential Checks, Part 1
354 Steam Boilers: Essential Checks, Part 2
355 Backflow Prevention: Safeguarding Water Quality
376 Are Legionella Cases Truly on the Rise? Insights on Legionella Trends and Prevention
380 The WOW Effect: Women Leading Transformation in the Water Industry
390 Multimeter Troubleshooting: Your Guide to Accurate Diagnostics, Part 1
391 Multimeter Troubleshooting: Your Guide to Accurate Diagnostics, Part 2
Drop by Drop with James
In today’s episode, I have a quote. The quote is, “The lines are painted wrong.” Who said that and what did this person mean? That was my Dad. He used to tell us that as kids. You see, my Dad took pride in his driving abilities, and when he would not park the straightest in a parking space, we kids would take great delight in pointing it out to him. His reply was always, “The lines are painted wrong.” Oddly enough, we LOVED this answer! We would argue back, “No they aren’t! You parked crooked!” He would just shake his head, smile, and calmly insist, “The lines are painted wrong.” In my career as an industrial water treatment professional, this quote has always stuck with me. There are most certainly times when the lines are painted wrong. The control ranges may be wrong, too tight, or too broad. The lines are painted wrong. The expectations from a client or manager may be unrealistic. The lines are painted wrong. The finger often gets pointed at the water treatment professional first when things go wrong with water-related equipment, even when it’s not our fault. The lines are painted wrong. While it would not have been appropriate for my Dad to repaint the lines in a parking lot, it can be appropriate for us to repaint the lines at times in industrial water treatment. Control ranges can be appropriately adjusted. Expectations can be diplomatically realigned. Blame can be diffused or redirected with listening, discussion, facts, and patience. Sometimes, it takes a little thinking outside the box to realize when the lines are painted wrong. I have my Dad to thank for helping me see this at such a young age, and I can’t wait to tell him that now tens of thousands of people have just learned from him, too.
Events for Water Professionals
Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we’ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.
