424 Chlorine Dioxide Insights with Greg Simpson
Scaling UP! H2O
A Lifelong Exploration into Chlorine Dioxide In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, Trace Blackmore welcomes Greg D. Simpson, a recognized authority on chlorine dioxide and a long-time researcher, writer, and technologist in the industrial water treatment space. With decades of hands-on experience and a personal archive of thousands of technical papers, Greg brings unmatched depth to this essential conversation. From Field Trials to File Cabinets Greg takes us through his early career, from being tasked to explore chlorine dioxide as an alternative disinfectant on the...
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423 Pushing the Boundaries: Jacob Deak on Innovating Water Treatment Systems
Scaling UP! H2O
In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore interviews , Marketing & Inside Sales Director at , for a deep dive into how innovation is born—not in labs, but in the field. Jake shares the story of Pyxis Lab’s rapid evolution from a lean, hands-on team to an industry leader in developing smart, user-informed water treatment technology. Building Solutions from Real-World Problems Jake Deak's journey began during the pandemic, stepping into a role shaped by both legacy and urgency. Working closely with his father and the Pyxis team, he reveals how their approach...
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422 Inside the Association of Water Technologies with John Caloritis
Scaling UP! H2O
In this milestone episode, host Trace Blackmore welcomes of and current President of the . Together, they explore the strategic evolution of AWT and announce an exciting new partnership that officially makes Scaling UP! H2O the association's podcast partner. This conversation is a rare behind-the-scenes look into how AWT operates, from board decisions to training initiatives, and what the future holds for water treatment professionals who want to lead, grow, and make an impact. Behind the Boardroom: How AWT Operates at the Top John Caloritis gives a full picture of how the...
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421 The Benefits of Tagged Polymers in Water Treatment with Gary Garcia
Scaling UP! H2O
“Keep it simple because the more complex things get, the less people will do it” - Gary Garcia For years, water treatment professionals have relied on PTSA tracers to estimate system performance, but emerging technologies are offering clearer, more direct answers. In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore welcome once again returning guest Garret "Gary" S. Garcia of , now a business unit of to explore how fluorescent tagged polymers are revolutionizing the way water treaters monitor system health and chemical performance. With decades of expertise, Gary offers practical...
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420 Tapping Into Tech: How Ben Frieders Uses AI to Elevate Water Treatment Marketing
Scaling UP! H2O
"Continue to learn something new every day.” What happens when a Navy-trained water chemistry expert dives into AI-powered marketing? You get —Marketing and Business Development Manager at —who’s turning the tide on how water treatment professionals use tech. Whether you're still skeptical of AI or already exploring tools like ChatGPT, this episode offers a masterclass in practical, professional applications tailored for the water treatment world. From the Navy to Water Treatment: Ben’s Story Ben Frieders shares his journey from operating nuclear submarines to...
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419 Leading with Purpose: Culture, Customers, and Chemical Supply with Dave Fitzgerald
Scaling UP! H2O
In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore reconnects with returning guest , President of North Metal & Chemical Company. Known for his forward-thinking predictions, Dave returns to share valuable insights into supply chain forecasting, emotional intelligence in leadership, and how a strong culture can shape business longevity. Purpose-Driven Predictions Dave doesn’t just react—he predicts. Learn how he turns economic signals, freight trends, and material pricing into reliable forecasting tools to protect inventory and serve loyal customers. ...
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418 Maleic Acid-Based Corrosion Inhibitors: Expanding the Water Treatment Toolbox with Mike Standish
Scaling UP! H2O
Corrosion control is fundamental to the success of any water treatment program, but how often do we question the limitations of the tools we rely on? In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore welcomes back returning guest , Vice President of Water Additives at , to explore the evolving role of maleic acid-based corrosion inhibitors in industrial water treatment. Drawing on decades of expertise, Mike shares practical insights into when — and when not — to use these innovative solutions to meet today's complex challenges. Understanding the Corrosion Control Toolbox Mike...
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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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"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.
