407 Designing Success: A Deep Dive into 'Luck by Design' with Author Adam Tank
Release Date: 02/14/2025
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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What if the moments we consider mundane or accidental hold the power to reshape our lives?
In this week’s Scaling UP! H2O Podcast, we welcome back Adam Tank, water industry leader and author of Luck by Design. Known for his thought-provoking insights and transformational ideas, Adam takes us on a journey to uncover how intentionality and awareness can turn everyday moments into catalysts for success. Whether you’re navigating career choices or striving for personal growth, this episode is your roadmap to designing the life you’ve always wanted.
In this candid and engaging conversation, Adam shares the inspiration behind Luck by Design, a book that reveals how seemingly small moments—what he calls “catalyst moments”—can create a ripple effect of positive change. He opens up about his own transformative experiences, including a fateful missed bus stop in Rio that changed his career path forever. Through his stories, Adam challenges us to look closer at our own lives and recognize the opportunities hiding in plain sight.
This episode reminds us that success isn’t a matter of chance—it’s a matter of choice. Whether it’s writing a life-changing postcard, stepping out of your comfort zone, or simply taking a moment to reflect, small, intentional actions can create lasting impact. And as Adam’s journey shows, the connections we nurture and the opportunities we embrace shape not just our lives, but the lives of those around us.
Your next big opportunity might already be in front of you—it’s up to you to see it, seize it, and act on it. In this episode, Adam Tank proves that designing your own success is less about waiting for luck and more about creating it. Are you ready to take charge of your moments?
Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!
Timestamps
01:36 - Trace Blackmore shares Valentine’s Day origin and learning takeaway
03:03 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals
07:09 - Interview with Adam Tank, co-founder and chief customer officer at Transcend, water industry leader and author of Luck by Design
27:16 - Adam discusses the "chapstick moment" and how small moments can lead to life-changing decisions
55:10 - Water You Know with James McDonald
Quotes
"These catalyst moments have tremendous power to help you achieve remarkable things in life." – Adam Tank
"The sum of your life is the quality of the relationships you build." – Adam Tank
"It’s not about what happens to you, but what you choose to do with it." – Adam Tank
"A small act, like sending a postcard, can have ripple effects beyond what you can imagine." – Trace Blackmore
Connect with Adam Tank
Phone: 913-940-4381
Email: [email protected]
Website: Transcend | Design Automation Software for Critical Infrastructure
ThinkTank | Adam Tank
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamtank/
Click HERE to Download Episode's Discussion Guide
Guest Resources Mentioned
Luck By Design: The Science And Serendipity Of A Well-Lived Life by Adam Tank
Think And Grow Rich: The Secret To Wealth Updated For The 21st Century by Napoleon Hill
Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses
Submit a Show Idea
The Rising Tide Mastermind
001 A New Podcast for Water Treaters
181 The One Where Water Geeks Talk About Social Media
279 The One With the ‘Water We Talking About?’ Hosts
343 Master Water Marketing with Adam Tank
Water You Know with James McDonald
Question: What is the proper regeneration sequence of operation for a co-current regenerated sodium zeolite softener system?
2025 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.
