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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What gets measured gets improved. But without a process, how do we know what to improve?
In this brand-new episode, Trace Blackmore, the host of Scaling UP! H2O Podcast and the CEO and Founder of Blackmore Enterprises, 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. Don't miss this insightful episode filled with actionable takeaways!
Trace Blackmore introduces the value of processes, sharing his love for procedures and why they are vital for the industrial water treatment community. From his early experiences at McDonald's to his current role, Trace illustrates how processes drive consistency and success.
The Power of Processes in Water Treatment
Discover how processes are the backbone of efficiency in the water treatment industry, guiding consistency and measurable improvements across daily tasks and large-scale operations.
A Practical Framework for Success
Learn actionable steps to create, document, and refine processes that save time, enhance accuracy, and drive collaboration within your team or solo operations.
Lessons from Episode 397: Categorizing for Clarity
Explore Trace's approach to categorizing and establishing testing procedures, from Episode 397, and see how small tweaks can yield significant efficiency gains.
From McDonald’s to Water Treatment: The Art of Rigor
Trace shares personal anecdotes from his first job at McDonald’s, revealing how the company’s focus on procedural rigor inspired his passion for creating and following efficient workflows.
Behind the Scenes of Scaling Up H2O
Get a rare glimpse into the processes that power the Scaling Up H2O podcast. From pre-recording preparation to publishing episodes, see how structured workflows ensure quality and consistency.
Why Everyone Needs Procedures—Even Solo Professionals
Trace busts the myth that procedures are only for teams. Learn how structured processes can help solo professionals work smarter, not harder, and achieve consistent results every time.
Trace emphasizes that processes are the backbone of success in water treatment and other industries. He encourages listeners to take actionable steps in documenting one procedure this week and to celebrate improvements.
Processes transform chaos into clarity. By embracing structured methods, you not only improve operations but also create opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!
Timestamps
04:37 -The power of sharing ideas at water industry events.
08:13 - Water You Know with James McDonald
10:51 - Trace's love for procedures and his McDonald's experience.
16:49 - The importance of measuring processes for improvement.
28:28 - Steps to create and document a process.
46:27 - Closing thoughts: Processes bring fun and efficiency to the workplace.
Quotes
“Because of my love of procedures, I've been able to create things and enlist the help of others to work collaboratively, ensuring we're all on the same page” - Trace Blackmore
Connect with Scaling UP! H2O
Submit a show idea: Submit a Show Idea
LinkedIn: in/traceblackmore/
YouTube: @ScalingUpH2O
Click HERE to Download Episode's Discussion Guide
Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses
Submit a Show Idea
The Rising Tide Mastermind
398 Water Treatment Project Success: Essential Steps for New Facilities and Expansions
397 Pinks and Blues: How to look at your tests
Water You Know with James McDonald
Question: At atmospheric pressure, a pound or kilogram of water that is converted to steam will expand by approximately how many times?
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.
