406 Eight Tips for Business Management: Part 2 – Essential Strategies
Release Date: 02/07/2025
431 Legionella Awareness Month Kickoff!
Scaling UP! H2O
Are You Ready to Talk About Legionella? Every August, we dedicate an entire month to a topic that touches public health, liability, and the core of what water treaters do — yet it’s still misunderstood by many: Legionella. In this episode, Trace Blackmore kicks off Legionella Awareness Month by returning to the basics. Where did Legionella get its name? What makes it dangerous? And why is there still confusion between a water treatment program and a water management plan? Tracing It Back: History, Misconceptions, and Missed Conversations Trace opens with the 1976...
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430 PFAS Regulations and Technologies with Brian Liotta
Scaling UP! H2O
“The winning combination will include not just removal—but real destruction of PFAS.” - Brian Liotta PFAS: The Invisible Challenge Reshaping Water Treatment PFAS chemicals are everywhere—from consumer products to our bloodstream. But as regulations tighten, water treatment professionals must now evolve faster than ever. In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore speaks with , Director of Marketing and Product Development at , about the shifting regulatory landscape and the advanced technologies being developed to monitor, remove, and destroy PFAS compounds. ...
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429 The Life and Career of Jim Lukanich
Scaling UP! H2O
“You can’t learn it all in one year. You can’t even learn it all in ten.” That single statement from Jim Lukanich captures the spirit of this unforgettable episode. Returning to the for the first time since Episode 10, joins host to reflect on a remarkable 44-year career in the water treatment industry. From his early days at U.S. Steel to leading technical innovation at Buckman Laboratories, ChemCal, U.S. Water, and Kurita, Jim has been a force for mentorship, learning, and raising the bar in technical excellence. Building a Career, One Problem at a Time Jim...
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428 Innovations in Water Treatment with Dr. Jasbir Gill
Scaling UP! H2O
What happens when a nuclear chemist pivots into industrial water treatment? In this episode, host Trace Blackmore is joined by , President at Water Energy Solutions Inc, whose career spans five decades of breakthrough innovations in water chemistry and sustainability. From developing predictive modeling systems to creating new polymer standards, Dr. Gill shares how scientific rigor and practical experience came together to shape tools still used today. “We were not just saving water—we were calculating the true cost of energy and environmental impact.” From Nuclear Chemistry to...
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427 July 4th! Entrepreneurship, Water Wells, and the Spirit of Liberty
Scaling UP! H2O
“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!” - Patrick Henry Honoring Innovation, Freedom, and Small Business on the 4th of July In this special Independence Day episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore brings you a rich blend of patriotism, professional insight, and entrepreneurial spirit. Opening with reflections on July 4th traditions—from fireworks to parades—Trace sets the stage for a compelling conversation with Jack Clark, Owner and Founder of 180 Water. As the water industry faces growing demand and generational turnover, Jack offers a bold solution: a replicable...
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426 Sustaining Success: Tom Hutchison on Leading Through Generational Change
Scaling UP! H2O
In this episode, Trace Blackmore welcomes back , Chairman of the Board, , to reflect on what it really takes to step out of day-to-day leadership—and do it well. As a multi-decade leader in water treatment, Tom shares the personal, professional, and organizational insights that shaped his transition from CEO to chairman and what it means to lead a business into its next generation. From early succession conversations to the unspoken anxieties of staff, Hutch offers a rare look behind the curtain of legacy-building in industrial water treatment. And as private equity plays a growing...
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425 Smart Technology in Water Treatment with Kevin Kuhne
Scaling UP! H2O
“You don't have to transition your entire business. You just need to start. Small beginnings are okay.” Revolutionizing Water Treatment Through Smart Tech In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore welcomes , Founder and President of , for a deep-dive conversation on the emerging role of smart technology and artificial intelligence in water treatment. With decades of experience leading tech-driven innovation, Kevin unpacks how intelligent systems, edge computing, and real-time data processing are reshaping operations in the field—from cooling towers to...
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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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“The only way you really know what you want to do is by learning more about it.” - Mark Lewis
Welcome back to Scaling UP! H2O as we dive into the second part of our conversation with Mark T. Lewis, Certified Water Technologist of Southeastern Laboratories, Inc. and business leader who shares invaluable insights for thriving in your career and business.
In this continuation of our "Eight Tips for Business Management - Essential Strategies" series, Mark and Trace unpack the strategies that have shaped their professional success, offering advice that’s as practical as it is impactful. Whether you’re managing stress, building trust within your team, or strategizing how to level up your skills, this episode is full of actionable takeaways.
In Part 2, Mark covers:
- The Power of Continuous Learning: Why attending AWT Technical Training Seminars should be a priority and how to pitch the value to your employer.
- Building Trust as a Leader: Insights from Stephen Covey’s Speed of Trust to help you streamline operations and foster stronger relationships.
- Stress Management for Professionals: Simple, yet effective ways to navigate challenges, from journaling to maintaining healthy habits.
- The CWT Advantage: How becoming a Certified Water Technologist can open doors in the water treatment industry—and tips for overcoming exam anxiety.
Mark also shares candid stories from his decades-long career, revealing the lessons he’s learned from both triumphs and setbacks. Plus, Trace adds his own perspective on mentorship, community, and how to stay inspired in a constantly evolving industry.
Bottom Line
The conversation with Mark Lewis underscores one powerful truth: success in business and life starts with intentional action. Whether it’s committing to continuous learning, fostering trust within your network, or mastering stress management, the tools to elevate your career are within your reach. Mark reminds us that the best investment you can make is in yourself, and when you couple that with strong community connections and an eagerness to learn, the possibilities are endless.
Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!
Timestamps
02:04– Continuation of Interview with Mark Lewis, Certified Water Technologist, on tips on business management – essential strategies.
03:16 – Upcoming Events for Water Professionals
05:58 – Water You Know with James McDonald: Industrial water treatment trivia
14:56 – Importance of time management and self-management for reducing stress
17:11 – Mark’s tips for stress management and staying motivated through challenges
19:23 – The role of mentorship and community in professional growth
22:14 – Why you should consider becoming a Certified Water Technologist (CWT)
45:31 – Bottom line: Taking actionable steps to advance your career
Quotes
“You should always have something to offer.” - Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture Book
“Have the courage to ask.” - Trace Blackmore
“Tomorrow can be a better day if you let it.” - Mark Lewis
“One of the most valuable resources is a mentor.” - Mark Lewis
Connect with Mark Lewis
Phone: 704.322.5406
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.selaboratories.com/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mark-lewis-01a3b56
Guest Resources Mentioned
Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
Audible (free month with this link)
Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses
404 Eight Tips for Business Management: Part 1 – Essential Strategies
Water You Know with James McDonald
Question: Which scale will effervesce when exposed to concentrated hydrochloric acid? Magnesium Silicate, Calcium Carbonate, or Calcium Phosphate?
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.
