413 Charting the Future: Mastering the Art of Strategic Planning
Release Date: 03/28/2025
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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"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 Tim Fulton, President of Small Business Matters, 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 provides valuable takeaways to help you navigate uncertainty, set clear objectives, and execute effectively.
Why Strategic Planning is Critical
Strategic planning helps businesses stay focused in an unpredictable world. By analyzing past performance, assessing the present, and setting future goals, companies can adapt to changing markets, industry trends, and emerging technologies like AI.
Who Should Be Involved in Strategic Planning?
Successful planning requires input from leaders and key employees at different levels. Involving the right people fosters collaboration, avoids blind spots, and ensures that the plan is practical and actionable, rather than created in isolation.
The SWOT Analysis: A Tool for Understanding Your Business
A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) helps businesses understand their position. Identifying strengths and weaknesses within the company, along with external opportunities and threats, provides a clearer strategy for growth and risk management.
Executing the Plan & Measuring Success
A strategic plan is only effective if it’s executed properly. Setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) ensures clarity, while quarterly reviews and color-coded tracking (Green, Yellow, Red) help teams monitor progress. Methods like the 12-Week Year and OKRs (Objectives & Key Results) keep businesses on track and accountable.
Why Having a Third-Party Facilitator Can Make a Difference
An outside facilitator brings an objective perspective, helping businesses stay focused and engaged during planning. Leaders who try to both facilitate and participate often struggle to balance these roles. Involving an expert improves discussions and strengthens team buy-in.
Common Mistakes in Strategic Planning & How to Avoid Them
Many businesses fail in strategic planning due to poor communication, lack of follow-through, and ignoring potential risks. A strong plan must be actively maintained throughout the year to ensure long-term success.
Tim Fulton joined Trace Blackmore to deliver essential insights into strategic planning, emphasizing clarity, involvement, accountability, and the power of facilitation. This episode challenges listeners to create meaningful strategies, fostering organizational resilience and success in any environment.
Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!
Timestamps
3:00 – Trace Blackmore encourages listeners to help spread the word about Scaling UP! H2O Podcast by sharing it with their colleagues and network
07:00 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals
09:12 – Water You Know with James McDonald
11:00 – Interview starts: Welcoming back Tim Fulton
13:12 – What is Strategic Planning?
15:44 – Who should be involved in Strategic Planning?
23:22 – Why should companies strategically plan
34:58 – Best time for strategic planning
40:00 – Objective and Key Results (OKRs) explained
Quotes
"No weigh-in equals no buy-in.” - Patrick Lencioni, quoted by Trace
“Fear is the biggest obstacle preventing businesses from strategic planning.” - Tim Fulton
“Not having a plan is a plan for failure.” - Trace Blackmore
“Doing strategic planning without a facilitator is like being quarterback and referee at the same time.” - Tim Fulton
Connect with Tim Fulton
Phone: (678) 427- 9436
Email: [email protected]
Website: smallbusinessmattersonline.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timcfulton/
Click HERE to Download Episode’s Discussion Guide
Guest Resources Mentioned
Measure What Matters by John Doerr
Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses
280 The One About Retaining Top Talent
289 The One About A SWOT Analysis with A Twist
368 Adapting to the New Workforce: Attracting Top Talent
164 The One With Chris McChesney
What the Heck Is EOS? A Complete Guide for Employees in Companies Running on EOS by Gino Wickman
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
Water You Know with James McDonald
Question: What do you call the attraction of water molecules to each other that gives water its unique properties, such as a high surface tension, high boiling point, and ability to dissolve many substances?
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.
