Libsyn Directory

423 Pushing the Boundaries: Jacob Deak on Innovating Water Treatment Systems

Release Date: 06/06/2025

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...

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. ...

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...

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...

427 July 4th! Entrepreneurship, Water Wells, and the Spirit of Liberty

Scaling UP! H2O

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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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

More Episodes

In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore interviews Jake Deak, Marketing & Inside Sales Director at Pyxis Lab, 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 centers around listening intently to water treatment professionals and designing products that directly solve the problems they face.

From the ST500 sensor to the OxiPanel, Jake breaks down how each product starts with a call from the field—an operator struggling with membrane fouling, or a technician frustrated by unreliable chlorine measurements. Pyxis doesn't stop at fixing problems; it uses those challenges as fuel for continuous R&D cycles, bringing hardware, firmware, and app-based solutions to life.

Innovation Through Collaboration and Core Values

The success of Pyxis Lab isn't just about technology—it's about a culture deeply rooted in empathy and real-world experience. Jacob discusses the importance of maintaining strong core values and explains how hiring practices focused on field expertise led to better tools and better service for end users.

From Product Development to Media Innovation

Leveraging his media background, Jacob also reveals the upcoming launch of Pyxis Lab’s new podcast, "In The Flow." Created to foster industry education and dialogue, this initiative underscores the company's commitment to advancing the water treatment profession through open communication and shared knowledge.

A Clear Takeaway

If there’s one message that defines this episode, it’s that the best innovations don’t begin in isolation—they begin with a conversation. Whether it’s a technician venting a daily frustration or a field team asking “what if?”, Pyxis Lab listens and acts. And as Jake reminds us, the future belongs to those who adapt, engage, and stay relentlessly curious.

Conclusion

Jacob Deak exemplifies the spirit of innovation that is reshaping the water treatment industry. Through passion, practicality, and persistence, his work at Pyxis Lab offers a compelling model for how technology and human experience can work hand in hand to create better solutions for water professionals worldwide.

Continue expanding your professional knowledge by subscribing to "Scaling UP! H2O" and exploring "In The Flow" by Pyxis Lab. Stay informed, stay innovative, and stay connected to the evolution of water treatment excellence.

Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!

Timestamps

02:17 – Trace Blackmore reflects on eight years of Scaling UP! H2O, building a global community for industrial water treaters

05:10 – Announcement of New Detective H2O Episodes coming for Industrial Water Week

08:04 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals

10:15 – Water You Know with James McDonald

12:50 – Introduction to Jake Deak: Background, Family Influence, and Career Journey

16:16 – Core Values at Pyxis Lab and how they shape product development and customer relationships

17:07 – Inside the creation of the OxiPanel Plus

27:14 – Why Pyxis Lab developed a mobile app

29:37 – In the Flow, Pyxis Lab’s new education podcast series

Quotes

"When I started this podcast eight years ago, I had no idea how much it would mean to so many people." - Trace Blackmore

“If you can envision a staircase in front of you, the very first step is about ten feet tall. But once you take it, you’re on your way.” — Trace Blackmore

"We don't just create content; we create community."

"Starting is always the hardest step."

"Data is king. The more we can help operators harness their data, the better decisions they'll make."

"We’re not just adapting to change; we’re leading it."

“We are the friend to the water treater—the friend to the end user—and that has led to a lot of new acquisitions for us.” — Jacob Deak

Connect with Jake Deak

Phone: +15704197057

Email: [email protected]

Website: Inline & Handheld Analytical Tools for Water Treatment | Pyxis Lab®

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobddeak/

Click HERE to Download Episode’s Discussion Guide

Guest Resources Mentioned