422 Inside the Association of Water Technologies with John Caloritis
Release Date: 05/30/2025
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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In this milestone episode, host Trace Blackmore welcomes John Caloritis of the Metro Group and current President of the Association of Water Technologies (AWT). 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 AWT Board of Directors functions—including the nomination and election process, board roles, and the important presence of a supplier representative. He also unpacks the quarterly rhythm of board meetings and explains how day-to-day operations are managed by dedicated staff in Rockville, MD.
This section highlights the association’s emphasis on structured leadership and professional governance—insights crucial for members considering future leadership roles.
Building Momentum: Strategic Planning, Committees, and New Metrics
From selecting future convention cities to refining AWT's strategic plan, John walks us through the latest developments discussed in the May 2025 board meeting. A major shift includes revisiting governance documents, some untouched for 20 years, and implementing board performance metrics tied directly to AWT’s goals.
Additionally, John outlines the role of the new Committee Town Hall and how it strengthens the feedback loop between committees and the board—a must-know for engaged members.
Training the Industry: What’s New in AWT Technical Education
AWT continues to invest in elevating its training programs. John details the launch of the new intermediate water treatment course, improvements in wastewater and sales training, and plans for more hands-on and flexible formats. Frisco, TX remains the training hub—with a refreshed schedule aimed at reaching more professionals year-round.
This section underscores AWT’s commitment to equipping water treaters with practical, career-advancing education.
Advocacy, Certification, and Expanding Global Reach
From ANSI accreditation for the Certified Water Technologist (CWT) designation to expanding relationships with global organizations like the UK Water Management Society, AWT is positioning itself as a global authority. John also shares how new tools like Quorum software are enhancing regulatory insight at the state and federal level, helping members stay ahead of legislation that affects their work.
Charity and Collaboration: The Bigger Mission
John shares how AWT’s alignment with World Vision is driving charitable impact—most recently through service projects in Swannanoa, NC and participation in the global 6K for Water. He also introduces a promising new partnership with the American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA), emphasizing the need for joint standards and shared technical knowledge
Growing Together: Committees, Mentorship, and New Membership Models
John and Trace emphasize the importance of committee participation and unveil initiatives like the mentor-mentee program (via the Women of Water Committee) and the onboarding support provided by Young Professionals. AWT’s new Individual Membership model also opens doors for more professionals to join and engage with the association regardless of company affiliation.
A Historic Partnership: Scaling UP! H2O Becomes the Official AWT Podcast
In a powerful announcement, John and Trace reveal that the Scaling UP! H2O Podcast is now the official podcast of AWT. This partnership will allow both organizations to expand their reach, spotlight committee efforts, and communicate more effectively with the broader water treatment community.
This episode pulls back the curtain on the AWT’s inner workings and shows the real-world impact of engaged leadership. John’s insights offer a valuable reminder that anyone in the water industry can find a place to lead, grow, and serve.
Want to learn more about AWT committees or get involved? Review the show notes for direct links to committee descriptions and the mentor-mentee program. If you’ve been on the fence about getting your CWT, now’s the time—set a date, make a plan, and earn your designation.
Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!
Timestamps
02:38 – Trace Blackmore reflects on the importance of knowing your “why” with a powerful story about the Wright Brothers.
07:11 – Water You Know with James McDonald
08:22 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals
10:40 – Interview with John Caloritis, President of the Association of Water Technologies and Technical Director at Metro Group
17:02 – Daily Operations of AWT and roles of key staff members
24:05 – Preview of the upcoming AWT Convention at the Broadmoor, including paper selection and training topics.
35:29 – How to get involved in AWT Committees and the value of participation
39:09 – Big Announcement
42:13 – Upcoming Initiatives: growing CWT Brand, ANSI Certification, and regulatory advocacy
Quotes
“I waited until later in life to get more actively involved in the association, and I wish I'd started earlier.” - John Caloritis
“When you put yourself into rooms where you are not the smartest person, that’s your key to learning things you didn’t even know to ask about.” - Trace Blackmore
“Every hour you engage in, you will contribute so much to your life—and I can’t even describe the ways in which I’ve benefited.” - John Caloritis
“Work backwards, set the date, and then make sure that your study plans work up until that date." - Trace Blackmore
“Without our committees, we are absolutely going nowhere.” - John Caloritis
Connect with John Caloritis
Phone: (917) 593-9492
Email: [email protected]
Website: Comprehensive Building Services Since 1925 - Metro Group Inc.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/themetrogroupinc/
Click HERE to Download Episode’s Discussion Guide
Guest Resources Mentioned
American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA)
Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses
Water You Know with James McDonald
Question: What do you call the enclosed space between the drift eliminators and the fan in an induced-draft tower?
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.
