Scaling UP! H2O Podcast Por scalinguph2o.com arte de portada

Scaling UP! H2O

Scaling UP! H2O

De: scalinguph2o.com
Escúchala gratis

Acerca de esta escucha

 The podcast where we scale up on knowledge so we don't scale up our systems. Find out why working in Industrial Water Treatment is the best job in the world. Hear industry experts share their knowledge and stories. Learn about technologies, methods, and career journeys. Join podcast host Trace Blackmore, former AWT President, LEED, and CWT every Friday for a new episode.© 2018 All Rights Reserved, Blackmore Enterprises, Inc. Economía
Episodios
  • 428 Innovations in Water Treatment with Dr. Jasbir Gill

    428 Innovations in Water Treatment with Dr. Jasbir Gill
    Jul 11 2025
    What happens when a nuclear chemist pivots into industrial water treatment? In this episode, host Trace Blackmore is joined by Dr. Jasbir Gill, 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 Water Treatment Dr. Gill begins by tracing his academic roots in nuclear and inorganic chemistry from IIT Roorkee, followed by early post-doctoral research in Italy and England. While initially headed for a career in nuclear separations, a chance encounter rerouted his path to the U.S., where his work at SUNY Buffalo introduced him to the intricacies of water chemistry. That foundational knowledge laid the groundwork for his transformative career at Calgon, and later Nalco. The Birth of CalGuard: Predictive Modeling Ahead of Its Time In one of the most compelling parts of the episode, Dr. Gill walks us through the creation of CalGuard—an award-winning predictive modeling tool that transformed how chemical dosing and scaling behavior are calculated. Integrating thermodynamic principles, field data, and statistical regression, the CalGuard model helped standardize customized water treatment programs across regional chemistries and system variables. Defining the Water-Energy-Carbon Nexus A highlight of Dr. Gill’s later career came when he began asking hard questions about sustainability. How much energy is consumed per gallon of water saved? What’s the carbon footprint of that savings? He shares compelling stories of his work with nuclear power plants, showing how acid use for pH control contributed to CO₂ emissions—insights that later shaped his independent firm, Water Energy Solutions. From Chromate to Phosphate: Reinventing Treatment Chemistry When chromate was phased out of industrial water treatment, Dr. Gill was at the forefront of developing phosphate-based alternatives. He recounts the invention of the AAM 60/40 copolymer in his lab—now an industry standard—and how field trials and real-time testing guided product refinement. This section underscores how practical chemistry, adaptability, and client trust converge to move the industry forward. The J-Factor and Real-World Impact Dr. Gill explains his invention of the J-factor—a conversion metric allowing new inhibitors to be benchmarked against legacy ones. Developed through comparative field tests and algorithmic modeling, the J-factor exemplifies the intersection of empirical science and industry need, with wide applicability even decades later. Final Reflections: Leadership, Teamwork, and Lifelong Curiosity In the closing segment, Dr. Gill reflects on the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and focusing on one’s work amid organizational change. His stories—from field trips in Montana to building mobile labs for rapid field testing—reveal the human side of technical innovation. This episode is more than a lesson in chemistry—it’s a case study in innovation, leadership, and long-term thinking. Dr. Gill’s insights remind us that successful water treatment isn’t just about products; it’s about persistence, systems thinking, and data-driven action. Share this episode with colleagues committed to impactful, sustainable water management. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps 08:00 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 12:44 – Water You Know with James McDonald 15:35 – Interview with Dr. Jasbir Gill and his career origins in nuclear chemistry 17:05 – Transition to water chemistry and first role at Calgon in 1979 33:49 — Importance of J Factors in dosing and treatment conversions 49:16 — Creation of the AAMP copolymer and phosphate compatibility Quotes “Focus on your project… your work will carry you through every organization.” “I had no idea that J Factors came from Dr. Gill—and they actually stood for his first name, Jasbir.” “You never know what you're doing to help someone and what that’s going to create.” Connect with Dr. Jasbir Gill Phone: +1 630-346-6141 Email: thewesinc@gmail.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasbir-gill-07766630/ Click HERE to Download Episode’s Discussion Guide Guest Resources Mentioned Sapiens (10 Year Anniversary Edition) by HARARI YUVAL NOAH Leonardo's Notebooks: Writing and Art of the Great Master (Notebook Series) by Leonardo Da Vinci A History of the Sikhs by Khushwant Singh Dr. Gill joined Calgon Corporation Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned AWT (Association of Water Technologies) Scaling UP! H2O Academy...
    Más Menos
    1 h y 5 m
  • 427 July 4th! Entrepreneurship, Water Wells, and the Spirit of Liberty

    427 July 4th! Entrepreneurship, Water Wells, and the Spirit of Liberty
    Jul 4 2025
    “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 franchise model designed to preserve institutional knowledge and sustainably expand access to clean water. A Rancher Turned Water Well Visionary Jack shares his origin story, from growing up on a ranch in Montana to launching a water well drilling company that now spans multiple states. What started with a neighbor’s influence and a deep respect for self-reliance evolved into a career in well drilling—and eventually, a scalable business framework. Jack walks us through the unique challenges of finding water in fractured rock regions and explains how field wisdom, data monitoring, and humility define success. Franchising in the Water Sector: Solving the Knowledge Drain As the industry grapples with aging experts nearing retirement, 180 Water is addressing a critical issue: the loss of operational and geological expertise. Jack reveals how his team is onboarding retiring professionals as equity partners to serve as regional hubs, blending mentorship with modern operations. Their approach enables local ownership, data collection, and scalable customer service, while preserving regional nuances in well drilling. Lessons in Leadership, Accountability, and Resilience Jack emphasizes that real growth stems from reflection, mentorship, and integrity. He discusses how accountability—rooted in ranch life—translates into transparent client relationships, responsible site practices, and support systems that empower franchisees. His goal? To build a network of highly trained, values-aligned professionals who ensure the longevity and safety of our groundwater resources. The Spirit of Liberty: Patrick Henry’s Enduring Speech In a moving tribute to Independence Day, Trace closes the episode with a complete reading of Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech. Listeners are reminded of the courage it takes to challenge the status quo and the unifying power of respectful discourse—values that echo through today’s challenges in water, business, and beyond. Final Takeaway This episode isn’t just about wells—it’s about vision, responsibility, and the courage to lead. Jack Clark’s journey inspires water professionals to think bigger, act with purpose, and consider scalable solutions to systemic industry issues. Be sure to check our events page for upcoming water conferences and symposiums to continue growing your expertise. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps 02:20 - Trace Blackmore shares his warm greetings to Scaling UP! Nation this 4th of July! 07:27 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 10:37 - Water You Know with James McDonald 12:53 - Introduction with Jack Clark of 180 Water 18: 07 - Jack transitioned from expansion by employment to a franchise model Quotes Jack Clark: “If you don’t get your chores done on the farm, things don’t eat. And so it’s important to make sure that you can be counted on.” “I was sending my best guys to the worst projects, my worst guys to the best projects—and no one was happy.” “You know how to run your business. You were successful at that. But we want to help you scale it with support and mentorship.” “There’s not a perfect science to well drilling. Sometimes you find the water. Sometimes you don’t. But that’s the responsibility we take on.” Trace Blackmore: “I really believe that the backbone of our country is small business and entrepreneurship.” “I hope we realize we have way more in common than we do differences—and that we enter conversations with curiosity instead of judgment.” Connect with Jack Clark Phone: +406 465 4791 Email: jack.clark@180water.com Website: 180 Water LinkedIn: 180 Water: Overview | LinkedIn Click HERE to Download Episode’s Discussion Guide Guest Resources Mentioned Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt, Stephen J Dubner Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned AWT (Association of Water Technologies) Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea The Rising Tide Mastermind Water You Know with James McDonald Question: How many ppm of sodium sulfite does it take to react with one ppm of oxygen? 2025 Events for Water Professionals Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we’ve listed ...
    Más Menos
    51 m
  • 426 Sustaining Success: Tom Hutchison on Leading Through Generational Change

    426 Sustaining Success: Tom Hutchison on Leading Through Generational Change
    Jun 27 2025
    In this episode, Trace Blackmore welcomes back Tom Hutchison, Chairman of the Board, HOH Water Technology, 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 role in the industry, Tom unpacks the very real choices facing owners and teams alike—with clarity and compassion. Navigating Leadership Through Change Tom begins by describing the decision to shift from day-to-day leadership to a board-level role. He reflects on the emotional weight of that process and the internal work required to detach his identity from his title. Rather than clinging to authority, he outlines the importance of trust and letting emerging leaders find their voice—even when it means they’ll make different decisions. He also highlights the human cost of poor planning. “Death,” as Tom puts it bluntly, “is not a strategy.” Waiting too long or failing to mentor successors doesn't just disrupt the business—it risks unraveling everything you've built. Succession Planning and Cultural Continuity Trace and Tom dive into the mechanics of succession planning—not just from an ownership perspective, but a cultural one. Tom explains how HOH built an internal environment where values weren’t just posted on the wall but deeply lived. This foundation allowed the company to navigate major transitions, including its eventual move into private equity, without losing its identity. He also warns about the consequences of delayed planning. Waiting too long, he says, puts the business, its people, and its principles at risk. Preparing for Private Equity—Without Losing Yourself One of the most practical parts of the conversation centers on HOH’s private equity journey. Tom shares how they vetted buyers not just for financial capacity, but for cultural alignment. He outlines how his team clarified their mission and values before the deal, which ultimately helped preserve their vision after the transition. Rather than resist change, HOH treated the shift as an opportunity to reinforce their core—while expanding their reach. The Long Arc of Legacy Tom closes with a powerful meditation on leadership legacy. He explains that real legacy isn’t about being remembered—it’s about ensuring the business can thrive without you. He challenges listeners to think beyond titles, financial outcomes, or even strategy, and focus on the enduring impact of culture, mentorship, and examples. Trace echoes this with a reminder that great leaders not only lead—they leave well. If you're leading a team, planning your exit, or preparing the next generation of leadership, this episode is a must-listen. To take this conversation further, download the Discussion Guide located in the Connect with the Guest section of the show notes. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps 02:46 – Opening the episode, Trace reflects on the concept of the “butterfly line”—that uncomfortable but powerful moment right before growth happens 07:10 – Water You Know with James McDonald 09:08 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 11:49– Guest Intro: Tom “Hutch” Hutchison Returns 12:35 – Stepping Down in 2020: How the Pandemic Helped 17:17 – Private Equity’s Growing Role in Water Treatment 20:04 – The 5 Ownership Transition Paths 36:01 – Your Company is an Asset, not just a Job 42:00 – A New Mission: To Encourage and Inspire Quotes “The longer you put it off, the fewer options you have. And probably, the more unsettled your employees might be.” “You don’t have to suffer for the first time alone. If someone’s already done it, learn from them and do it better.” “Business is both a job and an asset. If you only treat it as a job, you’re leaving value on the table.” “I think I’m still figuring it out—but in this next season, I want to encourage and inspire.” “You can start at step five if someone else already figured out the first four—just polish it and give it back.” Connect with Tom Hutchison Phone: +18474367403 Email: hutch@hohwatertechnology.com Website: HOH Water Technology - Water Treatment Solutions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasfhutchison/ Click HERE to Download Episode’s Discussion Guide Guest Resources Mentioned Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance by Bob P. Buford Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7) by J.K. Rowling King: A Life by Jonathan ...
    Más Menos
    1 h
Todavía no hay opiniones