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

Scaling UP! H2O

Scaling UP! H2O

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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
  • 423 Pushing the Boundaries: Jacob Deak on Innovating Water Treatment Systems
    Jun 6 2025
    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: jacob.deak@pyxis-lab.com 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 The Outsider by Stephen King Dark Half by Stephen King Under The Dome Stephen King “In the Flow” Podcast by Pyxis Lab 2022 AWT Innovation Award Recipient Episode 1 In The Flow : Trace Blackmore ST-500 Inline PTSA Sensor FS-100/101 Series Ultrasonic Flow Meters PRL-100 Personal Radar Level Sensor uPyxis App: Water Tech for Modern World Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned ...
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    45 m
  • 422 Inside the Association of Water Technologies with John Caloritis
    May 30 2025
    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...
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    57 m
  • 421 The Benefits of Tagged Polymers in Water Treatment with Gary Garcia
    May 23 2025
    “Keep it simple because the more complex things get, the less people will do it” - Gary Garcia For years, water treatment professionals have relied on PTSA tracers to estimate system performance, but emerging technologies are offering clearer, more direct answers. In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore welcome once again returning guest Garret "Gary" S. Garcia of Masters Company, now a business unit of MFG Chemical to explore how fluorescent tagged polymers are revolutionizing the way water treaters monitor system health and chemical performance. With decades of expertise, Gary offers practical insights into this game-changing technology. Why Tagged Polymers Matter Trace and Gary discuss the limitations of relying solely on PTSA tracers, a method that only indicates product presence rather than active ingredient performance. Gary explains how fluorescent tagged polymers, by chemically bonding the fluorophore to the polymer backbone, provide a direct and reliable measure of active polymer concentration, helping water treaters make more informed service decisions. Instrumentation and Integration Challenges Listeners will gain a practical understanding of how to implement tagged polymer technology. Gary outlines how existing probes and meters compare, what calibration and integration may look like, and whether both PTSA and tagged polymers can be used together. He also explains why tagged polymers are especially useful in systems impacted by iron, cationic biocides, or inconsistent load demands. Real-World Applications and Benefits Tagged polymers make it possible to move beyond "set-it-and-forget-it" dosing practices. Gary discusses how accurate polymer monitoring can reduce overfeeding, optimize chemical performance, and improve system health. For both QC in manufacturing and daily service checks, these tools offer better visibility into what’s really happening inside the system. The Simplicity of Switching Gary highlights the ease of adopting tagged polymers – often a direct drop-in with no reformulation needed. For water treaters, that means minimal disruption and an immediate opportunity to upgrade their programs. Conclusion Fluorescent tagged polymers are not just another tool in the toolbox; they represent a critical step forward in water treatment precision and reliability. As Gary notes, understanding and adopting these technologies allows professionals to elevate their programs, save resources, and better serve their customers. Continue advancing your technical expertise. Explore additional Scaling UP! H2O episodes, stay updated on innovations in water treatment, and connect with leaders like Gary Garcia who are shaping the future of the industry. Visit scalinguph2o.com to access more resources and educational discussions. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps 01:55 – Trace reflects on last week’s episode of Ben Frieders’ talking about fire safety advice. 08:03 – Water You Know with James McDonald 09:33 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 13:01 – Interview with returning guest Gary Garcia of Master’s Company 15:39 – Volunteering and Career growth through AWT 18:22 – Differences between PTSA and fluorescent tagged polymers 28:43 – Misconceptions about single-parameter testing with PTSA 34:01 – How to learn more and connect with experts like Gary Garcia Quotes “For every ounce of effort you put in, you get 10, 20 ounces back in return.” Garcia “We're the good guys. We're helping people save water, energy, helping the environment.” “When you’re measuring for the fluorescent tagged polymer, you’re actually measuring for the active ingredient.” “You gain more information; you gain more expertise. No one person has it all.” Connect with Garret S. Garcia Phone: 16302389292 Email: gary@masterscoinc.com Website: www.masterscoinc.com Click HERE to Download Episode’s Discussion Guide Guest Resources Mentioned 314 2023 Water Industry Updates 206 The One That’s All About Customer Solutions In A Drum 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: What field test is used to measure how likely a water source is to foul reverse osmosis membranes due to suspended solids? 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.
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    42 m
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