Scaling UP! H2O

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Scaling UP! H2O

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.

  1. Pinks & Blues: The Iron-clad Saga

    5D AGO

    Pinks & Blues: The Iron-clad Saga

    "Be the iron fist that keeps your water flowing clean and clear." - Trace Blackmore Welcome back to another insightful Pinks & Blues episode of Scaling UP! H2O! In this episode, host Trace Blackmore dives into the fascinating world of iron in water treatment systems. While iron is essential for life, it can be a major problem in industrial water systems, leading to corrosion, equipment damage, and inefficiencies. This episode unpacks the science behind iron, testing methods, and practical strategies for managing its impact.  Understanding the Iron Triangle  To effectively manage iron in water systems, it’s important to understand its different forms. Trace explains the Iron Triangle, breaking down the differences between elemental iron (Fe), ferrous iron (Fe2+), and ferric iron (Fe3+). He discusses how iron moves through water systems and why recognizing these distinctions is critical for water treatment professionals.  How to Test for Iron Accurately  Proper testing is key to managing iron levels. Trace details the phenanthroline method, a common technique used to measure iron concentrations in water. He provides best practices for accurate testing, discusses common interferences like molybdates and nitrites, and explains how to adjust testing methods to ensure reliable results. Corrosion and Iron’s Impact on System Longevity  Iron is a major contributor to corrosion in water systems, and Trace explains why steel corrodes so easily. He covers the role of corrosion inhibitors and the importance of filtration systems in preventing excessive iron buildup. By managing iron effectively, professionals can protect equipment, reduce maintenance costs, and improve system efficiency.  Math in Action: Calculating Total Iron in a System  For those who love applying real-world math, Trace walks through the process of calculating total iron in pounds within a system. He explains how this calculation can help justify maintenance decisions and provide a compelling reason for clients to invest in proper water treatment solutions. Takeaways: Why Iron Management Matters  This episode is packed with valuable insights for water professionals looking to improve their approach to iron management. From understanding the science behind iron to implementing better testing and corrosion prevention strategies, this discussion is designed to help you stay ahead in your field.  Have a water treatment question? Want to hear a topic covered in a future Pinks & Blues episode? Submit your ideas at ScalingUpH2O.com/showideas  —your input helps shape future episodes! And remember, iron might be essential for our bodies, but in water systems, it’s a force to be reckoned with. Mastering iron control is key to maintaining system efficiency and preventing costly damage. Be the iron fist that keeps your water flowing clean and clear!    Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!  Timestamps    03:20 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 06:44– Water You Know with James McDonald  09:35 – Trace talks about Iron Historical Figure  15:28 – Iron that’s in Water Systems 17:39 – Understanding Corrosion & How It Impacts Your System  18:24 – The Iron Triangle  19:58 – The Phenanthroline Method   Quotes  “Steel is the most recycled material on this planet.”   “If you’re treating your tests like a task, you’re missing the magic of this industry.” “Iron might be essential for our bodies, but it can be a real troublemaker when it's dissolved in the water in our systems, so don't let iron catch you off guard.”  Connect with Scaling UP! H2O  Submit a show idea: Submit a Show Idea  LinkedIn: in/traceblackmore/  YouTube: @ScalingUpH2O    Click HERE to Download Episode’s Discussion Guide     Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  AWT (Association of Water Technologies)  Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses  Submit a Show Idea  The Rising Tide Mastermind   How its Made Steel by How it’s Made Show   400 Celebrating 2024 and 400 Episodes!  399 Pinks and Blues: The Science of Serial Dilution  397 Pinks and Blues: How to look at your tests    Water You Know with James McDonald  Question: What is a plastic or rubber device that seals the outside of a reverse osmosis membrane against the inside wall of the pressure vessel to prevent feedwater from bypassing around the membrane element? 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.

    40 min
  2. Adiabatic Humidification: Harnessing Nature's Cooling Power for Efficient Climate Control

    MAR 14

    Adiabatic Humidification: Harnessing Nature's Cooling Power for Efficient Climate Control

    “Be curious because the more you learn, the more exciting it is. Hit those challenges head on.” - Ryan Reimer  Adiabatic humidification is revolutionizing climate control, offering an energy-efficient way to maintain humidity and cooling in industrial and commercial spaces. But what exactly is adiabatic humidification, and how does it compare to traditional isothermal methods? In this episode, host Trace Blackmore welcomes Ryan Reimer of  Hydrotrue, to break down the mechanics, benefits, and critical applications of adiabatic humidification. Together, they explore how this low-energy cooling method is reshaping healthcare, data centers, museums, and more, helping industries achieve optimal indoor air quality while reducing energy consumption.  Introduction to Adiabatic Humidification  The episode kicks off the episode about how adiabatic cooling utilizes natural evaporation to improve energy efficiency in climate control. It highlights how water professionals can integrate this technology to enhance industrial operations. Adiabatic vs. Isothermal Humidification – Understanding the Difference Ryan Reimer explains the key distinctions between adiabatic (evaporation-based) and isothermal (steam-based) humidification methods. While isothermal requires an external heat source, adiabatic systems leverage ambient air energy for humidification, reducing operational costs.   Industries That Benefit from Adiabatic Cooling  From hospitals and healthcare facilities to data centers, museums, and commercial spaces, adiabatic humidification is making waves. Ryan dives into real-world applications and how industries can optimize their HVAC systems for better efficiency.  Efficiency & Water Treatment Considerations  How high-purity water enhances humidification system performance  Preventing scale buildup with the right water treatment solutions  The impact of Legionella risk mitigation and best hygiene practices for humidifiers  Maintenance & Seasonal Considerations  Water treatment professionals know that humidification systems require ongoing maintenance. Ryan shares best practices for:  Preventing scale buildup  End-of-season cleaning & lay-up procedures  Optimizing energy savings through smart system design  The Bottom Line – Why Adiabatic Humidification is the Future  With rising energy costs and increasing sustainability initiatives, industries are transitioning to adiabatic cooling. Ryan and Trace highlight the long-term benefits, cost savings, and system reliability this technology offers.  Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!   Timestamps   03:06 - Trace Blackmore shares about the significance of π Day  07:26 - Upcoming events in Water Industry  14:27 - Water You Know with James McDonald  17:13 - Interview with Ryan Reimer of Hydrotrue  20:00 - What is adiabatic humidification, and how does it work?  36:31 - Addressing Legionella risks and ensuring hygienic humidification    Quotes  “As water treaters, stagnant water is usually not our best friend as it relates to dead legs.” - Ryan Reimer “One important step after completing the acid cleaning process is using a neutralizer component.” - Ryan Reimer  “Always have an open mind to what is in a facility. You never know what you're going to run into and what the facility's goals are and challenges are. And just be curious.” - Ryan Reimer “Find a circle that can help build you up and one that you can help build up. That’s how we make our lives better. That’s how we make this industry better.” - Trace Blackmore "Adiabatic humidification allows us to use the energy already in the air – making it an extremely efficient solution for climate control." – Ryan Reimer    Connect with Ryan Reimer  Phone: 612-655-4162   Email: rreimer45@gmail.com ryan.reimer@hydrotruewater.com   Website: https://hydrotruewater.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-reimer-2768a144/   Click HERE to Download Episode’s Discussion Guide    Guest Resources Mentioned   DriSteem Water Fundamental Handbook   The Way of Kings, Stormlight Archive Book 1 by Brandon Sanderson The Words of Radiance, Stormlight Archive Book 2 by Brandon Sanderson Oathbringer, Stormlight Archive Book 3 by Brandon Sanderson  VDI 6022  ASHRAE Standard 170  Mycometer   Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  AWT (Association of Water Technologies)  Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses  Submit a Show Idea  The Rising Tide Mastermind   World Vision’s Global 6K for Water EVAPCO Training Literature: Adiabatic Cooling    Water You Know with James McDonald   Question: What is the molar mass of calcium carbonate?    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.

    1h 3m
  3. Unleash Your Pricing Power: Casey Brown's 'Fearless Pricing' Revolutionizes Business Value

    MAR 7

    Unleash Your Pricing Power: Casey Brown's 'Fearless Pricing' Revolutionizes Business Value

    "If you’re excellent at what you do, you’ve got to be paid like you’re excellent." – Casey Brown  Ever wondered if you're truly getting paid what you're worth? In this unmissable episode of Scaling UP! H2O, we bring back Casey Brown, speaker, founder of Boost Pricing and author of the newly released Fearless Pricing. Known for her electrifying talks and actionable insights, Casey dives deep into how businesses can build confidence, charge their true value, and break free from the fear of pricing discussions.  From her journey as an engineer to becoming a pricing powerhouse, Casey's passion for helping businesses thrive shines through. Whether you're in sales, management, or leadership, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to tackle your next negotiation.   Highlights include:  The Psychology of Pricing: Why fear dominates most pricing conversations—and how to overcome it. Pricing Integrity: Learn how setting and sticking to fair, defensible prices can boost trust and long-term success. Handling Objections with Confidence: Proven strategies to turn pricing objections into opportunities. The "Hot Sauce" Analogy: Discover how to identify overlooked products or services that can deliver high profits with minimal pricing sensitivity. Unexercised Pricing Power: How to unlock hidden revenue by testing and refining your pricing strategy. Role-Playing for Success: How procedural memory and consistent practice can transform your sales team’s confidence and results.  Bottom Line  This episode is your ultimate guide to fearless pricing, equipping you with the tools and mindset to boost profitability and set yourself apart from the competition. Don't miss the chance to learn from Casey's expertise and take your business to the next level!  Click play, take notes, and start commanding the value your business deserves. Don’t let fear control your profits—listen now to gain the confidence and strategies you need to succeed. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!    Timestamps    1:44 - Trace asks intriguing questions about the price of everyday items like gas and hot sauce to set the stage for a deeper discussion on pricing   02:23 - Events for Water Professionals   04:20 - Water You Know with James McDonald   05:35 - Interview with Casey Brown, speaker, founder of Boost Pricing, and the author of the newly released book ‘Fearless Pricing’   13:05 - How small discounts can devastate your bottom line  32:23 - Why debriefing every deal is critical for refining your pricing strategy  33:41 - The “Hot Sauce Analogy”  45:00 – Final Thoughts and Takeaways    Quotes  “We can’t know, unless we try. The world is your Petri dish. “- Casey Brown  “The how is training and coaching and concepts; the why is rotted in the mission to help people who are excellent be paid like they’re excellent.” - Casey Brown  “We can’t fix pricing or profitability through calculation. We must address the biggest obstacle to success, which is FEAR.” - Casey Brown  “Pricing is generally the area of greatest fear and greatest discomfort.” - Casey Brown  “In absence of financial pricing integrity, unearned discounts hurt trust.” - Casey Brown  “The way to get comfortable doing something uncomfortable is to practice it.” - Casey Brown  "Every business has hot sauce and gasoline—products where pricing sensitivity varies drastically. Identify yours." – Casey Brown    Connect with Casey Brown  Phone: 614-679-7999  Email: casey@boostpricing.com   Website: www.Caseybrown.com    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseybrownboost/   Subscribe to Casey Brown’s Newsletter: https://www.boostpricing.com/signup    Click HERE to Download Episode's Discussion Guide   Guest Resources Mentioned   Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't by Jim Collins  They Ask You Answer by Marcus Sheridan  Outlive by Peter Attia  Essentialism by Greg McKeown  The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel  Fearless Pricing by Casey Brown    Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  AWT (Association of Water Technologies)  Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses  Submit a Show Idea  The Rising Tide Mastermind  363 Pricing Boost: Get Paid Well For Your Excellence with Casey Brown  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey    Water You Know with James McDonald  Question: What is the conversion between parts-per-million and milligrams per Liter?   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.

    54 min
  4. A Western Refinery's Journey to Improved Water Efficiency

    FEB 28

    A Western Refinery's Journey to Improved Water Efficiency

    "Water is a limited resource, and in this refinery, every gallon saved is a win for sustainability." – Juan Meneses Water is a critical resource in industrial operations, and improving efficiency is a top priority for many companies. In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, returning guest Juan Meneses, District Manager at Nalco Water, an Ecolab Company, discusses how a Western refinery optimized its water footprint using advanced treatment technologies.  This episode is packed with insights on water conservation strategies, sustainability goals, and the role of advanced monitoring technologies like 3D TRASAR in maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.  Key Topics Covered:  The Challenges of Water Usage in Refineries  This refinery faced rising water costs and increasing sustainability pressures. With water sourced from the city, costs were projected to rise by 5% annually, with wastewater discharge costs climbing even faster. Finding ways to reduce water consumption while maintaining efficiency was a top priority.  Optimizing Cooling Towers for Maximum Water Efficiency  Cooling towers presented a key opportunity for conservation. The team aimed to increase cycles of concentration to reduce water waste without compromising system integrity. By using 3D TRASAR technology, they monitored real-time conditions, allowing precise adjustments to prevent scaling and corrosion.  Implementing Smart Water Treatment Strategies  To sustain higher cycles, the refinery introduced dual cathodic inhibitors and high-charge polymers, enhancing corrosion and scale control. pH adjustments ensured effective biocide performance while maintaining system reliability. This strategic shift allowed for significant reductions in water and chemical use.  Results and Lessons Learned  By increasing cycles from 5.5 to 9.3, the refinery saved 52 million gallons of water annually while cutting wastewater discharge and chemical consumption. The biggest takeaway? Real-time monitoring and proactive pH control are essential for maintaining efficiency at higher cycles.  Best Practices for Industrial Water Optimization  Collaboration between plant operators and water treatment professionals is key. Regular monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and advanced automation tools can help refineries maximize efficiency while meeting sustainability goals. Water conservation is good for business and the environment. Could your facility save millions of gallons? Explore advanced water treatment strategies today. Learn more at ScalingUpH2O.com. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!  Timestamps   02:14 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals   08:02 – Water You Know with James McDonald  10:20 – Interview with returning guest Juan Meneses, District Manager at Nalco Water about Western Refinery Water Efficiency   11:06 – The biggest water challenges faced by the refinery  12:11 – Strategies for optimizing water footprint and sustainability goals  14:07 – How 3D TRASAR and modeling software improve water efficiency  24:50 – Water savings achieved: 52 million gallons saved  29:21 – Best practices for communicating water optimization goals  Quotes  “The way that we can reduce water in the cooling tower is to increase cycle of concentration.” – Juan Meneses "A good implementation of this project, if you can, with good and advanced monitoring and automation. You can optimize your chemical treatment by modeling the condition.” - Juan Meneses “About the teamwork, foster collaboration and communication with the customer are key component of that and focus on sustainability.” - Juan Meneses   Connect with Juan Meneses  Phone: 337.309.9619  Email: jmeneses@ecolab.com  Website: Reinventing the Way Water is Managed | Nalco Water  LinkedIn: Juan A. Meneses | LinkedIn  Click HERE to Download Episode’s Discussion Guide    Guest Resources Mentioned   CH 2029 Western Refinery Optimizes Water Footprint Using 3D Trasar Technology for Cooling Modeling Tools paper  Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, Second Edition: Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler   Good Profit: How Creating Value for Others Built One Of The World’s Most Successful Company by Charles Koch  The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals by Sean Covey (Author), Chris McChesney (Author), Jim Huling (Author)      Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  AWT (Association of Water Technologies)   IWC (International Water Conference)      Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses  Submit a Show Idea  The Rising Tide Mastermind   405 Cooling Water Innovation: Harnessing Wastewater for Sustainability 164 The One With Chris McChesney    Water You Know with James McDonald  Question: What effect will the water temperature have on softener backwash during regeneration?    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.

    42 min
  5. Pinks and Blues: The Power of Processes

    FEB 21

    Pinks and Blues: The Power of Processes

    What gets measured gets improved. But without a process, how do we know what to improve?  In this brand-new episode, Trace Blackmore, the host of Scaling UP! H2O Podcast and the CEO and Founder of Blackmore Enterprises, dives deep into the power of processes in industrial water treatment. Learn why creating and documenting processes is essential for consistency, collaboration, and success. Hear Trace's personal journey of process discovery, practical steps for implementation, and how processes can make your work more efficient and fun. Plus, a new "Water You Know" segment by James McDonald challenges your water treatment knowledge. Don't miss this insightful episode filled with actionable takeaways! Trace Blackmore introduces the value of processes, sharing his love for procedures and why they are vital for the industrial water treatment community. From his early experiences at McDonald's to his current role, Trace illustrates how processes drive consistency and success. The Power of Processes in Water Treatment  Discover how processes are the backbone of efficiency in the water treatment industry, guiding consistency and measurable improvements across daily tasks and large-scale operations.  A Practical Framework for Success  Learn actionable steps to create, document, and refine processes that save time, enhance accuracy, and drive collaboration within your team or solo operations.  Lessons from Episode 397: Categorizing for Clarity  Explore Trace's approach to categorizing and establishing testing procedures, from Episode 397, and see how small tweaks can yield significant efficiency gains.  From McDonald’s to Water Treatment: The Art of Rigor  Trace shares personal anecdotes from his first job at McDonald’s, revealing how the company’s focus on procedural rigor inspired his passion for creating and following efficient workflows.  Behind the Scenes of Scaling Up H2O  Get a rare glimpse into the processes that power the Scaling Up H2O podcast. From pre-recording preparation to publishing episodes, see how structured workflows ensure quality and consistency.  Why Everyone Needs Procedures—Even Solo Professionals  Trace busts the myth that procedures are only for teams. Learn how structured processes can help solo professionals work smarter, not harder, and achieve consistent results every time. Trace emphasizes that processes are the backbone of success in water treatment and other industries. He encourages listeners to take actionable steps in documenting one procedure this week and to celebrate improvements. Processes transform chaos into clarity. By embracing structured methods, you not only improve operations but also create opportunities for growth and collaboration. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps   04:37 -The power of sharing ideas at water industry events. 08:13 - Water You Know with James McDonald 10:51 - Trace's love for procedures and his McDonald's experience. 16:49 - The importance of measuring processes for improvement. 28:28 - Steps to create and document a process. 46:27 - Closing thoughts: Processes bring fun and efficiency to the workplace. Quotes  “Because of my love of procedures, I've been able to create things and enlist the help of others to work collaboratively, ensuring we're all on the same page” - Trace Blackmore Connect with Scaling UP! H2O  Submit a show idea: Submit a Show Idea LinkedIn: in/traceblackmore/ YouTube: @ScalingUpH2O Click HERE to Download Episode's Discussion Guide Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  AWT (Association of Water Technologies) Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea The Rising Tide Mastermind  398 Water Treatment Project Success: Essential Steps for New Facilities and Expansions  397 Pinks and Blues: How to look at your tests  Water You Know with James McDonald  Question: At atmospheric pressure, a pound or kilogram of water that is converted to steam will expand by approximately how many times? 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.

    51 min
  6. Designing Success: A Deep Dive into 'Luck by Design' with Author Adam Tank

    FEB 14

    Designing Success: A Deep Dive into 'Luck by Design' with Author Adam Tank

    What if the moments we consider mundane or accidental hold the power to reshape our lives?  In this week’s Scaling UP! H2O Podcast, we welcome back Adam Tank, water industry leader and author of Luck by Design. Known for his thought-provoking insights and transformational ideas, Adam takes us on a journey to uncover how intentionality and awareness can turn everyday moments into catalysts for success. Whether you’re navigating career choices or striving for personal growth, this episode is your roadmap to designing the life you’ve always wanted. In this candid and engaging conversation, Adam shares the inspiration behind Luck by Design, a book that reveals how seemingly small moments—what he calls “catalyst moments”—can create a ripple effect of positive change. He opens up about his own transformative experiences, including a fateful missed bus stop in Rio that changed his career path forever. Through his stories, Adam challenges us to look closer at our own lives and recognize the opportunities hiding in plain sight. This episode reminds us that success isn’t a matter of chance—it’s a matter of choice. Whether it’s writing a life-changing postcard, stepping out of your comfort zone, or simply taking a moment to reflect, small, intentional actions can create lasting impact. And as Adam’s journey shows, the connections we nurture and the opportunities we embrace shape not just our lives, but the lives of those around us. Your next big opportunity might already be in front of you—it’s up to you to see it, seize it, and act on it. In this episode, Adam Tank proves that designing your own success is less about waiting for luck and more about creating it. Are you ready to take charge of your moments? Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps  01:36 - Trace Blackmore shares Valentine’s Day origin and learning takeaway 03:03 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals    07:09 - Interview with Adam Tank, co-founder and chief customer officer at Transcend, water industry leader and author of Luck by Design 27:16 - Adam discusses the "chapstick moment" and how small moments can lead to life-changing decisions 55:10 - Water You Know with James McDonald Quotes  "These catalyst moments have tremendous power to help you achieve remarkable things in life." – Adam Tank "The sum of your life is the quality of the relationships you build." – Adam Tank "It’s not about what happens to you, but what you choose to do with it." – Adam Tank "A small act, like sending a postcard, can have ripple effects beyond what you can imagine." – Trace Blackmore Connect with Adam Tank Phone: 913-940-4381 Email: atank@transcendinfra.com Website: Transcend | Design Automation Software for Critical Infrastructure  ThinkTank | Adam Tank LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamtank/  Click HERE to Download Episode's Discussion Guide Guest Resources Mentioned   Luck By Design: The Science And Serendipity Of A Well-Lived Life by Adam Tank  Think And Grow Rich: The Secret To Wealth Updated For The 21st Century by Napoleon Hill  Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  AWT (Association of Water Technologies) Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea  The Rising Tide Mastermind  001 A New Podcast for Water Treaters  181 The One Where Water Geeks Talk About Social Media  279 The One With the ‘Water We Talking About?’ Hosts  343 Master Water Marketing with Adam Tank Water You Know with James McDonald  Question: What is the proper regeneration sequence of operation for a co-current regenerated sodium zeolite softener system? 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.

    58 min
  7. 406 Eight Tips for Business Management: Part 2 – Essential Strategies

    FEB 7

    406 Eight Tips for Business Management: Part 2 – Essential Strategies

    “The only way you really know what you want to do is by learning more about it.” - Mark Lewis  Welcome back to Scaling UP! H2O as we dive into the second part of our conversation with Mark T. Lewis, Certified Water Technologist of Southeastern Laboratories, Inc. and business leader who shares invaluable insights for thriving in your career and business.  In this continuation of our "Eight Tips for Business Management - Essential Strategies" series, Mark and Trace unpack the strategies that have shaped their professional success, offering advice that’s as practical as it is impactful. Whether you’re managing stress, building trust within your team, or strategizing how to level up your skills, this episode is full of actionable takeaways.  In Part 2, Mark covers:  The Power of Continuous Learning: Why attending AWT Technical Training Seminars should be a priority and how to pitch the value to your employer.  Building Trust as a Leader: Insights from Stephen Covey’s Speed of Trust to help you streamline operations and foster stronger relationships.  Stress Management for Professionals: Simple, yet effective ways to navigate challenges, from journaling to maintaining healthy habits.  The CWT Advantage: How becoming a Certified Water Technologist can open doors in the water treatment industry—and tips for overcoming exam anxiety.  Mark also shares candid stories from his decades-long career, revealing the lessons he’s learned from both triumphs and setbacks. Plus, Trace adds his own perspective on mentorship, community, and how to stay inspired in a constantly evolving industry.  Bottom Line  The conversation with Mark Lewis underscores one powerful truth: success in business and life starts with intentional action. Whether it’s committing to continuous learning, fostering trust within your network, or mastering stress management, the tools to elevate your career are within your reach. Mark reminds us that the best investment you can make is in yourself, and when you couple that with strong community connections and an eagerness to learn, the possibilities are endless. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!   Timestamps    02:04– Continuation of Interview with Mark Lewis, Certified Water Technologist, on tips on business management – essential strategies.   03:16 – Upcoming Events for Water Professionals  05:58 – Water You Know with James McDonald: Industrial water treatment trivia  14:56 – Importance of time management and self-management for reducing stress  17:11 – Mark’s tips for stress management and staying motivated through challenges  19:23 – The role of mentorship and community in professional growth  22:14 – Why you should consider becoming a Certified Water Technologist (CWT)  45:31 – Bottom line: Taking actionable steps to advance your career    Quotes  “You should always have something to offer.” - Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture Book  “Have the courage to ask.” - Trace Blackmore   “Tomorrow can be a better day if you let it.” -  Mark Lewis  “One of the most valuable resources is a mentor.” - Mark Lewis   Connect with Mark Lewis  Phone: 704.322.5406  Email: MLewis@SELaboratories.com   Website: https://www.selaboratories.com/   LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mark-lewis-01a3b56    Guest Resources Mentioned   Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey  The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch     Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  AWT (Association of Water Technologies)  Audible (free month with this link)    Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses  Submit a Show Idea  The Rising Tide Mastermind 404 Eight Tips for Business Management: Part 1 – Essential Strategies  The Five Minute Journal    Water You Know with James McDonald  Question: Which scale will effervesce when exposed to concentrated hydrochloric acid?  Magnesium Silicate, Calcium Carbonate, or Calcium Phosphate?    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.

    46 min
  8. Cooling Water Innovation: Harnessing Wastewater for Sustainability

    JAN 31

    Cooling Water Innovation: Harnessing Wastewater for Sustainability

    In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O podcast, host Trace Blackmore dives into a conversation with Juan Meneses, District Manager at Nalco Water, An Ecolab Company to explore a groundbreaking innovation in industrial water treatment. Discover how Juan and his team harnessed treated wastewater to transform cooling tower systems, achieving a remarkable $4 million reduction in operational costs while championing sustainability. This episode highlights the challenges, strategies, and ultimate success of using treated sewage effluent—a game-changer for industries navigating water scarcity and operational efficiency. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The Steps to Integrating Treated Wastewater into Cooling Tower Systems  Discover how Juan Meneses and his team approached the integration of treated sewage effluent into a refinery’s cooling tower system. Learn about the initial assessments of water quality, the detailed planning process, and the role of collaboration between industry experts and stakeholders in ensuring a seamless transition. From analyzing water chemistry to implementing treatment solutions, this episode walks you through every critical step. How to Overcome Challenges Like Biofouling, Corrosion, and Scaling  Integrating wastewater into industrial systems is no easy task. Juan Meneses shares the real-world obstacles his team encountered, such as high organic content, ammonia levels, and variations in water quality. Hear about the innovative strategies they used to combat biofilm formation, prevent corrosion caused by harsh chemicals, and minimize scale buildup—all while maintaining system reliability and efficiency.   The Pivotal Role of Automation in Water Quality Management  Learn how advanced monitoring systems and real-time data collection were game changers in this project. Juan explains the importance of automated sensors in detecting water quality fluctuations, adjusting chemical dosages, and ensuring that all parameters remained within operational limits. This segment highlights how technology can simplify complex processes and prevent costly errors.   Real-World Examples of Achieving Sustainability Goals and Operational Excellence  This case study is a testament to the power of innovation in addressing both environmental and business challenges. Juan outlines how his team’s efforts not only reduced freshwater usage and wastewater discharge but also saved the refinery $4 million in operational costs. This section offers practical insights into balancing sustainability objectives with financial performance, showcasing what’s possible with a forward-thinking approach. This episode demonstrates how innovative water reuse strategies can align cost savings, operational reliability, and environmental stewardship. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!  Timestamps  05:07 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals  09:23 - Interview with Juan Meneses, District Manager from NalCo Water 15:18 – About the case study: using treated wastewater in cooling towers  20:32 – Automation and Innovation in Water Treatment 33:05 – Lesson learned and reflections from the project 42:42 – Water You Know with James McDonald Connect with Juan Meneses  Phone: 337.309.9619 Email: jmeneses@ecolab.com Website: Reinventing the Way Water is Managed | Nalco Water LinkedIn: Juan A. Meneses | LinkedIn Click HERE to Download Episode's Discussion Guide Guest Resources Mentioned  IWC (International Water Conference)    Freakonomics Radio Podcast  Today, Explained Podcast  CH 1979 Innovation Synergies Enable Reliable Wastewater Reuse in Cooling Towers At 4 million Lower TCO paper Good Profit: How Creating Value for Others Built One Of The World’s Most Successful Company by Charles Koch  Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, Second Edition: Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler  The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals by Sean Covey (Author), Chris McChesney (Author), Jim Huling (Author)  Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  AWT (Association of Water Technologies)    Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea The Rising Tide Mastermind  The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months 164 The One With Chris McChesney Water You Know with James McDonald Question: What do you call sections in a water system with low or no flow due to system design and/or operation?   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.

    46 min
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4.7
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    scalinguph2o.com
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    427
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2018 All Rights Reserved, Blackmore Enterprises, Inc.
  • Show Website
    Scaling UP! H2O

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