Scaling UP! H2O

424 Chlorine Dioxide Insights with Greg Simpson

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 Gulf Coast to becoming a dedicated advocate of its power and versatility. He explains why chlorine dioxide often outperforms traditional biocides like bromine and chlorine, especially in complex environments such as refineries, hospitals, and cooling towers.   Comparing Monochloramine and Chlorine Dioxide   A central theme in the episode is Greg’s recent research comparing monochloramine and chlorine dioxide. He shares real-world case histories, including treatments at major institutions and breaks performance differences in terms of biofilm penetration, disinfection byproducts, and residual impact. He also discusses regulatory hurdles, competitive dynamics, and what the literature says about long-term microbiological effects.   Building Disinfection Systems and Emerging Applications   The episode explores chlorine dioxide’s expanding role in building disinfection, especially healthcare facilities. Greg shares how generator technologies are changing the game, while also diving into regulatory constraints in places like Texas. He further explains the promising potential of chlorine dioxide in air disinfection and surface sanitation, drawing from both studies and practical implementations.    A Legacy of Learning   From assembling four filing cabinets of technical papers to writing multiple books and collaborating with other industry pioneers, Greg's story is one of relentless inquiry. His work continues to influence how the industry thinks about safe and effective disinfection strategies.   Conclusion   Greg Simpson’s insights go far beyond operational know-how. This episode is a masterclass in both the science and history of chlorine dioxide in industrial applications. For professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of advanced water treatment chemistry, this conversation is essential.   Call-To-Action   Explore more episodes of Scaling UP! H2O to stay current on the science, tools, and trends shaping industrial water treatment. Continue the conversation with peers, and never stop learning. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!   Timestamps  04:13 – Water You Know with James McDonald   05:28 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals  07:43 – Trace starts the interview with introduction of the master of all things – Chlorine Dioxide  16:25 – Trace asks about paper presented at the Association of Water Technologies chlorine dioxide versus chloramine, a review 31:30 – Benefits of Chlorine Dioxide in Pulp Bleaching and reduced environmental toxicity  36:04 – Chlorine dioxide vs. Monochloramine in hospital water systems and Legionella prevention   41:08 – Advice for Professionals    Quotes “Find an area to focus on and know more about that than anybody else.” “Chlorine dioxide doesn’t differentiate too much between the walls and what’s in bulk water.”  “When we changed to chlorine dioxide, it was five or six months before we saw a residual at the other end of our distribution system.” “Chlorine dioxide does not chlorinate directly any organic.”   Connect with Greg D. Simpson  Phone: +17132060250  Email: greg@clo2guy.com   Website: PureLine Click HERE to Download Episode’s Discussion Guide    Guest Resources Mentioned   Chlorine Dioxide vs. Monochloramine: A Review technical paper  Practical Chlorine Dioxide: Volume I – Foundations   Practical Chlorine Dioxide: Volume II - Applications  Practical Chlorine Dioxide: Volume III - Oil and Gas  A Focus on Chlorine Dioxide: The "Ideal" Biocide technical paper  The Safe and Effective Use of Chlorine Dioxide technical paper  Biofilm: Removal and Prevention with Chlorine Dioxide technical paper    Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  AWT (Association of Water Technologies)  Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses  Submit a Show Idea   Water You Know with James McDonald  Question: Which water analysis measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in water?    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.   

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

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  AWT (Association of Water Technologies)  Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses  Submit a Show Idea  2024 AWT Innovation Award Recipient    Water You Know with James McDonald  Question: Are conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids the same thing?    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.   

422 Inside the Association of Water Technologies with John Caloritis

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: jcaloritis@metrogroupinc.com  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   AWT Committees  AWT Convention 2025   AWT Governance Document American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA) CWT Certification  Education Offerings Individual Membership Water Treatment Supplier  World Vision    Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  AWT (Association of Water Technologies)  Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses  Submit a Show Idea  Star With Why by Simon Sinek   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. 

421 The Benefits of Tagged Polymers in Water Treatment with Gary Garcia

“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. 

420 Tapping Into Tech: How Ben Frieders Uses AI to Elevate Water Treatment Marketing

"Continue to learn something new every day.” What happens when a Navy-trained water chemistry expert dives into AI-powered marketing? You get Ben Frieders—Marketing and Business Development Manager at ChemREADY—who’s turning the tide on how water treatment professionals use tech.   Whether you're still skeptical of AI or already exploring tools like ChatGPT, this episode offers a masterclass in practical, professional applications tailored for the water treatment world.  From the Navy to Water Treatment: Ben’s Story  Ben Frieders shares his journey from operating nuclear submarines to leading marketing at ChemREADY. His technical background in water chemistry uniquely shaped how he approaches strategy, and service.   The Power of Rising Tide Mastermind   Ben explains how a peer group like Rising Tide transformed his professional growth—giving him weekly accountability, mentorship, and a place to talk shop without explanation.   AI in Action: Real Tools, Real Impact  Ben discusses how ChemREADY uses:  ChatGPT for blog and email creation  Sora to generate custom videos  11 Labs to automate audio narration  And more, all while respecting quality control and intellectual property    Prompt Engineering Tips from a Pro  Ben offers his personal playbook for building effective prompts—from defining identity and goals to making AI ask you the right questions. He even shares how to make AI generate its own prompt for best results.    AI for Technical Data Analysis  Learn how Ben’s team uploads water treatment reports into ChatGPT to uncover trends, troubleshoot issues, and build insight-driven recommendations for clients.    Balancing Trust and Tech  Ben emphasizes that AI is just a tool—not a replacement for professionals. He shares how he uses AI to amplify strategy, not replace human judgment.   AI isn’t a shortcut—it’s a skill. Whether you're in sales, marketing, service, or strategy, learning how to prompt and guide AI tools will set you apart in the water treatment industry. Curious how your peers are using AI? Share your go-to tools and discoveries with us on LinkedIn. And if you haven't yet, sign up for our newsletter to get bonus content and tools that go beyond the episode. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!    Timestamps    01:51 – Trace Blackmore shares insights on building client relationships, the value of communication, and recognizing your role in the water treatment industry  07:02 – Water You Know with James McDonald  08:26 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals   09:01 – Interview with Ben Frieders, Marketing and Business Development Manager at ChemREADY  20:40 – How ChemREADY uses AI tools in Marketing  37:17 – Using AI in Technical Operations – data interpretation and client analysis    Quotes  “AI is still just a tool. It's not the end all be all—you still need to continually modify the output.”   “Once you learn how to talk to AI, it becomes more of your friend and not your enemy.”  “The more details the better. Precision of language gives you the first best chance to get the output you want.”  “Start slow, experience the models, and see how AI is going to work best for you.”    Connect with Ben Frieders  Phone: (317) 719-1452  Email: bfrieders@zinkan.com  Website: https://www.getchemready.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminfrieders/   https://www.linkedin.com/company/getchemready/     Click HERE to download Episode’s Discussion Guide     Guest Resources Mentioned    I said this, You Heard That by Kathleen Edelman  A Grown-Up's Guide To Kids' Wiring by Kathleen Edelman Sora (Open Ai)    Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses  Scaling UP! H2O’s Newsletter Sign Up  Submit a Show Idea  The Rising Tide Mastermind  The Hang  Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It   402 Game Changing AI Tools: Matt Montellione's Insights    Water You Know with James McDonald   Question: What do you call the device commonly used to measure the percentage of salt in a softener brine solution?    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.