Scaling UP!: Recent Episodes
trace@blackmore-enterprises.com
A Podcast for water treaters who deal with the treatment of cooling towers, boiler and closed loop systems.
I think it is safe to say that the majority of the Scaling UP! Nation! is on one or more social media platforms. I try to post news about my upcoming podcast on social media, mainly LinkedIn.
Social Media is how we stay connected in today’s world. In fact, many of you found out about the Scaling UP! podcast from LinkedIn.
In an effort to stay sharp for the Scaling UP! Nation!, I try to read as much as I can. From books to articles, you just never know what fodder is out there that you can turn into a good episode. During my assimilation of this data, I ran across Jim Lauria on LinkedIn. Jim wrote a very intriguing article about Leonardo DaVinci and water. It was fascinating. I enjoyed not only the article but the way that in which Jim wrote it. This led me to start reading other articles written by Jim. If you are connected with me on LinkedIn, you have seen me share many of them.
Since connecting on LinkedIn, Jim and I have shared several insights and conversations. Jim is a renaissance man when it comes to water, in his own right. On today’s episode Jim shares with us not only his passion for writing about water but also some tips about promoting yourself on LinkedIn. We even sneak in a few words on “Mind Mapping.” Do you even know what that is? I though I was the only one…
Please enjoy my interview with Jim Lauria.
Scaling UP! Nation!, you know that I believe you get out of our industry what you put into our industry. This is my normal response to when someone asks me why I train others, why I volunteer for trade organizations and especially why I do this podcast. I truly believe that you should teach what you know. Educate yourself and you get smarter, teach what you know, and you get even smarter (because a teacher needs to know content better than a student) and the person you are teaching gets smarter. Did you see what just happened in that scenario? The industry of that particular topic just got better.
My guest today is no stranger to that way of thinking. James McDonald is a champion for the water treatment industry. He is continuously finding new and innovative ways to share information. We had James on the show almost one year ago. Since that time, he has some new things he has been working on he wants to share with the Scaling UP! Nation!
If you have ever listened to my show, you know I am totally dependent on your suggestions on what I should be talking about. Today’s show is straight from the “Scaling UP! Mailbag! You ask for it, so here it is… Phosphate… Is this thing on?
Yes, I said Phosphate. Believe it or not, questions around phosphate top my list of the most asked questions from the Scaling UP! Nation! So, who am I to argue.
I have also taken this opportunity to play “Mythbuster” Scaling UP! Style. A few months ago, several blogs and listservs started talking about using a particular device for digestion in phosphate testing. The device is called the SteriPen and it was developed for outdoor lovers to sterilize their drinking water. Many have found that it could be used as the ultra violet source in the phosphate digestion process. The post alluded that the SteriPens would not work for this purpose. Join me as I take the Nation! though how I explored these questions myself.
Not only will you hear how I take my own advice of, “Trust but verify” when you get water treatment opinions, I interview people that have been using the SteriPen and who developed the SteriPen.
Our theme this month is team building. The last episode demonstrated how well a business can run when the team comes together. So, this episode helps us build a team to get there.
Our guest today is Rick Packer of the Table Group. The Table Group is Pat Lencioni's company, author of the Five Dysfunctions of a Team. Rick has years of experience working with companies and making their team more functional, Including Chick Fil A. Rick helps us explore how to bring a team together but more importantly why we need to bring a team together.
If you’ve listened to the show for any length of time, you know I love business! Due my love of business, I study businesses in how they conduct regular transactions and issues. This can sometimes get on my wife's nerves since I'm always turning every customer service experience into a learning opportunity, just ask her... In my observations, I have noticed that successful businesses seem to rally around a core set of values that you can see throughout their entire company. I’ve also noticed the opposite is true when companies lack a set of values that are followed by all. Just think back to when you had an issue with something at a place of business, it's impossible not to see how core values are applied if you look for it. Observing this is one of my favorite things to do.
One of my best examples of this came from my service manager, Chris. He took his father-in-law out for dinner and his father-in-law wanted to order a meatloaf sandwich. The waiter told him NO, he could not order that because it wasn’t on the menu. However, meatloaf and bread were on the menu, just not together. This was an example of enforcing rules that did not give the customer want he wanted. And the kicker is putting meatloaf between two pieces of bread would not have cost the company anything. In this situation, what do you think the company's core values were? If they had anything to do with the customer, they weren't followed. If they did, they weren't trained or at the very least followed by all.
I'm not going to tell you the company that owned the meatloaf saga, but I will use the story to introduce a company that I think gets core values right, each and every time. That company is Chik Fil A. If you have ever been into a Chick Fil A I know you were greeted properly and told that it was their pleasure for them to serve you. I also know you got the best chicken sandwich put on this earth! In case you didn’t know, I'm am a fan of Chick Fil A. They are a staple here in the south. In fact, they have built much of the Atlanta landscape. And truth be told, I eat there probably more than I should. But when I'm there I'm conducting research, at least that's what I tell my wife...
My guest today is Daniel Perry, Owner of the Lawrenceville/316 Chick Fil A. His store is practically in walking distance from my office and we have become friends over the years. During this time, I have seen him, and his team demonstrate how much they care about their guests, handle complaints and reach out to the community. Simply put, I have seen them LIVE their core values in everything they do. It's my hope you will be inspired to work on your core values from this episode.
Did you know we all have something in common? Well, I'm willing to bet that we have many things in common but the one I want to focus in on is we all start something new as someone new to starting that something. I know that is not very profound, but it's true. In my career I have been concerned about how someone would view my presentation or recommendation because I was: too new, too young, too...
I absolutely love hearing from the Scaling UP! Nation about how this show has inspired people to: try something new, change up the status quo and ask why. When we know why something does what it does, we change our role from a task doing to a tool master. When we have command over the tools that we use, we become exceptional water treaters.
If you have listened to Scaling UP! before, you know I believe it takes the gift of others investing in you that will lead you to a successful future.
Today I interview someone who has really shape the water treatment industry. Most likely, he has had a hand in all of the products you use. If you use a controller, he has had a hand in creating some of the algorithms the controller uses. He has authored many papers and spoken at many venues. But here's the thing, when he started he was: too new, too young, too... After knowing all these accolades, you are ready to listen to him, right?
My guest today is Rob Ferguson, of French Creek Software. Rob founded French Creek Software where he developed several programs. The one you are most likely familiar with is WaterCyle. WaterCycle is a modeling software that allows you to theoretically test your product in a simulated environment. Rob was new when he started as water treater. He was new when he started WaterCylce. If there is one thing I hope you get out of this episode is that we all start at the same place and we never get where we are going alone. Rob explains how many have helped him become what he is today.
Join me as I interview Rob Ferguson.
The topic that surrounds most of the question I receive are about tests kits and testing in general. Ever since I shared with the Scaling UP! Nation what was in my personal test kit, these types of questions keep coming. So, I though rather than me answer these questions, I will ask a guest on to answer them for us.
Our guest today is Harland Pond of AquaPheonix Scientific. Harland manufactures the test kits now, but he once used them in the field as a fellow water treater. This give Harland a great perspective on how we actually use our test kits. I am sure you are going to get many tips and ideas from this interview with Harland Pond.
I don’t have time to do the things I need to do! Ever heard this? I’m sure you’ve not just heard it, you’ve said it! And you probably heard someone tell you to work smarter not harder. This advice sounds great, but how do you do it? What is “working smarter?
I say working smarter is letting someone or something do your work for you. Think of how long calculations used to take in the dawn of the space program. Now how long do they take? The equations are solved almost instantly because of technology. So, our question is how do we let technology work for us thereby making us smarter workers? Well, that is today’s show, we are going to learn how to find repeatable tasks that technology can do for us; freeing us up to do other things. Pretty smart, huh?
Our guest today is my Nerdy Best Friend, Beth Ziesenis. Beth makes a career out of finding technology such as apps to do the work we shouldn’t be doing. Beth was a speaker at the Association of Water Technologies 2017 Convention. She has also written several books and appeared on other podcasts and programs. Beth has personally helped me use technology to make the most general of tasks easier to manage (like email.) I have no doubt that Beth will be your new Nerdy Best Friend too. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Beth Ziesenis.
On today’s episode, we welcome Pat Williams. Pat was the keynote speaker at the 2016 AWT Convention and that is one of the many things he does so well. Pat is a basketball Hall-of-Famer and currently serves as co-founder and senior vice president of the NBA’s Orlando Magic. As one of America’s top motivational speakers, he has addressed thousands of executives in organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies and national associations to universities and nonprofits. Pat is also the author of over 100 books, his most recent title being Success Intersection: What Happens When Your Talent Meets Your Passion. Pat is an expert on the topic of leadership, building teams and dreaming big. In this episode, he shares his wisdom and insight into what makes a great leader and why we should all be living in our sweet spot! We hope this episode will inspire you to be a better water treater, a better leader in the industry and an avid chaser of your own dreams.
Today on the show we welcome Justin Roff-Marsh, Founder of Ballistix and author of The Machine: A Radical Approach to the Design of the Sales Function. When was the last time you thought about sales? About how it is managed and who does what job? And whether the method you’re using is really the best method? As water treater’s, our job is to go out there and sell what it is that we do. But if you really look at the way we do sales and the systems in which we do sales, it hasn’t changed all that much since the dawn of time! Yet everything else has... Justin is someone who has re-designed the sales process by taking a whole new approach to the way in which companies sell. In his book, he delves deep into the world of sales functions; looking at how and why we’ve been approaching sales in the same way for so long and how you can break these models a part and improve them to benefit of your own sales practice today. In this episode, we chat to Justin about the key concepts in his book, about some of the things we take for granted in sales and what we can do better in this field.
Being a water treater, that’s easy… Well, maybe not. However, I have found it easier than running my own business. As with everything, you don’t know what you don’t know. So, when I learn something, that I didn’t know, and it works, I want to share it with you.
About 3 years ago, we started using a program at my company called EOS, The Entrepreneur Operating System. This system was introduced in a book called Traction by Gino Wickman. Gino explains that EOS is like an operating system you would use for you computer, like Windows. Your company is the program that will run on that operating system, like Word (yes, I am a PC guy.) The EOS system has five books within the series. On today’s show, we have the author of the second book in the series “Rocket Fuel,” Mark Winters. Mark is one of the best facilitators of the EOS system out there! He explains EOS and how different people in our company have different talents. By properly utilizing these talents we can energize our company with “Rocket Fuel” to get to the next level and beyond. Please join me for my interview with Mark Winters.
Today on the show, we welcome Chris Nagle. Chris has a background in water treatment and today works at Evapco, one of the largest cooling tower manufacturers in the world. Have you ever heard the term white rust? It is a problem that many water treaters face and is the topic of this episode today. In a nutshell, white rust is the galvanizing coming off of a cooling tower. Galvanizing is a coating of zinc over the steal surface, which is done so that the zinc corrodes instead of the steel below it. White rust is the premature corroding of that zinc and this is a serious problem, one that it often blamed on the water treater.
Evapco have been doing an amazing job at teaming up to gather and share information on white rust and how we can help solve this issue in new ways, together. Chris has a unique perspective and a wealth of insight on the topic of white rust and today, he explains the process of galvanizing and passivation and the challenges white rust has placed on the industry today. Chris shares some of the fascinating things Evapco are doing to help solve this issue and provides some great advice for water treaters on how to prevent and manage white rust.
My guest today is one of the pastors of my church, Clay Scroggins. Clay wrote a book called “How to Lead When You’re Not In Charge, Leveraging Influence When You Lack Authority.” The book is unique in several ways, it is the story of how he began to lead when he wasn’t in charge and, the reason that really caught my attention, it is a book written for all of us. Not just the leaders who are already in charge.
The wisdom in this book will allow you to start taking charge of things that you may not even realize you are in charge of. It will help you stand out and grab the attention of those who are in charge. Simply put, this book will help you advance your position regardless of where you are in the organization. As Clay says so very well, “you don’t have to have authority of something to be in charge of something.” All of this being said, Clay is a pastor so there is scripture in this book. He draws reference from the bible to help explain his ideas. If you don’t like that part, don’t let that bother you because the “nuggets of gold” you will find in this book are ones that I have never seen presented to an audience other than existing leaders. Folk’s this book will help your career and your relationship with your boss!
Please enjoy my interview with: Clay Scroggins.
Today on the show, we welcome one of the leading experts on the topics of reverse osmosis – Wes Byrne. Reverse osmosis (RO) is a relatively new technology whose applications are rapidly growing. Wes Byrne is the perfect guest to tackle RO as he has literally written the book on reverse osmosis titled: Reverse Osmosis: A Practical Guide For Industrial Users. Wes’s book is a go-to guide in the industry and is hugely valuable to design and process engineers working for RO equipment manufacturers, engineering companies and those who are responsible for the operation of an RO system. Wes has been working with RO for forty years in the fields of design, engineering, field support, monitoring, piloting, troubleshooting and new product development. His forte, however, is fixing troublesome RO units. In this episode, Wes explains what RO is, what we should be looking for in order to troubleshoot and why RO is a miracle process for today and the future.
Have been a trainer for The Association of Water Technologies for several years, I have picked up a few tips to help attendees. This episode is a special episode of Scaling UP! where I try to help those attending the Technical Training by sharing some of these tips.
Members of the Scaling UP! Nation! have asked me questions on working within the LEED system. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Rather than answer those questions directly, I talk with Charlie Cichetti of Sustainable Investment Group for his point of view.
Today on Scaling UP! we re-welcomes Mark Lewis, CWT. On this episode, Mark takes the interviewer position and asked me questions. As different as this experience was, I found it very interesting to be on the other side of the mic. Mark also joins me for a Pinks and Blues section, that I’m sure will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Our guest today is Taylor Technologies’ Chris Golden, CWT. Chris is a great resource to the water treatment community as a water testing expert. He also provides a great perspective to our industry because he was a water treater himself. In this episode, we will hear about several articles Chris wrote that deal with the opposite of treating equipment. He addresses what will happen if you don’t treat equipment. Chris has found that this approach sometimes creates a better understanding when explaining how vital our services are. He also tells us about his career as a water treater and throws in a few tips on testing.
Today on the show we welcome Dick Hourigan. Dick is a Retired US Army Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel and an Analytical Chemist who has been in the water treatment industry since 1973. After being retrenched from his job in 1992, Dick founded Richard Hourigan Inc., as an Illinois water treatment company serving Illinois and southern Wisconsin customers. In 2007, Dick also launched his own website, www.RichardHouriganInc.com and in 2009 opened www.TheWaterTreatmentStore.com to sell his water treatment products on the global market. In 2010 Dick also opened www.MissedPerceptions.com, which is a blog that serves to facilitate communication with global customers. 2018 will mark the 45th year of Dick being in the water treatment industry. He has had a lot of unique experiences and today shares the trials and the triumphs of being a water treater for the most part of his life. There is so much value in hearing the experience of others in this industry and in this episode, Dick walks us through his first jobs, the process of starting his own company and encourages us to never give up and to do whatever you do, well.
It can be lonely out there as a water treater. Having friends you can count on is a must. Mark Lewis is that kind a friend to me. After meeting Mark over 12 years ago, we have encouraged each other to be better water treaters.
In this episode, we are going to learn how Mark became a water treater. We will also hear how he started volunteering with the Association of Water Technologies and all the opportunities he was able to take advantage of because of this. Mark will let us know how everyone should approach AWT’s Technical Training and what the difference is between the Fundamentals and Applications Training and The Water Treatment Training. We will even talk a little about chillers.
On today’s show we talk to the 2018 president of the Association of Water Technologies, Marc Vermeulen. Mark tells us about how his life as becoming a water treater to becoming the AWT president. We will also learn about specific items that you can take advantage of that the AWT is offering this year.
AWT Technical Training:
If you have listened to the show before, you know that I am proud to be a training with AWT for the Technical and Fundamental trainings. This episode talks specifically to what is offered at the seminars as well as how to get the most out of the seminars.
Pinks and Blues:
This segment of Pinks and Blue deals with a set of questions, not just one or two, around pH meters. I have complied a list of about 12 different and similar questions and talk about the pH meter to try to answer them all. We will talk about proper meter care, calibration procedure and many more items around the pH meter. Take a listen.
Our guest today is Cpt. David Marquet of The United States Navy. David (now retired), was the Commander of the nuclear submarine Santa Fe – probably the most amazing job in the world! (in my opinion) In addition to commanding nuclear powered submarines, David is also the author of Turn The Ship Around, which was written in 2013 and tells the remarkable true story of how David was able to turn the lowest performing submarine into the highest performing evaluation in the history of The Navy.
On this year’s last episode of Scaling UP!, we will be talking again about the Certified Water Technologist Designation, CWT.
I was only planning on doing 2 shows on the CWT, but with getting so much response from the Scaling UP! Nation!, I decided to do one more.
Today on the show, we welcome recently Certified Water Technologists, Andy Morcomb of Jaytech and Andy Williams of South Eastern Laboratories. We are continuing our series on how to become a Certified Water Technologist (CWT.) We invited the Andys on the show to hear about their experience with the CWT process, from start to finish. As you know from our previous episode (Episode 25) there are two different ways to take your CWT examination – digitally or on good old-fashioned paper.
Andy Morcomb took his test remotely through Pearson Vue and in this episode, he shares with us all about this unique experience. We also find out how both Andy and Andy prepared for their exam and how the CWT has boosted their confidence in the industry. This episode is packed with helpful tips and insightful advice for taking your CWT exam. You will hear firsthand why this is exam is so valuable and how it can advance your role in the industry at large. It is important to know that you are not alone in this process and this episode is here to help you on the brave journey towards your CWT. It’s time to get out there and do it, so take a listen!
Currently on the show we are doing a multi-episode series on getting your Certified Water Technologist (CWT) designation. The CWT is the highest professional designation in the water treatment industry and is administered by the Association of Water Technologies (AWT). A CWT exam is a rigorous, 200-question, four-hour exam that water technologists can take after five years of experience in the industry. It may sound daunting, but having a CWT is a sure way to bump up your career and demonstrate your knowledge, ethics and commitment to the industry.
In this episode, we are going to be exploring all things CWT together with Angela Pike, self-proclaimed queen and Senior Service Manager at AWT. Angela works directly with the committee responsible for the CWT and has since become a guru on the entire AWT process. Together, we’ll be delving into the reasons why you should get your CWT, how to get it, how to study for it, how to pass the exam (not test,) as well as what to do if you do not pass the exam and how to re-certify. We’re going to be providing some tips and advice to help you prepare and pass the exam the first time around. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a new perspective on the value of a CWT certification and how to best go about the process. Take a listen!
Our guest today is Mike Highum, Vice President of McGowan Insurance Group. McGowan is a trusted provider of insurance and risk management products and services across the United States. McGowan Insurance Group just received the AWT Supplier of the Year for 2016. Specialty protection includes Primary and Excess Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional/E&O, Executive Liability, Workers Compensation, Property and Fleet coverages. Complete risk analysis, loss prevention and claims management, as well as consulting services, are also provided. McGowan incorporates a collaborative approach that emphasizes client educational, along with delivering meaningful resources to equip clients with the necessary tools to manage risk.
During the last few weeks I’ve had multiple people in the water treatment industry asking me questions about insurance, so I thought to bring in the professional. In this episode we’re talking about what we should be thinking about when it comes to insurance and liability to protect not only ourselves but also our business.
It’s been a while since it was just the two of us on an episode. To fix that, I am only answering questions from the Scaling UP! Nation, for the whole episode. No guest, no rant from the host, just your questions. Truly, the show for you, by you.
Knowing what to do in an emergency situation with Lt. Rob Pendleton
Our guest today is Lt. Rob Pendleton of the Snellville, GA Police Department. Snellville, GA is located about 35 miles north of Atlanta, GA. In the aftermath of the Las Vegas shootings, we are all asking ourselves what we can do. Many cannot think of a good answer to that question. It is my hope that we can take the information discussed in today’s episode and keep ourselves safer and more aware.
Lt. Pendleton has spent his adult life learning about how to keep others safe at his own peril. In this episode he condenses years of experiences, training and reading into real life information that we can use to keep ourselves safe and think through any emergency situations.
Our guest today is Tim Fulton, my Vistage coach. Tim is the Vistage Chair to some of the most successful CEOs in Atlanta. It’s why in 2013 he launched the Small Business Matters Conference, which has become an all-star, exclusive gathering that attracts some of the best small business owners in the state. And it’s why he’s a tireless advocate for small businesses, every single day. Small Business Matters is owned and operated in Atlanta, Georgia by Tim Fulton. Tim is a nationally-recognized small business coach, consultant, and advocate. He has been involved in the field of entrepreneurship for over three decades as a successful business owner, small business counselor, and adjunct university professor. Vistage is an international membership organization for company CEO’s and Presidents that provides a very unique growth experience for its members. In addition, Tim is a facilitator for the University of Georgia SBDC’s GrowSmart training program, which is designed for growth-oriented small business owners, operators, and executives.
Our guest today is James McDonald. James I talk about all things water treatment, AWT and special projects he is working on.
We also answer questions on Pinks and Blues.
Take another walk though the exhibit hall with me as I talk with venders and attendees at the 2017 AWT Convention.
Join me as I virtually take you through the 2017 AWT Convention Hall. I speak with attendees and vendors to let you know what it is like to attend.
Several listeners have asked for help on how to use Microsoft's One Note. For help with that, please view this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h07qZLLQc4I
Our guest today is Jack Walker, CEO of WaterTech Specialties Incorporated. Jack is also one of the founders of The Association of Water Technologies. WaterTech is a family-owned and operated business. They pride themselves on the diversity of their customer base, from small family businesses to Fortune 100 companies. Truly, they are small enough to care and large enough to make a difference.
In this episode we’re talking about what changes Jack has seen throughout his lifetime, what it was like for him transitioning his company to his children and what he thinks about water treatment in general.
We also talk about some things to think about when the season change and answer listener questions on “Pinks and Blues.”
Just a quick reminder about the Scaling UP! Meet UP! on Thursday for Breakfast. Don't forget to get your Scaling UP! button.
Hope to see you at the AWT Convention next week!
Our guest today is Mike Standish, co-founder of Radical Polymers. Mike has over 28 years experience in polymer additive design and development. Prior to forming Radical Polymers, Mike served in technical and business leadership roles within global, publicly traded chemical companies and is responsible for the development and patenting of industry leading polymers for use in the water treatment, oilfield and detergent industries.
In this episode Mike will be talking about what we need to know about polymers and also how we can take all of those categories and lump them into three simple categories so we know what they do based on functional groups.
And we talk about Stack Temperatures on boilers.
The AWT Convention, or any convention for that matter, can be scary. Walking around the exhibit hall and not knowing anyone or not knowing which presentation to go to can cause anxiety. On today’s show we talk about how to get the most out of a convention while dealing with these two issues. Join Trace as he talks about tips and tricks he has learned throughout the years to make this your best convention ever!
Our guest today is Bruce T. Ketrick Jr., president of the Association of Water Technologies. Bruce began his career in the pharmaceutical industry as a sales representative and later a technical trainer. Bruce's career in water technologies started 13 years ago with Guardian CSC. During his employment with Guardian CSC he has held various positions including Field Service Representative, Sales Management, and Business Manager. Bruce has been involved in the creation and management of new companies and divisions including: EnvoGuard an environmental products company, KTS (Ketrick Technical Services) a custom blending, specialty products, technical support and consulting company, and the Equipment Division of Guardian CSC offering design, installation and support of industrial water technologies equipment with a focus on controls, reverse osmosis, pretreatment and filters.
We also talk about water softeners and answer some listener questions in “Pinks and Blues.”
Several listens have asked how they can easily be informed to when their favorite podcast, Scaling UP! comes out with a new episode. In this mini episode I explain how to “subscribe” using services like ITunes for IPhone and Sticher for Android.
Marketing and Mentorship in the Water Treatment Industry with Michelle Farmerie.
Our guest today is Michelle Farmerie. Michelle is the daughter of Jay Farmerie and the Marketing Director for GLA Water Consultant, Inc. Michelle has also become more involved in the water treatment industry by joining various AWT committees. Most significantly, she has taken lead of the Young Professionals Group whose purpose is to help solidify the future of the AWT. Michelle also participates in annual Training Seminars to continue to learn more about the water treatment industry and to better understand actual hands-on operations that take place at customer sites. On today’s episode Michelle tells us more about what she’s doing with AWT, the marketing side of the water treatment industry, and we are answering some questions.
Our guest today is Michael Iverson, part-time CFO for Blackmore Enterprise. Michael is an experienced financial executive with over 25 years of financial accounting and management experience at both privately held and publicly traded companies. He has an understanding of all things financial and the cool thing about Mike is he is able to put things in a way that you can understand it and from that, to make informed decisions based on that information. On today’s episode we’re talking a little bit about finance and how we manage things that go along with that.
We also talk about the differences between D.A. and Feedwater tanks, corrosion coupons and a few more things...
On today’s episode we welcome Jim Lukanich, a former AWT board member, he is a Certified Water Technologist (CWT) and the director of applied technology with U.S. Water. Jim won the Ray Balm Memorial Water Treater of the Year award in 2008. Jim describes himself as a short guy, about 59 years old, he runs, bikes and swims and just happens to be a water treater. Jim has been in the water treatment industry since 1981, he comes with a great deal of experience over the years and he has a big interest in microbiology and chemistry. Jim and his wife, alongside their nine rescue cats and two rescue dogs live in Grapevine, Texas.
In this episode we’re going to talk a little bit about closed loop systems, what you need to know and how they are the step child of the water treatment community. Jim Lukanich also joins us to share some need-to-know things about water treatment.
Today’s show is something that most of us misunderstand, we don’t know how to talk to our customers about it, and we simply do not know what the right information is and where to go find it. We are talking about the L word today; Legionella. We are going to get to the bottom of what Legionella is, what we need to know about it, how we explain it to our customers, and how we get everybody working together towards a common goal.
On this episode we learn what it means to be a heat transfer efficiency manager. Heat transfer efficiency is really what we do as water treaters. After that Conor Parrish stops by to talk about being a relatively new water treater and how he goes about learning.
On episode 6, I introduce a new segment called “The Boiling Point.” This new section is therapy for me and hopefully a learning opportunity for you. Frankly, The Boiler Point is for things I see some water treaters do that water treaters shouldn’t do. SO STOP!
After my rant, John Zibrita of Zibex stops by to talk about his time in the water treatment industry and his involvement with AWT.
We then answer a few of your questions in “Pinks and Blues.”
We take a closer look at service reports.
The service report is a legal document AND it is a direct link to everything you did or didn't do on-site. Many of us do not give the service report the respect it deserves. Far too often when i consult with other water treatment companies, I see lacking service reports. Use the service report to enhance the value you give to that account.
Look at your last service report and ask yourself how it would stand up in a court of law. Now right your next one- better.
Water Treaters = Superheroes
I bet you didn’t know that you are a Superhero. A water treater has to combat issues that most mortals are unable to overcome. These issues are corrosion, scaling, microbial fouling and invasion of dirt and debris in our systems. Maybe a human can take on one or two of these issues. Taking them all on at the same time, successfully, only a Superhero can do that…
Episode #4: It’s not easy being green!
Water treaters need to realize that everything we do is “green.” Our entire reason for being is to make the systems we treat more efficient. If we do our jobs properly, we save the customer water and energy which in turn saves the customer money. That’s Being Green! Water Treatment is the original "Green" industry.
Episode #3 is all about controllers. Join me as I interview Tom Tinney of Lakewood Instruments as we explore what you should know about controllers. Tom talks about basic functionality, advanced functionality, troubleshooting tips and just general information about the controller.
Scaling UP! The podcast for water treaters by water treaters. • Introduction and Welcome • Announcements/ Updates in the industry • Catalyst • Interview/Presentation • Pinks and Blues • Wrap up
www.scalinguph2o.com
Scaling UP! Is made by and for Water Treatment Professionals.
We will explore topics related to the water treatment of cooling towers, boilers and closed loops systems.