Every career in industrial water treatment is shaped by decisions, mentors, credentials, systems, and the willingness to keep learning. In this special mailbag-style episode, Trace Blackmore, CWT, answers questions from the Scaling UP! Nation about how he entered water treatment, why he started the podcast, what professional credentials have meant to him, and what he is still working to improve.

This conversation gives water professionals a practical look at the habits behind a long career in the industry: getting involved early, documenting customer conversations, building strong teams, using repeatable processes, and staying open to new tools like AI.

From Family Influence to a Career in Water Treatment

Trace shares that his start in water treatment came through his father, who brought him along to accounts after school. His early memories include watching test results change color, learning around hospital accounts, and seeing how water treatment decisions were made in the field.

Before entering water treatment full-time, Trace worked in financial services and received strong sales training. However, he realized he was not enjoying the work. His father invited him to become a service technician, which led to a career path that combined technical problem-solving, customer service, sales, and a deep appreciation for the industrial water community.

Why Credentials, Associations, and Documentation Matter

Trace explains why the Certified Water Technologist credential remains one of the professional accomplishments he values most. He also discusses his LEED GA and LEED AP credentials, his time as a former president of the Association of Water Technologies, and his training as a master facilitator.

For professionals building their own careers, the larger lesson is clear: credentials, online presence, and association involvement can shape how customers and peers understand your expertise. Trace also emphasizes the importance of documenting conversations, decisions, and recommendations so teams and customers have a clear record when issues arise.

The Podcast, Rising Tide Mastermind, and Raising the Industry Bar

Trace reflects on launching the Scaling UP! H2O Podcast in 2017 after encouragement from Charlie Cicchetti and Conor Parrish. What began as a monthly podcast eventually became a weekly resource with structured processes, procedures, and a growing audience of water professionals.

He also discusses the honor of having Scaling UP! H2O recognized as the official podcast of the Association of Water Technologies, as well as the creation of Rising Tide Mastermind, which now includes 76 members across 7 groups. Both platforms reflect the same goal: creating spaces where industrial water professionals can learn, connect, and improve together.

Technology, AI, and the Next Phase of Learning

When asked about the biggest change in the industry, Trace points to data collection, remote monitoring, the Internet of Things, and AI. He remembers a time when system information required an on-site visit. Today, water professionals can review controller data, reports, and trends before arriving in the field.

Trace also shares how his Doctor of Business Administration program is changing the way he thinks about research, learning, and long-term growth. His 2026 goals include continuing that academic work, strengthening the podcast's educational value, and giving family and personal commitments proper space on the calendar.

This episode is not only a personal reflection. It is a reminder that long-term success in water treatment depends on learning, relationships, systems, and the willingness to keep improving.

Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!

Timestamps

02:35 — Trace opens the episode with a May update and connects the season to a practical cooling tower challenge: pollen in Southern systems.

04:30 — Trace explains why this episode is different: Scaling UP! Nation asked for more personal stories and career reflections from him.

06:50 — Trace highlights the 6th Annual Oilfield Water Markets Conference and shares the Scaling UP! H2O listener discount code.

08:00 — Trace mentions the International Water Association Leading Edge Conference on Water and Wastewater Technologies in Houston.

08:50 — Trace points healthcare-focused water professionals toward ASHE's Healthcare Facilities Innovation Conference in Minneapolis.

09:50 — James McDonald presents a new Words of Water definition focused on wet bulb temperature and cooling tower performance.

11:20 — Trace explains why receiving compliments used to be difficult and how mentorship helped him respond with more respect and gratitude.

13:50 — Trace answers how he got started in water treatment through his father, field visits, testing, and early exposure to accounts.

15:50 — Trace describes leaving financial services, joining his father's company as a service technician, and finding work he genuinely enjoyed.

18:20 — Trace explains the credentials behind his name, beginning with the Certified Water Technologist designation.

20:25 — Trace discusses LEED GA and LEED AP credentials and how they helped him communicate with commercial building owners.

23:00 — Trace shares why his AWT leadership experience and master facilitator training matter to his professional identity.

24:55 — Trace explains how Charlie Cicchetti introduced him to podcasts and encouraged him to start what became Scaling UP! H2O.

27:30 — Trace describes the podcast's early cadence, moving from monthly to biweekly and then weekly episodes.

32:30 — Trace identifies AWT naming Scaling UP! H2O its official podcast as a crowning moment for the show.

33:45 — Trace shares personal and professional achievements, including adopting his son, building the podcast, and launching Rising Tide Mastermind.

35:30 — Trace explains how he balances podcasting, business, and other responsibilities through team support, time blocking, procedures, and the 12 Week Year.

41:05 — Trace shares advice to his younger self: join an association early, get involved, document everything, and build relationships in the industry.

44:40 — Trace identifies data, remote monitoring, IoT, AI, Legionella, PFAS, and water management plans as major changes in the industry.

48:10 — Trace shares scuba diving as his favorite non-water-treatment hobby and reflects on teaching more than 1,000 people to dive.

50:00 — Trace explains how pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration is teaching him research, academic discipline, and new ways to learn.

54:05 — Trace shares his 2026 goals, including progressing through his DBA program, expanding podcast resources, and prioritizing family on his calendar

Connect with Scaling UP! H2O

Submit a show idea: Submit a Show Idea

LinkedIn: in/traceblackmore/

YouTube: @ScalingUpH2O

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned

AWT

Audible

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

12 Week Year Plan

The Rising Tide Mastermind

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

Words of Water with James McDonald

Today's definition is the lowest temperature that can be achieved through evaporation alone and is used to evaluate cooling tower performance. Do you know the word or phrase?

474 Questions from the Scaling UP! Nation about Trace