# 474 Questions from the Scaling UP! Nation about Trace

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/scaling-up-h2o-7746/474-questions-from-the-scaling-up-nation-about-trace
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/scaling-up-h2o-7746/474-questions-from-the-scaling-up-nation-about-trace.md
Podcast: [Scaling UP! H2O](https://stenobird.com/podcast/scaling-up-h2o-7746)
Published: 2026-04-30T17:54:58+00:00
Episode link: https://scalinguph2o.com/2026/05/01/474-questions-from-the-scaling-up-nation-about-trace/
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/scalingup/Scaling_Up_H2O_-_474_-_Pinks_and_Blues.mp3?dest-id=797464
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/scaling-up-h2o-7746/episodes/474-questions-from-the-scaling-up-nation-about-trace
Duration seconds: 3635

## Resource

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: c…

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## Transcript

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