408 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.