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: [email protected]   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.