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Content provided by R. Trace Blackmore, CWT, LEED AP: Water Treatment Enthusiast, Trainer and Consultant. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by R. Trace Blackmore, CWT, LEED AP: Water Treatment Enthusiast, Trainer and Consultant or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
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423 Pushing the Boundaries: Jacob Deak on Innovating Water Treatment Systems

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Manage episode 487134113 series 2479326
Content provided by R. Trace Blackmore, CWT, LEED AP: Water Treatment Enthusiast, Trainer and Consultant. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by R. Trace Blackmore, CWT, LEED AP: Water Treatment Enthusiast, Trainer and Consultant or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

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.

  continue reading

469 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 487134113 series 2479326
Content provided by R. Trace Blackmore, CWT, LEED AP: Water Treatment Enthusiast, Trainer and Consultant. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by R. Trace Blackmore, CWT, LEED AP: Water Treatment Enthusiast, Trainer and Consultant or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

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.

  continue reading

469 episodes

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