429 The Life and Career of Jim Lukanich

“You can’t learn it all in one year. You can’t even learn it all in ten.” That single statement from Jim Lukanich captures the spirit of this unforgettable episode.

Returning to the Scaling UP! H2O Podcast for the first time since Episode 10, Jim Lukanich joins host Trace Blackmore to reflect on a remarkable 44-year career in the water treatment industry. From his early days at U.S. Steel to leading technical innovation at Buckman Laboratories, ChemCal, U.S. Water, and Kurita, Jim has been a force for mentorship, learning, and raising the bar in technical excellence.

Building a Career, One Problem at a Time

Jim walks us through the formative moments of his career — the gritty hands-on learning at US Steel, the cultural differences he encountered at Nalco, and the breakthrough growth and global travel that defined his time at Buckman Labs. He shares how relentless reading, teaching, and real-world problem-solving built the foundation of his expertise.

More than just a technical expert, Jim is a storyteller. His accounts of teaching microbiology in Brazil pre-internet — with nothing but overhead projectors and thousands of peer-reviewed articles — highlight just how much dedication the field once required (and still does).

Educator, Mentor, Technologist

This episode shines as Jim reveals his unexpected passion for teaching and how that eventually connected him with the Association of Water Technologies (AWT). From correcting pronunciation quirks to co-writing the Certified Water Technologist (CWT) exam, Jim’s teaching legacy spans thousands of students and professionals around the world.

Listeners will appreciate Jim’s honest take on what separates industry veterans who grow from those who stagnate — and the importance of actively seeking knowledge beyond routine routes.

Beyond Retirement: Knowledge that Lasts

Now officially retired, Jim isn’t finished contributing. He shares future plans for limited consulting and speaks candidly about what it means to truly mentor someone — and what many water professionals are missing out on if they don’t.

This is more than a career retrospective; it’s a call to honor the past by preparing for the future — with integrity, curiosity, and generosity.

Conclusion: Wisdom Worth Passing Down

Jim’s impact isn’t measured just by how many systems he’s treated or miles he’s flown — but by the lives he’s touched and the minds he’s sharpened. For any professional looking to improve technical depth, leadership, or mentoring, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen now to learn from one of the water industry’s most respected mentors. Explore more episodes, sharpen your skills, and consider becoming the mentor you once needed.

Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!

Timestamps

03:44 – Trace shares some Water facts and World Vision 6k Recap

06:40 – Water You Know with James McDonald

07:04 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals

17:30 – Interview with returning guest, Jim Lukanich

24:27 – Jim shares how teaching at Buckman became a passion

45:00 – Learning daily builds deep expertise over time

Quotes

Jim Lukanich: “I’ve read thousands of peer-reviewed technical papers—not the BS in magazines—but real science.”

Jim Lukanich: “You can’t learn it all in a year. You can’t learn it all in 10. I’ve been doing this for 44 years, and I still read technical papers.”

Trace Blackmore: “You were the one who made me want to teach water treatment. You brought energy to technical education.”