About this episode
In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore reconnects with returning guest Dave Fitzgerald, President of North Metal & Chemical Company. Known for his forward-thinking predictions, Dave returns to share valuable insights into supply chain forecasting, emotional intelligence in leadership, and how a strong culture can shape business longevity. Purpose-Driven Predictions Dave doesn't just react—he predicts. Learn how he turns economic signals, freight trends, and material pricing into reliable forecasting tools to protect inventory and serve loyal customers. Culture Starts with Emotional Frequency From hiring and onboarding to daily operations, Dave shares how his team cultivates a culture of emotional intelligence, gratitude, and accountability—without micromanagement or ego. Profit Sharing That Works Hear how North Metal's equal-share profit system creates ownership thinking, motivates employees, and naturally builds peer accountability in a no-drama, high-performance workplace. Mind Over Matter: Meditation & Mental Reframing Dave's approach to meditation isn't about quieting the mind—it's about training emotional resilience. Learn how "emotional workouts" like cold showers and intentional emotion cycles sharpen leadership from within. 103 Years of Legacy with Eyes on the Future As North Metal expands nationwide, Dave discusses how to honor legacy while preparing future generations and small businesses for long-term success in a consolidated industry. Conclusion From the warehouse to the boardroom, Dave Fitzgerald leads with a rare combination of foresight, humility, and heart. This episode will challenge you to rethink strategy, culture, and how you show up for your customers—and your team. Don't just manage—lead with purpose. Apply Dave's insights to build a resilient culture, forecast smarter, and turn your business into a place people are proud to be part of. Share the episode, subscribe, and join the Scaling UP! Nation in moving the industry forward. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps 02:39 – Trace Blackmore shares about his grandfather 05:50 – Water You Know with James McDonald 07:05 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 09:41 – Interview with returning guest Dave Fitzgerald of North Metal and Chemical Company 15:31 – Anticipating tariff cycles and preparing supply chains accordingly 21:37 – Building a culture of emotional labor, ego-awareness, and care 33:26 – The true story behind the "North" in North Metal Quotes "I like to turn my to-do list into a
