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 prediction list.” - Dave Fitzgerald 

“You’re not an island—this industry is full of people who want to connect.”  

“Meditation isn’t about clearing your mind. It’s about intentionally shaping your emotions.” 

 

Connect with Dave Fitzgerald 

Phone: 17175777941 

Email: [email protected]  

Website: https://northquestchem.com/  

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dave-fitzgerald-b9809475    

Click HERE to Download Episode’s Discussion Guide 

 

Guest Resources Mentioned  

This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans by Seth Godin 

Reframe Your Brain: The User Interface for Happiness and Success by Scott Adams 

10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan 

Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect – by Will Guidara

North Metals & Chemical Company: Market Update (As of May 2025)

North Metals 2025 Newsletter

 

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned 

AWT (Association of Water Technologies) 

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses 

Submit a Show Idea 

The Rising Tide Mastermind

334 Inventory Intelligence: Enhancing Profitability through Smart Decisions

 

Water You Know with James McDonald

Question: When measuring a volume of water in a graduated cylinder, what do you call the curve of the liquid when it touches the side of the cylinder? 

 

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.