"Continue to learn something new every day.”

What happens when a Navy-trained water chemistry expert dives into AI-powered marketing? You get Ben Frieders—Marketing and Business Development Manager at ChemREADY—who’s turning the tide on how water treatment professionals use tech.  

Whether you're still skeptical of AI or already exploring tools like ChatGPT, this episode offers a masterclass in practical, professional applications tailored for the water treatment world. 

From the Navy to Water Treatment: Ben’s Story 

Ben Frieders shares his journey from operating nuclear submarines to leading marketing at ChemREADY. His technical background in water chemistry uniquely shaped how he approaches strategy, and service.

 

The Power of Rising Tide Mastermind  

Ben explains how a peer group like Rising Tide transformed his professional growth—giving him weekly accountability, mentorship, and a place to talk shop without explanation.

 

AI in Action: Real Tools, Real Impact 

Ben discusses how ChemREADY uses: 

• ChatGPT for blog and email creation 

• Sora to generate custom videos 

• 11 Labs to automate audio narration 

• And more, all while respecting quality control and intellectual property 

 

Prompt Engineering Tips from a Pro 

Ben offers his personal playbook for building effective prompts—from defining identity and goals to making AI ask you the right questions. He even shares how to make AI generate its own prompt for best results. 

 

AI for Technical Data Analysis 

Learn how Ben’s team uploads water treatment reports into ChatGPT to uncover trends, troubleshoot issues, and build insight-driven recommendations for clients. 

 

Balancing Trust and Tech 

Ben emphasizes that AI is just a tool—not a replacement for professionals. He shares how he uses AI to amplify strategy, not replace human judgment.  

AI isn’t a shortcut—it’s a skill. Whether you're in sales, marketing, service, or strategy, learning how to prompt and guide AI tools will set you apart in the water treatment industry.

Curious how your peers are using AI? Share your go-to tools and discoveries with us on LinkedIn. And if you haven't yet, sign up for our newsletter to get bonus content and tools that go beyond the episode.

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

 

Timestamps   

01:51 – Trace Blackmore shares insights on building client relationships, the value of communication, and recognizing your role in the water treatment industry 

07:02 – Water You Know with James McDonald 

08:26 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals  

09:01 – Interview with Ben Frieders, Marketing and Business Development Manager at ChemREADY 

20:40 – How ChemREADY uses AI tools in Marketing 

37:17 – Using AI in Technical Operations – data interpretation and client analysis 

 

Quotes 

“AI is still just a tool. It's not the end all be all—you still need to continually modify the output.”  

“Once you learn how to talk to AI, it becomes more of your friend and not your enemy.” 

“The more details the better. Precision of language gives you the first best chance to get the output you want.” 

“Start slow, experience the models, and see how AI is going to work best for you.” 

 

Connect with Ben Frieders 

Phone: (317) 719-1452 

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.getchemready.com/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminfrieders/  

https://www.linkedin.com/company/getchemready/  

 

Click HERE to download Episode’s Discussion Guide  

 

Guest Resources Mentioned  

 I said this, You Heard That by Kathleen Edelman 

A Grown-Up's Guide To Kids' Wiring by Kathleen Edelman

Sora (Open Ai) 

 

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned 

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses 

Scaling UP! H2O’s Newsletter Sign Up 

Submit a Show Idea 

The Rising Tide Mastermind 

The Hang 

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It  

402 Game Changing AI Tools: Matt Montellione's Insights 

 

Water You Know with James McDonald  

Question: What do you call the device commonly used to measure the percentage of salt in a softener brine solution? 

 

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.