Industry Educator Watershape University has brought on a full-time executive director.
The San Diego-based organization, which began by providing design/construction instruction in 2019, hired Eric Knight, formerly vice president of education and training at HASA and Orenda Technologies.
Knight served with Orenda for nine years, including the two since HASA acquired it. As lead educator with the manufacturer, he contributed to Orenda Academy, as well as the company’s blog, videos, and the Rule Your Pool Podcast.
While WU cofounders David Peterson and Bill Drakeley still own the company and will continue teaching, Knight will run the day-to-day operations and promote all WU programs and products.
“We knew as soon as we started Watershape University that, at some point, we would need somebody to lead the company,” Drakeley said. “We each have three businesses, so both our plates were full, and WU needs full attention on a daily basis.”
Knight especially made a fitting choice for the group’s next big initiative — offering a full program for service technicians, Drakeley said.
“Dave and I agreed that, to take WU to the next level and stay on top of all things education, we needed that high-motivation, intelligent person to not only improve all aspects but accelerate overall growth. Eric has definitely proven to be that person …”
They expect the program to have a broad reach. “Our service program won’t be discriminatory to concrete pools,” Drakeley said. “We’re going to address all pools. The vessel isn’t as important as the water in and of itself.”
