Our Faculty

Partner

Aquatic Technology

Northern California

Donna Benedetti holds an MBA in Finance and brings over 40 years of experience in the administration of Fortune 500 business finances, contract management, and project budgeting.

She has served as a corporate controller and financial analyst, overseeing multi- million-dollar international projects with exceptional expertise. Donna’s extensive background and leadership in financial management make her an invaluable resource as a faculty member of Watershape University.

Owner

Aquatic Technology

Northern California

Paolo Benedetti is the President/CEO of Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa and Lux Environs, one of the world's leading luxury design and build construction firms.

As a licensed pool builder and general building contractor, he has managed the design or construction of residential and commercial aquatics projects, vacation resorts, and high-end luxury residences spanning five continents. Widely published and recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on watershape design, he is currently a faculty member for Watershape University.

Principal

J. Brownlee Design

Greater Nashville, TN

In the field of watershape and outdoor living design, Jason has become one of the few industry leaders to receive the prestigious "masters" level recognition. He is the founder, President, and lead designer at J.Brownlee Design, and co-founder of Elevate Events — where he teaches design, construction, engineering, sales, and business development to aspiring industry leaders across the country. Jason has a passion for design that is evident in each of his unique outdoor living creations. He travels nationally to collaborate with both homeowners and pool professionals on unique project opportunities.

"My goal in every design is to enrich the lifestyle of our clients, to extend the living environment of their home into the outdoor spaces, and to enhance the natural characteristics of the site. Where these three things converge is the heart of a great design." Jason partners with homeowners and pool contractors to bring his designs to life, resulting in numerous national award-winning projects and magazine covers.

Jason resides in the Nashville, Tennessee area with his wife, Jennifer and their four children — Morgan (21), Blake (18), Alexa (15), and Taylor (8). He enjoys photography, travel, architecture, cycling, watersports, spending time outdoors, and can often be found cheering for his daughters at endless volleyball tournaments across the southeast.

President

Red Rock Pools & Spas
Greater Phoenix, AZ

Richard T. Chafey is one of the owners and managing members of Red Rock Contractors, Red Rock Pools and Spas and Red Rock Design; one of the Nation's leading luxury design/build contractors. Red Rock's mission is to build lasting relationships with customers, subcontractors, vendors, and employees as well as the communities it does business within. Their emphasis on relationships and quality construction is what has fueled their success and growth.

Since 1998, Red Rock Contractors and Red Rock Pools and Spas has been one of the nation’s leading custom building, pool, water feature and landscape Design Build Contractors. Red Rock has grown and continues to evolve into one of the most dynamic and diverse custom building contractors nationwide; offering their customers a single source solution to all of their luxury design/build needs from commercial building construction to residential landscape design and installation.

Rick's work has graced the pages of countless magazines, newspapers, and has been recognized nationally on the Travel Channel, HGTV, Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel over a dozen times. We were named 2014 Masters of Design by the Pool and Spa News Magazine. We are the recipient of numerous International Awards of Excellence by the Association Pool and Spa Professionals. Rick attained Master status within the GENESIS 3 Design Group, one of only 17 designers in the world to obtain that level of training in the pool and spa industry. He is a current member of the International Watershape Institute and is on the Leadership Team of Watershape University.

Chafey's and Red Rock's specialties include: Luxury Home Design and Construction; Custom Water Feature Design and Construction; Commercial and Resort Pool Construction; Custom Landscape Design and Construction; and Luxury Residential Pool Design and Construction. He also offers 3D Computer Rendering, Project Management, Construction Consulting, Forensic-Expert Witness Investigation Services.

President

Dynamic Pool & Spa

Greater Los Angeles, CA

Kevin Cobabe, IWI, is president of Dynamic Pool & Spa Construction, a custom swimming pool design and construction firm serving the greater Los Angeles area. At just 10 years old, Cobabe was introduced to the pool industry while assisting his brother-in-law in equipment installations, learning early on basic hydraulic principles of efficient plumbing installations.

Kevin jumped into the construction industry headfirst right out of high school, where he continued his pursuit of producing the perfect equipment installation a passion he continues to pursure in all his installations. He has a keen eye for detail in every aspect of watershape construction including creating works of art out of mechanical rooms. Now a 35-year industry veteran, Cobabe started his company in 2005 where he has successfully managed a multitude of high-end multi-million-dollar projects to near perfection. He gravitates toward ultra-complex projects and prefers to be challenged at every turn.

Kevin loves to pass on his knowledge and experience to others, teaching and mentoring industry colleagues seeking learn and improve their skills. He is an active managing team member of Ask the Masters and Pool Pro podcasts, and is an active supporter and faculty member of Watershape University.

CEO

Aquality Pools & Spas

Greater Denver, CO

Joe Dempsey, Jr. was born and raised in Colorado, and in the world of swimming pools and spas. In the early years, he worked at Aquality Construction during the summers. After graduating from Colorado State University, Joe spent a year traveling the world before coming back to the business in 2013. He started back out in the field while continuing his education, focusing on swimming pool design and construction.

Joe has learned and earned his way to the International Watershape Institute® (IWI) certification, as well as earning the titles of Certified, Advanced, Expert and Master Pool Builder and Design Professional. Joe is also a Certified Shotcrete Nozzleman. With all his hard work, these accomplishments add up to over 300 hours of continuing education. Joe now teaches Construction courses for Watershape University.

President, Drakeley Pools

Co-Founder, Watershape University

Connecticut and surrounding areas

William Drakeley is an award-winning shotcrete technologist specializing in concrete science and construction, particularly shotcrete applications, techniques and standards, with thirty years (+) experience in shotcrete installation, water feature and geotech design and construction.  Services include consultation and review, training and testing and expert testimony. 

He's principal and founder of Drakeley Pool Company, a luxury design and build firm based in New England; and, Drakeley Industries, an international consulting firm focusing on shotcrete applications and techniques, notably providing training for the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority underground tunneling projects.

An educator and advocate for high industry standards, Bill has most recently developed and launched Watershape University (WU) with colleague David Peterson, P.E. to provide the highest quality of live instruction of business, design, engineering and construction programs to students of all levels of pool, spa, aquatics and outdoor living sectors.  Bill has conducted trainings for the Colorado School of Mines, the American Society of Landscape Architects (CT), World of Concrete, GENESIS3 Aqua Show, NESPA, and others. His technical writings have been widely published in trade magazines and e-publications.

Dean of Architecture (retired)

Tulane University, and
University of Texas - Arlington

Donald Gatzke is an architect and educator with 40 years in the profession. In addition to practicing in Seattle, Alabama, Louisiana and Texas, he has been a member of the architecture faculty at Tuskegee University, Tulane University and the University of Texas at Arlington. From 1997 to 2004 he was Dean of Architecture at Tulane University and served as Dean of the School of Architecture at UT Arlington from 2004-2014.

He retired from the UTA faculty at the end of 2019, but continues to practice architecture and pursue multiple academic projects including as a faculty member of Watershape University. 

In 2014 he was honored by the Texas Society of Architects as the recipient of the Edward Romieniec Award for “extraordinary contributions to the profession through visionary leadership of architectural education”. In 2018, he was made a member of the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. He resides in Arlington Texas with his wife Diane.

President

J Designs

Greater Los Angeles, CA

JC Escudero has seen and done nearly everything in the pool industry. By forming a personal relationship with each of his clients, he ensures the final product reflects their vision and lifestyle.

JC has been in the pool and spa industry since 2001 when he moved back to the US and joined the family business. By 2009, JC had already worked on over 1200 swimming pool projects.  Born in Mexico City, JC has a diverse heritage and background. As an immigrant with three different nationalities, he has lived on multiple continents and is well-traveled.  

Currently, JC owns and operates J Designs Pool & Spa with his longtime life partner, Liliana. Like two sides of a coin, Liliana's administrative experience and JC's creativity balance each other perfectly. JC and Liliana are actively involved in Watershape University, helping to create more bilingual classes to be inclusive of spanish-speaking students.

Co-owner, GM

Vue Custom Pools

Greensboro, NC

Co-owner, Director of Design & Sales

Vue Custom Pools

Greensboro, NC

Executive Director

American Shotcrete Association

Charles Hanskat, P.E., is Executive Director and Technical Director for the American Shotcrete Association. He is a licensed professional engineer. Hanskat has been involved in the design, construction, evaluation and repair of environmental concrete, marine, building and shotcrete structures for 40 years.

Charles is an active voting or consulting member of many ACI technical and certification committees. He is a Board member and Chair of ACI’s Strategic Development Council. He was also 2014 President of the American Shotcrete Association. He also chairs ASTM C09.46 Committee on Shotcrete. Hanskat has been active in professional and technical engineering societies. He served as president of Florida Engineering Society (FES) and a national director of NSPE. He is a fellow member of ACI, ASCE and FES, and an active member of ACI, ASA, ASCC, AREMA, ASTM, ICRI and SDC.

Charles and WU co-founder Bill Drakeley have worked together on ASA position statements for swimming pool shotcrete.

President

Kazdin Pools & Spas

VP Operations, Watershape University

The Hamptons, NY

The pool industry runs in the family for Julie. Having grown up in the industry, Julie brings a unique perspective to the industry that combines an understanding of where the industry has been with a keen focus on where it needs to be going. She currently holds Executive Committee positions for the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA) and the Long Island Pool & Spa Association (LIPSA) and is a dedicated volunteer in the pool industry.

A believer in collaboration, getting to work with professionals from across the pool and spa industry has been an invaluable resource for Julie. Sharing new ideas and building diverse relationships has helped her develop innovative solutions to industry challenges. Julie holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a focus on management from Bryant University. She holds several industry certifications. She recently received the honor of Young Professional of the Year by PHTA; and 30 Under 40 by Pool Pro.

Julie is the VP of Operations for Watershape University, and serves as WU's Dean of Business.

CEO, AquaDoctor

COO, Azureon

New Jersey

Aqua Doctor’s founder and president, Isaac Keselman, is considered to be one of New Jersey’s leading swimming pool experts.  Pool industry manufacturers, insiders and consumers alike seek Aqua Doctor’s expertise on projects of all shapes and sizes.

Isaac also serves as Chief Operating Officer for Azureon, a cohort of top pool companies in the Northeast. Isaac earned his IWI degree in 2024, and is part of the WU faculty.

Executive Director

American Shotcrete Association

Greater Austin, TX

As Partner and Director of Construction, Benjamin is responsible for bringing Design Ecology’s designs to life. He oversees all construction projects from planning to completion while managing a skilled team of craftsmen to provide unparalleled attention to detail.

After earning his B.S. in Horticulture at Texas A&M Benjamin gained valuable experience working as Assistant Superintendent on one of the nation’s top resort golf courses. He moved on to manage the construction division of a landscape architecture firm for 4 years where he built luxury estate landscapes and pools. Benjamin opened his own landscape design and construction company in early 2009 & joined with Scott Cummings, RLA, ASLA and CB in 2010 to form Design Ecology.

Ben is a core instructor for Watershape University, and serves as WU's Dean of Construction.

Principal

Elite Concepts

Greater Dallas Area, TX

Michael Nantz, IWI is principal and founder of Elite Concepts, Inc., an international, progressive design/build firm of refined watershapes located in Dallas, Texas since 1991. 

With a vast geographical reach -- currently some 76 cities, 11 states, 2 Territories, 5 countries -- Mike's work product is in high demand.  With a depth of industry expertise, he is frequently retained by architects, landscape architects, contractors, pool builders and home owners, as well as attorneys in need of expert witness. 

Mike has lectured and instructed across the United States, Canada and Europe on subjects directly related to swimming pool design, construction and business practices.

Passionate about education, Nantz is a Watershape University faculty member and served as the University's first Dean of Culture. He currently serves as WU's Dean of Design.

President

Fluid Dynamics

Orange County, CA

David Penton, IWI, is president of Fluid Dynamics Pool & Spa Inc. – a highly regarded custom watershape construction and consulting firm located in Fullerton, CA.

He is also one of the co-founders and principals for Ask the Masters – a podcast focused on continuing education and mentoring for professionals working in the outdoor-living market space. Penton is a regular host for the organization’s podcast, and he has been a guest on CBS This Morning, the Pool Chasers podcast, WATERtv, Watershape University’s Wolfpack Webinar Wednesdays.

He is also regularly featured in many trade and consumer publications including WaterShapes Magazine. Penton has served as an industry instructor and leader for many years, and is a member of the International Watershape Institute. He is also a lifetime water enthusiast, surfer and advocate for the “Blue Mind” movement.

Principal, Watershape Consulting

Co-Founder, Watershape University

Peterson is President/CEO of Watershape Consulting, Inc., an international planning, design and engineering firm providing owners, architects, contractors, and the legal profession with services relating to residential, commercial and institutional pools, spas and water features.

He obtained his B.S. Civil Engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and is a registered engineer in several states. Peterson has been in the watershape industry since 1994 when he began his career designing life support systems for large aquariums and marine mammal exhibits. He was Vice President Engineering at Polaris Pool Systems where he developed and patented several products.

Peterson reorganized the Genesis 3 Design Group into GENESIS® University in 2012. When GENESIS merged with the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) in 2016, Peterson became Director of Education for GENESIS, a position he held until forming Watershape University.

General Manager

Budd Pools

New Jersey

Chris Volk is general manager of Budd Pools and Spas, a Philadelphia-area, construction, service and repair company serving the Delaware-Pennsylvania-New Jersey region.

Chris graduated from Rutgers University in 2004, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business and accounting, and a minor in corporate finance. He has continued his education, completing rigorous courses in watershape design, engineering, construction, and business operations, and has earned the IWI professional certification from Watershape University.

Chris started in the industry in 1997 as an associate technician and has worked with all aspects of the pool business: design, engineering, planning, installation, service, sales, and retail. In his current role, Volk runs one of the largest pool companies in the United States.

Superintendent

Tempool, Inc.

Jacksonville, FL

Robert Abinuman started at Tempool Inc. in 2000, after having moved to the U.S. from his native Guatemala in 1998. Trained by company founder Jon Temple, Robert started out as a mixer man and over time developed a comprehensive pool plastering skillset.

Currently, Abinuman runs Tempool’s plastering division and Plaster Logic™. In addition to troweling pools and running job sites, he has trained thousands of plasterers in both English and Spanish. Robert has been a Watershape University instructor since 2022.

President

Pro Pool Inspectors

Greater Nashville Area, Tennessee

Dennis Boyd founded Pro Pool Inspectors and a mobile app to help systematize pool inspections for real estate transactions and more. He and his wife live in Tennessee, where Dennis still conducts pool inspections every week, and drinks sweet tea every day.

Dennis has a Masters Degree in Education from Nazarene Theological Seminary (specializing in curriculum development), and a Medical Degree from Volunteer State College in Respiratory Therapy, and is a former licensed medical practitioner in Tennessee.

Owner

Raleigh Pools

Greater Raleigh-Durham area, NC

Kurt Candler grew up in the swimming pool industry and competed in swimming and diving throughout his college career. His company, Raleigh Pools, was founded in 1993 and is primarily a commercial pool builder focusing on neighborhood amenity projects, natatoriums, podium pools, and a few design-build residential projects. Kurt holds a degree in business management from NC State University.

Education Director

HASA/Orenda

Miguel developed a passion for water quality and disinfection right from the inside of the pool, ironically as his swimming career headed to an end, he joined team Orenda as a Spanish Educator and Business Development Representative.

Over the span of 5 years Miguel has interpreted and adapted the forward-thinking methodology and learning materials of Orenda for the Hispanic and Latino demographic inside and outside the United States. Miguel holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Owners

Alpen Tile

From artistic glass mosaic swimming pools to large format tile interiors, Amy invests meticulous attention to detail at each step of the process. Her firm, Alpentile, designs and installs kitchen, bathroom, fireplaces, swimming pools and water weatures of all kinds.

Amy and her husband Luke merge craftsmanship with design, giving their clients a totally unique construction experience that surpasses expectations. Whether you are looking for design help, or just need tile installation services, Alpentile brings over 25 years of experience to your project and are fully licensed, bonded and insured tile contractors.

Amy and Luke teach the Essential Tile Workshop for Watershape University.

Executive Director

Watershape University

Charlotte, NC

Eric Knight is a former American Record Holder in swimming who came to the pool industry in 2012 after developing asthma and lung damage from swimming indoors. He has devoted his entire career to improving water and air quality for pools worldwide.

Eric was a VP at Orenda Technologies and HASA, where he led the creation of the Orenda Calculator® and the Orenda app, Orenda Academy®, and created and hosted the Rule Your Pool Podcast®.

Eric was with Orenda until April 2025, when he joined Watershape University as their new Executive Director. Eric is now focused on building Watershape University into the most user-friendly and robust higher education program in the pool industry. He still teaches chemistry and business classes for WU, and conducts in-person natatorium evaluations for air quality improvements.

Superintendent

Tempool, Inc.

Jacksonville, FL

Johan Temple first began working in pools with his father, pool-plaster pioneer Jon Temple, at age 12. Plastering pools with different crews each summer crafted his abilities to troubleshoot problems, perform basic machinery operation and repair, and be extremely qualified in Pool Finishing.

Continuing education at Flagler College in Saint Augustine, FL, he received a degree in Business Management with a minor in Economics and Marketing – an education that prepared Johan for his role helping the family business set a course into the future. Johan has plastered pools in six different countries and several states.

Johan is part of the Tempool team that developed and teaches the C3611 and C4611 Plaster Workshops for Watershape University.

President

Tempool, Inc.

Jacksonville, FL

Jon Temple is the President and Founder of Tempool Inc., a renowned pool finish application company based in Jacksonville, FL.

With 28 years of experience in the industry, Jon has built Tempool into an international powerhouse, servicing pool builders, homeowners, and resorts across the globe. His expertise and dedication have taken him and his team to the United States, Honduras, Mexico, Trinidad, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, St. Lucia, the Bahamas, Canada, Spain, and Qatar.

Jon's passion for quality and education led him to create the world's first privately owned pool plaster training and testing school. He has personally trained over three hundred participants worldwide, sharing his vast knowledge and setting new standards in the industry.

As a faculty member of Watershape University, Jon continues to inspire and educate the next generation of pool professionals. He is actively involved in developing the C3611 Essential Plaster Workshop and C4611 Advanced Plaster Workshop, where his hands-on approach and real-world experience provide invaluable insights to students.