WU at Southwest 2027 | Major Renovations, Startup Certification and more

JC Escudero, IWI

Teaching: C2711: Essential Major Renovations | E2731: Structural Repairs of Existing Pools (Spanish) | C3612: Critical Surface Preparation for Pool Plaster (Spanish)

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.

Eric Knight

Teaching: S3214: Watershape Startup Certification

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.

Ben Lasseter, IWI

Teaching: C2711: Essential Major Renovations

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.

Michael Nantz, IWI

Teaching: D1941: The Challenges of Historical Preservation | B1341: Design Fees - Billing for Professional Services

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.