Industry News
Watershape University Names Eric Knight as New Executive Director
Knight has been with Orenda for the past nine years (including two years since the HASA acquisition of Orenda in March 2023). Since joining Orenda in 2016, Orenda has grown from a small specialty chemical manufacturer into one of the world’s leading brands for both water chemistry and swimming pool education. Eric was instrumental in the creation of the Orenda Calculator®, blog, videos, Orenda Academy®, and the Rule Your Pool® Podcast, Knight has traveled extensively, teaching pool professionals new and innovative ways to think about pool chemistry.
“I am honored to have served thousands of pool professionals and pool owners in my time at Orenda and HASA,” said Knight. “I am proud of what we have accomplished and built together. There was an education gap in our industry that we aimed to fill, and we have had a lot of fun in that pursuit over the years. My move to Watershape University is an incredible opportunity for me and my family that allows me to help take swimming pool education to the next level in a bigger way than ever before, including third-party accreditation and much more. I look forward to a continued symbiotic relationship with HASA and Orenda as I continue the original mission of ‘changing the way the world thinks about water’.”
“Eric has been an integral part of our company and my life for many years,” said Jarred Morgan, former President of Orenda and current VP at HASA. “His genuine willingness to educate and help those around him is infectious and will translate well in his new role at Watershape University. WU is a great resource, and I look forward to continuing to work together to advance the pool industry and serve our shared customers.”
“Eric has been a powerful and positive voice in HASA/Orenda’s ongoing mission to make water safe, clean and clear. We appreciate his many contributions, and we look forward to his continued success with Watershape University, which we support as an organization.” said Chris Brink, President and CEO of HASA.
“Through his work at Orenda, Eric has clearly demonstrated that he is exactly the type of leader Watershape University needs,” said David Peterson, co-founder of Watershape University. “His vision, creativity, work ethic and personal values make him a perfect fit for the Executive Director role. We are honored to have him join the team and help us elevate the pool industry.”
“I am thrilled that Eric has accepted the top leadership role within WU,” said Bill Drakeley, co-founder of Watershape University. “The pool industry has clearly chosen WU as the leading educational system in the design-build space and we look forward to Eric’s leadership as we grow in the service sector as well. Dave and I agreed that to take WU to the next level and stay on top of all things education we needed that high motor, intelligent person to not only improve all aspects but accelerate the overall growth. Eric has definitely proven to be that person and we welcome him with open arms.”
Knight will officially step down from his role at Orenda and HASA on April 5, 2025.
About Orenda and HASA
Orenda Technologies is a specialty chemical manufacturer and leading brand in swimming pool education and resources. Their parent company, HASA, is a leading provider of high-quality liquid chlorine and muriatic acid in the Western United States. You can visit their websites at https://www.orendatech.com/ and https://hasa.com/.
About Watershape University
Watershape University is an accredited educational institution dedicated to the advancement of swimming pool design, construction, and maintenance. WU offers a variety of accredited courses, workshops, and seminars for professionals in the swimming pool industry. You can visit their website at https://watershape.org/.
JED Pool Tools, manufacturer of swimming pool maintenance equipment and accessories, was pleased to recently receive a ‘Customer Excellence Award’ from Estes Freight company, the largest privately held freight transportation company in North America. This award recognizes customers that demonstrate strong shipment values, revenue growth, and foster a collaborative relationship. This award celebrates a few select customers for outstanding engagement, enabling a strategic partnership, and committing to mutual success.
“We’re pleased to earn such high recognition from a leader like Estes,” said Glenn Jonelunas Manager of Warehouse Operations at JED Pool Tools. “We’re honored to be recognized for this award, which is a reflection of the well-established and trusted partnership we’ve built together.”
The Estes Customer Excellence Award was created to recognize and celebrate customers who exemplify outstanding collaboration, commitment and service. Estes presented JED Pool Tools with a celebratory cake and plaque.
About JED Pool Tools
JED Pool Tools has been making high-quality pool tools and pool accessories in the USA for 30 years. JED Pool Tools sells over 400 different products including residential and commercial skimmers, leaf rakes, poles, wall brushes and vacuum heads as well as hoses and through-wall skimmer parts. JED is a family-run company with 3-generations of Heyen family working for the company and is committed to creating and providing jobs for residents of Scranton, PA. JED isproud of and committed to manufacturing in the USA, many it its own facility in Scranton, PA. To learn more about the company and its products visit www.JEDPoolTools.com.
About Estes
Estes is North America’s largest privately owned freight carrier. As an asset-based transportation provider with a global footprint, Estes combines nearly a century of regional freight shipping expertise with the resources, reach, and reliability of a national carrier. Backed by its more than 300 North American terminals and nearly 7,000 next-day lanes, as well as its fleet of more than 10,500 tractors, Estes is committed to getting America’s freight where it needs to go, when it needs to get there. And with its continued investment in leading-edge technology, as well as the support of its more than 24,000 employees. To learn more about Estes visit www.estes-express.com.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL ‒ We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership between AquaCal AutoPilot, Inc. and Devin Cahn Associates (DCA)—a highly respected sales agency with deep roots in the pool and spa industry.
Beginning next month, DCA will represent AquaCal and AutoPilot products in key markets across the U.S. Their team brings trusted relationships, real-world experience, and a hands-on approach that aligns with how we do business.
Founded by Devin Cahn, a long-time leader in the pool and spa space with over 40 years of industry experience, DCA has grown into a national team of professional reps focused on building strong relationships and driving results.
👉 Learn more about DCA
Please join us in welcoming the DCA team to the AquaCal AutoPilot family.
We’re looking forward to a strong partnership built on shared values, expert support, and continued growth.
Media Contact:
Michiko Prussing
Product Manager AquaCal AutoPilot, Inc.
MONROEVILLE, PA – RB Retail & Service Solutions software, supplier of business software designed specifically for the pool and spa industry, is pleased to announce it has hired Taylor Sleeman as the company’s new Business Sales Consultant. In this new role, Sleeman partners with pool and spa companies to help them modernize and grown their business operations. “I take a consultative approach to sales by focusing on understanding each company’s challenges and aligning these needs with the RB Retail & Service software tools to improve efficiency and profitability for pool and spa businesses,” says Sleeman who has over 10 years of sales experience and a proven track record of helping businesses adopt technology that drives measurable growth.
“We are very pleased to have Taylor on our team as she has already connected with many pool and spa businesses to help adopt and implement our industry-specific software for the 2026 season,” says Rachael Pritz, Vice President for the company. “She is already an invaluable asset to our company.” To contact Taylor and learn more about how RB Retail & Service Solutions software can help your pool and spa business this coming season, email [email protected].
866-933-9099
Monroeville, PA
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