Speakers 2026

Lillia Blasius
Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF)
Lillia Blasius earned her Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology from Purdue University (Boiler Up!). Lillia serves as Project Coordinator for the Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF), where she manages research initiatives from concept to completion, aligning them with the foundation™'s strategic goals. She collaborates with industry leaders and researchers to advance and communicate impactful research on water quality. 

 

Alan Branson
Aqua Sphere Inc.
Alan Branson is the founder of Aqua Sphere Inc. and a respected leader in the residential water treatment industry. His career began with technical training as an industrial electrician, followed by service in the U.S. Air Force, where he graduated with honors from aerospace fire protection technology school and earned specialized certifications in emergency operations and aircraft rescue procedures.
After 20 years with the Department of Defense in fire and rescue, Alan brought his leadership, training, and technical expertise to the private sector before founding Aqua Sphere in 2000. He has served nearly 20 years on the Texas Water Quality Association Board of Directors, including two terms as President, and has received multiple industry honors, including the Man of the Year Award, the Gilbert W. Boerner Award, the Sonny Cammack Award, and the Award of Merit. He currently teaches the Basic and Advanced Water Treatment Specialist courses and continues to serve in civic, fraternal, and faith-based leadership roles.

Dodie Doyle
Stenner Pump Company
Dodie Doyle serves as Regional Sales Manager for Stenner Pump Company and has more than a decade of experience in the fluid control industry. Her background in water treatment equipment and chemical injection pumps, combined with strong technical and application expertise, allows her to support customers with practical, tailored solutions.

Sebastian Ekholm
Watersprint
Sebastian has been working in the field of UV-LED disinfection since 2019, starting in product development and product testing, evolving through different positions

Braden Gilbert
Micro-Bac International, Inc.
Braden Gilbert is the owner of Micro-Bac International and BioRemedy, where he leads sales and marketing for microbial manufacturing and environmental remediation solutions. After joining Micro-Bac, Braden rebuilt the company’s technical knowledge, operations, and market strategy from the ground up, helping modernize a legacy Texas biotechnology company into a vertically integrated microbial manufacturer and field services firm. His work focuses on applying beneficial bacteria to real-world water, wastewater, oilfield, agriculture, odor control, and contamination challenges, including emerging bioremediation approaches for persistent compounds such as PFAS and PFOS. Braden has presented at an LDEQ speaker session, served as a guest speaker for a Local Emergency Planning Committee, spoken to the Houston Geological Society, and presented at the Georgia Environmental Conference. He will also host the keynote session at LDEQ’s 2026 Environmental Trade Fair.

 

Douglas Haring MWS, CWR, CI
Clack Corporation
Douglas Haring is a Regional Sales Manager and Technical Trainer for Clack Corporation. He has been a Certified Member of the Water Quality Association since 1983 and presently holds WQA Certification levels Master Water Specialist, Certified Water Treatment Representative and Certified Installer. 

Prior to joining Clack, his experience in the Water Quality Improvement Industry includes 10 years when he owned and operated an Independent Dealership and 21 years on the OEM level.

 

Michael Jensen
EZSalt
Michael is the founder of Easysol. Every day he helps dealers build recurring revenue models and launch them.

Zack Johnson
Aqua Sphere Inc.
With 16 years of experience in the water treatment industry, I currently serve as the Service Manager at Aqua Sphere. I hold a Texas Class III Water Treatment License and am committed to delivering high-quality water treatment solutions while ensuring excellent customer service. Throughout my career, I have built a strong foundation in water treatment systems, technical problem-solving, and team leadership. I take pride in helping customers achieve safe, reliable water quality and in supporting the continued growth and success of my team and the company. 
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and three boys, as well as hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. I value hard work, integrity, family, and always continuing to grow.

Kevin Kahlden
Viqua
Kevin Kahlden has more than seven years of experience with Viqua, a global leader in UV water treatment solutions, where he supports water treatment dealers and distribution partners with technical expertise and strategic guidance.  

Jim Kolchin
iWallet
Jim Kolchin is the CEO & Co-Founder of iWallet, a platform transforming how contractors manage payments, financing, and rebates in one connected system. With 25+ years in the appliance and HVAC industries, he has built and scaled multiple businesses, including ReSharp Knife Sharpening and Partsable.com. He is a member of the Forbes Los Angeles Business Council.

Greg Reyneke
Red Fox Advisors
Greg is an international expert in residential, commercial, and industrial water treatment, has three decades of experience managing and growing water treatment dealerships. Greg is currently president of the Water Quality Association where he is working on increasing the credibility, relevance, and influence of our industry. Greg writes prolifically and travels worldwide to improve lives through better water quality. Follow him on his blog at gregknowswater.com

Peter Ruchti
AdeptPlus
Peter Ruchti of AdeptPlus is a digital marketing expert specializing in the water treatment industry. A WQA member and frequent speaker (PWQA, WQA), Peter has helped over 50 environmental contractors scale through data-driven lead generation. Based in Chicago, he leads a team of 35 dedicated to helping water professionals dominate their markets and achieve consistent, predictable growth.

Alexis Turcotte
Corro-Protec
Alexis Turcotte leads training initiatives at Corro-Protec, supporting water treatment specialists and plumbers in understanding water heater performance, corrosion mechanisms, and practical field solutions. As a former elite tennis player, he brings a strong sense of discipline, collaboration, and continuous improvement to his work. He is committed to sharing clear, accessible technical information that helps industry professionals.

Candice Wentling
Certified Action
Candice is Director of Certified Action, where she helps leaders align strategy, people, and processes. With 17+ years of experience equipping leaders, developing teams, and improving business performance, she helps turn vision into results. A Master Water Specialist, she serves on the boards of WQA and EWQA and has earned industry service awards.

Stephen Wheeler
ResinTech, Inc.
Stephen Wheeler is the Technical Services Manager at ResinTech, Inc., a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of ion exchange resins and water treatment solutions headquartered in Camden, New Jersey. With over 18 years of experience in the water treatment industry, Stephen has been instrumental in advancing ResinTech™s technical and application support capabilities, particularly in the area of PFAS contaminant remediation.