Meet Our Instructors

Practical training starts with experienced instructors. Led by owner and Lead Instructor Ben Bennett, the WITS instructional team brings firsthand knowledge of backflow prevention, cross-connection control, and automatic control valves into the classroom and Wet Lab.

Ben Bennett

Owner, CEO & Lead Instructor

Ben Bennett leads Water Industry Training Specialists with a practical understanding of the work students are preparing to do. He has worked in the backflow prevention industry since 1989 and has served as WITS’ Lead Instructor since 2010. As owner and CEO of both Water Industry Training Specialists, Inc. and Backflow Prevention Specialists, Inc., Ben brings the perspective of an instructor, field professional, and business owner to his teaching.

His experience as a backflow tester and cross-connection inspector shapes his straightforward, practical teaching style. Ben helps students understand both how to perform procedures and why they matter, connecting classroom concepts with field conditions and program responsibilities. His instruction supports students as they prepare for certification examinations, strengthen their technical skills, and apply what they learn on the job.

Rich Wun

SENIOR INSTRUCTOR

Rich Wun brings extensive experience in cross-connection control, including more than 20 years as a cross-connection inspector and specialist. His water industry career includes work at San Jose Water Company beginning in 1976, giving him a broad understanding of both field operations and program administration.

Rich has educated water industry technicians and members of the public about backflow prevention, cross-connection control, and recycled water programs. At WITS, he draws on this experience to help students connect technical practices with administrative responsibilities and effective public communication.

Steve Mendoza

SENIOR INSTRUCTOR

Steve Mendoza began his career in his family’s plumbing business in 1980. He joined Backflow Prevention Specialists in 2011 and became a WITS instructor in 2014.

Specializing in automatic control valve applications, maintenance, and repair, Steve brings practical industry experience to his teaching. He helps students understand valve operation, develop a systematic approach to maintenance and repair, and apply that knowledge to the valve systems and programs they work with.

Instructor Proprietary Interests

Water Industry Training Specialists (WITS) courses are high-quality continuing technical education programs for industry and government. The training is delivered in a variety of formats. Our courses are intensive, focused and taught by industry experts within their chosen field.

WITS Instructors shall, prior to the start of the course, disclose any proprietary interest in products, instruments, devices, services, or materials discussed, as well as the source of compensation related to the presentation.