WatchTower Leadership Solutions is the new name for the professional leadership and coaching services previously offered by Advanced Police Concepts (APC). Formed in 2016, APC has a long history of helping law enforcement and corrections professionals at the local, state, and federal levels succeed in their roles. Our dedicated team of experts began providing specialized leadership training and coaching for government employees in 2019, and those same experienced professionals continue that mission today under the WatchTower brand. This new name represents our expanded focus on providing comprehensive solutions to empower leaders and teams across the military and public sector.
Our Team
Michael Schentrup (CEO)
Captain Michael Schentrup retired in 2021 as a Bureau Commander for the Gainesville (FL) Police Department, where he had worked for almost 25 years. The majority of his career was spent in leading units, both small and large. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in Sociology, with an emphasis on Criminal Justice. He attended both the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police and International Association of Chiefs of Police’s, Leadership in Police Organizations course. Mike has taught his Leadership curriculum in over 20 states and at over 100 organizations. He is a recognized leader in the field.
Wayne South (Senior Lead Instructor)
Lieutenant Wayne South is a seasoned law enforcement leader, military veteran, and organizational development specialist with extensive experience guiding teams from the frontline to the executive level. Over his distinguished career with a mid-sized police agency, Wayne advanced through progressively responsible leadership roles, ultimately serving as the Training and Education Division Commander, where he oversaw department-wide training and professional development. His background spans supervision, operations management, investigations, and workforce development, giving him a unique perspective on building effective teams and driving organizational success. Wayne holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice. Check out Wayne’s website here.
Eric Stewart
Eric R. Stewart is a 38-year law enforcement veteran. Eric worked for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Aurora (Colorado) Police Department, where he retired as a Commander, and the Loveland (Colorado) Police Department. Eric served as LPD’s Deputy Chief and Interim Police Chief. Eric earned a master’s degree in leadership, is a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Policing, and is a national instructor for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Leadership in Police Organizations and First-Line Leadership courses. Eric has lectured and taught nationally on leadership, the application of the Fourth Amendment, and street gangs. Eric holds adjunct faculty positions at the Community College of Aurora and Regis University, where he teaches undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in leadership and supervision, communication, criminology, and criminal justice.