Kurt Avery, Author and Founder of Sawyer Products, Episode 265
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Kurt Avery is the founder of Sawyer Products, a company dedicated to developing advanced solutions for outdoor protection, water filtration, and first aid. He is also the author of Sawyer Think: How a Small Company Disrupts Markets and Changes the World, where he shares key lessons from building a business that prioritizes innovation and global impact. Over the years, Kurt’s passion for creating products that save lives and improve health has led Sawyer to provide clean water for over 28 million people worldwide.
In this episode, Kurt shares the story behind Sawyer Products, from launching with a snakebite kit to developing groundbreaking water filtration systems that deliver safe drinking water for pennies per person. He offers insights into marketing strategies, product innovation, and his company’s remarkable commitment to giving away more than 90% of its profits to charitable causes. Kurt’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when business, faith, and generosity align to make a lasting difference.
You don't always have to go for the big market. You can go for fringe markets, as long as you can have a sustainable business, because you have something people want.
- Kurt Avery
How big is your God? If He's big, you'll do big things. - Kurt Avery
We lost money 23 of the first 25 years, until we became an overnight success.
- Kurt Avery
This Week on The Wow Factor:
How Kurt founded Sawyer Products with a snakebite kit and scaled it into a global brand
The power of product innovation: Why never doing “me too” products has been a core principle for Sawyer
Lessons from winning a federal contract during Operation Desert Storm and scaling production overnight
How Sawyer’s water filters are transforming lives globally, reducing waterborne illnesses by 95% in communities
The impact of giving: How Kurt and his wife, Barbara, give away more than 90% of Sawyer’s profits to help those in need
Practical advice for entrepreneurs, including pricing strategies, packaging insights, and why you should embrace risk
Why a focus on God and a willingness to think big has driven Sawyer’s success
Kurt Avery’s Words of Wisdom:
Don’t put God in a small box. If He’s big, you’ll do big things. Have sound strategies, but don’t be afraid to take risks and aim high—especially when it’s for a greater purpose.
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