#273: Kurt Avery — How One Mission Has Transformed 30 Million Lives in 80+ Countries

In this moving and eye-opening conversation, Mike sits down with Kurt Avery, the visionary founder and president of Sawyer, to explore how one man's faith, resilience, and entrepreneurial drive sparked a movement that's transforming global health. After leaving the corporate comfort of Fortune 500 marketing, Kurt took a leap of faith to create a company focused on a single, world-changing mission—to provide safe, clean water to every person who needs it. In this episode, we journey through the challenges and triumphs that shaped Sawyer's path—from early financial hardships and failed partnerships to groundbreaking technological breakthroughs that now save lives in over 80 countries. Kurt shares firsthand stories of impact, including how Sawyer filters drastically reduced child mortality rates in Uganda and restored clean water to hurricane-stricken Puerto Rico. Beyond the data and global reach, this episode dives into the heart behind the mission—how faith and purpose guide every decision at Sawyer Products. Kurt and Mike open up about their own spiritual journeys, the moments of divine intervention that shaped their work, and Sawyer's latest innovation, tackling malaria through treated baby wraps. With warmth, authenticity, and passion, this conversation reveals how business can become a vessel for compassion, hope, and lasting global change. IN THIS EPISODE: 🌍 How Sawyer Products Transformed Global Health by Delivering Clean Water to Millions  💧 The Life-Saving Innovation Behind Sawyer's Filter Technology  🙏 How Faith Drives Kurt's Mission to Build a Business That Serves Humanity 🚀 The Inspiring Rise of Sawyer Products as a Humanitarian Force   📘 BONUS TAKEAWAY: True innovation happens when faith and purpose meet persistence. Sawyer's success proves that business can be both profitable and profoundly humanitarian.   🚀 PERFECT FOR: Listeners who believe in mission-driven entrepreneurship, faith-based leadership, or global humanitarian innovation—and anyone looking for proof that one idea can ripple across the world.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Sawyer Foundation Sawyer Think Book Sawyer Media Mentions   Connect with Kurt & Sawyer Products: Website LinkedIn  Instagram   Connect with Mike: Linktree   SPONSORS: Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast   AFFILIATES: Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside   Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email [email protected]   Copyright © 2025 Mike'D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email [email protected]