In this episode, we talk to Kurt Avery. He is the owner and founder of Sawyer Products and someone who has dedicated his life to solving one of the world’s most urgent challenges, access to clean water, through innovation, partnerships, and a business model that gives back by donating 90% of their profits in a truly powerful way.

During this episode, we explore the global water crisis and how one simple innovation is transforming millions of lives. Kurt Avery, shares how his company is tackling access to clean water through groundbreaking filtration technology, partnerships with global organizations, and a unique business model that donates the majority of its profits.

Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:

[00:00] -Intro

[02:19] – Meet Kurt Avery & the story behind Sawyer Products

[03:31] – From snakebite kits to water filtration innovation

[05:15] – The Haiti earthquake & global breakthrough moment

[06:30] – Real stories showing the urgency of the water crisis

[09:47] – Reaching 40 million people with clean water

[10:56] – Biggest barrier: funding & scaling impact

[13:16] – Why solving the water crisis is actually possible

[14:12] – How the filtration technology works

[18:29] – Partnerships with 140+ global organizations

[20:50] – The 90% profit donation model explained

[23:31] – New innovation: malaria-preventing baby wraps

[27:32] – Environmental impact & sustainability benefits

[31:01] – Scaling impact through schools and communities

[31:22] – 23 years of struggle before success

[32:39] – Advice for impact-driven entrepreneurs

[36:30] – Final 5

Links from the episodes:

Sawyer Products

Kurt Avery’s book: Sawyer Think

Sawyer Foundation

Living Lighter, A Practical Guide to Reducing Waste - Online Course by Mariska Nell

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Where can people find our guest?

Website

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

Key Takeaways:

• Clean water access impacts health, education, income, and environment
• Sawyer filters can last 10–20 years and serve entire communities
• The company has helped 40+ million people globally
• Their model donates 90%+ of profits to humanitarian work
• Solving the water crisis is financially and technologically achievable today
• Sustainability isn’t just environmental, it’s human survival and dignity

"Kurt finds hope in the fact that solving the global water crisis could cost as little as 30 cents per person for 10 years of clean water. With scalable technology and growing awareness, we are closer than ever to making universal access a reality."