Faith, Filters, & Forward Motion
Join Kassi Kincaid for a powerful episode of The Edge of Creativity Podcast with Kurt Avery, founder of Sawyer Products. Kurt shares the unlikely origin story of a company that started with snake bite kits and evolved into a global force for clean water and humanitarian impact. With honesty and grit, he reveals how decades of setbacks, faith, and creativity led to breakthroughs—providing clean water for life at just 30 cents a person. From securing government contracts to empowering communities in 80+ countries, this episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, innovation, and thinking beyond the bottom line.
Faith, Filters, & Forward Motion
What does creativity look like when you’re losing money 23 out of 25 years—but still believe in the mission? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Kurt Avery—founder of Sawyer Products—to explore how unwavering vision, creative grit, and faith built a company that now provides clean water to millions around the world.
Kurt shares how a leap of faith (and a snake bite kit) launched a decades-long journey of innovation, impact, and resilience. From guerrilla marketing gone wrong to breakthrough government contracts, his story is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership. You'll hear how Sawyer’s 30-cent water filters are changing lives globally—and how creativity isn’t just about ideas, but about solving real problems with heart, strategy, and courage.
Whether you’re building a business, leading a team, or looking for deeper meaning in your work, this conversation is a reminder: the most impactful ideas often start small—and grow when you lead with purpose.
Episode Highlights:
(0:40) From snake bite kits to Walmart shelves
(3:30) The lightbulb moment that changed everything
(9:49) How creativity fuels both profit and purpose
(14:00) Why staying 3–5 years ahead is key to survival
(21:13) Creating a culture where failure fuels ideas
(25:36) What leadership really means—from the frontlines of global service
(29:52) Why having a big God changes everything
This conversation with Kurt is packed with insight, heart, and creative lessons for anyone ready to turn big purpose into lasting impact.
Connect with Kurt Avery:
Website: https://www.sawyer.com/
Don't forget to share your takeaways! DM me on Instagram (@kassi_kincaid) with your biggest takeaway from the episode!
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