Kurt Avery Founder CEO Sawyer Think Author Water Filter Crisis Mosquito Net Missions Generosity Finish Line Podcast
Finish Line Podcast Episode 124

Kurt Avery, Founder of Sawyer, on the Filter That’s Ending the Water Crisis

You want to steward God’s resources faithfully. But questions about generosity, calling, and impact are rarely simple.

In this conversation, you’ll hear from someone who has walked through these kinds of questions and learned along the way. Listen for the next step God may be inviting you to take.


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Meet your guide

Kurt Avery, founder of Sawyer Products, began his business career as a top MBA graduate and found himself working for two Fortune 500 companies. With a vision to reach success by making things that people need and solving world problems, Kurt branched out and founded Sawyer Products which manufactures outdoor products for enthusiasts and military applications.   

In particular, Sawyer is the maker of the world’s most advanced personal water filter which is now providing clean water access to some of the hardest to reach parts of the world. Sawyer produces and gives millions of filters annually around the world through partnerships with over 140 nonprofits, many of whom are equipped to share the gospel. Sawyer was also a forerunner in the research that led to the development of insect repellent mosquito nets which have saved thousands of people from malaria around the world.

What you’ll gain

  • Kurt’s faith and professional journey
  • The story of how Sawyer came to be
  • Lessons from the first difficult decades of the company
  • How Kurt got involved in repellants, mosquito nets, and sunscreen
  • Four lesser-known ways to give from your business
  • What makes Sawyer water filters unique
  • The impact of pairing clean water access with the gospel
  • A framework for aligning a for-profit company with life-changing impact

Inspired? Take your next step

Try the Game of Life Simulator

Step into a four-minute interactive experience and see what unfolds as you decide how to manage your resources.

Start the Game
Game of Life Simulator Mobile Screenshot
Game of Life Simulator Mobile Screenshot

Inspired? Learn how to partner with ministries well.

A compelling ministry story can inspire you to respond. But wise partnership often begins with better questions.

Applied Generosity Intervention Partnership Focus

What is the ministry really seeking to restore?

Learn to look beyond visible needs toward people, context, relationships, and flourishing.

Applied Generosity Intervention Partnership Fruitfulness

How do you recognize meaningful impact?

Consider how ministries learn, evaluate their work, and pursue lasting change.

Applied Generosity Intervention Partnership Faithfulness

What does genuine ministry partnership look like?

Explore how to foster trust, alignment, and shared mission in your giving.

In our Intervention Series on the Applied Generosity Podcast, we’ll help you become a more thoughtful, discerning, and faithful partner.

Start the Series

Quotes to Remember

  • “With tithing, 10% isn’t the limit, it’s the starting point.”
  • “God helped you build that business, now what are you gonna do with it?”
  • “If you have a big God, you can do big things.”
  • “Know your skill sets. If you’re going to do something big, it’s within your skill sets.”

Links from the Show

Use Our
Free Guide

Have you considered the ways you are uniquely called into generosity? We’re not all called into the same adventure.

Enter your information below and we’ll send you our free PDF guide to explore the specific adventure you were called into.

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Use Our
Free Guide

Have you considered the ways you are uniquely called into generosity? We’re not all called into the same adventure.
Generosity Profile Image
Enter your information below and we’ll send you our free PDF guide to explore the specific adventure you were called into.
Generosity Profile Image

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