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Devin: What is your superpower?

Kurt: Thinking outside the box.

Providing clean water to people in need is one of the most impactful ways to change lives. In this episode of Superpowers for Good, Kurt Avery, the founder and president of Sawyer Products, shared how his company is addressing two of the world’s deadliest problems: unsafe drinking water and mosquito-borne illnesses. With innovations rooted in simplicity, affordability, and durability, Sawyer is transforming villages, saving lives, and improving livelihoods.

Kurt explained that their life-changing water filters originated from kidney dialysis technology. “If you can clean blood, you can clean water,” he said. The filters are small, portable, and capable of removing bacteria and other harmful contaminants, making any water source drinkable. “We don’t care if the cows are pooping in it or not. We just don’t care. We’ll make it drinkable,” Kurt assured.

Sawyer’s filters have already improved life for over 40 million people worldwide, with a one-time investment of as little as $0.30 per person providing clean water for up to 10 years. “Within weeks, people aren’t sick. Within months, they’re starting to shut down medical clinics because there aren’t enough sick people,” Kurt said, emphasizing the profound transformation that access to clean water creates.

Beyond water, Sawyer’s insect repellents, including a new clothing treatment, are making strides in fighting malaria. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that using Sawyer’s treated baby wraps reduced malaria rates in children under two by 57%. Kurt expressed optimism that this could climb to 90% with further development.

What’s most inspiring about Kurt’s work is his commitment to reaching the people who need it most. Sawyer’s products have been staples in disaster relief efforts worldwide, from earthquakes to hurricanes, where they provide immediate, life-saving access to clean water.

As Kurt put it, “Half the world dies of mosquito bites or bad water. And I’m sitting there going, we’ve got the two solutions. Let’s do this.”

Sawyer is now at a pivotal moment, scaling its operations to help millions more. With their new tap filter technology and a goal to impact 40 million lives annually, Kurt and his team are inviting others to join their mission. “$0.30 a person. That’s pretty good for 10 years,” Kurt said, highlighting the incredible value of their solutions.

By leveraging innovative technology and a passion for doing good, Kurt Avery and Sawyer Products are demonstrating how business can create profound global impact.

tl;dr:

Kurt Avery shared how Sawyer Products provides life-saving clean water and mosquito repellent solutions worldwide.

Sawyer’s filters, derived from kidney dialysis technology, offer clean water for as little as $0.30 per person.

Sawyer’s insect repellents, including baby wraps, significantly reduce malaria in vulnerable populations.

Kurt’s bold “Why not?” mindset helped make Sawyer a leader in disaster relief and global health.

Sawyer is scaling to impact 40 million lives annually, inviting others to support their mission.

How to Develop Thinking Outside the Box As a Superpower

Kurt describes his superpower as the ability to think without boundaries, summarizing it with the mantra “Why not?” He explained, “I’ve never known where the box is,” attributing this mindset to his faith and belief in taking bold action. Kurt emphasized that once a solid plan is in place, there’s no reason to hold back. “Why not do something to change the world?” he asked, encouraging others to embrace this fearless approach to problem-solving.

When Iraq invaded Kuwait during the Gulf War, Kurt’s company had just entered the sunscreen market. Despite hand-filling only 2,000 bottles per week, they boldly bid on a military contract requiring 200,000 bottles weekly. Against all odds, they secured the contract, scaled production, and delivered 6.2 million bottles. Their success hinged on Kurt’s decision to send just two cases of their product to stores, meeting a critical contract requirement for commercial availability. When an inspector verified their status at a local store, the deal was sealed—a perfect example of Kurt’s “Why not?” philosophy in action.

Tips for Developing the Superpower:

Adopt a “Why Not?” Mindset: Challenge assumptions and ask why something can’t be done.

Have a Solid Plan: Ensure your ideas are backed by thorough preparation and practical strategies.

Take Calculated Risks: Trust your instincts and act boldly when opportunities arise.

Embrace Failure as Part of Growth: Focus on learning from setbacks rather than fearing them.

By following Kurt’s example and advice, you can make thinking outside the box a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.

Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!

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Guest Profile

Kurt Avery (he/him):

Founder, Owner, President, Sawyer Products

About Sawyer Products: Point of use water filters and insect repellents. State of the art technology.

Website: sawyer.com

Company Facebook Page: facebook.com/people/Sawyer-Products/61563796295518/

Company Instagram Handle: @sawyerproducts

Biographical Information: Kurt Avery is the founder and president of Sawyer Products, a company at the forefront of innovation in outdoor protection and humanitarian aid. With a background in marketing for Fortune 500 companies and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Kurt launched Sawyer with a mission to develop practical, life-saving solutions—most notably in water filtration and insect repellents. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a global force, serving both outdoor enthusiasts and vulnerable communities around the world.

Since 2008, Sawyer has donated over 90% of its profits annually, partnering with more than 140 nonprofits across 80+ countries and improving the lives of over 28 million people. Their clean-water initiatives have dramatically reduced waterborne diseases and improved health outcomes in underserved communities worldwide. Kurt’s approach to business is deeply rooted in purpose, faith, and impact—a philosophy he shares in his book, Sawyer Think: How a Small Company Disrupts Markets and Changes the World.

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