Libsyn Directory

Kurt Avery | Author and Founder of Sawyer Products | Insights on Pricing, Packaging, Promotion, and Success

Release Date: 01/29/2025

Father Robert J. Spitzer, S.J. | President of the Magis Center | Christ vs. Satan in Our Daily Lives | Part 1

The Wow Factor

Father Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., is a Jesuit priest, philosopher, educator, author, and the President of the . Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, he went on to study at Gonzaga University, the Gregorian University in Rome, and the Catholic University of America, where he earned a PhD in philosophy. He later served as President of Gonzaga University, where he became known for blending academic excellence with faith formation. Today, Father Spitzer leads the Magis Center, which produces resources on the intersection of faith, science, and reason, and he continues to write and speak...

Jimmy Mellado | President & CEO of Compassion International | Becoming Before Doing

The Wow Factor

Jimmy Mellado leads , a global, church-driven ministry serving children in poverty across 29 countries. Born in El Salvador (full name: Santiago “Jimmy” Mellado), he grew up across Latin America and Asia, ran decathlon at SMU, and later represented El Salvador in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. His life and leadership are anchored in faith, family, and a deep conviction that true impact starts with who we’re becoming—then flows into what we do. In this episode, Brad sits down with Jimmy at Compassion’s global ministry center in Colorado Springs for a candid conversation about identity,...

Ricky Dickson | Former President & CEO of Blue Bell Creameries | One Scoop at a Time

The Wow Factor

is the former President and CEO of , one of America’s most beloved ice cream brands. After 43 years with the company, Ricky's leadership legacy is steeped in faith, humility, and an unwavering commitment to people and product integrity. From a young territory manager trying to conquer a new market to leading the company through one of its biggest crises, Ricky’s story is a testament to servant leadership and doing business the right way—one scoop at a time. In this episode, Brad sits down with Ricky for a rich and honest conversation about faith, leadership, crisis, and of course… ice...

Ari Sacher | Israeli Missile Defense Expert | Faith, Innovation, and Life Under the Dome

The Wow Factor

Ari Sacher has spent more than three decades working at , Israel’s premier developer of missile technology, where he played key roles in the creation of the Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems. Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Ari’s journey took him from upstate New York and Toronto to Israel in 1982—and he never looked back. An electrical engineer educated at Israel’s Technion (often called “Israel’s MIT”), Ari has been at the forefront of developing systems that protect millions of lives, all while holding fast to his faith and deep love for family....

Jim Towey | Founder of Aging with Dignity | Serving the Poor and Powerless with Faith and Grace

The Wow Factor

Jim Towey is the former lawyer for Mother Teresa and the founder of , a nonprofit based in Falls Church, Virginia. He is the creator of the widely used Five Wishes advance directive. His story is as unique as it is powerful—marked by a journey from Capitol Hill to Calcutta, from chasing influence in Washington to walking alongside Mother Teresa and advocating for those society often forgets. As a former lawyer to Mother Teresa, White House staffer, and spiritual seeker, Jim has seen the best and worst of power, and ultimately chose a path of service, faith, and purpose. In this episode of...

Ralph C. Stayer | Founder of Johnsonville | Building Business With a People First Attitude

The Wow Factor

Ralph Stayer, is the founder of , one of America's most beloved family-owned food companies. From humble beginnings in a small Wisconsin town of just 65 people, Ralph helped grow Johnsonville from an 8-person operation into a global brand by radically rethinking leadership, purpose, Capitalism, and what it means to build a business with heart. In this episode, Brad sits down with Ralph in sunny Naples, Florida, for a deep conversation about faith, capitalism, giving, and legacy. Ralph shares how his own leadership transformation began in frustration and burnout, eventually leading him to...

J. Mark McVey | Broadway Performer | How Music, Faith, and Gratitude Can Change a Life

The Wow Factor

From the stages of Broadway to school classrooms and men's ministries, J. Mark McVey’s journey is one of persistence, transformation, and service. Best known for his role as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, J. Mark brings not only vocal talent but also deep wisdom on living a life with purpose and impact. In this episode, J. Mark shares how his upbringing in Huntington, West Virginia, shaped his love of music and gratitude. He reflects on the grind of New York theater life, how faith transformed his approach to performance, and why leading from a place of humility—not ego—is his...

Paul Fleming | Iconic Restaurateur | How to Build a Restaurant Legacy By Leading with Integrity, and Taking Care of Employees

The Wow Factor

From a humble start in South Louisiana to building restaurant empires across America, Paul Fleming’s journey is a story of grit, hospitality, and vision. As the founder and force behind beloved brands like Ruth’s Chris (West Coast expansion), PF Chang’s, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Paul Martin’s, Lake Park Diner, and Paulita’s Tacos—Paul has helped define American dining for over three decades. In this episode, Paul reflects on how growing up with strong family values and working in every position in the restaurant world prepared him for a life of entrepreneurship. He shares how...

Ryan Leak | Speaker and Best Selling Author | How to Work With Complicated People and Live Generously

The Wow Factor

From receiving life-altering generosity in his youth to helping global audiences navigate complicated people and personal growth— journey is one of resilience, faith, and intentional leadership. In this episode, Ryan shares the early experiences that shaped his calling, how generosity became a family legacy, and why working well with others starts with owning your own complexities. A sought-after speaker, content creator, and the author of Leveling Up and Chasing Failure, Ryan’s newest book offers a deeply practical roadmap for thriving in diverse workplaces. Drawing from personal...

Honoring Dr. John Rooney | Former President at Rooney and Associates, Inc | Leading with Purpose

The Wow Factor

Today we honor Dr. John Rooney, formerly the President of Rooney and Associates, Inc. John provided strategic guidance and innovative solutions to numerous organizations over the years. John's expertise in strategic planning, business development, and organizational management earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor in the business community. John was also actively involved in philanthropic efforts and remained dedicated to helping organizations thrive in an ever-changing global marketplace until his passing on April 7, 2025. This week on The Wow Factor, we honor Dr. John Rooney, who...

More Episodes

Kurt Avery is the founder of Sawyer Products, a company dedicated to developing advanced solutions for outdoor protection, water filtration, and first aid. He is also the author of Sawyer Think: How a Small Company Disrupts Markets and Changes the World, where he shares key lessons from building a business that prioritizes innovation and global impact. Over the years, Kurt’s passion for creating products that save lives and improve health has led Sawyer to provide clean water for over 28 million people worldwide.

In this episode, Kurt shares the story behind Sawyer Products, from launching with a snakebite kit to developing groundbreaking water filtration systems that deliver safe drinking water for pennies per person. He offers insights into marketing strategies, product innovation, and his company’s remarkable commitment to giving away more than 90% of its profits to charitable causes. Kurt’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when business, faith, and generosity align to make a lasting difference.

You don't always have to go for the big market. You can go for fringe markets, as long as you can have a sustainable business, because you have something people want.

- Kurt Avery

How big is your God? If He's big, you'll do big things. - Kurt Avery

We lost money 23 of the first 25 years, until we became an overnight success.

- Kurt Avery

This Week on The Wow Factor:

How Kurt founded Sawyer Products with a snakebite kit and scaled it into a global brand
The power of product innovation: Why never doing “me too” products has been a core principle for Sawyer
Lessons from winning a federal contract during Operation Desert Storm and scaling production overnight
How Sawyer’s water filters are transforming lives globally, reducing waterborne illnesses by 95% in communities
The impact of giving: How Kurt and his wife, Barbara, give away more than 90% of Sawyer’s profits to help those in need
Practical advice for entrepreneurs, including pricing strategies, packaging insights, and why you should embrace risk
Why a focus on God and a willingness to think big has driven Sawyer’s success

Kurt Avery’s Words of Wisdom:
Don’t put God in a small box. If He’s big, you’ll do big things. Have sound strategies, but don’t be afraid to take risks and aim high—especially when it’s for a greater purpose.

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