The Wow Factor

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.

Connect with Kurt Avery and Sawyer Products:

• Sawyer Products Website
• Buy Sawyer Think: How a Small Company Disrupts Markets and Changes the World
• Sawyer on Instagram
• Sawyer on Facebook
• Sawyer on LinkedIn
• Sawyer on YouTube

Connect with The Wow Factor:

• WOW Factor Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• X (formerly Twitter)

Randy Alcorn is the founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM) and the bestselling author of over 60 books, including Heaven, The Treasure Principle, and If God Is Good. With decades of ministry experience, Randy's work focuses on inspiring an eternal perspective in everyday life, emphasizing biblical truths about heaven, suffering, and stewardship. His ministry reaches across the globe, equipping individuals to live with purpose and hope.

In this episode, Randy dives deep into the topic of grief and shares personal reflections on the loss of his beloved wife, Nanci. He offers profound insights into navigating grief through faith, the power of God's promises, and the importance of community in times of loss. Drawing from his new booklet, Grieving with Hope: Walking with Jesus Through Heartbreak, Randy discusses practical ways to process grief while holding onto the certainty of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

"We do not grieve as those who have no hope. Biblical hope is a blood-bought certainty anchored in God's promises." – Randy Alcorn

"Grief is the absence of someone who is so connected to you that you begin to question your own identity." - Randy Alcorn

"We do not grieve as those who have no hope, but we still grieve deeply and profoundly." - Randy Alcorn

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• The loss of Randy's wife, Nanci, and the profound lessons she taught about faith and eternity
• How Psalm 23 served as a foundation for Nanci's trust in God during her battle with cancer
• The role of community in walking through grief and how Randy's small groups supported him
• Why Randy believes grief is universal and how to grieve with hope, grounded in God's promises
• The spiritual and emotional value of reflecting on eternal treasures instead of temporal concerns
• How Nanci's journaling and spiritual insights continue to inspire Randy and their family
• Practical advice for those navigating grief, including the importance of self-care and staying rooted in Scripture

Randy Alcorn's Words of Wisdom:Grief is a natural part of life, but as Christians, we grieve differently because of the unshakable hope we have in Christ. Lean into community, embrace God's promises, and focus on living for eternity.

Connect with Randy Alcorn:

• Randy Alcorn's Books
• Eternal Perspective Ministries Website
• About Randy Alcorn
• Randy's Facebook

Connect with The Wow Factor:

• WOW Factor Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• X (formerly Twitter)

Nona Jones is a rare combination of preacher, business executive, author, and entrepreneur. She currently serves as Global Ambassador for YouVersion, publicly championing its family of 715M+ downloaded Bible Apps. Her corporate leadership experience includes serving as Chief Content & Partnerships Officer at YouVersion, Head of Global Faith Partnerships at Meta (formerly Facebook), and Chief External Affairs Officer for a multi-state school for at-risk girls. Nona is the bestselling author of Killing Comparison and Success from the Inside Out and her latest book, The Gift of Rejection, which was released in October 2024.

A graduate of the University of Florida, where she earned a Bachelor of Communication and Master of Business Administration, Nona has also completed graduate studies at the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation. She has been profiled by ESSENCE Magazine as an "Under 40 Woman to Watch" and by Florida Trend Magazine as one of Florida's "30-Something All Stars." Nona and her husband, Pastor Tim, lead Open Door Church in Gainesville, FL, where they live with their two sons, Timothy, Jr. and Isaac, and their Goldendoodle, Shiloh.

In this episode, Nona discusses her inspiring journey to C-Suite leadership, why she walked away from her career at the peak of success, and how faith guided her every step. She reflects on her challenging childhood, her early struggles in school, and how a team of compassionate educators helped her thrive. Nona also shares insights into her current role as Global Ambassador for YouVersion, her passion for empowering young women, and her belief in the transformative power of education, leadership, and faith in shaping communities worldwide.

"We must build curiosity as leaders, committing to do the work to educate ourselves while trusting God to guide our path." – Nona Jones

"I think as leaders, we should be leading people to a higher plane of thinking. And we can't do that when we're concerned about, you know, where our name sits on an org chart. We have to make sure that we're always thinking about other people." - Nona Jones

"I am a statistically improbable product of grace because I should have been in juvenile detention somewhere locked up for criminal behavior. But again, it was having those people at those various touch points who spoke into my potential." - Nona Jones

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How Nona overcame adversity in her youth and embraced mentorship
• Her academic journey at the University of Florida and the pivotal moments that shaped her career
• Nona's work at Meta as Head of Global Faith Partnerships and her innovative leadership strategies
• The life lessons she learned as Chief External Affairs Officer for Pace Center for Girls
• Her passion for advocating for girls and young women who have experienced trauma
• Insights into her bestselling books and upcoming release, The Gift of Rejection
• The critical role faith plays in leadership and community-building

Nona Jones' Words of Wisdom Leaders have a unique privilege to drive positive change in their communities, even amidst tension and unrest. Embrace challenges as opportunities to rise to higher levels of thinking and action.

Connect with Nona Jones:

• Nona Jones Website
• None Jones on Facebook
• Nona Jones on Instagram
• Nona Jones on YouTube
• Nona Jones on LinkedIn

Connect with The Wow Factor:

• WOW Factor Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• X (formerly Twitter)

Tim Goeglein is the Vice President for External and Government Relations at Focus on the Family, where he champions family values and faith-centered initiatives. He is also the author of Stumbling Toward Utopia, a work that unveils the roots of America's cultural turmoil. Drawing from decades of experience in Washington, D.C., including his service as a special assistant to President George W. Bush, Tim brings a seasoned perspective on the pivotal shifts that began in the 1960s and continue to reverberate through American life today.

In this episode, Tim returns to the show to untangle the complex web of ideological changes that reshaped our nation—transformations that impacted family life, religious institutions, educational systems, and social values. From the radical philosophies that took root in the 20th century to the lasting implications of the sexual revolution, Tim offers a measured, historically grounded explanation of how we arrived at this moment of cultural confusion. But he also remains hopeful, pointing listeners toward a path of renewal founded on personal faith, community engagement, and a rediscovery of core national ideals.

"So by the time we got to the late 60s, early 70s, we were in the midst of the greatest radical revolution in the history of the United States, and we are still living with the implications of what they designed and intended. " – Tim Goeglein

"Hope is not just a nice idea. It happens to be real." – Tim Goeglein

"I firmly believe that wonderful days of restoration, renewal, and regeneration, are measurably ahead of us." – Tim Goeglein

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How the 1960s and 70s paved the way for America's cultural upheaval
• The critical role progressives played in reshaping family structures, morality, and faith traditions
• The lasting impact of the Great Society, the sexual revolution, and the dismantling of religious influence
• Why acknowledging our past missteps is key to forging a healthier, more stable national future
• How rooted faith, strong communities, and a return to principle-based leadership can spark a moral and cultural recovery
• The importance of local engagement—school boards, churches, and neighborhood gatherings—as building blocks for meaningful change

Tim Goeglein's Words of Wisdom:

Human connection, moral discernment, and a humble return to our foundational values hold the keys to restoring trust, stability, and a sense of purpose in American society. By understanding where we veered off course, we can choose wiser paths, starting in our own homes and communities.

Connect with Tim Goeglein:

• Focus on the Family Bio
• Stumbling Toward Utopia

Connect with The Wow Factor:

• Brad's Website
• Email Brad Formsma
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook
• X (formerly Twitter)

Dr. Albert Chung is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon based in Orange County, California. Known as "Your Friendly Proctologist" on YouTube, Dr. Chung has revolutionized his field by combining cutting-edge medical care with humor and empathy. By establishing his private practice, he has created a patient-first model that eliminates waiting rooms, prioritizes direct communication, and provides comprehensive care for complex conditions.

In this episode, Dr. Chung joins me to share his journey from working within bureaucratic healthcare systems to creating a thriving entrepreneurial practice. We discuss the importance of patient education, his innovative approach to gut health, and how humor helps break down stigmas around proctology. Dr. Chung also opens up about his commitment to restoring humanity in medicine and his vision for sustainable healthcare.

"The most immediate, accessible piece of information you have is my YouTube channel. And if you happen to be that person, that video is for you." - Dr. Albert Chung

"Once you have knowledge, you can control the fear of the unknown." - Dr. Albert Chung

"I tell people right away, I don't take insurance, this is the cost of the visit, and this is what you're going to get." - Dr. Albert Chung

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How Dr. Chung transitioned from traditional healthcare to an entrepreneurial private practice.

• Why patient-centric care is at the heart of his business model and practice philosophy.

• The role of humor in breaking stigmas around proctology and creating trust with patients.

• Tips for maintaining gut health, including the balance between fiber, anti-inflammatory foods, and natural remedies.

• The challenges and rewards of running a private medical practice in a competitive healthcare market.

• Why Dr. Chung believes the human connection is the key to restoring trust and care in modern medicine.

• The powerful marketing impact of Dr. Chung's YouTube channel, which offers real and actionable advice for those in need.

Dr. Albert Chung's Words of Wisdom:

Human connection is vital in healthcare. Knowledge is power, and when patients understand their condition, they can overcome fear and take control of their health.

Connect with Dr. Albert Chung:

• Website

• YouTube

• Instagram

Connect with The Wow Factor:

• Brad's Website

• Email Brad Formsma

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• Facebook

• X (formerly Twitter)

On today's episode of the Wow Factor, we are joined by Denny Fitzpatrick, general manager of the Willows Lodge. Denny has dedicated his life to transforming hotel industry, working with some of the world's top hospitality companies throughout his career and inspiring accountability and world-class service. Prior to his work at the Willows Lodge, he was general manager at the premier luxury destination Hotel 1000, where he led the Hotel 1000 team to many accolades on a variety of Best Hotel lists, as well as the #1 Trip Advisor ranking in Seattle.

In this episode, you'll hear Denny talk about the hospitality industry, why giving love and attention to employees creates tremendous positive change, his "Five I's", and how he is overcoming health challenges with bravery and grace.

"You have to put your time in because at that time, I was going to start looking for another job that paid a little bit more, that appreciated me a little bit more. And literally that one statement, 'you have to put your time in,' became a reality." - Denny Fitzpatrick

"I will focus more on me than we" - Denny Fitzpatrick

"Inspect What You Expect" - Denny Fitzpatrick

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Denny's father and impact his integrity and reputation
• "A dream died." And figuring out what to do next
• Words of Wisdom: you have to change, you have to your time in, if it gets in your blood you'll never want to get out.
• The power of handwritten notes
• "We long for connection and attention."
• Progress towards healing.
• Handling business during the Great Recession
• What needs to change?
• "The Five I's"
• Overcoming Parkinson's and facing the struggle with bravery

Denny Fitzpatrick's Words of Wisdom:

Leadership is about modeling the standards you set. If you expect excellence, embody it. If you value respect, show it. True influence comes from living the example you want others to follow.

Connect with The Willows Lodge:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

Connect with The Wow Factor:

• Brad's Website
• Email Brad Formsma
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook
• X

Susannah Schaefer is the President and CEO of Smile Train, a global nonprofit that empowers local medical professionals to provide free cleft repair surgery and comprehensive cleft care in their communities. Under her leadership, Smile Train has grown into the world's largest cleft-focused organization, celebrating over two million cleft surgeries and making life-changing impacts in more than 90 countries.

Susannah joins me on the show to share her incredible journey to Smile Train, her passion for sustainable healthcare solutions, and the story of the organization's visionary founder, Charles B. Wang. We discuss the importance of building capacity through training local surgeons, the transformational power of cleft surgery, and how Smile Train fosters health system strengthening in underserved regions. Susannah also reflects on the global partnerships that have driven Smile Train's remarkable success and the culture of generosity that fuels its mission.

"We go farther together." - Susannah Schaefer

"Generosity isn't just financial—it's about time, care, and connection." - Susannah Schaefer

"Be confident, be present, and be adaptable." - Susannah Schaefer

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How Smile Train's sustainable model trains local surgeons to treat cleft lip and palate, ensuring long-term impact.

• The origin story of Smile Train and its founder Charles B. Wang's vision to replace mission-based care with a sustainable approach.

• Why cleft is the most common facial birth difference worldwide, affecting one in 700 births.

• The life-changing impact of early cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care.

• How Smile Train has performed over two million surgeries in 25 years and continues to address the backlog of untreated clefts.

• The role of partnerships, like Smile Train's collaboration with Kids Operating Room (Kids OR), in strengthening healthcare systems across Africa.

• How generosity, in all its forms, drives Smile Train's mission and inspires supporters worldwide.

• Why nonprofits must remain relevant and advocate for their causes in an ever-changing, competitive environment.

Susannah Schaefer's Words of Wisdom:

Be confident, be present, be a good listener, and be adaptable. As leaders, we have the ability to make a meaningful impact, but that requires learning and staying relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Connect with Susannah Schaefer and Smile Train:

• Smile Train Website

• Smile Train on Facebook

• Smile Train on Instagram

• Smile Train on X (formerly Twitter)

• Susannah Schaefer's Bio

• Susannah Schaefer's LinkedIn

Connect with The Wow Factor:

• Brad's Website

• Email Brad Formsma

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• Facebook

• X

In this special Thanksgiving episode, I reflect on the profound impact of generosity through the story of Tracy and Margo, as shared in my book I Like Giving. I discuss how even a single act of kindness can create a ripple effect, inspiring generosity in others. Drawing from personal memories with my grandfather, I highlight the importance of gratitude and living generously, especially during this holiday season. Join me for a heartwarming reminder of how we can all make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

This Week On The WOW Factor:

• The Generosity Ripple: Small acts of kindness can inspire others to be generous, creating a chain reaction of goodwill.
• Reflection on Gratitude: I encourage you to pause, reflect, and find gratitude in financial, relational, and health blessings.
• The Power of One Gift: Tracy's story demonstrates how an anonymous act of kindness can transform lives and inspire lifelong generosity.

Practical Tips for Thanksgiving Reflection:

• Find a quiet, neutral space to reflect.
• Listen to calming music to set the tone, like piano covers of your favorite songs.
• Focus on what you're grateful for and think about how you can share that with others.

"You never know when you make a gift or do something for someone else, it starts what we call the generosity ripple and it just continues to go on and on and on."

- Brad Formsma

"Sometimes getting into neutral and being still, listening to some soft music helps take you away from your phone, away from distractions, away from the cares and worries of the world, and a moment to just be still." - Brad Formsma

"What an opportunity we have to make a difference in the lives of people all around us. What an opportunity we have in our life to write on the souls of other people, especially kids." - Brad Formsma

Connect with The Wow Factor:

• Brad's Website
• Email Brad Formsma
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook
• X

Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., a thriving congregation with multiple locations dedicated to fostering community and supporting Kingdom causes. The church operates various initiatives, including Ebenezers Coffeehouse, The Miracle Theatre, and the DC Dream Center, which serve as hubs for community engagement and generosity. Mark is also a bestselling author of 24 books, including The Circle Maker and his latest work, A Million Little Miracles, which explores how faith, prayer, and purpose reveal the miraculous in the mundane.

Mark joins me on the show to dive into the themes of his new book and share his perspective on living a life filled with purpose and gratitude. He emphasizes the importance of prayer, the power of faith in overcoming fear, and the value of leaving a legacy for future generations. We also discuss the significance of community, the idea that miracles often come through life's challenges, and the beauty of embracing the unique gifts each person brings to the world.

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How Mark's latest book, A Million Little Miracles, encourages readers to see miracles in everyday life.
• Why prayer is one of the most powerful tools for communication with God and has no expiration date.
• The importance of recognizing the extraordinary in the people around us.
• Why the fear of failure isn't cured by success but by faith.
• How gratitude and recognizing the work of those who came before us—"drinking from wells we didn't dig"—fosters a sense of legacy.
• The way God often delivers miracles through challenges, not just by removing them.
• How each person's uniqueness is a divine gift and a reminder of our individual purposes.

"There are no ordinary people. There are no ordinary things. There are no ordinary days. Everything is more miraculous than we can imagine."

"Sometimes God delivers from, but sometimes God delivers through."

"There is no expiration date on prayer. The prayers of my grandfather are being answered in my life right now."

Mark Batterson's Words of Wisdom: Everything in life is a miracle, and recognizing the miraculous in the mundane is key to embracing purpose, faith, and gratitude in our daily lives.

Connect with Mark Batterson:

• Mark Batterson's Website
• Mark Batterson on Facebook
• Mark Batterson on X (formerly Twitter)
• Mark Batterson on Instagram
• A Million Little Miracles

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• The WOW Factor Website
• Connect with Brad Formsma via email
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

Kris Mauren is Co-Founder and President of Acton Institute, an international educational and public policy organization. The Institute publishes scholarship and film and organizes educational seminars worldwide for current and future religious leaders across denominations, promoting an understanding of the ethical dimensions of the free market economy. The Institute also works with business leaders, helping them to embrace their work as a worthy calling and to encourage their positive moral defense of a free society characterized by individual liberty and personal moral responsibility.

Kris joins me on the show to discuss the Acton Institute's mission to bridge the gap between religious and business leaders. He shares more about the importance of economic literacy among religious leaders and the need to be ethical in business. Kris stresses the importance of gratitude and values in leadership, and we dive into the role of policy in fostering generosity and the challenges of government overreach and secularization. Kris also explains the Institute's mission to promote the ideas of Lord Acton and the importance of protecting the space for religious values in a secularizing world.

"How do we create more miracles?" - Kris Mauren

"Policy needs to support [generosity] so that we can flourish." - Kris Mauren

"Starting with gratitude is good for your soul." - Kris Mauren

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Why Kris founded with Father Sirico the Acton Institute to address the marginalization of business leaders
• The importance of work and the market economy, using the example of sand being transformed into silicon chips to illustrate the value creation process.
• Why policies should support the freedom to create more miracles through combining natural resources and human intelligence
• The role of leadership in upholding integrity
• How business leaders make difficult decisions that align with moral values, which should be recognized and supported.
• How the Emerging Leader Program, a residential leadership program for promising young leaders, works
• What we need to do to invest in the next generation of leaders
• Why government overreach and the secularization of society are major threats to free enterprise and religious values

Kris Mauren's Words of Wisdom:

Starting with gratitude is good for your soul and your well-being. It also lets you live more intentionally and is the foundation for generosity.

Connect with Kris Mauren:

• The Acton Institute
• Kris Mauren on LinkedIn

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• The WOW Factor Website
• Connect with Brad Formsma via email
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter