106. 3D Printing the Future: Innovation & Housing with Jim Ritter

In this episode of The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast, Dwayne sits down with Jim Ritter, founder of Printed Farms and the man behind the world’s largest 3D-printed building. Jim’s story is one of relentless innovation—pivoting industries later in life, solving real-world housing problems, and challenging outdated construction methods with cutting-edge robotics and 3D printing technology.

From the challenges of curing concrete in extreme heat to the economics of large-scale printing, Jim reveals what it really takes to make 3D-printed housing viable. He explains the logistical nightmares of early machines, why cement isn’t the perfect print material, and how his team has built a new system to solve industry problems.

This is more than a conversation about construction—it’s about innovation, adaptability, and the future of housing.

Timestamps

00:00 – The cost of bright ideas: what you don’t know can hurt you

01:00 – Meet Jim Ritter, founder of Printed Farms, and his late-career pivot into 3D printing

02:00 – Why curing time makes or breaks a 3D-printed wall

05:00 – The myths of “printing a house in a day” and the real economics

07:30 – Shell costs, square footage, and learning from first projects

10:00 – Logistical nightmares of early machines and moving heavy equipment

13:00 – Why robotics and 3D printing matter in solving global housing shortages

16:00 – A simple breakdown: how 3D printing a house actually works

20:00 – Pouring beams, columns, and integrating trades in one process

24:00 – Why stronger, smarter structures are critical for climate resilience

27:00 – Innovation always starts small—3D printing’s parallels to early tech adoption

32:00 – Safety, silos, and the hidden dangers of construction work

36:00 – Old machines vs. new mobility: why hoses and pumps kill efficiency

42:00 – Cutting material waste and rethinking the economics of building

47:00 – Reinventing mixers and achieving consistent quality

52:00 – Training the future workforce: print operators, not laborers

58:00 – Economics, labor shortages, and why machines are the future of building

01:02:00 – Permitting, insurance, and how 3D printing fits into existing systems

01:05:00 – Closing thoughts: innovation is not optional—it’s survival

Jim Ritter is a lifelong horseman, entrepreneur, and innovator. After decades competing internationally in show jumping and developing equestrian properties in the U.S. and Sweden, he turned his focus to real estate and advanced construction. In 2019, he founded Printed Farms, the company behind Florida’s first permitted 3D-printed home and the world’s largest 3D concrete printed building. Today, Jim continues to pioneer new patented printing systems through his latest venture, CASPER, shaping the future of construction technology.

Notable Quotes

• “It’s what you don’t know that hurts you the most. If you know something and you don’t mitigate for it, well then you’re just stupid.” – Jim Ritter
• “Innovation always starts small, and then it catches on. That’s how every industry evolves.” – Dwayne Kerrigan
• “We need structures that can withstand climate events. We can’t stop them, but we can build smarter.” – Jim Ritter

Key Takeaways

1. 3D Printing is Not a Gimmick – It’s about solving real housing