107. Innovation at Any Age: Jim Ritter on 3D Printing, Risk, and Reinvention

In Part 2 of this inspiring conversation, Dwayne Kerrigan sits down again with Jim Ritter, founder of Printed Farms and builder of the world’s largest 3D-printed building. Jim shares not only the technical and economic realities of 3D-printed housing but also the mindset shifts, calculated risks, and reinventions that have defined his remarkable journey.

From navigating lawsuits and seizing unique niches, to pivoting from horses to housing in his sixties, Jim embodies the belief that innovation has no age limit. Along the way, he draws lessons from history, technology, and personal trial-and-error—reminding us that small, consistent actions and adaptability are the true engines of progress.

Whether you’re in construction, entrepreneurship, or simply seeking inspiration for your own reinvention, this episode offers both practical takeaways and timeless wisdom.

Timestamps

00:00 – “If you say you can or you say you can’t, you’ll be true in both.”

01:00 – Why this conversation is about more than building—it’s about innovation and mindset

02:00 – Economics of 3D printing: materials, labor, and early success stories

06:00 – Finding niches through setbacks: lawsuits, loopholes, and launching into 3D printing at 64

08:00 – Innovation vs. practicality: why things must work before they can scale

10:00 – Stories of invention: dishwashers, electric cars, and how adoption really happens

13:00 – Global housing crisis and opportunities for 3D printing

17:00 – Pivoting when plans fail: keeping ventures “plastic” and adaptable

21:00 – The value of small, consistent changes that compound over time

25:00 – Looking back at unexpected career pivots across decades

29:00 – Why career reinvention is vital—and more possible now than ever

33:00 – Risk, mitigation, and the realities of jumping into new ventures

36:00 – Construction + tech: opportunities for the next generation

40:00 – Financing, risk tolerance, and who’s ready for entrepreneurship

41:00 – Mindset: “If you say you can or you say you can’t, you’ll be true in both.”

46:00 – Printing on Mars? Future frontiers in construction and robotics

49:00 – Translation tech, AI, and accelerating innovation

52:00 – Why this is the greatest time in history to be alive

54:00 – Closing: entrepreneurship, courage, and embracing innovation at any stage

Notable Quotes

• “If you say you can or you say you can’t, it will be true.” – Jim Ritter
• “Ride the wave you’re on, not the one you want.” – Jim Ritter
• “Small changes consistently done over time bring the biggest results.” – DK\
• “Practicality is the key to life. It has to work.” – Jim Ritter
• “Innovation has no age limit—you can reinvent yourself at 60 or 70 and still make a difference.” – Dwayne Kerrigan

 Key Takeaways

1. Innovation Isn’t Age-Bound – Jim jumped into 3D printing at 64, proving reinvention is always possible.
2. Calculated Risk Matters – Pair bold ideas with strategies to mitigate downside.
3. Practicality Over Hype – True innovation must work in the field before it can scale.
4. Small Changes Compound – Success often comes from consistent, minor adjustments over time.
5. Adoption Takes Time – Like dishwashers or electric cars, groundbreaking ideas need