A third-generation manufacturer, Lance Thrailkill is redefining how innovation meets investment. His career has been built on advancing technology while maintaining a people-first approach, and now he is applying that philosophy through 3D printing innovation in rural opportunity zones. By merging his manufacturing expertise with a deep commitment to community impact, Thrailkill is using additive manufacturing to rethink how homes are built while helping strengthen underserved communities through affordable, sustainable housing.
Recent legislation in the U.S. has created significant tax incentives for investors deploying capital gains into rural opportunity zones. These incentives, introduced under President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, aim to drive investment into underdeveloped rural areas by offering tax deferrals and step-ups in basis for qualified investors. The intent is to stimulate job creation, infrastructure development, and economic revitalization in regions that have traditionally seen less capital flow. For Thrailkill, these policies provide the perfect platform to advance his mission, using innovation not only to improve how we build, but to expand who benefits from that progress.
“When you combine smart tax incentives with sustainable innovation, you can unlock real value—not just for investors, but for entire communities,” says Thrailkill. This principle underpins his latest efforts to make housing more affordable and efficient through 3D printing while guiding investors to benefit from powerful tax advantages within designated rural zones.
New Incentives for Rural Development
The latest policy changes allow investors to redirect recent capital gains into qualified rural opportunity zones, providing a pathway to defer and reduce tax obligations while simultaneously fueling tangible economic growth in these regions. The policy encourages private capital to flow into communities that need it most, rewarding long-term investment that drives housing and job creation.
You need to deploy that capital within six months of when you cashed out on your investment,” explains Thrailkill. “After five years, you’ll owe 30% less in taxes than you originally would have. The incentives grow even more compelling over time. Holding the investment for a decade allows for an appreciation step-up in basis to fair market value, effectively eliminating taxes upon exit. “It’s an incredible way to align patient capital with projects that deliver lasting social impact,” he adds.
3D Printing: A Smarter Path to Affordable Housing
At PRINT3D Technologies, Thrailkill and his team are translating new policy incentives into real-world progress. His team is using advanced 3D printing technology to modernize housing construction, creating homes that are faster to build, more efficient, and more sustainable. This approach not only advances innovation but also brings tangible benefits to the communities where these projects take root. “We’re able to build homes about 30% faster, with far less maintenance, and at a lower cost than traditional construction,” he explains.
In Cedar Creek Lake, near Dallas, Texas, PRINT3D Technologies is developing up to 90 lots for $200,000 homes and duplexes, all constructed using 3D printing methods. The project is expected to generate a 7% annual cash yield and a 3.2x multiple on exit—numbers that stand out even before factoring in the tax advantages. By utilizing leverage, the return jumps up above 10x. For Thrailkill, this is more than an investment play. It’s a model for sustainable economic development. “Rural areas often get overlooked in innovation conversations,” he says. “By bringing advanced construction technology to these communities, we’re not only improving housing affordability but also creating jobs and revitalizing local economies.”
Manufacturing Meets Modern Finance
Thrailkill’s deep roots in manufacturing give him a unique lens on capital deployment and efficiency. As CEO of All Metals Fabricating, a Texas-based contract manufacturer, he has led the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies, from automation to AI, while doubling company revenue. “I’ve always believed that innovation should serve people,” Thrailkill shares. “Whether it’s automating a factory floor or printing a home, the goal is to create sustainable systems that empower individuals and strengthen communities.” His combination of hands-on manufacturing expertise and financial acumen makes him a rare kind of leader: one equally fluent in the language of production and the principles of smart investment.
Building the Future, One Layer at a Time
The intersection of 3D printing and rural investment is a transformative opportunity. By aligning advanced technology and leveraging powerful fiscal incentives, Thrailkill is helping shape a future where housing can be built faster, more affordably, and with enduring value for both residents and investors. “The beauty of this model is that it rewards everyone,” he says. “Investors see meaningful returns, communities gain sustainable housing, and technology continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
To learn more about Lance Thrailkill or find out more about this investment opportunity, connect with him on LinkedIn or visit his website.
