When most people think of wealth in America, they think tech startups, Wall Street, or real estate. Hardly anyone says manufacturing. But the truth? Manufacturing is still alive—and it remains one of the most powerful engines for building wealth, jobs, and community impact.

In this episode of The NEXT BIG THING with Keith D. Terry, I sit down with Terry Atwater, Owner and President of Enova Investments LLC, National Materials Transport LLC, and Enova Care, LLC. With over 25 years of experience at industry giants like General Electric, IDEX, and Berkshire Hathaway, Terry has worked alongside legendary leaders including Jack Welch and Warren Buffett. Today, he’s building companies that prove manufacturing is far from dead.

We dive into:

• How manufacturing ownership creates wealth, jobs, and legacies that last
• The impact of tariffs, reshoring, and U.S.–Mexico trade on American industry
• Why “it’s not the big that beat the small—it’s the fast that beat the slow”
• The role of AI, automation, and logistics in shaping the future of U.S. manufacturing
• How manufacturing businesses can transform entire communities by creating opportunity

Terry’s story is proof that ownership isn’t just about making money—it’s about building systems, shaping communities, and leading with vision.

If you’ve ever wondered whether American manufacturing still matters—or how you can play a role in its future—this is the episode you can’t miss.

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Keith D. Terry and JJaed Productions, LLC produced this episode. www.jjaedproductions.com
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