2016 40 Under 40 Honoree: Darren Smith, 36

Darren Smith is a smart man creating over 8,000 “smart classrooms” for schools around the country. His firm has integrated technology in the K-12 districts in Springfield and Willard, as well as Missouri State, Arkansas and Oklahoma State universities. Who says tech savvy can’t mix with good taste? Smith’s downtown Veridian building proves it. If you’ve seen ballgowns and tuxedos crossing South Avenue, it’s a good chance Smith’s event venue is creating the buzz. Oh, and he rehabbed the historic building despite family members telling Smith it’d bankrupt him.

What was your first job? Mowing lawns.

When did you realize you had grown up?  I’m hoping I realize that by 40.

What was your professional “aha” moment? When people that worked for me relied on me.

What do you miss most about the 1990s? Live, CJ7 Jeeps, Umbros, Reeboks with the straps.

What is your best productivity hack? Five computer monitors.

What historical figure do you identify with most? The Great Khan by day, Gatsby by night.

How many unread messages are in your inbox right now? 16,009

What about your job would shock clients? Nothing I do shocks people. If I dream it, it happens.