2016 40 Under 40 Honoree: Natalie Broekhoven, 35

Natalie Broekhoven took a career risk when she switched gears as marketing manager of an architecture firm to break out on her own in business. Being on both sides of the employment spectrum gives her a unique perspective, and now she focuses on inspiring her employees to make a difference at work. Her companies reach into Arkansas and Oklahoma providing programs for children with special needs and window treatments for homeowners. She’s proud of her work helping launch Chance In Charge, which provides scholarships for enrichment activities to children and youth with disabilities.

What was your first job? Library assistant and tutor at the Kenyon Unit Boys and Girls Club.

When did you realize you had grown up? When I won the March Madness pool at my office and saved the winnings in my individual retirement account. That was in 2013.

Besides your family, what’s your most treasured possession? My $30 Timex Iron Man watch. It keeps me in check with my most valuable possession, my time.

How many times do you hit the snooze button in the morning? Zero. Kids wake me up before the alarm, the little darlings.

How many unread messages are in your inbox right now? 1,428, I’m a collector.

Have you ever met a celebrity? John Travolta and his wife, Kelly, on an elevator I wasn’t supposed to be on.

What did you learn the hard way? Accounting.