2019 40 Under 40: Amber Riddle, 33

SBJ photo by Wes Hamilton

Amber Riddle says there are few things she enjoys more than helping others and watching them succeed.

She’s able to help from her position as chief financial officer of Little Sunshine’s Enterprises Inc., a title she earned at the age of 31. For the private early childhood education center, she’s displayed leadership skills by moving accounting functions in-house and customizing and implementing new enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management software. She says her proudest accomplishment is obtaining her MBA, a goal she set before sending her oldest child to kindergarten. Riddle serves on the advisory board for the Springfield Dream Center and supports The Pediatric Brain Foundation.

What was your first job? Dairy Queen. Within six months, I was promoted to a manager.

What are you doing to make the Ozarks better? The service that is provided to the families of over 300 local children, as well as over 100 local jobs. It is our goal to support families in raising successful contributors to society.

What is your best productivity hack? I carry a small notebook with me everywhere and use it to take notes, make lists or work through problems

How many times do you hit the snooze button? Too many!

What app gets you through the day? Starting and ending my day with an encouraging podcast is so helpful.