Esmeralda Pineda, 34
Chicago, Ill.
Accountant
Serious Materials
I am in the same role in accounting and I also do HR. We are making windows for low-income housing and homeowners who want to save money on their energy bills. We've been putting a ton of work into retooling our factory for all kinds of glass and window products. We're seeing more and more interest in energy efficiency retrofits and in better windows that save money and cost the same as regular windows. Homeowners get a tax credit for energy efficient windows -- and all our windows qualify.
I am extremely happy working here and see myself having many opportunities to climb up the corporate ladder with Serious Materials. My husband is still working too. He's been getting a lot more business for his residential construction company, which is great.
NEXT: 'I'm not worried about what's coming next'