A real-life version of Tom Hank’s character in the movie “Big,” marketing genius Mary Rodas began working as a toy consultant at age 4. While accompanying her father, a building superintendent on his rounds, the two stopped at the apartment of entrepreneur Donald Spector, giving an honest opinion of his floor-tile work. Taken in by her, Spector hired Rodas as a consultant, giving her toys to test and listening to her suggestions. At age 13, Rodas became one of the nation’s youngest executives when she was named vice president of marketing at Spector’s $70 million toy company. Among her most notable achievements are work on the “Balzac” balloon ball, “Deco Disc” and “Balzak Glop.” (Photo Courtesy of https://www.crainsnewyork.com/awards/)