Resource 1:1 with Denise Blackbourn
At Resource 1, we are so much more than a faceless organization. Our Resource 1:1 interviews provide an opportunity to get to know the people who are the backbone of our company. Today, we are thrilled to introduce Denise Blackbourn, Senior Account Manager at Resource 1. Read on to find out more about who she is and why she loves being part of our team.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Since I was little there was always a bit of caregiver in me, as part of my DNA, and I knew I wanted to go into healthcare. I spent much of my career in that space, first in social work and later in sales and business development for healthcare organizations. But in between those experiences, I also found IT recruiting and found a deep love for that.
How did you find yourself at Resource 1?
I wanted to dive back into IT recruiting but knew that I wanted to do it for a company that really cared. I reached out to Anastasia Valentine, simply to network and ask for advice—she and I were close friends in college years ago. She immediately invited me to talk further with her and her team at Resource 1. After six hours spent interviewing and chatting with the team, I knew I had found the family I was looking for. They welcomed me with open arms.
What do you love most about working for Resource 1?
Resource 1 is absolutely the place I can focus on doing what I do best—building relationships. This company has been around for over 40 years and that’s practically unheard of in this space—a lot of it comes down to the relationships they’ve built and the expertise they’ve gained. I can trust they know what they’re doing and that they actually care about the people we partner with.
What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
Where do I start?! My first answer is probably jumping out of a plane! I’ve been an athlete my whole life and I’m definitely the type of person who will take a challenge and make it happen—if you tell me I can’t do something, I’ll do it! That’s also how I’ve made sure I can meet Jimmy Buffet in my lifetime, as well! Definitely a bucket list item!
What else is on your bucket list?
Getting a hole in one! Another passion of mine I would say is on my bucket list is to help everyone I can to better navigate the healthcare system. It’s really difficult, and with my background in healthcare, I want to be the go-to person in my community to help people prepare and manage.
What could someone find you doing on a Saturday?
Golfing or riding in our UTV somewhere on our seven acres of land. I love spending time with family, with my husband, and of course our dog, Possum.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Montello, Wisconsin—and I already live there! I grew up vacationing there as a child and then met the love of my life there. I get to be near family and friends—and of course I get to ride my UTV there.
What’s the last picture you took on your phone?
My dog, Possum! She was supposed to be a mini goldendoodle—I bought her as a puppy as a Christmas present for my husband, but when she grew up it’s clear 
she’s not a goldendoodle!
If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be?
I’ve got a lot of skills already! I love to cook, but I don’t know how to bake, so maybe that’s it. I have no patience! Once I accidentally made salt cookies when I mistakenly mixed in salt instead of sugar!
What’s the best gift you’ve ever been given?
My family.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
I would make a mini lottery for the people in the small town where I live.
Denise, thank you so much for giving us a glimpse into who you really are. Thanks for everything you do at Resource 1!