Resource 1:1 with Holly Utter

For over 40 years, the backbone of Resource 1, of its growth and success, has been its team. People are at the core of our business, and our Resource 1:1s are a fun opportunity to find out more about who these people are. Today we’re introducing Holly Utter.

Holly is the Chief Operations Officer at Resource 1. She is responsible for managing all facets of the company’s infrastructure, from technology to marketing to special projects. She is the one who keeps things running smoothly at Resource 1, and we’re excited to learn more about her today.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a doctor because I wanted to heal sick people. But I also loved playing with Legos—I have an architectural set that we still whip out during the holidays to play as a family. I have always liked to build things and found that I was good at it—that’s what took me down the engineering path. At first, I wanted to be a chemical engineer because I loved chemistry, but I eventually pivoted to become a civil engineer.

What was your first job?

Mowing lawns! I would push my lawn mower to my neighbors’ and grandmother’s house. My first “real” job was working in the ladies’ locker room at the local country club. It was the worst job ever! At 15, I became a lifeguard, which was the best job I ever had before graduating college.

How did you find yourself at Resource 1?

I met Anastasia, Resource 1’s President, back in 2012. We worked on several volunteer projects together through the years, and Anastasia appreciated my attention to detail and my commitment to fully meet deadlines and deliverables. During the pandemic, Anastasia brought me on to chair a special project to coordinate a safe return to the office.

What do you love most about working for Resource 1?

I feel so lucky to have this job. I love the people here. We have a thorough interview process, and it results in finding great people. People stay here for years. It’s a small firm where there’s lots of opportunity to have input and make an impact. It’s cross-functional, everyone pulls together as a family. I really enjoy being challenged in a positive way every single day at Resource 1.

If you could master one skill you don’t have, what would it be?

I would love to speak a foreign language fluently. I cut my teeth in French and was part of a neighborhood group to practice speaking French, but I’m no longer fluent and would love to be.

What’s a hobby that few people know about?

I’m an avid swimmer. I love to swim outdoors, I don’t mind the cold water, and I try to do it as often as I can—every day in the summer. I swam long distance events in high school and continue to love it to this day. I find peace and calm in the water; there’s no phone and no email.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?

My mom passed away when I was 18, and it’s my goal to set up a scholarship in her name. It would be for engineering or education majors at my old high school, where she attended too. I would also give money to the local food pantry. I have always wanted to make the world a better place.

If you could hop on a plane to anywhere, where would you go?

I’d go to Colorado to visit my family—the more time I spend there, I realize how much more I still want to see and explore. My runner-up is Hawaii—I’m not a fan of long flights, but I’d really like to go back to Hawaii, it’s been far too long.

If you were to host a themed party for your friends and colleagues, what would the theme be?

I’d like to host a party where my friends and family would come dressed as their favorite movie or TV character.

What’s the last picture you took on your phone?

We were recently in Disneyworld to watch my son in the Thanksgiving Day Parade of Marching Bands at the Magic Kingdom. We had such a fun time. It was the first time my son and his adult siblings had seen each other in many months. I miss having all my children under the same roof, and this was an experience we will never forget. We were able to have a fun photo shoot with a Disney photographer in “Star Wars” land.

Holly, thank you for sharing this window into your life! To find out more about Holly’s role at Resource 1, you can find her bio here.