Interview with the Portsmouth Daily Times
How are you involved in the community?
Blackburn’s provides grocery retail for Portsmouth and New Boston, we also have a full-service pharmacy.
What achievement are you most proud?
First, it would be having a good, happy, healthy family. Second, Blackburn’s has been independently operating since 1943, which is a big deal when it comes to the industry. There aren’t many independent stores around anymore.
Which person has influenced you the most and why?
From the business side of things, I would have to say my dad, Gary. He’s taught me a lot about the business, the buying and the selling and how to market items. My mom, Heidi, has taught me a lot about friendly customer service.
What is your favorite stress buster/leisure time diversion?
My wife and I have a 15 month-old daughter, so we don’t have a lot of free time right now, but that’s okay.
What gives you reason for optimism in your community?
We try to look for new trends in buying, and we like to ask our customers what they want to see in the store, what they like and what they don’t like.
If you could go back in time and give advice to yourself, what would it be?
I would tell myself to, “choose friends wisely.”
If you could add a few more hours to the day, how would you spend them?
I would like to spend more time with my family then I can right now.
Career aspirations aside, name one thing you definitely want to accomplish in your community.
We’re getting ready to start a new business operation in the store, so we’re hoping that it goes well and the community likes it.
Michael Payton, New Boston Village Councilman, also added the following:
“New Boston has been privileged to have the Blackburn family as part of its business community over these many years. They are living proof that the American Dream is alive and well. With hard work, dedication and loyalty to community, privately owned businesses will be successful.”