Meet Andrew Swenson | Substance Abuse Advocate and Owner of Step One Recovery Resources

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrew Swenson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrew, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
With both personal experience and professional work in the field of substance abuse, I saw firsthand how frustratingly difficult it is for people struggling with addiction to find the right help. The first instinct is usually to turn to search engines, but those results are dominated by whoever pays the most or has the best ranking—not necessarily what’s actually helpful. Too often, the top results have nothing to do with what someone really needs. And when you’re just starting the recovery journey, you don’t always know where to begin or what to even look for. From my own experience, I know how overwhelming it can be to take that first step, navigate all the options, and find the right place for help.

That’s why I started Step One Recovery Resources—to make it easier. I wanted to create a space where people can explore their options without judgment or pressure, and actually find the help that’s right for them. Recovery shouldn’t be confusing or intimidating. My goal is to make the process faster, simpler, and more accessible—because getting help shouldn’t be the hardest part.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Step One Recovery Resources is an online directory built to bridge the gap between people seeking recovery—whether from substance abuse or mental health struggles—and the professionals and businesses dedicated to helping them. We’ve created a space where anyone can safely and easily explore all the available recovery resources and find the help that’s right for them.

This project is deeply personal for me. I’ve been on both sides—working in the substance abuse field and navigating my own recovery journey. Aside from managing a sober living program six years ago, most of my professional experience wasn’t in this space. But what I did understand was what it takes to run a successful business. And more importantly, I had the passion and work ethic to figure out everything else, teaching myself how to build a website, how to serve two different audiences at once, and how to create a platform that truly puts people first.

The businesses that pay to be on our site gain visibility, but we don’t prioritize anyone over another. We don’t push one method of recovery, one path, or one belief system. Our job isn’t to decide what’s best for someone—it’s to educate, to provide options, and to make sure people know that real help exists. That makes this a tough sell. But at the end of the day, what we’re doing is for the greater good of the recovery community.

This is a much needed space, not just for those seeking help, but for every recovery resource to be showcased fairly for what they offer. Step One Recovery Resources is about rethinking the way recovery is accessed. We’re not selling to the highest bidder. We’re not pushing an agenda. We’re here to offer hope, knowledge, and peace of mind. Because help is out there and everyone deserves the chance to find the right help for them. Hope wins.

Through this journey, I’ve learned that building something out of a passion for helping others requires flexibility. As much as this is my passion, it can’t just be about what I want. My drive is to serve others, and that means what I envision may not always be what’s best for the people who actually need this resource.

I’ve had to take a step back, set aside my personal preferences, and focus on what truly matters, creating a space that genuinely helps those in need. That means shaping it around their needs, not my own. Once I embraced that and built something based on what would best serve others, it completely changed my perspective on success and achievement. It’s no longer about what I originally imagined, it’s about making real impact, and that’s what truly matters.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I know it would start with a stop at Yuan Palace Mongolian BBQ, followed by a round of putt-putt golf somewhere. A show at Red Rocks and another at Fiddler’s Green would definitely be on the list.

The rest of the time would be all about the mountains, cruising through Buena Vista, Ouray, and Silverton to soak in what makes them special. Then, I’d pack up the camper and get lost in the wilderness, finding those hidden mom-and-pop eateries, grilling by the river, and ending each night around a campfire. That’s the kind of trip that sticks with you.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Wife and my family! Without their constant support and encouragement I would not have had the confidence to take this leap .

Website: https://Steponerecovery.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553878584453