Index/Match returning first non-blank cell

[kcrabb2]

So I understand index/match will return the first instance of the match it finds, even if the answer is "". What I need is a formula that will return the first instance where the cell is not "". Here's an example:

Customer No.	Salesperson Code
C000176
C000176	DG
C000176	DG
C000176	DG
C000176	DG
C000176	DG
C000176	DG
C000176	DG

In this instance Excel is returning a "" value, what can I use for it to return "DG"...Thanks!

 

[jasonb75]

Best way would be with a helper column.

Book2
	A	B	C	D	E	F
1	Customer No.	Salesperson Code			Criteria	Result
2	C000176				C000176	DG
3	C000176	DG	3
4	C000176	DG	4
5	C000176	DG	5
6	C000176	DG	6
7	C000176	DG	7
8	C000176	DG	8
9	C000176	DG	9
Sheet2

Cell Formulas
Range	Formula
F2	F2	=INDEX(B:B,MINIFS(C:C,A:A,E2))
C2:C9	C2	=IF(B2="","",ROW(C2))