Ignore Blank Values While Using INDEX

I have found several answers to this, but I haven't had much luck with most of the solutions I've seen, usually revolving around IFBLANK. I feel like I am probably just not getting it - sorry!

I have this formula:

=INDEX($Q$2:$Q$546,MATCH(0,INDEX(COUNTIF($U$1:U1,$Q$2:$Q$546),0,0),0))

The intent is for it to scan Q2:Q546 to create a unique list in U2:U547.

Q2:Q546 is a work column that pulls text values from other sheets in the workbook via simple cell references.

The problem is, in the reference cells (and thus Q2:Q546), there are a lot of blank cells, and the first blank always inserts a '0' or blank cell into the list, located at the place the first blank cell happens. It would be preferable to not have this blank cell (or, alternatively, just sort the blank cell to the bottom?)

Like I said, my fault, the answer is here on the forums, I am just not grokking it - any help is appreciated as always!