Highline Highlights

Found: Kindness in an Envelope

A Surprising Act of Kindness at the Save the Boundary Waters Gala

HIGHLIGHTS

Recently, I attended the Save the Boundary Waters Gala in Minneapolis. To be honest, I wasn’t overly excited about going. I grew up in an inner-ring suburb, and while I used to love trips into the city, the last five years have changed a lot. Some of it hard to see.

When we arrived, all the close parking lots were already full. We circled a few times before finally finding a spot on the street several blocks away in front of DeLaSalle High School, home of the “Islanders.” Not exactly convenient, but we were grateful to find anything nearby.

Still, once we got to the venue, my hesitation melted away. The setting was stunning, the event beautifully put together, and the company we kept was even better. We had the pleasure of spending the evening with the folks from Cast Outdoors Adventures Inc. and the owners of North of North Resort—truly outstanding people.

But as these things often go, the night took a small turn.

When we got back to the car to head home, I reached for my driver’s license but it was nowhere to be found. We tore the car apart, retraced steps in our minds, checked pockets, bags, under seats. Nothing. The sinking feeling in my stomach confirmed what I didn’t want to admit: it was gone.

It was late (way past my bedtime!) and we had a long drive home on a weeknight. The stress started to creep in during that quiet hour-long ride. The next morning, I turned to Google (as one does) and found the standard advice: request a duplicate license and file a police report. Simple enough, but my brain wouldn’t stop spiraling through worst-case scenarios. Identity theft. Long lines at the DMV. The inconvenience of it all.

I tried to remind myself that in the grand scheme of things, this was a minor hiccup. No one was hurt. It was just a lost card. But that didn’t stop the weight of it from hanging over my head.

And then, something unexpected happened.

A week later, after getting back from a walk through the neighborhood, I stopped by the mailbox to grab the usual stack of flyers and bills. Nestled in the middle of the pile was an envelope addressed to me—from DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis.

Curious and confused, I tore it open—and there it was. My driver’s license.

No note, no explanation. Just someone who had found it, taken the time to look me up, and gone out of their way to return it. I stood on the driveway smiling like a kid who just found a surprise gift.

In a world where it’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong, this simple act reminded me that there are still so many people quietly doing good.

So to whoever at DeLaSalle High School found my license and made sure it got back to me—thank you. You turned a stressful week into a reminder that kindness still shows up, sometimes in the most unexpected envelopes.

Go Islanders.

With heartfelt appreciation,

The Highline Admin Team

Highline Admin: Your Solution for Managing Trade Business Paperwork

HIGHLIGHTS

Discover how Highline Admin can help. They manage permits and admin tasks. This allows trade businesses to stay focused on what they do best—getting the job done.

If you run a trade business—plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, landscaping, or anything in between—you know how quickly the paperwork piles up. Permits, licenses, inspections, scheduling, invoices, contracts, and follow-ups. And let’s be honest: you didn’t start your business to sit behind a desk.

You started your business because you’re good at what you do—hands-on, boots-on-the-ground, problem-solving work. The kind of work that keeps the world running. But managing permits and staying compliant with local codes? That’s a full-time job on its own. And for many trade business owners, it’s one of the biggest pain points of running the business.

That’s where Highline Admin comes in.

The Problem: Paperwork That Keeps You Off the Job

Most cities and counties have different rules, forms, and timelines when it comes to construction and trade permits. If you’re working across jurisdictions or juggling multiple projects, that can quickly turn into a major time sink. Add to that:

Rejected or delayed permits due to incorrect paperwork
Missed deadlines
Clients waiting longer because of permit delays
Stress from trying to “figure it all out” between jobs

You know the cost of downtime. Every minute spent tracking down a permit is time you’re not billing, not building, not growing.

The Solution: Hire Highline Admin to Handle Permits and Back-Office Tasks

At Highline, we specialize in helping small trade businesses like yours stay on top of the paperwork. We do this without pulling you off the job site. Whether you need help once in a while, or just for a few hours a week, we fit into your business seamlessly. You won’t face the overhead of a full-time hire.

Here’s what we can help with:

✅ Permit applications and tracking
✅ Scheduling inspections
✅ Renewals and compliance paperwork
✅ Invoicing and follow-ups
✅ Vendor communication
✅ Any admin task that keeps you stuck at a desk instead of on the job

We speak “contractor.” That means we know your time is valuable, and we’ll keep the admin side moving so your projects stay on schedule.

Why Tradespeople Love Working with Highline

You get your time back. Focus on your crew, your clients, and the work you love—not the paper trail.

No training required. We already know the systems and red tape. You hand it off, and we take it from there.

Affordable flexibility. Whether you need 5 hours a week or just help with a specific project, we offer custom support to fit your needs and budget.

Professional support, warm communication. You’ll always have a real person in your corner, ready to tackle whatever’s clogging your to-do list.

Ready to Get Back to the Work You Love?

If you’re tired of chasing permits or getting stuck at the computer late at night, it’s time to bring in Highline. Let us take care of the back office so you can stay focused on the job site.

💬 Got questions or want to learn more?

A Night of Wilderness and Purpose: Attending the Save the Boundary Waters Gala with Cast Outdoor Adventures Inc.

HIGHLIGHTS

Last week, I had the honor of attending the Save the Boundary Waters Gala alongside my clients at Cast Outdoor Adventures Inc.—a night that was as inspiring as it was unforgettable.

The evening was hosted by Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness (NMW), the largest conservation organization in Minnesota dedicated to protecting and preserving the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the greater Quetico-Superior ecosystem.

Their mission resonates deeply with those of us who work in and around the outdoors: to ensure these wild and precious places remain intact for generations to come.

For those unfamiliar, NMW launched the Save the Boundary Waters national coalition in 2013 to create widespread awareness and action against threats like sulfide-ore copper mining, which poses a serious risk to this fragile ecosystem. The work they do is critical—not just for Minnesota, but for the national conservation movement.

“Speak loudly for this quiet place.”
Terry Tempest williams, keynote speaker

Attending with Cast Outdoor Adventures Inc. made the evening even more meaningful. As passionate outdoor guides and educators, their work directly connects people with the Boundary Waters and the profound peace and perspective that nature offers. Their commitment to environmental stewardship isn’t just something they talk about—it’s something they live out in every paddle stroke and every guided trip.

The gala was a celebration of this shared love for wilderness, filled with powerful stories, community energy, and renewed calls to action. From moving speeches to meaningful conversations with fellow advocates, the event underscored just how important it is that we continue to stand up for our wild spaces.

Walking away from the gala, I felt both grateful and galvanized. Grateful for organizations like NMW who have dedicated decades to this cause. Grateful for clients like Cast Outdoor Adventures who make conservation a part of their business DNA. And galvanized to continue supporting, amplifying, and standing with those who work tirelessly to protect the Boundary Waters.

Here’s to wild places—and the incredible people fighting to keep them that way. 🛶🌲

Learn more or get involved at www.savetheboundarywaters.org.

With heartfelt appreciation,

The Highline Admin Team

Running a nonprofit isn’t always easy – and it’s definitely not something you should do alone.

HIGHLIGHTS

Hosted by Sherburne County United Way, this monthly nonprofit leadership group is something truly special.

It’s not just about networking – it’s about building real, lasting friendships among nonprofit leaders who understand the highs and lows of this work.

We come together each month to share the good, the bad, and the ugly:

✔ Successes we’re proud of
✔ Challenges we’re working through
✔ Questions we’re not afraid to ask

This group is about more than professional development. It’s about cheering each other on at events, lifting each other up during hard times, and reminding one another why we do this work in the first place.

A huge thank you to Sherburne County Area United Way for organizing this group. What a wonderful idea to bring like-minded nonprofit leaders together to support one another – we’re so grateful for the connection, encouragement, and community you’ve made possible. 💛

If you’re a nonprofit leader looking for honest conversations and genuine support, you belong here.

#NonprofitLeadership #StrongerTogether #NonprofitSupport #LeadershipCircle #SherburneCountyUnitedWay

With heartfelt appreciation,

The Highline Admin Team

Client Love: Behind the Scenes with Highline Admin

ON THE BLOG

️One of the most rewarding parts of running Highline is building real relationships with the clients I serve.

Recently, two kind words came in that reminded me exactly why I do what I do.

“Faith is a pleasure to work with. She has excellent listening skills and is an effective communicator, which makes her an invaluable asset to any team. Her dedication and collaborative spirit make her a joy to work with, ensuring that every project she takes on succeeds.“

-Dawn Bordeaux, Bordeaux Enterprises Inc.

“For the past two years, Faith Connors, owner of Highline Admin, has been an incredible part of our extended team. With creativity, dedication, and a true passion for our mission, Faith has contributed across a wide range of areas—from grant writing and email marketing to event planning and community outreach.

She’s the talent behind many of our communications, helping us connect with supporters through thoughtful messaging and fresh ideas. Whether she’s drafting a campaign letter, setting up for a big event, or helping tear down our garage sale and man cave space, Faith brings energy and excellence to everything she does.

Her behind-the-scenes work has made a meaningful impact, and we’re so thankful to have her as part of our mission.”

-Flight Expo Inc.

These kind words mean so much. At Highline, my goal is to show up with purpose—whether I’m writing grants, planning events, or rolling up my sleeves to help out wherever I’m needed. Every email sent, spreadsheet cleaned up, or event prepped is done with intention to move your mission forward.

If you’re a small business owner or nonprofit leader who could use a reliable hand behind the scenes, I’d love to connect.

📩 Reach out any time: faith@highlineadmin.com

Let’s make your mission lighter—and your impact stronger.

highlinevirtual@gmail.com

Why It’s Time to Update Your Website (and 5 Simple Tips to Get Started)

HIGHLIGHTS

Whether you’re running a small business or leading a nonprofit, your website is one of your most valuable tools.

It’s often the first impression potential clients, customers, or donors have of you—and in today’s digital world, that impression needs to be current, clear, and compelling.

So, how often should you update your website?

A good rule of thumb is to do a light refresh every 3–6 months and a deeper review at least once a year. That doesn’t mean a full redesign every time. However, it does mean checking for outdated info. You should also check for broken links. Look for opportunities to improve how people experience your site.

Not sure where to start?

Here are 5 simple tips to help you confidently update your business or nonprofit website:

Start with the Basics: Is Your Info Accurate?
Double-check your hours, contact information, services, staff bios, and pricing. These are small things, but if they’re wrong, they can damage trust—and cost you leads or donations.

Pro Tip: Set a quarterly reminder to review key info on your homepage, about page, and contact page.

Update Photos and Visuals
People connect with faces and real stories. If your team has changed, or if your last photo update was more than a year ago, it’s time for some fresh visuals. This is especially important for nonprofits: show your impact with recent photos from events or programs.

Pro Tip: Use high-quality images and keep file sizes small so your site loads quickly.

Add New Testimonials or Case Studies
Social proof is powerful. If a happy client or supporter sent you a kind note or success story, ask for permission to share it! Real voices help new visitors feel confident about working with or supporting you.

Pro Tip: Rotate in new quotes a few times a year to keep things fresh and relevant.

Make Sure It Works on Mobile
Over half of web traffic now comes from mobile devices. Pull up your site on your phone or tablet and make sure it’s easy to navigate. Buttons should be tap-friendly, and text should be easy to read without zooming.

Pro Tip: Use Google’s free Mobile-Friendly Test to spot any issues.

Check for Broken Links & Speed Issues
A slow or glitchy website can turn visitors away. Use free tools like Broken Link Checker to scan your site and make sure everything’s running smoothly.

Pro Tip: If you’re not tech-savvy, a virtual assistant or web professional can do a quick audit for you every few months.

Final Thoughts

Your website doesn’t have to be perfect—but it should be active. Think of it like a storefront: even small seasonal updates show people you’re open, engaged, and ready to help.

If you need a hand keeping your site updated, you’re not alone. Many small business owners and nonprofit leaders don’t have time to do it all—and that’s okay! There’s help out there so you can stay focused on the work you love.

Need Help Keeping Your Website Fresh?

Email me at faith@highlineadmin.com—I’d be happy to help you with quick updates, content refreshes, or a simple website audit.

Let’s make sure your online presence reflects the great work you’re doing.

My Story: From Kindergarten Teacher to Admin Guide

HIGHLIGHTS

I used to teach 5-year-olds. Now I help entrepreneurs.

I didn’t start my career in business—I started in a kindergarten classroom.

Teaching taught me how to create calm out of chaos, build systems from scratch, and juggle a lot of moving parts. It also taught me how to plan like a pro (hello, Plan A, B, and C).

Now I use those same skills to help small teams run more smoothly—without burnout.

When I launched Highline Admin, I saw how many amazing leaders were struggling behind the scenes. They didn’t need full-time staff. They just needed a little back-office backup. That’s what I provide—with a warm, steady, and supportive approach.

CTA:
👉 Curious what kind of support would make the biggest difference for you? Reply and tell me your biggest admin struggle right now.

👉 faith@highlineadmin.com

Helping small teams do big things.

Free Up Your Time: 10 Tasks to Delegate Now

HIGHLIGHTS

“What could you take off your plate this week?”

If you’re wearing all the hats in your business or nonprofit, you’re not alone.

Running the show on your own (or with a tiny team) means your to-do list is always growing—but your hours aren’t. This guide was made for small-but-mighty organizations like yours that need just a little help—2 to 10 hours a week—to stay on top of admin tasks without hiring a full-time staff member.

Here’s your friendly checklist of the most common back-office tasks that smart business owners and nonprofit leaders delegate first.

💡 Pro Tip:
Start by handing off 1–2 recurring tasks that take the most energy or time.
Even a small shift (like getting your invoices out on time every time) can free up hours and mental space for the work that really matters.

📩 Ready to cross a few things off your list?
Email me your top 3 admin headaches—and I’ll tell you how I can help.
Whether it’s a one-time fix or a few hours a week, we’ll build a solution that fits your needs and your budget.

👉 faith@highlineadmin.com

Helping small teams do big things.

World War II: Miracles Amid Destruction

ON THE BLOG

Under Special Protection

As an administrative assistant for small businesses and nonprofit organizations, I often find myself writing—whether it’s for websites, newsletters, or grant applications. And I love it. There’s something deeply fulfilling about putting words together to share stories, inspire action, and help organizations thrive.

A while back, I wrote a newsletter article. It was about a remarkable piece of history—a donated newspaper clipping from World War II.

The clipping showed a photograph of a church that had been destroyed by the Nazis. In the devastation, one thing stood untouched: a beautiful statue of St. Therese. She stood tall, undisturbed, a symbol of resilience and faith in the face of destruction.

This story struck a chord with me. Many years ago, I taught Kindergarten at St. Therese, and during that time, I learned a lot about the saint. One of the things I loved most was her simple yet profound motto: “Do little things with great love.” It’s a philosophy that has stuck with me over the years because it feels so accessible. It reminds me that small acts of kindness, care, and dedication can have a lasting impact.

That belief carries over into the work I do today. I help nonprofits secure funding. I craft compelling newsletters. I manage administrative tasks so a small business can focus on its mission. I strive to do even the smallest tasks with great love.

Saint Therese gives me hope that we can all be saints in our own little ways.

Not by doing grand gestures but rather focusing on little things —done with great care—that make all the difference.

Flight Expo Inc Newsletter, March 2024

“World War II, which lasted from 1939 to 1945, was a global conflict involving most of the world’s nations. It was the deadliest and most widespread war in history, resulting in millions of casualties, immense destruction, and significant political and social upheaval.

During World War II, especially in occupied areas such as France, there were instances where Nazi forces seized control of churches for various reasons, including using them as military bases or storage facilities. Montebourg, like many other towns in France, experienced German occupation during the war. The occupation of churches by Nazi forces was part of their broader strategy to assert control over occupied territories.

Sunday News, August 13, 1944. Another miracle.

Through all the destruction, there were still miracles to be found.

Following a naval bombardment from the Allied forces, Nazis were driven out of a medieval church dating back to the 15th century. Left among the ruins was a statue of St. Therese of Lisieux, also known as “The Little Flower.” Therese was a French Catholic nun who lived in the 19th century. She entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux at the age of 15. Therese is renowned for her spiritual autobiography, “Story of a Soul,” which she published after her death. In this autobiography, she described her “Little Way,” which emphasized simplicity, humility, and devotion to God in everyday life. Therese advocated for performing small acts of love and kindness with great love, believing these simple gestures could lead to holiness. Despite her short life – she died at age 24 from tuberculosis – she was canonized as a saint in 1925 and remains one of the most influential saints in the Catholic tradition.

When the Nazis fled the church in Montebourg back in 1925, the statue of St. Therese stood; undisturbed, looking out over the vast destruction, silently holding onto the faith that she exuded, performing one more small act of love to show us all the way.”

The Story Behind Highline: A Name with Meaning

HIGHLIGHTS

Walking the Highline Trail was very much like starting a business: equal parts exhilarating and terrifying.

When I launched Highline Admin in January 2023, I wanted a name that held personal significance and embodied my passion. After much thought, I landed on Highline—a name inspired by one of my greatest adventures.

Growing up, my family spent a lot of time hiking. One of my favorite places to explore was my grandmother’s 160 acres of land and the surrounding properties in Nevis. My mother, having grown up there, knew the woods like the back of her hand. We would set off on long walks, giving our dogs the chance to roam freely and burn off their endless energy. Sometimes, we’d wander down to the slough below the house, trying to get a peek of the lake over tall cattails. Other times, we’d trek to a neighbor’s cabin, letting curiosity guide our steps. If we wanted a shorter walk—or if the wood ticks were particularly relentless—we’d head to the other end of my grandma’s dirt road, where a neighbor raised buffalo. The sight of them was always incredible: massive, shaggy creatures that commanded attention as they grazed in the open fields. We’d watch from a distance, awestruck by their power and the slow, deliberate way they moved. But more often than not, we found ourselves in the horse pasture, following the well-worn trails left behind by my uncle’s Appaloosas. A dark brown mare, named Tootsie, was my favorite. She was kind, gentle and gladly ate sugar cubes from our outstretched hands. These hikes weren’t just ways to pass the time—they were adventures that shaped my love for the land and the boundless sense of freedom it provided.

However, the hike that made the biggest impact on me wasn’t in my home state. I discovered it on a road trip to Glacier National Park. The Highline Trail instantly became my all-time favorite. It quickly narrows into a dirt path with a sheer drop on one side and a towering rock face on the other. For those who are faint of heart (like me), the park has bolted a thick metal rope into the cliffside to provide a reassuring grip. The trail offers sweeping views of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a sight equal parts exhilarating and frightening—much like starting a business.

The Highline Trail is a challenging 7.6-mile (one-way) route that stretches from the Logan Pass Visitor Center to the remote Granite Park Chalet. Recognized as one of Glacier National Park’s premier day hikes, it offers breathtaking views, encounters with glaciers, alpine wildflowers, and diverse wildlife. The trail meanders through alpine meadows from Logan Pass to Goat Haunt, allowing hikers to journey from the heart of Glacier Park all the way to the Canadian border.

The Highline Trail embodied everything I love about hiking: adventure, perseverance, and the thrill of pushing forward. These same values resonate deeply with my approach to business and life. Choosing Highline Admin as my business name wasn’t just a tribute to a beautiful place; it was a reminder of my journey, both personal and professional. It represents ambition, resilience, and the courage to take the road less traveled.

If you ever visit Glacier National Park, make sure to hike the Highline Trail. And if you’re embarking on your own business journey, choose a name that tells your story and reflects your passion.