The Story Behind the Work.

I grew up behind the scenes—literally. My childhood was spent backstage at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, watching my dad build and dismantle entire worlds. Before I was in grade school, he taught me to solder under a welder’s mask and hammer a nail, and always measure twice. I didn’t know it then, but those early lessons in craftsmanship and collaboration would shape everything I do.

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I studied painting and installation at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, then unexpectedly found myself in New York City opening a wholesale button office on 7th Avenue. I spent years in showrooms and cutting rooms, watching designers move from sketch to runway to production—and seeing firsthand how the strongest teams operated.

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From there, I built creative teams for a top lifestyle photographer, then joined an international brand identity firm where architects, designers, writers, and photographers worked side by side. I contributed to projects ranging from museum installations to the flagship American Girl store. Later, I supported executives in finance and led the admin team for a forensic engineering firm back home in Chicago.

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Across every chapter, one thread stayed constant: I was always helping to build successful teams.

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Eight years ago, I launched Framework Administrative Partners (formerly Nesslar Associates.) What began as a recruiting firm quickly expanded as clients asked for more: strategic planning, operational clarity, and long‑term organizational support. Today, I work nationally with founders and small businesses to build resilient teams and systems that give entrepreneurs time back, restore balance, and create space to enjoy the present. The photo here is of me and my oldest son many years ago. Its a reminder to me why I work so hard. To have time to hang out with the people I love. This is also why I work so hard for you. My goal, every day, is to help your business thrive so that your time outside of work is your own. At the end of the day, if both work and life doesn't have a decent balance of challenges to overcome and a healthy does of fun, what are we even doing?

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Kristine Nesslar

Founder, Framework Administrative Services