Admin Hero

I’m a Salesforce MVP and the creator of AdminHero.com. Since 2012, I’ve empowered Salesforce Administrators to become workplace heroes through practical advice, best practices, and thought leadership in the Salesforce community.

As a multi-certified Salesforce professional with over 15 years of experience, I combine deep technical expertise with real-world business acumen. I’ve managed complex global Salesforce implementations across multiple countries and languages, led Salesforce user groups, transformed teams, and had the honor of speaking at various events including Dreamforce.

But my greatest accomplishment is in my role as a husband and father to four kids—and one very vocal miniature schnauzer!

I am the Senior Director of Revenue Technology at Pushpay where we build technology to help non-profit and faith-based communities build lasting connections.

39 responses to “”

Simon

August 10, 2012

Hey Brent, some great blogs…regarding your recent blog on driving adoption I’d be interested if you could look at our app and blog your thoughts for us please? Here’s a link to our new listing: http://goo.gl/7glfH thanks.

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Kevin

December 20, 2014

Hi Brent,

Love your site, really looking forward to the Zero to Hero posts. I may be jumping the gun here but during this season it’s very slow at work and I want to start. But I’m on this phase, “so much content and so many workbooks – your mind is numb”. Perfectly said!

I just finished the Force.com Fundamentals workbook and don’t know what to study next. I’ve done some Trailhead exercises (very useful). I’ve looked at the Force.com workbook. I’ve signed up for the Udacity Salesforce class. I can’t tell which is the next logical step and which overlap. Any advice? My short term goals are getting ready to be the admin for our new Salesforce instance in January and passing the ADM 201 and DEV 401.

Thanks and happy holidays in the Denver snow!
Kevin

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1. Brent Downey
  
  December 20, 2014
  
  Hi Kevin! If you have gone through the Force.com Fundamentals, I would suggest some “hands-on” experience. Think of something that you want to track with Salesforce and build it. For example, I have a Dev org where I have created a way of tracking the cost of my vehicles including maintenance and total vehicle cost. Think of something that you need or want to track and build it out! Good luck and thanks for reading!
  
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Kevin

December 22, 2014

Hi again,

I asked this same question over on the forums and you answered it there so consider it closed, thanks! It’s a great community – many places to get help.

Cheers,
Kevin

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Alesia

February 20, 2015

Hi Brent! I have just watched your 1000 Thanks video. Very exciting moment for your blog! I just wanted to tell you that I have been following you blog for a while now, and absolutely love it. But this year posts are absolutely amazing! Keep it up! (even though I have no idea how you do it, especially with a little one in your house 🙂 – he is adorable!) Good luck and looking forward to more great posts!

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1. Brent Downey
  
  February 20, 2015
  
  Well thanks Alesa! I appreciate that! Sometimes, I don’t know how I do it either sometimes but knowing that folks like you are finding value is the big reason I do it! Thanks for reading!
  
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Chad

August 13, 2015

Hi Brent,

I hope i haven’t asked this already and if i have, please forgive me. in your opinion, do you think the study material for dev401 would be consistent or be equivalent for the adm201 too? i passed the dev401 some time ago and i still have the study material. my goal was to complete the admin trailhead and review my dev401 material but wasn’t sure if that’s enough.

any thoughts?

Thanks,

Chad

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1. Brent Downey
  
  August 13, 2015
  
  Hi Chad! The DEV401 certification focuses on how to build on the force.com platform whereas the ADM201 focuses on the functionality of the application. The Admin certs focus a lot on the limits and nuances of specific aspects of the tool vs how to build on the platform. I would actually say that the Admin certifications would better prepare you for the Developer certification.
  
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sachin goel

October 11, 2015

sir i’m in m tech and my dissertation topic is security in cloud computing . I want to implement enhanced blowfish algorithm(or any other algo) for encryption .
For this i want to create a VF page which has algo code written in apex .
through this page i want save the details (say merchandise object in warehouse app) of object in encrypted form on detailed page .

it means i enter plain text on vf page and it shows cipher text on detailed page.

and also i want the vf page for displaying this saved data in decrypted form(plain text).
sir, is this possible in salesforce and if yes, what extra api or support i needed. please help me with this .

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Mike Pagani

November 30, 2015

Hi Brent,
I’m starting on the road to SF Admin cert and your blog is heaven sent. A ground level perspective. I have started, owned, bought and sold my own small businesses for many years. Bored with retirement, I’m looking for a way to use my business experience to help other businesses grow and prosper. My first question is: Is Microsoft the best laptop platform to start with, or does it matter?
Please keep up your great work.
Mike Pagani
Los Angeles, CA

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1. Brent Downey
  
  November 30, 2015
  
  Hi Mike! I would say, use what you are familiar with. If you prefer Windows of Mac, that will work just fine. Since Salesforce is based in the cloud, it doesn’t matter what operating system you use!
  
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soumia

April 7, 2016

Hi Bernt,

Hope your doing good. Its a great blog to learn.

I need your help in getting Salesforce Admin Freelancer work.I have 2yrs of experience in Salesforce, creating reports and dashboards and all Admin stuff . I want to work as a freelancer now. Can you please help on this.

Really appreciate your help.

Thanks in Advance.
Soumia.

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1. Brent Downey
  
  April 7, 2016
  
  Thanks Soumia! Start advertising yourself online. You can use LinkedIn and other tools like Freelancer.com to post your availability. I did write a post about getting started as a freelancer with some suggested resource. http://www.adminhero.com/become-freelance-salesforce-consultant/
  
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Rhett Broussard

May 5, 2016

Brent,

I would like to talk with you about some work I need done.

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1. Brent Downey
  
  May 5, 2016
  
  Hi Rhett! I don’t work on the side any longer now that I’m a full-time consultant. If you’re interested though you can check out http://www.shellblack.com to see if we would be a good fit!
  
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Sanjay

June 7, 2016

Hi Brent,

I am around 45 years and have a good exposure to VB programming. I wish to know, if I can learn Sales Force now and try seeking work opportunities at this stage of my career.

Regards
San

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1. Brent Downey
  
  June 9, 2016
  
  It’s never too late Sanjay! Go for it!
  
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Gaurav

October 26, 2016

Hi Brent,

I have been working on Infor LN as a Functional Administrator for over a year. I now have over 4 years working knowledge of supply-chain, retail experience to add to my bachelors in IT and Mba in marketing. I wanted to increase my knowledge in ERP domain. Would SalesForce be a good addition or should I stick with Infor LN?
Will it help my job prospects if I get certified in SalesForce, considering I might not get hands on work experience in SalesForce.

Thanks in Advance.

Regards.

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shaikh saifur

November 22, 2016

is there any app similar to config workbook

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priya

November 23, 2016

Hello,

I have a question when I reading knowledge articles I read one that is related to data loader

I would like to import emails into my Case records on the “Emails” section from Activity ( 000175914) that is article number

https://help.salesforce.com/apex/htviewsolution?id=000175914&language=en_US

I have question regarding this why do we need to import emails and attach this to cases “Email” related list when we raise a case through Email-to-Case emails will get attached to this related list without doing anything.

Please clarify why we will get this type of scenarios.

Thank you,

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Paolo

January 23, 2017

Hey Brent, great blog!

Do you offer advertising on your website? Please feel free to email me.

Thanks

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Dharmie

September 26, 2017

Hi, Brent,
I came across your website yesterday when I was searching for Sample projects for an Admin, to increase my knowledge of Salesforce. I am currently a business analyst and a newly certified Salesforce Admin. Please can you help with the following

– How can I become a Salesforce admin hero
– Do you know where I can get Sample project for admin that I can practice with

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Mira

October 31, 2017

Hi, Brent,

I came across your website yesterday when I was searching for Salesforce admin projects, to increase my knowledge of Salesforce. I am currently a Salesforce administrator and business analyst. I have implemented and customized salesforce myself without any formal training.

Please can you help with the following

How can I become a Salesforce admin hero?
How does it useful if I share my story?
What is my career benefits?

Thank you

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1. Brent Downey
  
  November 1, 2017
  
  Hi Mira! Good for you in self learning and implementing! Being an Admin Hero is more than just having knowledge of Salesforce; it’s how you engage users, drive business process, and solve problems. There are Admins out there that just take orders and don’t think critically about the impacts or long term. This isn’t the behavior of an Admin Hero. Salesforce jobs are hot right now (at least in the US) so the pickings are good if you’ve got the skillset. Great pay and benefits (depending on the company of course) in the Salesforce ecosystem.
  
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Ori Pinhasi

November 19, 2017

Dear Brent,

As leader in the salesforce Community Can I share with you some innovative approach form using salesforce and get your feedback ?

Looking forward to hearing back from you.

Best Regards,

Ori.

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Angie

February 9, 2018

Hi Brent,
I am very fascinated with your struggling , hardworking and energetic story…..I am a new learner i have just 1 year of experience in Admin, but for me it is very tough to find a job without certification.
You are a Role model for me and I am your follower. =)
What do you suggest me?

Thanks
Angie

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1. Brent Downey
  
  February 21, 2018
  
  Thanks, Angie! I hope that you find Admin Hero very informative and motivating! Good luck on your career journey.
  
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Ron George

April 19, 2018

I’m looking for advice on the training path I should take with Saleforce.

I’ve recently been added, to volunteer staff, of a non-profit organization. They’ve bee using Salesforce, on a limited basis, but are looking to me to further develop their platform.

I do not have Salesforce experience, but I have developed/managed databases in the past. Trained users and served as network administrator.

I’d like to not only learn Salesforce, but obtain Admin Cert as soon as possible.

Any advice? It will be appreciated.

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1. Brent Downey
  
  May 1, 2018
  
  Consume as much information as you can – blogs, podcasts, videos, and Trailhead. Get some of that hands-on experience (which is going to be critical for the Admin Cert). You can also look at some of the free resources in the Trailblazer Community; there is a free certification group there that helps you prep for the exams. Good luck!
  
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phil maman

May 15, 2018

Can you address the issue of paying taxes as a consultant vs. W2 and how to set it up right?
Thanks!

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1. Brent Downey
  
  May 22, 2018
  
  I would speak with an accountant or CPA so that you get accurate, professional advice, but I would use a tool like Quickbooks to track your expenses and income. They will help you pay quarterly taxes and ensure that your taxes are done right. Good luck!
  
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Fritz

July 2, 2018

I signed up for the zero to Hero but I haven’t received anything yet?

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1. Brent Downey
  
  July 2, 2018
  
  Hey Fritz! Zero to Hero isn’t delivered by email. Navigate to the Zero to Hero page, and all of the blog posts are listed there in the Table of Contents!
  
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Kristan

July 18, 2018

Hi Brent!

Thanks for all the information on your blog! I did have a question about becoming a Certified Administrator.
I have seen some off-Salesforce courses offered for a discounted rate. Would you recommend taking a course through Salesforce or do you have trust placed in some off-Salesforce such as SimpliLearn.com?

I want to make sure I get a quality learning experience, but for a good price.

Thanks!
Kristan

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Hindy Fishman

February 3, 2019

Hello Brent,
I am so excited to have found this blog. I have been “playing around” on Trailhead for the last 2+ months to learn as much as I can about becoming a Salesforce Admin. I’ve made pretty good progress (39 badges, 27,800 points) but still have a ways to go. However, as you mentioned in your bio learning on the job is the best way to learn. There have been many instances where I can pass a challenge but have trouble visualizing how I can use this in real life. I was wondering if you knew of any opportunities where someone who is in the learning stages could be trained in. Sort of like an internship where an experienced Admin could teach me the ropes in a “live situation”. Looking forward to becoming a Admin Hero :).

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1. Brent Downey
  
  February 10, 2019
  
  That’s awesome progress, Hindy! As you’ve pointed out, the Trailhead badges are good for general knowledge and experience, but it’s always different when applied in the real world! The best way to gain some experience is to find a volunteer opportunity where you can work pro bono. Otherwise, see if you can find a BA or lower level admin job where you can work hands-on with Salesforce in some capacity. Reach out to your local user group to see if there are any local opportunities or available mentorships!
  
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  1. Hindy Fishman
    
    February 10, 2019
    
    Hello Brent,
    Thank you so much for the tips and all you offer on your
    blog! I really appreciate your response. I’ve reached out to some local Salesforce employees on Linkin. I hope it helps me get to the next step!
    All the best,
    Hindy
    
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Customised Report Types = Easier Reports — Blog.CertifyCRM.com

April 15, 2020

[…] more about Report Types in this informative article by Brent Downey […]

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Kiran

August 31, 2023

Hi Brent,

Thanks for making these great apps. They’re really useful for the Salesforce community. I have a little question about Schema Lister. When I use it, I can’t see the newest object details (those from version 57.0). Can we make Schema Lister look at the newest Salesforce version to get info about all the objects?

Regards
Kiran

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