About Laurie
I help founders build businesses that don't depend on them for everything.
I'm Laurie McAleenan, an Accredited Online Business Manager with roots in virtual assistance, based in Chesterfield, Virginia. I partner with founders and small business owners who are ready to move from doing it all to having the structure and support to grow.
My Story
Clear process has always been my work
I started as an artist. I earned a BS in Graphic Design and an MFA in Illustration, and I've run my own creative business since 2007.
Then I spent years in technical documentation for the aerospace and automotive industries, including eight years as a Technical Illustrator and Documentation Specialist supporting the NASA Space Shuttle program. In that world, clear process was not optional. Every step had to be documented, understood, and repeatable.
In 2024, I joined VA School, the program created by my mentor, Belinda Sandor of The VA Connection. It changed my life. VA School gave me the skills, the confidence, and the foundation to launch Task Owl, and it shaped the business it is today.
As a virtual assistant, I was in the details of business operations from day one. I quickly noticed the same pattern again and again. Founders came to me thinking they had a delegation problem, and we found out it was a documentation problem. They said they needed more capacity, and what they really needed was clarity about where their capacity was going.
That pattern led me to become an Accredited Online Business Manager. Today, I work with founders at whatever level they need, from hands-on project support to full operational leadership. Strategy and execution, coordinated through one trusted relationship.
I'm honored to do this work, and I'm glad you're here.
What I Believe
Growth doesn't create chaos. It exposes it.
The system runs the business. The people run the system.
Delegation requires clarity before it requires trust.
Complexity is rarely the answer.
Sustainable growth beats fast growth.
My Approach
The Clarity-to-Capacity Framework™
Every engagement follows the same steady path, whether we're finishing one project or building your entire operation.
Discover
Understand what's actually happening.
Diagnose
Identify the root cause.
Design
Build the right solution.
Delegate
Create ownership and clarity.
Develop
Build lasting capacity.
Training and credentials
Accredited Online Business Manager, OBM School
VA School Graduate, The VA Connection
CAIVA: Certified AI-Integrated Virtual Assistant
Certified Creative Strategist, Motion
BS in Graphic Design | MFA in Illustration | 8 years supporting the NASA Space Shuttle program
With Gratitude
Where Task Owl began
Every business has a turning point. Mine was VA School. Belinda Sandor's mentorship taught me how to build a service business with integrity, care, and real skill. Her guidance is woven into how I serve every client today.
I'm a proud VA School graduate and affiliate. If you join through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What guides my work
Beyond the Business
A little more about me
I'm still an artist at heart. When I'm not building systems, you'll find me painting, working on a craft project, or reading a good book. I believe the same creativity that goes into a painting belongs in how we design a business: thoughtful, intentional, and built to last.
Laurie has been a wonderful asset to my practice. She has consistently been organized, responsive, and professional in her communication with both clients and other professionals, which made a noticeable difference in the day-to-day flow of operations.
Sarah Higgins
Operations Coordinator
Ready to find what's really slowing your business down?
Start with a free conversation, or see all the ways we can work together.