I am a Web executive, consultant and entrepreneur based in Northern Virginia.  This site provides some basic information about me.

I have been working on the Web since early 1996. Most recently I helped to develop and implement Web and mobile strategy for KaBOOM!, a non-profit that helps communities to build playgrounds.

Before that I co-founded Loladex, which helped people to find local businesses recommended by their Facebook friends.

I originally came to Virginia in 1999 to work for America Online, where I did product strategy for AOL’s local, travel and search groups.

Before AOL I worked in New York City for CondéNet, the Web arm of magazine giant Conde Nast Publications, where I launched the Concierge.com brand, among other things.

My background is in journalism. I was a technology reporter for The Wall Street Journal in both New York and London, and I have written for magazines including Rolling Stone and Premiere. I was features editor of Worth magazine, and business editor of Philadelphia magazine.

To conceive, build and improve online products that provide real benefits and a good experience to many people

Making online products is a never-ending challenge for someone who likes to get things right. Even the best product launch is no more than a beginning; the iteration that follows is tailor-made for an editor like me.

Besides, online apps — most especially mobile apps — are now at the center of our lives. How could anyone creative not want to play a role?

To quote the Bard*:

They’re advertising in the skies
For people like us

(*OK, Bono actually.)

•   I was born and raised in Ireland
•   I’m an alumnus of Princeton University
•   I became an American citizen on July 4, 2002
•   I live in Leesburg, Virginia
•   I am married with four kids
•   My wife Lorraine owns Lola Cookies & Treats, a small bakery in Leesburg

Here is the latest version of my résumé, last updated in June 2011:

» Hooper_Laurence_Resume.pdf