“I have built client relationships that have become friendships, partnerships, and long lasting connections that I will forever value.” Los Angeles-based actor Laura Brunkala values not only the flexibility that tasking adds to her career, but the joy of the human connections she’s made in her seven years on Taskrabbit.
After learning about the app through her friend Becky, Laura was grateful for the opportunity to pursue a career in the entertainment industry while avoiding the monotony of a part-time office job. At the outset, she was strategic in building her freelance business from the ground up. With exceptional service and a smile on her face, she started with low rates until she felt experienced enough to raise her rates to reflect the value of her time and the quality of her work. Reflecting on her early days, Laura says, “I went above and beyond to make my customers comfortable, give them confidence in my work, and provide a guarantee of satisfaction.” Now, as an Elite Tasker, she is the platonic ideal of a “booked-and-busy” lifestyle. Her self-managed schedule allows her the freedom to pursue her extra-curricular passions: travel, music, writing, and spending time with her family.
Below, we caught up with Laura to discuss her journey with Taskrabbit, her favorite anecdotes, and the invaluable advice she would give to new Taskers.
What are misconceptions people have about being a Tasker? What surprised you most about the work when you began?
One thing that has always struck me as surprising is that many people on the outside (friends, family, clients) feel like we don’t have enough work. I’ve had many clients approach me and ask me to adjust rates for a fixed amount of guaranteed hours and I reply, “I’m overbooked! There is no shortage of work for me!” If you offer consistent work with fabulous results, you will have no shortage of opportunities. Dedication, attention to deal, and top-tier service standards speak for themselves and will fill your calendar; there’s a reason top-tier Taskers get those amazing reviews! Additionally, I love that I can redraw my map anywhere and be working wherever I want. The ease of uprooting is a big plus!
Whether it be for Cleaning, Furniture Assembly jobs, or just in general, what’s a piece of advice you’d like to give new Taskers?
Be on time. Be meticulous. Don’t leave until the client is 125% satisfied. Your standards should be higher than the clients! If it isn’t right, find a way–whether that’s through putting extra time in off the clock, asking customer service to assist with comping certain items or fees, or just going out of your way to make the customer feel special. Be better than the standard. It will set you apart and keep the customers coming back.
Can you describe how Taskrabbit has impacted your life?
Taskrabbit has given me the freedom to take the reins on my life and work to live, not live to work. When my dad passed in 2019, I was able to go home to Cleveland, Ohio and spend significant time with my mom and still do work. When I booked roles in film and TV, I could leave my home base in Atlanta and work locally in LA as a tasker when I wasn’t filming. Taskrabbit gave me the ability to say yes and no to opportunities in life based on what suited me best. Taskrabbit gives me real freedom.
What’s a memorable task you’ve completed on Taskrabbit? What surprised you about the task? What made you accept the job?
One of my favorite tasks was with Trick 3D in Atlanta. It is a wonderful company that goes to the children’s hospital every year and offers a 3D holiday show for the kids. We brought in Santa and the kids had written lists for him. Seeing those kids happy and warmed my heart, and I loved collaborating with the wonderful souls at Trick 3D giving back to the community.
In general, I love tasks that make people’s day better. I’ve had a lot of clients with different types of disabilities–vision impairment, mobility issues, illness–other physically challenging situations. I love knowing I am improving someone’s life who is truly grateful for my time.
If you could do a task for anyone, who would it be and why?
I would love to task for any program, individual, or business that serves animals in need. Their love is so pure and so sweet and it seems we can never give enough back to them.
If you would like to work with Laura the next time you book a Tasker, you can find her profile here.
