We do the work
Every engagement involves implementation. We write the policies, build the documentation, run the process. You don't get a checklist. You get a partner who executes.
Back to homeReal HR people.
Who we are
Real HR people.
For real businesses.
Conceptual HR was built by HR professionals who spent years inside growing companies and decided there was a better way to deliver that expertise to the businesses that need it most.
100+ Years
Combined HR leadership
150+
Companies advised
Since 2017
Serving small business
How we started
Built by people who've done this at scale.
And chose to do it differently.
Before founding Conceptual HR, Shana Ryan and Leslie Willis held sole oversight of all HR functions for over 700 employees across 43 states for nearly five years. When the company sold to private equity, they took their combined 25+ years of HR experience and built something they wished had existed: an outsourced HR firm that actually does the work, treats clients like people, and delivers the kind of expertise small businesses rarely get access to.
Conceptual HR launched in 2017. It has grown every year since, because the businesses we serve refer us to other businesses. There is no better measure of whether we're doing our job than a client who trusts us enough to put their name behind us.
The founding principle
"Small businesses deserve the same quality of HR that large companies take for granted."
- Senior level expertise, not junior generalists
- Implementation, not just advice
- A real person who answers the phone
How we work
We don't hand you a report and leave. We stay until it's done.
We're in your corner
Your advisor knows your business, your team, and your history. When something happens, you call a person, not a support desk.
We think ahead
HR shouldn't just react to problems. We look at where your business is going and build the HR foundation that gets you there without compliance surprises along the way.
Leadership
The people running the firm.
Shana has been in the Human Resources field for over 20 years across all levels of management. She launched Conceptual HR in 2017 to give small businesses access to the kind of senior HR expertise that's typically reserved for large corporations. She holds a BAS in Supervision and Management and is a Certified Florida Notary Public.
JaxBridges Graduate · Jim Moran Institute Graduate
Leslie has been in the Human Resources field for over 20 years across all levels of management. She holds a BA in Business Management with a specialization in Communications from the University of Phoenix and a Professional in Human Resources Certification from DePaul University. As a small business owner herself (she and her husband own Cousin Willie's Smokehouse in Baldwin, Florida), Leslie understands firsthand what business owners need from their HR partner.
Human resources team
Your advisors. Senior experience, every one.
Every HR advisor at Conceptual HR brings 20+ years of experience. You're never handed off to someone learning on the job.
GinNeal McVay
HR Advisor
MSHRMPHRSHRM-CP
20 years of HR experience across private and public sectors. Master's in Human Resources Management from Troy University. Serves the Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, and Destin markets.
Lisa Saucedo
HR Advisor
Certified Life CoachDISC Practitioner
30+ years in people operations across biomedical, tech, commercial baking, and real estate. BA in Psychology from CSU Long Beach. Known for building the cultural foundations that make businesses thrive.
Karla Brandon
HR & Payroll Coordinator
10+ years in Human Resources, recruiting, and operations. Foundation in Accounting and Professional Accountancy from the University of South Dakota. Specializes in workforce planning, operations analytics, and staffing strategy.
Administrative team
The team behind the scenes.
Merideth Messick
Financial Coordinator
11+ years as auditor and bookkeeper before serving in the United States Army, where she became nationally certified in Radiology and Computed Technology. Joined Conceptual HR in December 2022.
Alexandria Ryan
Sales Coordinator
Specializes in appointment setting and client acquisition. Microsoft certified. Joined Conceptual HR in December 2024 bringing energy, relationship building skills, and a growth mindset to the sales function.
Erica Doyle
Administration Coordinator
Background in executive level support for senior leaders including CEOs at several large corporations. Exceptional organizational, communication, and strategic support skills. Joined Conceptual HR in August 2025.
2017
Founded, serving small business ever since
700+
Employees managed before launching Conceptual HR
43 States
HR coverage in prior corporate role
8 People
On your team at Conceptual HR
Community involvement
We're invested in the communities we serve.
Conceptual HR is proud to be active members and supporters of the small business community, locally and nationally.
SBDC Advisory CouncilJacksonville Business ProfessionalsSt. Johns County Chamber of CommerceWBO Board MemberJaxBridges GraduateJim Moran Institute, Florida State UniversityBBB AccreditedServing Nationwide Since 2017
Work with us
You've read about us.
Now let's talk about you.
A 20 minute call is all it takes to understand your business, identify what you need, and tell you honestly whether we're the right fit.