Daniel Hopper, Co-Founder and Director of In-line Projects, thrives on the dynamic interplay between construction and people. With nearly two decades of experience in the industry, he has cultivated a passion for working alongside talented individuals to bring remarkable projects to life. His portfolio spans new builds, refurbishments, and fit-outs across diverse sectors, including education, commercial, retail, hospitality, and residential. Daniel’s leadership philosophy centres on empowering teams by striking the perfect balance between autonomy and support. He finds immense fulfilment in watching his team members achieve their goals, fostering both professional growth and personal development while ensuring every project becomes an opportunity for collaboration and enjoyment.
Adept at navigating challenges with clarity under pressure, Daniel brings strong problem-solving skills honed over 15 years in construction. His unwavering commitment to excellence has enabled him to deliver complex projects despite unique obstacles, always striving for outstanding outcomes. Beyond achieving results, Daniel prioritises creating an environment where teamwork is not only effective but also enjoyable. By blending expertise with enthusiasm, he transforms even the most demanding tasks into rewarding experiences for everyone involved—proving that success is best achieved when shared.
Q: Can you provide a brief background about yourself, your family, and your business?
I am the co-founder and director of In-line Projects. We are a commercial builder specialising in interior fit-out and refurbishment projects, mainly focused on workplace, hospitality, and retail. I have lived in Melbourne since moving here from the UK in 2007. My now wife was responsible for my relocation, and I haven’t looked back. We have two children: Leo, who is 8, and Ivy, who is 4.
Q: What inspired you to be an entrepreneur?
I still struggle to think of myself as an entrepreneur and don’t feel like I’m worthy of the title! However, I have always aspired to run my own business and be able to make an impact that is entirely aligned with my values.
Q: What aspects of being an entrepreneur do you enjoy the most?
I am very much people-focused. Bringing together a group of people to create a team and then watching them achieve great outcomes is an honour and makes me very happy!
Q: What significant challenges have you encountered as an entrepreneur?
The wearing of many hats throughout the early years of growth has been both challenging and rewarding. More recently, my biggest challenge has been how I remove myself from getting dragged into the day-to-day minutiae to enable me to put my energy into more impactful areas.
Q: What motivated you to join EO?
Being able to surround myself with other entrepreneurs from many different backgrounds and learn from their stories was my initial reason for joining EO. However, since becoming a member, I have already realised that meeting amazing people is just a small part of it. I have found myself already thinking differently about how I view my business and my role within it, along with being more disciplined and holding myself accountable.
Q: Can you share a valuable lesson you’ve learned from your own experience or from another entrepreneur or mentor?
Nothing comes to mind. I’ll have a think over the weekend.