From Grit to Growth: The Artisan of the Day Is Daniel Gouvignon.
When Hatchet first started, Daniel says, “We were just a couple of blokes having a crack at building software; no budgets, no flashy setups. Just grit, caffeine, and a love for solving tricky problems.” These days, Daniel uses Laravel to drive real impact, taking Hatchet from its garage beginnings to a trusted Perth software studio.
Building Hatchet on Laravel
Daniel and his co-founder Matt Hare started Hatchet in Perth with nothing but determination (and definitely no big budgets). They first got their hands dirty building software while volunteering with local not-for-profits, where paper-based, outdated systems were crying out for a better way. Laravel gave them the tools to turn those ideas into real solutions, and before long, they were building proper systems for everyone, from small community groups to large enterprises.
Over the years, Hatchet has become known in Perth for turning complex problems into elegant, reliable systems, reinventing everything from e-commerce platforms to enterprise data systems.
Just recently, Hatchet rolled out a refreshed brand identity, launched a modern new website, and opened a thoughtfully designed office space built for collaboration, where they now run a local Laravel Community group from.
A Framework for Mentorship and Community
Hatchet is a long-time supporter of Laravel’s ecosystem. In 2024, they were major sponsors of Laracon AU, helping fuel the community that has enabled their own success.
Closer to home, they support the Perth Laravel Meetup, running events like Community Build & Hack Days where developers of all levels can collaborate, share knowledge, and grow together.
The Hatchet team also contributes through writing and speaking. Their blogs cover Laravel best practices, software architecture, and product thinking, always with a focus on connecting deep technical know-how with sustainable business outcomes. Whether it is articles, talks, or community discussions, the aim is the same: to bridge the gap between code and strategy and help developers create lasting impact.
For Daniel, Laravel itself has been a huge influence throughout his career. From open-source contributions to conferences and the friendships formed along the way, the framework has never felt like just another tool. In his words, “it feels more like being part of a team.”
Looking Ahead
Daniel is excited about Hatchet’s next chapter. After celebrating 10 years in business, the team is shifting gears from being purely a service delivery shop to becoming a product studio. There are already a few things quietly in the works, and one thing is certain: they will be built with Laravel at the core.
Your Story Belongs Here
You don't need to have a course, a talk, or a big launch. If Laravel has been part of your journey (a pivot, a side project, a moment of growth), we'd love to hear about it!
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We're always looking to feature developers from every corner of the community. Beginners, builders, behind-the-scenes folks. If Laravel helped you do something you're proud of, that's a story worth telling.