From roof-raising storms to leading sales, Clark Hopley reflects on 15 Years at KINNECT

Fifteen years ago, Clark Hopley leapt into the unknown with KINNECT—and he’s been helping shape the company’s success story ever since. From natural disasters to unforgettable client experiences, meaningful moments and personal growth, Clark’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of having an exceptional team around you.

Below, Clark (now in his role as Client Success Partner) reflects on his time at KINNECT and over a decade and a half in the dynamic world of occupational health.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned?

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned—though, admittedly, it took me longer than it should have—is that success isn’t just about strategy or hard work; it’s about people. When you bring in the right talent, invest in their growth, and create an environment where they can thrive, the results take care of themselves. A strong, capable team doesn’t just improve a company—it propels it forward, unlocking new levels of innovation, performance, and success.

I’ve also learned that clients don’t always know exactly what they need—or the best way to achieve it. That’s where we come in. Our role isn’t just to provide a service; it’s to guide our clients through the ever-evolving world of occupational health, helping them navigate best practices and make informed decisions that truly benefit their workforce. It’s about being a trusted partner, not just a provider.

And perhaps the most unexpected yet rewarding lesson? The privilege of working alongside my wife, Jess, every single day. Let’s be real—most couples would rather wrestle a crocodile than work together full-time, but it’s only made our relationship stronger. That’s not to say there haven’t been spirited discussions, shall we say. But through it all, we’ve built something incredible together, both in business and life, which I’ll never take for granted.

What are some of the most memorable things that have happened?

There are so many that I’ve lost count over the years, but here are a few standouts:

1. The Physio Stalker and the Flaming Office – One of our poor KINNECT Cairns Physios found himself with an overenthusiastic admirer who, unfortunately, crossed every professional boundary imaginable. Hundreds of phone calls later, this “patient” decided to take things up a notch—breaking into our clinic and setting the poor physio’s office on fire. Not exactly the kind of “burnout” we talk about in healthcare!
2. Townsville’s Freak Tornado – We pride ourselves on being adaptable, but nothing tests your resilience like walking into your Townsville office and realising Mother Nature has done some impromptu “renovations.” A tornado came through and literally took the roof off—because why settle for a minor storm when you can have full-blown chaos?
3. Unexpected Workplace Settings – KINNECT’s work has taken us to some of the most extreme and unusual environments. Providing physio services to asylum seekers in Nauru and Christmas Island? We’ve done it. Managing injuries in underground coal mines 1600m beneath the surface? Tick. Working on offshore oil rigs in WA? Absolutely.
4. The Naked Neck Complaint – This was possibly one of my most awkward moments as a practising physiotherapist. A female patient walked into my treatment room completely stark naked. After maintaining my best poker face and very professionally asking what was bothering her, she casually informed me it was… a niggle in her neck. It seemed that dress codes were optional that day.
5. The Beginning of KINNECT’s Medical Empire – instead of the result of years of planning, it started with me signing a contract with Gladstone Regional Council and Bechtel, even though we had never done this type of work before. We dived in with the fastest ever set up time, sheer determination and mild panic, ending with Courtney Hargrave and me sitting on the floor of my house at midnight processing medical results, running on caffeine and adrenaline. We pulled it off, and the rest is history!

What are you looking forward to in the future for KINNECT?

KINNECT has already surpassed my wildest expectations. When I joined 15 years ago, we were a team of about 25 focused on physical conditioning, workplace rehab, and the occasional injury prevention program. Fast-forward to today, and we’ve grown into an unstoppable force of over 290+ incredible people across multiple offices, with a culture that’s second to none.

Looking ahead, I want us to keep that momentum going. I want KINNECT to cement itself as the leading Occupational Health company in Australia, the one that businesses turn to without a second thought, not just because of our scale but because of the value, innovation, and expertise we bring to the table.

And, if along the way, we can dodge any more natural disasters, fires, or unexpected nudity – well, that would be a bonus.

What’s kept you at KINNECT?

I have never once sat at my desk counting down the hours until the end of the day. If anything, I often wish time would slow down because there’s always something happening. From my early days on the ground as a physiotherapist to my current passion for client success, every role has been filled with variety, challenge, and growth.

Beyond that, the flexibility and genuine care I’ve received from KINNECT have meant the world to me. Jess and I have had our fair share of health challenges with our daughter over the years, and the unwavering support we’ve had through it all is something I’ll always be deeply grateful for.

Finally, the people. I’ve always believed that if you want to be successful, you should surround yourself with successful people. At KINNECT, I get to work with an extraordinary team—people who are not just great at their jobs but who genuinely care, push boundaries, and make the workplace somewhere I look forward to being every single day.

If I had to sum it up? KINNECT isn’t just a job – it’s an adventure. And I’m excited to see where the next 15 years take us!

If you’re interested in a career with meaning and incredible potential for growth, explore the vacancies in our Careers Centre.