Meet Dan Hine

We recently connected with Dan Hine and have shared our conversation below.

Dan, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

My self-esteem really comes from the way I was raised. My parents didn’t have a lot of money, and my dad worked multiple jobs just to make sure we had food on the table and clothes to wear. Growing up, we learned to be independent and figure things out for ourselves. My parents always reminded us of a few simple rules to live by: don’t cheat, don’t steal, and don’t lie. They believed that if we stuck to those values, life would reward us in ways we couldn’t even imagine. Those lessons stuck with me and shaped the way I approach life—with honesty, hard work, and a belief that good things come to those who do the right thing.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

What started as a simple idea to support local farmers by creating lively, vibrant farmers markets where they could sell their products and earn a fair income, has grown into something much bigger. Farmers remain at the heart of our mission, but along the way, we saw the chance to extend our support to small businesses of all kinds. By offering a platform that provides visibility, encouragement, and a sense of community, EatLoco has become more than just a market—it’s a trusted name and a movement. We have been called an incubator for small businesses, We’re dedicated to helping local entrepreneurs thrive and succeed in an ever-changing, competitive world. I have a deep appreciation for the creativity and passion small business owners bring to their work, whether it’s perfecting a muffin recipe, growing fresh produce, or making soap. Yet, I’ve noticed that while many of these entrepreneurs are incredibly skilled at their craft, they often struggle with the business side; managing operations, scaling, and reaching their full potential.

EatLoco has become a valuable resource for thesebusinesses, helping them navigate the challenges of growth and success. We provide support in developing strategic marketing plans, branding assistance, and innovative strategies to help them stand out. We also foster connections, open doors to collaboration, and offer a whole lot more to set them up for long-term success. And most of the time, we do it for free.

This March 2025, we’re taking the next step by launching our first Open Air Market at the Dulles Town Center Mall in Sterling, VA. It’s an exciting opportunity to expand our mission and continue uplifting small businesses in the community.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Avoid debt at all costs – This should be your top priority. Falling into debt can burden you for years, impacting both your personal life and your business’s future. Instead, focus on building a business with a scalable model that grows steadily without piling on significant expenses.

Follow your Passion – Pursue something you’re passionate about. Building a business around what you truly love makes the hard work feel worthwhile and keeps you motivated through challenges. When you love what you do, success becomes more than just financial—it’s deeply fulfilling.

Stay level-headed – social media can be ruthless. It’s easy to get caught up in negativity or criticism online, but keeping your composure is key. Respond thoughtfully, avoid impulsive reactions, and focus on the bigger picture. Remember, not every comment deserves your attention.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

This situation frequently arises when a vendor approaches me with a request that goes against our established guidelines. While I genuinely want to accommodate everyone and understand the reasoning behind these requests, granting exceptions creates a ripple effect. It sets a precedent, leading other vendors to think they can ask for the same special treatment, which can quickly spiral out of control. With over 500 active vendors at any given time, our guidelines exist to maintain fairness, consistency, and organization. They aren’t arbitrary rules—they’re essential for ensuring we operate smoothly and equitably for everyone involved.

That said, it’s not always easy to say no, especially when the request seems small, simple, or entirely reasonable on its own. However, even the simplest exceptions can create confusion or disrupt the structure we’ve worked hard to build. I always try to balance empathy with the bigger picture, knowing that our defined policies exist to support the entire community of vendors, not just individual cases.

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