When David Nieves shows homes, he takes an extra moment to point out architectural features and other important details that demonstrate the craftsmanship of Daniel Island’s builders. David’s carpentry experience gives him this perspective, and it is also these skills that kicked off his 24-year career with the armed services.

When David first enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, he was employed as a carpenter for four years and then an Industrial Engineer for ten years where he was responsible for streamlining work processes at various bases around the world.

Education has always been a priority for David, and during this time he received graduate degrees in human resources, business and health care. It was then that David applied for and was accepted for a direct commission with the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps as an officer and health care administrator.

His assignments with the Navy included San Francisco, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Nashville, Tenn., where he spent four years recruiting medical professionals with an emphasis on physician recruitment. His skills as a recruiter and sales professional for the Navy were unrivaled, and David was named Officer Recruiter of the Year. He was eventually assigned to Charleston Naval Hospital in 2001 and fell in love with Daniel Island and Charleston. He retired in 2004 as a Lieutenant Commander, decided to make Daniel Island his permanent residence and pursued his second career with Daniel Island Real Estate.

David is currently living in his sixth Daniel Island home, and the experience of buying and selling these properties – over the course of seven years – makes him appreciate the mindset of prospective buyers and sellers. “It is an awesome feeling and very rewarding when I can assist a client to secure their residence, help educate them on all that the island has to offer and to make new friends and neighbors.”