David A. Nice Builders Celebrates 50 Years

In 1976, when David and Deborah Nice started their construction company, he was just beginning some small projects, and Deborah worked at Busch Gardens. Now, 50 years later, the company has built a reputation for excellence with major projects across the U.S. and at home in Williamsburg. 

Deborah describes the early days. “David had some small jobs coming in and I would type up the contracts on my brand-new IBM typewriter. We kept our day jobs for a while, but soon we knew that it was time to devote full-time to our business.”  

Things evolved quickly and in 1988 an opportunity came to build a retail store – J.Crew – at the Williamsburg Outlet Mall, then the second J.Crew in Virginia. “We caught the outlet craze and never looked back,” Deborah says. “I was always a shopper, so I loved seeing a store come together, seeing the building come to life.” Old Navy, Athleta, Columbia Sportswear, Aveda, Le Creuset, and Veronica Beard are just a few of the companies David Nice Builders has worked on. 

“We have a history of some amazing retail projects across the country, in some of the most impactful cities. Getting to provide work for local trades and leaving a positive influence in these communities is really cool,” says Brandon Nice, president. 

It’s a family affair at David Nice Builders – including (l. to r.) Amy Nice, Brandon Nice, Chris Nice, Skip Woodroffe, Deborah Nice, David Nice, and Kim Nice Woodroffe. 

David Nice Builders continue their work on retail stores across the country.

With so many major projects in the David Nice Builders portfolio, it is challenging to name just a few. However, Brandon cites several at Busch Gardens and SeaWorld as among his favorites and most complex. The City of Williamsburg fire station, an award-winning project, was also memorable. “This project came in the middle of COVID, so we had to overcome that, meet the budget, and stay on schedule, and our team did it,” Brandon says. 

The new headquarters for Child Development Resources in Williamsburg is another project that they point to with pride. “A big part of our legacy is philanthropy,” Deborah says. “As the company grew, we have been able to give back more. That is our company’s heart. We have been blessed and it’s a blessing to give back.” 

Plans are underway for a new company headquarters, the first in almost 40 years, to house the growing team that works across the company’s specialties – site, retail, commercial, civil, and custom millwork from Nicewood Enterprises, the sister company of David Nice Builders.

Deborah continues to work in the office, mentoring, advising, and enjoying watching her children mature in their leadership roles through a successful succession. David also serves as a mentor to the next generation. “I’m still here because I enjoy seeing things change,” Deborah says. “I like to say the company is my first child. We have nine family members involved from ages 13 to 72. It’s fun to see and think about maybe even a third generation working for the company.” 

Brandon also enjoys that sense of family. His brother, Christopher, serves as vice president.  “Working daily with my brother, family, and a great team and being able to bring out the best in people – that’s what really matters to me.” Sister Kimberly serves as owner/consultant for the company, while younger sister Melissa lives and works on her horse farm in Aiken, South Carolina. 

The Williamsburg Fire Department is a 32,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility that serves as the hub for fire, EMS, administration, and emergency operations for the City of Williamsburg. 

Projects at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA are some of the most complex jobs David Nice Builders tackle.  

Brian Skinner, president of TowneBank Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina, knew David and Deborah for years and introduced them to TowneBank and senior vice president Donna McMahon. Brian later asked Deborah to serve on the TowneBank Williamsburg board. “I said yes and from the first meeting, I knew that TowneBank was different from other banks,” Deborah shares. “It was amazing to see how much our culture aligned with Towne’s. We want our employees to feel they are part of a family, and Towne shares that too. I have heard Bob Aston say 100 times, ‘If you treat people good, good will come back to you.’ I know if I didn’t work for myself, I would work for Towne.” 

“Our faith is what drives us,” Brandon says. “We are so grateful to have the opportunity to use our gifts to advance the Lord’s work. That’s a huge blessing.” “I’m so proud of my children who always put God first,” Deborah adds. “That just makes me glow.”

For more information, visit DavidNiceBuilders.com.