Feb. 25, 2025

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Daniel Neeves, assistant library director at Siouxland Libraries. 

Name: Daniel Neeves

Age: 42

Hometown: The short answer is Sioux Falls. South Dakota is the seventh state I’ve lived in, but I’ve been here the majority of my life, and it is certainly home. I wouldn’t want to call another place home. It’s a wonderful place to raise a family, and call me crazy, but I like the winters.

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I’m a military brat. My dad went from active-duty Air Force to the Sioux Falls Air Guard and moved us from Las Vegas to Sioux Falls. It was a culture shock for sure, especially since we moved here during a nasty cold spell!

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I love Sioux Falls. I married a South Dakota girl, and we both have family here. Not to mention that I fell in love with my job and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I would eventually like to buy some land, but I want to stay close to Sioux Falls.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Definitely the people. When I first started working for Siouxland Libraries, I found my purpose in serving our community by helping guests find their next read, learn how to use a computer, apply for a job and countless other things. Some big and some small, but all impactful. These days I get to help develop members of our team and help shape our culture. I love teaching and seeing people reach their potential. I’m probably a little cheesy, but they put up with my weirdness. 😊

How did you get connected to your industry?

This is probably a strange answer, but it was by complete accident. I was a teenager when a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to take his job, which happened to be a shelver at the Caille Branch Library. Who could argue with a decent schedule and a little extra pocket change. About six months into the job, I was asked to fill in at the desk. That is when I began working directly with our guests and seeing the impact we have on the community. I knew then that I was in the right place.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Hospitable, fun, passionate.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

Aviation has been part of my family for generations. Growing up around planes has afforded me the opportunity to solo at 16 years old and get my pilot’s certificate at 17 years old. I am actually building a plane in my garage right now. My brother-in-law is building one, too, and we’re in a stiff competition to see who will finish first. I’m winning by the way. 😉

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

My wife and I are both very involved in our church community. We have been youth leaders for over 20 years, teaching and mentoring middle and high school students. I also play bass — attempt to really — on our church’s worship team.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Thinking really crazy? How about Sioux Falls’ very own NFL franchise! I mean, the Vikings keep letting everyone down, and I can’t bring myself to root for them anyway. Slightly less crazy, I would love to see a big indoor paintball facility that offers both speedball and rec ball. It’s such an underappreciated sport, not to mention great exercise!

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

I can think of a couple different ideas. I love teaching and think it would be awesome to start a hospitality and leadership coaching/consulting business. Or, set up a hunting guide service. I love being outdoors and hunting and fishing. Selfishly, I love seeing others find joy in things I enjoy.