Some families move into a neighborhood. Others become woven into its story.

For the Pierce family, Spaulding Farm has been home for more than thirteen years, but what they've built here goes far beyond the walls of their house. Their story is one of faith, intentional parenting, community, and creating traditions that have become part of the fabric of the neighborhood itself.

Martin and Michelle Pierce have been married for 23 years, but their story began long before they called Greenville home. It started with a phone call. During Martin's freshman year at the United States Military Academy at West Point, a unique chain of events quietly set the stage for the future. Martin's former youth pastors had moved from Mobile, Alabama, to Orlando, Florida. Around the same time, Michelle—who grew up in upstate New York—was visiting a friend in Orlando and met those same youth pastors.

Thinking the two might be a great match, they told Michelle about a young cadet named Martin.

A week later, she picked up the phone. That conversation sparked a relationship that continued through college. Martin proposed during their junior year at West Point, and the couple married the day after graduation. More than two decades later, they are still building a life together centered on faith, family, and serving others.

Life has taken them across several states. Martin grew up in Mobile, Alabama, while Michelle was raised in upstate New York. After Martin accepted a career opportunity with Milliken, the family relocated from Westfield, New Jersey, to Greenville. In January 2013, they moved into Spaulding Farm—a decision they say has been one of the best moves for their family.

Today, the Pierce household is a lively one. Their oldest daughter, Gabby, recently graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Psychology and has begun her career in Charleston. Their son, Bo, is entering his junior year at Clemson, pursuing a degree in Construction Science and Management after discovering a passion for the construction industry through internships with Creative Builders.

Closer to home, the three younger daughters keep the family calendar full. Addie, a junior at J.L. Mann, balances academics with varsity golf and volleyball, bringing determination and focus to everything she does. Ellie, a freshman at J.L. Mann, also competes on the varsity golf team while playing both school and travel basketball. Her family describes her as talented, easygoing, and someone who brings plenty of laughter wherever she goes.

The youngest, Ainsley, is in sixth grade at Beck Academy. She plays basketball, loves dance, and proudly embraces her role as the family's most feminine spirit.

Athletics certainly play a major role in Pierce family life, but they're equally passionate about music. Michelle's musical influence shines throughout the household, with Bo and Ellie both playing guitar and drums, while Addie enjoys playing piano.And of course, no introduction to the family would be complete without mentioning Dixie, their lovable 11-year-old Golden Retriever, who has faithfully been part of countless family memories over the years.

Professionally, both Martin and Michelle enjoy careers focused on helping others. After serving as CEO of a national workforce solutions company, Martin recently launched Pierce Strategic Advisors, where he now coaches business owners and leaders through his Commanding Growth Program. His passion is helping entrepreneurs unlock new levels of growth—not only within their businesses but also in their personal leadership.

Michelle has spent the past two and a half years serving as office manager at Renew Pain Solutions, where she helps patients navigate their care with compassion and professionalism. 

Faith has always been the cornerstone of the Pierce family. Christmas is their favorite time of year, not simply because of the decorations—although their home certainly becomes a neighborhood favorite with eight to ten beautifully decorated Christmas trees and an impressive display of lights—but because the season centers on celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Their commitment to faith extends well beyond the holidays. Martin currently serves on the Board of 3GEN Ministries, an organization dedicated to equipping men, women, and families through biblical discipleship and leadership development, investing in future generations through strong families and intentional mentorship.

When summer arrives, you'll often find the Pierces enjoying time together on Lake Keowee or relaxing at the beach before another busy school year begins. During the school year, however, life often revolves around basketball courts, volleyball gyms, golf courses, and countless practices and competitions.

Like many Spaulding Farm families, weekends frequently involve cheering from the sidelines. One tradition, however, stands above the rest. Every Thanksgiving morning at 10:00 a.m., neighbors gather in the large field across from the clubhouse for the annual Turkey Bowl football game. The tradition began years ago with the McBride family, and the Pierces have faithfully carried it forward ever since moving into the neighborhood. Children, parents, grandparents, longtime residents, and newcomers all come together for a little friendly competition, plenty of laughter, and memories that last well beyond the final touchdown.

For the Pierce family, it's one of the very best parts of living in Spaulding Farm.

Their favorite neighborhood memories also include the excitement of swim team during the children's younger years and the joy of watching hundreds of kids fill the streets every Halloween. Those moments remind them what makes Spaulding Farm so unique. "It's always bustling with children."

That simple observation says a lot. For Martin, one of the neighborhood's greatest blessings is its walkability. As an avid marathon runner, many miles of training have taken place on the streets of Spaulding Farm. Those runs have become more than exercise—they've become opportunities to wave at neighbors, catch up with friends, and appreciate the community they've grown to love.

When the family isn't at sporting events, they're enjoying some of Greenville's outstanding restaurants. Sabroso Mexican Grille, Jianna, and Otto Izakaya are among their favorites for a night out, while Culver's easily earns the title of favorite fast-food stop. After more than thirteen years, the Pierces have watched children grow up together, celebrated milestones alongside neighbors, and seen friendships develop that stretch far beyond property lines.

Perhaps that's what makes Spaulding Farm feel different. It's not simply a neighborhood where people live.

It's a place where traditions are passed from one family to the next. Where children safely ride bikes, neighbors know one another by name, and holidays become community celebrations.

For the Pierce family, those simple moments—football games on Thanksgiving morning, marathon runs through familiar streets, evenings cheering from the sidelines, and Christmas celebrations centered on faith and family—have become the memories that matter most.

And after thirteen and a half years, they're grateful to call Spaulding Farm exactly what it has become:

Home.