We continue our Member Spotlight series with the Pierce family from Manhattan Beach, California. Jill and Adam Pierce met in college at Vanderbilt University, and both went on to pursue careers in New York City. A decade ago, they changed coasts and settled in the South Bay of Los Angeles. They have three active boys ages 3, 5 and 7, and both work in the financial services industry in Los Angeles. Jill and Adam are lifelong skiers and passionate about the outdoors. Adam is an avid angler and hunter, and he expects Jill and the boys to “catch the bug” now that they are members at Victory Ranch.
“Having lived in big cities all of our adult life, we constantly crave open space for ourselves and our children, so we intend to spend as much time at Victory Ranch as our daily lives allow,” shared Adam.
In our one-on-one conversation with the Pierces, they share with us the exact moment they knew Victory Ranch was the place for them, what activity they look forward to most and how Victory Ranch satisfies their “open space” itch.
How did you first hear about Victory Ranch, and what was your first impression upon visiting?
Adam Pierce: Since we live at the beach, we were in the market for a mountain place that we could spend equal time in the summer and winter. We had focused in on Utah given the convenience from Los Angeles. We were introduced to Victory Ranch through some friends from Manhattan Beach who were long-time Deer Valley vacationers and were beginning construction on their custom home at Victory Ranch.
We fell in love with Victory Ranch at first sight. We were amazed by the open spaces, ease of access to a multitude of unique activities, and proximity to great skiing. Jill pinpoints the kids snowmobiling as the exact moment she knew this is where she wanted to be.
How familiar were you already with the Deer Valley/Park City area?
AP: Jill grew up skiing in Deer Valley, and we have been bringing our kids here more recently in the winter. We are partial to Deer Valley since they limit the lift tickets, so lift lines are very reasonable, but also love Alta, Snowbird and Solitude for more serious skiing. We have yet to spend the summer here but are very excited to do so.
For someone unfamiliar with the Park City area, how would you sum it up?
Jill Pierce: Park City has the best of both worlds – mining town mountain charm with upscale bars and restaurants. Because we live in a major city, we weren’t interested in a mountain town that was too commercial, but also didn’t want a one-horse town. We felt like Park City is mountain charming with an understated sophistication about it. Not to mention it is 40 minutes from a major and reliable airport.
There are a number of great places to own a home in the Park City/Deer Valley area. What was it about Victory Ranch that made it the right place for you and your family?
JP: For Adam, it started with the fishing and hunting, while still accessible to world class skiing. No other development offers that in such an unparalleled setting with such renown guides. The fact that there will only be 350 homesites on this vast property definitely scratches our “open-space” itch. Also, we plan to use Victory Ranch equally in the winter and summer. It offers so much in the summer, and with a membership to the Deer Crest Club, ski access is quite convenient. We enjoy the ability to get back to the Ranch once the day is over.
What did you find most appealing about the Cabin Homes at Victory Ranch?
JP: The design is incredible. Also the ease of construction from afar and ongoing property management of the cabins made them a no-brainer for us.
What do you look forward to most about being a member/owner at Victory Ranch?
JP: Teaching our kids to fish, golf and shoot, seeing the stars at night, and getting to know other members from all over the country.
Is there an amenity or activity at Victory Ranch that you’re particularly fond of?
AP: Fishing was our initial draw, but we have fallen in love with snowmobiling and are looking forward to snowshoeing, convenient access to golf and spending summer days on the Jordanelle.
What do you think your kids will enjoy most about Victory Ranch?
AP: We are looking forward to our kids finding other Victory Ranch friends and developing some lasting relationships and traditions while exploring unique activities in a “free-range” setting.
Are there activities you haven’t done before and look forward to trying now?
AP: With any of these activities, whether we have done them many times before or not, there is always more to learn. Having access to such talented guides is a huge reason we joined and makes the experience more enjoyable. It also makes trying new activities less daunting.
Have you had a chance to interact much with other members yet? What about the staff at Victory Ranch?
JP: We love the staff and think they make this place as special as it is. We just joined in February so we have not had a chance to meet many members but are looking forward to doing so. Those that we have met seem to like the Club for the same reasons we did. The families here are from all over the country with a common love of the outdoors.
If someone was considering a home or homesite at Victory Ranch, what’s the one thing you would tell them?
AP: Go see it for yourself. It sells itself.