Todd and Rhonda Achberger might tell you a little about their careers, but their favorite subject

is their family. They loved raising their children, and now that they have retired, they spend as

much time as they can with their grandchildren.

Todd is from North Canton, Ohio. He moved south for a golf scholarship at Gardner-Webb

University. He met Rhonda, a South Carolina native, at a party.

“We met when I was finishing college,” Todd says. “Rhonda had gone to work as a hair stylist

right after high school, had her own business, and was building a home. She was so

impressive! We were married ten months after we met and have been happily married for 43

years.”

Their 1982 wedding was the embodiment of Rhonda’s fairytale vision.

“It was a grand affair,” she says, “with over 400 guests, 13 bridesmaids, 13 groomsmen, a

flower girl, and a ring bearer. The reception featured a live band, champagne, a beautiful cake,

and food lovingly prepared by my mother and close friends. The next morning, we set off for our

honeymoon in the Pocono Mountains.”

After receiving his B.S. in Marketing, Todd began his career with Liberty Life as an agent. He

quickly advanced through the company, achieving the position of Senior Vice President of

Marketing. In 2006, he joined New York Life, playing a key role in building out the office that

now overlooks Fluor Field. Ultimately, he transitioned to The Guardian, serving as the General

Agent for the state of South Carolina. In 2023, he retired after 41 years in the financial services

industry.

“I am so grateful for a rewarding and impactful career,” he says.

Rhonda found her calling early in life. At 16, she began training as a hair designer while in high

school. She worked alongside her mother, mastering her craft and building lasting relationships.

“When we moved to Anderson,” Rhonda says, “I relocated my business to The Corner Hair

Salon, which I ran successfully for 28 years. After 48 years in the beauty industry, I retired with

Todd in 2023, proudly closing this remarkable chapter.”

The Achbergers’ family life began with twins! Natasha was the firstborn by two minutes.

“Natasha is driven and accomplished,” they say. “A standout student and leader, she was

involved in countless high school activities and even appearing in the movie ‘Radio.’ She

attended the University of South Carolina and studied abroad in Newcastle, Australia. After

graduation, she worked in non-profits before transitioning into banking, starting at South State

Bank. She was recruited as the Chief Marketing Officer for HomeTrust Bank, and in February,

we proudly watched her and her team ring the opening bell on Wall Street. Natasha is a devoted

mother to our beloved granddaughter, Bebe.”

Son Nick was the family athlete. “Nick was passionate about baseball from the age of five,” his parents say. “He played year-round on travel teams, summer leagues, and school teams. He was recruited by several

colleges and chose Carson-Newman University, where he started all four years and earned

numerous awards. After graduation, he played two years of independent professional baseball

in Michigan. Nick and his wife, Carling, live in St. John, Florida, with their two children, Emery

and Penn, and their rescue dog of 14 years, Sadie. Nick is Regional Sales Manager and

Comcast National Account Manager with AFL Global.”

When they’re not visiting their children, the Achbergers enjoy their hobbies. Golf has always

been a part of Todd’s life, and he plays several times a week.

“I’m a bit of a golf club enthusiast. I do my own repairs and even help my friends with theirs. It’s

more than a game; it’s a lifestyle and a passion. And speaking of passion, I never miss an Ohio

State Buckeyes football game! We were in Atlanta this past January to see them beat Notre

Dame for the National Championship. I even have a Buckeye game room.”

Rhonda’s hobbies revolve around their home. She works with an interior designer to update and

refresh each room. She also does hair for a small group of long-time clients. Outside, she

loves tending her flowers.

I nurture my roses while Todd handles most of the landscaping. We love to entertain, especially

in the evenings when the lights come on, the music plays, and friends gather around the putting

green or golf simulator.”

The Achbergers’ primary hobby, though, is spending time with their grandchildren.

“Emery, almost seven, is our first grandchild. With her fiery red hair just like Rhonda’s and her

boundless energy, she lights up every room. She’s a dancer, soccer player, swimmer, and

budding gymnast. She performed in seven dances at her latest recital and shows talent beyond

her years.

“Penn, three, is our little athlete. With his mother’s blonde hair and a love for sports, he’s

learning to throw left-handed, thanks to his dad’s strategic coaching. He’s all boy: active,

fearless, and full of potential. We may just see ‘Penn Achberger’ on a major league pitching

mound one day.

“Bebe, six, is creative and curious with a vivid imagination. She loves Barbies, art, and her

favorite YouTube shows. Her bilingual elementary school teaches half the day in English and

the other half in French, which she’s thriving in. Like her cousin Emery, Bebe has appeared in

dance recitals. She also has a lovable miniature Goldendoodle named Goose. Watching our

grandchildren grow and thrive is one of life’s greatest blessings. It’s like getting the chance to

raise our own kids all over again, but with a little more wisdom and a lot more joy. We cherish

the opportunity to share our experiences and gently guide our children as they parent the next

generation.”

The Achbergers’ smallest family member weighs only five pounds.

“Lacy, our beloved Gold Dust Yorkie, was a surprise gift for Rhonda’s 65th birthday and

retirement. She survived a life-threatening bout of meningitis. She requires monthly treatments

and daily medication, but she remains our miracle pup and goes everywhere with us!

During their 17 years in Thornblade, the Achberger’s home has been a wonderful place to host

their children and grandchildren. But the community is so much more than that to Todd and

Rhonda.

“Thornblade has been a huge blessing due to all of the close friendships we’ve developed. We

have watched Thornblade grow by leaps and bounds with so many improvements and

renovations at the club. Thornblade is like a community in and of itself with people on golf carts,

people walking their dogs, in a safe and friendly community.”