The Driftwood Shores Story: Lessons from an Intentional Investor
A Conversation Worth Hearing
At Nightly, we believe every investor has a story worth sharing — the lessons, the risk, and the moments of clarity that shape real success.
That's why we recently recorded a special feature conversation with two leaders shaping the short-term rental landscape in the Ozarks: developer and realtor Joel Gaisford, and Nightly co-founder John Starks.
It's an honest look at what it means to be an intentional investor — someone who builds wealth with purpose, chooses partnerships wisely, and never stops learning.
The Story Behind Driftwood Shores
Meet Joel Gaisford, a Springfield real estate veteran and developer. He grew up on Table Rock Lake and wanted to create a place where families could share the same kind of memories he did.
That dream became Driftwood Shores — a short-term rental resort community that reimagines what lakefront living can be.
The project started small: 14 old cabins tucked along the shoreline. Joel saw something bigger — a family-friendly resort designed for both joy and ROI.
Through zoning challenges, water system rebuilds, and even a new water tower, he stayed focused. The result: 38 thoughtfully designed lake homes with direct dock access, each built for shared experiences and strong returns.
Why Partnership Matters More Than Ever
When Joel decided to open Driftwood Shores to investors, he knew what he didn't want — to be both developer and property manager.
"I didn't want to promise buyers numbers. That's risky," Joel said. "I wanted an expert to guide that conversation."
That's where Nightly came in.
We met with Joel early in the process — before the first unit was listed. He could tell right away that we weren't just another management company.
"One word for Nightly? Thorough. They made sure I understood every part of what I was doing."
For Joel, partnering with Nightly meant he could focus on building a great community while we focused on helping investors succeed inside it.
What Makes an Investor Intentional
If you want to invest in short-term rentals the right way, here's what Joel and John from Nightly agree on:
Know your story before the numbers.
Your reason for buying matters. A lake house that fits your life will perform better long term.
Do your due diligence.
Understand zoning, utilities, and permits before you buy. That's where many investors get stuck.
Get real projections, not guesses.
Visit nightlyrentalmanagement.com and click "Get a Free Projection." Enter your property details, and our Google-certified data analyst will send you a custom revenue forecast — usually within one business day.
Count the real cost of "self-managing."
Calls come 24/7. Guests call when your water heater breaks during your kid's recital. Know the trade-off before you commit.
Work with people who care.
Numbers matter. But trust, transparency, and heart matter more.
👉 Ready to see what your property could earn?
For Realtors Serving Intentional Investors
Realtors play a critical role in this story. You're the bridge between vision and execution. That's why Nightly created tools that help you serve clients better — and stand out in your market.
• Submit a property address through our Free Projection Form
• Get our "One-Page Wonder," containing Nightly's full value proposition and 5/5/5 guarantee
• Stay connected in our CRM for referral protection — when your client sells, we send them back to you
And instead of a small referral check, we offer something with real staying power: a free stay in a Nightly home that you can gift to a client or use yourself. That's what we call evergreen referrals — opportunities that grow long after the deal closes.
Lessons from the Lake
"Find an expert. Don't fake it. You're dealing with people's retirement money." — Joel Gaisford, Developer, Driftwood Shores
"Know your numbers first. Too many investors buy before checking the math. That's how 'free lake houses' turn into $2,000-a-month headaches." — John Starks, Co-Founder, Nightly
Both are right. Being intentional means slowing down long enough to make smart choices — and having the right people in your corner.
Listen to the Full Conversation
🎧 Listen to our feature episode: The Driftwood Shores Story