What’s the Deal? | Inside Pointe Vista’s Hard Rock Residences with Grant Speakes

What’s the Deal? | Inside Pointe Vista’s Hard Rock Residences with Grant Speakes

How did you begin your career in real estate development?

I was in the Army for eleven years, and one of my favorite assignments was when we built a city out in the middle of nowhere. I enjoyed watching it come together, solving all the obstacles. Afterward, it seemed like a natural progression into real estate development.

Can you explain the development concept for both Pointe Vista and Hard Rock Residences?

Building on my experience in the Army, we wanted to create a community and a city within a city. That’s one of the most exciting parts of the project—creating a complete lifestyle experience. The goal is to build a community that’s attractive not only to families but also to young adults and different groups of people. We’re designing the whole development to offer a range of opportunities for everyone to enjoy.

Did you begin developing Pointe Vista and the Hard Rock Residences at the same time?

Not exactly. We started with residential development two years ago at Bridge Pointe and Reflection Pointe. Around the same time, we were considering various hotel brands, and there were a lot of great options. But we kept coming back to Hard Rock. After a few discussions, we found ourselves in their office in Hollywood, Florida, and we realized they were the perfect partners for what we wanted to create.

How did you determine that Hard Rock was the right brand for your target market and demographic?

We thought about the kind of experiences we wanted to give our guests. We wanted a brand emphasizing fun, music, and a lifestyle focused on friends, family, and good times. Hard Rock embodies all of that. They’re about having a good time, promoting a lifestyle of celebration, and offering a memorable experience. It also aligned perfectly with the demographic we wanted to attract—families, young professionals, and individuals looking for a vacation retreat. We wanted something that had that “wow” factor, and with its global appeal and iconic brand, Hard Rock fit that vision perfectly for our rural location and target market.

Where is Pointe Vista located?

We’re a little north of the Texas-Oklahoma border, so we’re within easy reach for people in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. From the edge of the metroplex, you can get here in 30-45 minutes, and from downtown Dallas, it’s about an hour and a half. With 11.5 million people living within a two-hour radius, it’s a prime spot for people looking for a close getaway. We wanted to build something that would make people say, “Hey, I’ll get out of the city and head here for the weekend.” We’re also excited about the development of the Roosevelt Bridge on Highway 70, which connects our development to Durant. It’s a two-lane bridge that’s been around for quite some time, and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is in the process of expanding and improving it. Once the new bridge is constructed, it’ll make it much safer and easier for people to access Pointe Vista.

What made you decide on that specific area for the development?

It was an opportunity. Before we owned the land, the state owned the land, and it was a state park, and then it fell into disrepair. The state sent a proposal request, so a few different groups got involved. My business partner saw the opportunity, and he called up one of his good buddies, and they partnered up and started the project. After that, the Great Recession hit, so we faced a lot of trials and tribulations, but we worked through them and are making the project happen.

What was the permitting process for turning a state park into this residential neighborhood and resort?

The state has been fantastic to work with. They understood the project's vision and partnered with us to make it happen. From a permitting perspective, it hasn’t been too challenging because we’ve worked closely with the state and other entities like the Corps of Engineers and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. They’ve all been great partners throughout the process.

What was the most challenging part of the development process?

The unexpected challenges were definitely the hardest part. Our founder has held onto this project for a long time, and he’s weathered quite a few storms, and then COVID-19 hit just as we had finalized the deal. It felt like we constantly had to go back to the drawing board, but through perseverance and a strong team around us, we’ve been able to push through those challenges. We always knew we’d get here, but the journey took more twists and turns than anticipated.

Who would you say has been a crucial partner in this development?

Definitely Hard Rock. They’ve introduced us to many opportunities and have been amazing partners every step of the way. Another key partner has been our construction group, Beck, based in Dallas. They’ve been incredibly helpful and responsive. I can call them up on a Friday with an idea, and by Monday morning, they have a plan ready for us. Hard Rock has a wealth of experience operating hotels globally, and they bring that to the table. They also understand our vision for this rural location, and together, we’ve been working on the design process for both the hotel and residences. Their team is incredibly smart and creative, and they’ve introduced us to new ideas and opportunities. It’s been a really collaborative and smooth partnership.

What are some standout amenities at Hard Rock Residences?

The biggest standout would have to be our Caribbean Bay. It’s an 11-acre, artificial body of crystal-clear water with white sand beaches, giving you a Caribbean-like experience right in your backyard. You won’t need to fly across the country to get that beach vacation feeling. We’ll have cabanas, pools, pavilions, and a kids’ zone with obstacle courses in the water for the younger ones. The bay also includes a public access area and a floating stage for concerts, keeping with the Hard Rock vibe. We also have the Chickasaw Pointe golf course, which was already a top-ranked course in the state. We plan to relocate a few holes to improve the golf experience and add a putting course for families or anyone who wants to enjoy a quick round without committing to four hours on the course. It’s all about giving people a range of activities to enjoy, whether they’re serious golfers or just there to have fun.

What has been the most rewarding part of this entire process?

The groundbreaking was a huge moment for us. It was like, “Okay, this is really happening.” I think the most rewarding part will be when we welcome our first residents and see people enjoying the lake, golfing, or just spending time with their families. That’s what it’s all about—creating a place where people can make memories.

What advice would you give someone just starting in real estate or development?

Continue learning and developing your skills. You never know when opportunities will arise, so take every meeting and listen to people. Over the years, we’ve heard a lot of great ideas and some not-so-great ones, but the key is to stay open and keep learning. I returned to school after the Army, and continuing education has been valuable. Never stop learning—that’s my best advice.

This interview was conducted through Traded’s Ambassador Program in collaboration with Julie Berman.

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