Power Profile: Jeff Tegethoff
Jeff Tegethoff currently serves as CEO of Tegethoff Development.
For Jeff Tegethoff, the Lake of the Ozarks is more than just a scenic backdrop. It's a place filled with personal memories that have shaped his vision for Oasis at Lakeport, a $450 million entertainment complex that is currently under construction.
Growing up in Missouri, Tegethoff spent countless weekends at the Lake with his family, creating memories on the water that have stayed with him. Now, as founder and CEO of Tegethoff Development, he’s working to ensure future generations have the same opportunity.
“(Oasis) is about more than just business,” he said. “It’s about revitalizing a place that has meant so much to me and my family. The Lake of the Ozarks is very near and dear to my heart.”
His personal attachment to the area is evident in the vision he has crafted for Oasis. Set to open in 2025, the development will include a theme park with roller coasters, a water park, a hotel and various retail and dining options. Designed as a year-round destination, Oasis is expected to attract both residents and tourists, offering entertainment and experiences for visitors of all ages. Interest in the project is already high — Tegethoff said full buyouts of the hotel have been reserved by 25 conference groups, representing more than 15,000 annual overnight stays.
While large groups and conferences are a part of the plan for Oasis, Tegethoff’s ultimate goal is to create a space where families can gather and make lasting memories, much like his own family did during his childhood at the Lake.
To bring this ambitious vision to life, Tegethoff has partnered with Ameren Missouri, whose support is critical to the project’s success. The size of the development demands a substantial increase in power capacity — more than the entire city of Osage Beach currently uses. Ameren Missouri is stepping up to meet this challenge by upgrading the local substation to benefit not just Oasis but the surrounding community for decades to come.
“Without Ameren, we wouldn’t be doing this,” Tegethoff said. “We are incredibly proud to say our project is powered by Ameren.”
The upgrade allows the substation to increase its capacity from six megavolt-amperes (MVA) to 44 MVA. This upgrade will not only meet the immediate needs of Oasis but also will support future growth in the area.
“It sets us on a path for the next 50 years,” Tegethoff said, praising Ameren Missouri’s role in making Oasis possible, citing the utility company’s willingness to invest in the region’s future and noting that the project itself couldn’t have happened without Ameren’s cooperation. “The way they’ve committed to this project is going to change the Lake for decades.”
But Oasis is about more than just infrastructure. Beyond entertainment, the development is part of a broader effort to boost the local economy. The project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities during construction and after completion, with hundreds of permanent jobs in hospitality, retail and tourism. Additionally, Oasis is projected to bring a substantial increase in tax revenue for the region, benefiting local schools and infrastructure.
For Tegethoff, these economic benefits align with his broader vision of creating opportunities for both residents and businesses, while keeping family-friendly activities at the heart of the project.
“Our slogan for the development is ‘Where Moments Become Memories,’” he said. “My goal of this development is to be a small part of families making new memories together.”
Tegethoff’s deep connection to the Lake has guided every step of the Oasis project. Now, as a father, he’s excited to share the same experiences with his two young children that he cherished growing up.
“My fondest memories of my childhood were being in the boat with the whole family,” he said. “Hopefully, Oasis will continue that tradition and give people from 8 years old to 88 something to enjoy and bring their families together.”
As construction progresses, Tegethoff’s vision for Oasis is quickly becoming a reality. Poised to transform the Lake region, the development also highlights the importance of public-private partnerships, like the one with Ameren Missouri, in driving long-term, sustainable growth.
To learn more about Jeff Tegethoff and his work with Tegethoff Development, please visit tegethoffdevelopment.com.