Meet Eric Moeller | CEO of Freewyld

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Moeller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting Freewyld wasn’t just about launching another business for me—it was about creating something truly unique and impactful in the hospitality space. The seed was planted during a disappointing stay in a tiny home community that promised an immersive experience but fell short due to its poor location and execution. That moment sparked a vision for Freewyld: to elevate short-term rentals into extraordinary, experiential stays that fully immerse our guests in the beauty of nature, all while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality in design, location, and experience.

Freewyld is about more than just a place to stay; it’s about inspiring unforgettable moments and connection, This means going above and beyond in every detail, from the intentional design of our cabins to creating connection in every guest interaction.

And we’re building this brand with a generational mindset. I hope that Freewyld becomes something that (if I’m lucky) my grandkids are proud of one day.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets Freewyld apart isn’t just the design-forward cabins; it’s this philosophy we embody. Wyld Mode, our unique take on disconnecting to reconnect, is at the heart of this. It’s about giving people the power to control their technology, instead of the other way around. We’re most proud of how this mindset shift is impacting our guests’ lives, encouraging them to embrace moments that truly matter, whether they are traveling to one of our cabins or living everyday life at home.

The idea is powerful, but in reality – delivering top-notch guest experiences every single day, with every stay, in every property? It’s a beast. Stuff breaks, plans go sideways – that’s just the reality of hospitality. We’re constantly on our toes, making sure that no matter what happens, our guests still walk away thinking, “Man, that was epic.” Life isn’t ever perfect; we’re focused on making sure that even when things get a bit sideways, our guests know we’ve got their backs. It’s all part of the process, and honestly, it keeps this exciting and real.

The biggest lesson so far? Stay true to your vision, even when it’s against the grain. Embrace the challenges; they’re what make you better. And never forget: it’s all about the people – your team, your guests, your community.

The key message I want the world to know about Freewyld is that we’re about making every moment count, about being present, and about bringing a bit of that wild back into our lives. Freewyld is more than a brand – it’s a movement. And we’re just getting started.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had my best friend in town, we’d skip the LA scene for a bit and take the short drive to Idyllwild. It’s a hidden gem surrounded by the San Jacinto mountains, just about 2-hours from LA, and it’s like stepping into another world. There’s no big-name stores or fast-food joints; it has that authentic, local, mountain-town feel.

In the morning, we’d hit the road early, Freewyld Spotify playlist blasting, and make our way up the mountain. The first stop would be the Earnie Maxwell scenic hike. It’s relatively easy, with killer views, and you can make it as short or long as you want – perfect for getting a taste of the wilderness without going full Bear Grylls.

Post-hike, we’d stop for lunch at the Idyllwild Brew Pub. The food is great, and they have a full selection of craft beers if that’s your thing. After we’re fueled up, it’ll be time to explore the town. Idyllwild is full of cool shops and cafes, each with its own quirky, artsy vibe.

Come dinner time, we’d book a table at Cafe Aroma or Ferro – both are amazing and serve some of the best food in town.

And to cap off the night, we’d head back to the cabin. It’s all about unwinding, soaking in the quiet, and just enjoying the simplicity of mountain life. No distractions, no noise, just good company and the great outdoors. That’s the kind of trip that sticks with you.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give a massive shoutout to the principles laid out in “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara. This book was a game-changer for me, flipping my whole perspective on what it means to serve and delight others. It’s not just about ‘great service’; it’s about making people’s experiences truly memorable and doing it in a way that feels good for everyone involved.

Beyond the book, the support and encouragement from my circle have been invaluable. My Fiance, friends, family, and the team that’s jumped on this wild ride with Freewyld with me deserve a ton of credit. Their belief in the vision, even when things seemed a bit out there, has been the fuel keeping this dream alive.

Lastly, I can’t forget the guests who stay with us. Their feedback, enthusiasm, and the stories they share about their ‘Wyld Mode’ experiences are constant reminders of why we do what we do. This journey is a shared adventure, and every person who’s touched Freewyld in some way is a part of that. So here’s to the dreamers, the doers, the supporters, and the guests who make Freewyld not just a brand, but a movement.

Website: https://www.freewyld.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayfreewyld/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdmoeller/

Image Credits
John Dahlgren