Inspiring Conversations with Eric D. Moeller of Freewyld

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric D. Moeller

Hi Eric D., thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
A few years ago, I booked an Airbnb. The location was beautiful, and we were traveling with amazing friends. The conversation quieted at one part of the night, and we all stared into the fire. After a few minutes, I looked around, and my heart sank when I noticed everyone had pulled out their phones and started scrolling. (Myself included.)

We were in a beautiful place and had paid good money to be there together, and yet we were scrolling through the same apps we were addicted to on the couch at home.

At that moment, I shook the trance off from the phone in my hand and announced to our group, “We’re going into Wyld Mode!” I found a basket, and we all placed our phones inside. That night became one of the most memorable experiences with those friends. We turned on a playlist, broke out a game, and reconnected with the present moment – and each other.

As someone who’s spent the last 18 years in real estate, construction, and short-term rentals, this experience inspired me to create Freewyld. Freewyld offers inspiring cabins close to nature that are designed to help people spend more time in “Wyld Mode” while they travel. Our flagship location is in Idyllwild, CA, just two hours from LA.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building a hospitality company from scratch is anything but smooth. Right from the start, you’re juggling endless details—zoning laws, renovations, crafting the perfect guest experience—it’s a lot.

As a startup, the clash between long-term vision and short-term financial needs is always there. You’re driven by your dream, yet every day brings a stark reminder: the bills need to be paid. This balancing act is tough, but it forces you to get creative.

As you know, we’re big fans of Freewyld. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Freewyld isn’t just a hospitality brand; we’re on a mission to reconnect people to what truly matters.

We focus on crafting immersive vacation experiences that help you disconnect to reconnect. We choose every detail intentionally to inspire deep connections, conversations, and memorable stories.

Freewyld is for the modern traveler—the ones who are curious, energetic, and passionate about life. Our guests value the blend of luxury and comfort, the ease of modern amenities mixed with the thrill of adventure. Whether making a morning coffee just the way they like it or stepping out into the wilderness, every element is designed to exceed expectations.

We are incredibly proud of the stories that come to life at Freewyld. Each visit is an opportunity to rewild yourself, reconnect with nature, and rediscover what it means to be human. We hope you’ll come and explore Freewyld with us.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
The most impactful book I’ve read recently is Unreasonable Hospitality by Wil Guidara. In it, Guidara discusses his journey building Eleven Madison, an NYC restaurant that earned three Michelin Stars under his leadership. His approach to service and hospitality resonated so much that ‘unreasonable hospitality’ is one of our core company values.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.freewyld.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayfreewyld
• Soundcloud: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7rlil9DyDkC1OPOR5eEnz6?si=2bcdc477530b45d2 (Freewyld Spotify Playlist)
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@freewyld

Image Credits
John Dahlgren