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In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Eric Moeller (CEO of Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry) breaks down how Riverside County’s new short-term rental regulation forced Freewyld to rethink growth, from reducing guest capacity from 17 to 10, to reimagining how they scale, design, and operate.
You’ll learn how to pivot when local laws change, protect profitability, and future-proof your brand against shifting occupancy caps and zoning updates.
You’ll hear:
- How Riverside’s new STR ordinance capped Freewyld’s guest capacity overnight
- Why most operators react emotionally instead of strategically to regulation
- The mindset shift that turned a setback into a scaling opportunity
- How Freewyld is exploring rezoning, hospitality licensing, and brand evolution
- Why community, design, and brand strength are the new growth multipliers
- The exact steps to stay compliant while expanding your portfolio
We also talk about:
- The long-term risks of over-relying on Airbnb policy updates
- How to align your architect and legal teams for sustainable STR growth
- Why Eric believes this era of regulation will separate brands from hosts
- The frameworks Freewyld is using to adapt operations without sacrificing vision
🎯 Mentioned in the Episode:
- Riverside County STR Regulation Update (2024)
- Freewyld: Idyllwild & Joshua Tree Cabin Communities
- Freewyld Foundry: Revenue & Pricing Management
- STR Insider Newsletter → freewyldfoundry.com/newsletter
🔥 Favorite Takeaway:
“When regulation hits, it’s not the end, it’s the moment to think bigger, build smarter, and play the long game.”
📍 Want help turning market setbacks into growth opportunities?
Apply for a free pricing and portfolio audit at freewyldfoundry.com/report
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Kaye Putnam:
Welcome back to another episode of Get Paid For Your Pad. I’m Kaye Putnam, Head of Marketing at Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry. I’m joined today by Eric Moeller, CEO of both companies.
Eric Moeller:
Hey, Kaye. This one’s a big one. Riverside County just passed new STR regulations, and our guest capacity at Freewyld dropped from 17 people to 10 overnight. It hit hard, but we’re turning it into a catalyst for growth.
Kaye:
That’s such a massive change. When you first got the notice, what was your initial reaction?
Eric:
Honestly, frustration. We’d built everything, design, pricing, operations, around that 17-guest capacity. Suddenly, it was gone. But after the initial shock, I realized this wasn’t a problem to fight, it was a challenge to evolve around.
Kaye:
I love that perspective. You’ve always said regulation can be a sign that an area’s becoming desirable. How did you start reframing it?
Eric:
Exactly. When regulation arrives, it means demand is strong enough that local governments need to control it. That’s validation. Our focus shifted from “how do we fight this” to “how do we build smarter inside the new rules.”
Kaye:
What were the first steps you took?
Eric:
We started by meeting with our architect and county officials to understand the ordinance in detail. Then we explored converting Freewyld Idyllwild from a short-term rental property into a fully zoned hospitality asset. Essentially, moving from STR status toward a boutique hotel license.
Kaye:
So instead of seeing the limit as a wall, you’re treating it like a doorway.
Eric:
Exactly. It’s about adaptability. Instead of shrinking, we’re repositioning. Regulation forces innovation. It made us think bigger, about how we can scale Freewyld as a brand, not just a collection of cabins.
Kaye:
There’s something powerful about turning a government limitation into a brand expansion strategy.
Eric:
Totally. We also realized that most operators panic in these moments. They start cutting rates or hiding listings. But professional operators pivot. We’ve seen this pattern in other markets, Sedona, Tahoe, even parts of Texas. Those who adapt early end up stronger.
Kaye:
What does this shift mean for the Freewyld guest experience?
Eric:
It pushes us to go deeper into hospitality. Fewer guests mean more personalization. We’re elevating everything, from amenities to design flow. We want each stay to feel curated and intimate. That’s where Freewyld 2.0 begins.
Kaye:
I know you’ve been talking about rezoning and even expanding into hotel licensing. How does that play into the long-term vision?
Eric:
This is the next frontier for us. We want to own the land, operate the brand, and control the entire guest experience. Hotels give us that flexibility. STRs are great, but with a hospitality license, you unlock an entirely new business model, retreats, brand partnerships, corporate events. It’s scalable and sustainable.
Kaye:
That’s such a shift in mindset, from frustration to freedom.
Eric:
Exactly. It’s not about fighting regulation; it’s about building within it. This experience forced us to mature as a company. We’re no longer just short-term rental hosts, we’re hospitality builders.
Kaye:
For listeners facing new rules in their own markets, what would you tell them?
Eric:
Don’t react emotionally. Sit down with your architect, planner, or legal advisor and understand your options. Sometimes the path forward isn’t fighting City Hall, it’s evolving your model. Use regulation as a mirror to refine your business.
Kaye:
That’s such a grounded takeaway.
Eric:
Yeah, and to be honest, I’m grateful. Without this regulation, we might’ve stayed comfortable. Now, we’re innovating again, new systems, new designs, and a clearer vision for what Freewyld can become.
Kaye:
If someone listening wants to stay ahead of regulation or needs help recalibrating their pricing and operations, what’s the next step?
Eric:
Go to freewyldfoundry.com. We offer free audits for operators managing 15 or more listings. Whether it’s revenue management, pricing, or strategy, we can help you stay profitable through any regulation.
Kaye:
Perfect. Eric, thanks for sharing this story. I think it’s a great example of leadership under pressure.
Eric:
Thanks, Kaye. I appreciate it. And to anyone listening, if your market just dropped new rules, don’t panic. Build better. That’s where the opportunity lives.
Kaye:
We’ll see you next week.
