Eric Freeman shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Eric , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
The beach
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Eric Freeman, and I’m the founder of Mindset Meals, a social enterprise that’s more than meal prep. We pair nourishing, ready-to-eat meals with social-emotional engagements that help people grow in confidence, community, and overall well-being. Growing up in a food desert shaped my journey. I saw firsthand how a lack of access to good food and support systems impacts families.
That’s why our model is unique: every meal fuels both body and mind, and every program is designed to create pathways for economic empowerment and community connection. Right now, we are engaging with schools, institutions, and community partners to make sure people have not only healthier options, but also opportunities to thrive.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Mi abuelo (Pa) taught me the most about work. Born in Cuba in the 1930s, he labored in a camp in Camagüey in the ’70s so my abuela and mom could legally come to America while Fidel was taking over. When he arrived here, he didn’t speak a word of English, but he studied and worked tirelessly until he became an engineer at Steelcase.
He built a beautiful home, supported his family, and lived as a man of faith. With my father absent, he was the only positive male role model in my life. From him, I learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and helping others along the way.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were multiple times I almost gave up while building Mindset Meals. What kept me going was remembering that this mission is bigger than me or any system standing in the way. I’ve seen the need firsthand, families struggling for access to nourishing meals and opportunities, and I know quitting would mean letting them down. Every obstacle has reminded me why this work matters and why I have to keep pushing forward.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe that when you pour genuine love, nourishment, and opportunity into people, it always comes back full circle. You might not see it right away, but those seeds of impact grow in ways you can’t always measure or prove.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I’d stop caring what others think of me. Too often we waste energy worrying about how we’re perceived instead of focusing on our purpose. If your purpose is to add value to communities, then who really cares about outside opinions? We spend too much time dwelling on those who should have supported us and not enough appreciating the ones who actually do. At the end of the day, what matters most is thinking great things about yourself and staying true to your mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mindsetmeals.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsetmeals?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-freeman-594896167/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindsetMeals
