Some of you have already had the pleasure of traveling with Eric Dillemuth, Brand g’s newest reservations agent and trip host. He’s incredibly fun, and he was oddly unafraid to do this interview, given my propensity (as the Director of Marketing) to ask inappropriate questions.
I’ll break him of that, eventually.
- Where did you grow up, and couldn’t you have picked somewhere better?
I grew up in a quaint little town—otherwise known as Houston, Texas. Picture deep suburban life: cookie-cutter homes, strip malls as far as the eye can see, and cow pastures sprinkled in for that extra southern charm.
Surprisingly, though, I wouldn’t trade my upbringing. My school had a decent level of diversity, which meant I was exposed to different perspectives early on. That being said, once I graduated, I packed my bags and peaced out for college. I really haven’t been back much since, aside from the occasional visit. But hey, Houston made me who I am. And for that, I tip my cowboy hat—figuratively, of course.
And if I could have hand-selected my childhood? Oh, I’d have grown up somewhere in Europe or Australia. You know, somewhere with charm, international flair, and a little less cowboy culture.
- When did you know you were gay? Please provide graphic details.
Oh, it had to be in the men’s underwear section at the department store. A pivotal moment, truly.
Technically, it was sometime in my early teens, though my grandma swears she knew when I was seven. (Grandmothers always know. It’s a special gift.) But honestly, I didn’t fully accept myself until my twenties, when I finally decided life is too short to live by someone else’s expectations. I figured, why not just be myself?
And when I did come out, let’s just say—the levies broke, the dam came down, and suddenly, it was raining men. There’s no putting me back in a closet.
The only straight thing about me? My hair. (And even that’s only because my barber insists on trying to keep it flawless.)
- How many boyfriends have you had, and do you have compromising photos?
Listen, I’ve never been one to collect boyfriends like Pokémon cards. Three relationships, tops—and none of them lasted longer than a year. What can I say? I’m like a limited-edition Birkin bag: exclusive, hard to get, and overpriced.
But hold onto your wigs, because for the past few years, I’ve been seeing someone special. And guess what? We’re about to slap a label on it and call each other boyfriends. I know, groundbreaking.
Now, before you start asking about our love story: we met on Grindr. Yes, the app where romance goes to die—or so they say. What started as a casual fling turned into a persistent itch we couldn’t scratch away. Fast forward a few years, and now we’re living together, sharing a Netflix account, and—dare I say it—actually in love. Who knew Grindr could serve up fairytale realness?
- What’s so great about living in San Diego, besides the perfect weather, unlimited outdoor activities and hot guys?
Oh, where do I even begin? Have you been to San Diego? It’s America’s finest city for a reason. We’ve got beaches, boys, and—most importantly—burritos. And trust me, the burritos here are practically a love language.
But beyond the postcard-perfect views and endless sunshine, San Diego is just an all-around good time kind of place. There’s always something happening—festivals, concerts, comedy shows, and brand-new restaurants waiting to be explored. You could spend the morning hiking in Torrey Pines, then head straight to Black’s Beach for some “scenic” sunbathing—hey, if you know, you know.
And let’s not forget the convenience! Being close to Tijuana means a quick flight to Puerto Vallarta whenever a spontaneous getaway calls. Honestly, if you ever need a local tour guide, I’m always happy to show off the city. It’s just that good.
- Tell us about your gorgeous and charming boyfriend Preston, and be specific with the details.
Preston is the definition of charismatic and sharp. He’s incredibly kind, effortlessly cool, and, yes, undeniably handsome. But beyond his charm, he’s also a talented entrepreneur with a knack for bringing ideas to life. He sees opportunities where others don’t, and he knows how to make things happen.
Now, when we travel together? Oh, Preston is absolutely in charge—he’s the logistics mastermind, the planner, the one making sure we actually get where we need to go. And me? I am fully embracing my role as the travel princess. I’m here for the vibes, the adventure, and, let’s be honest, the glamorous moments. Need someone to book a restaurant based on aesthetics? That’s me. Need someone to pick the perfect poolside cocktail? Also me. Meanwhile, Preston is out here making sure we don’t miss flights and actually have a place to stay. It’s a system that works.
Honestly, he’s just one of those people who leave an impression, whether it’s in business, social settings, or just navigating a new city. Can’t wait for everyone to meet him and see for themselves.
- How did you come to Brand g?
During COVID, I had to make the tough call to step away from the travel industry—because, well, as we all know, travel basically disappeared overnight. So, I pivoted into nonprofit work, which was good for the time being, but after a while, I realized something was missing. I missed the energy of travel, the excitement of working with people, and the thrill of exploring new places.
One day, I did what any determined person would do—I Googled “top 10 gay travel companies,” and surprise, surprise, Brand g was sitting pretty at #1. On a whim, I reached out, not expecting much. But for some reason, Jeff decided to give me a shot. What followed was not a quick process—what felt like forever (but was probably closer to a year and a half) before I finally got the chance to interview.
When I learned more about Brand g and the role, it was everything I had been searching for. In 2024, I had the chance to co-host the Prague & Danube River cruise with Mike, and let’s just say that experience sealed the deal—I knew I needed to be part of this.
After what I can only describe as a mix of blind optimism and sheer persistence, Mike, Jeff, and Brian finally brought me on board, and I haven’t looked back since.
It’s been an incredible ride, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be part of it!
- Where did you work before Brand g?
Let’s just say it was a diverse array. Before joining Brand g, I was working in environmental outreach and education at a regional nonprofit in San Diego. But before that, my career was deeply rooted in outdoor education and travel—because let’s be real, the great outdoors and globetrotting? That’s my vibe.
I spent time as a marine science instructor at a science camp on Catalina Island, sharing ocean knowledge and probably getting a little too invested in tide pools. Summers were spent leading tours in Australia, which—yes—was just as incredible as it sounds. During COVID, I somehow ended up leading a 70-day camping trip with college students (a feat of endurance, honestly), and later, I had the unforgettable experience of being a naturalist expedition leader on an Alaskan cruise.
So yes, my resume is long, a little eclectic, and packed with adventure. But now that I’ve found my place with Brand g, I fully intend on keeping my resume exactly where it belongs—tucked away in a drawer, untouched, and hopefully never needed again!
- What are your duties at Brand g, besides making me (the other Eric at Brand g) happy?
Oh, where would Brand g be without its resident comedic relief? Other than keeping everyone entertained, my day-to-day consists of managing the phones, handling guest communications, and prepping for upcoming trips. So, if you give us a call, there’s a very good chance you’ll get to experience the delightful chaos that is my voice—shrill, fabulous, and entirely unforgettable.
But when I’m not at my desk? That’s when the real magic happens. Out in the field, I have the absolute pleasure of hosting trips, making sure everything runs smoothly, and ensuring you have the best possible experience. Think of me as your one-stop shop for travel magic—ready to problem-solve, celebrate, and maybe even provide some dramatic storytelling along the way.
So whether it’s a phone call or an unforgettable adventure, I’m here to make sure your journey is as seamless (and fun) as possible!
- What’s your favorite part of your job?
Obviously, it’s seeing your face, Eric Poole (the other Eric at Brand g) on a video call. (He made me say that.) But honestly, it’s the people. The incredible team I get to work with every day, the guests I meet on these unforgettable journeys—each person adds something special to the experience.
I’ve already met so many incredible people. And the stories I’ve heard? Pure magic. Every single trip, I can sit down at any table, strike up a conversation, and suddenly find myself captivated by a life story, a hilarious adventure, or some jaw-dropping tale of resilience or romance. It’s moments like those that make this job so rewarding and remind me why I love what I do.
There’s just something about travel that brings out the best in people, and I feel so lucky to be a part of it.
- Where do you most want to go with Brand g?
Oh, the limit definitely does not exist! There’s nowhere I wouldn’t go, but I have to say the destinations that Brand g ventures to that are a little more off the beaten path? Those have my full attention.
That said, if I could pick one dream trip, it would absolutely be the Skeleton Coast cruise next year or any of the Africa itineraries. I went to South Africa back in 2017, and I have genuinely thought about it every single day since. The landscapes, the wildlife, the energy—there’s just something about that part of the world that calls me back.
- What was your most embarrassing Brand g moment so far? Photos are encouraged.
Oh, the day will come—it’s only a matter of time before I have a truly iconic, thoroughly humiliating moment that gets immortalized in a guest’s photo album.
So far, I’ve managed to avoid major mishaps, but let’s be real, the universe is patient. One day, I’ll trip over my own feet mid-toast, spill champagne and red wine simultaneously, or get caught enthusiastically singing along to a song I do not know the lyrics to.
Until then, I remain cautiously optimistic, but fully prepared for the moment I provide everyone with an unintentionally hilarious memory. And when it happens? Well, at least we’ll all have a good laugh.
- What would you be if you could be anything?
Besides being a fabulous diva who gets to lounge all day, go to fabulous parties, and jet set around the world? Wildlife photography would be the dream.
I’ve always been drawn to nature, and for as long as I can remember, cameras have been an obsession. There’s something magical about being behind the lens, framing a fleeting, breathtaking moment that people can admire forever. Of course, I also enjoy being in front of the lens—because let’s be honest, a little main character energy never hurt anyone.
But truly, capturing wildlife in its raw, untamed beauty? That’s an art. The patience, the precision, the thrill of getting that perfect shot—yeah, I could see myself thriving in that world.
- What is your greatest extravagance?
Oh, travel is definitely the obvious choice—it’s in my DNA at this point! Experiencing new places, meeting incredible people, and trying things I never even thought I’d do? That’s the magic of it. I’ve been lucky to see so much already, but trust me, my list of places to visit is endless.
But when I’m not jet-setting? You know I love an event—especially one that requires dressing up. Costumes, themes, the full production—I am here for it. Nothing beats throwing on a fun outfit and heading out with friends for a night of laughter, good vibes, and maybe a little bit of chaos.
As for food and wine, I’m not one to demand five-star service for every meal, but you will catch me savoring an excellent bottle of wine and a meal that’s worth remembering. Because honestly, good food, great company, and a little indulgence? That’s what life is all about.
- What is your greatest regret?
If you asked me about regrets, I’d say I try to live my life without them. My goal has always been to embrace an “Oh well!” attitude instead of a “What if?”—because the idea of living an ordinary life? Terrifying. I want every moment to be filled with wonder, excitement, and the kind of experiences that make for incredible stories.
That said… if I had to name one regret? Plaid cargo shorts. High school was a time, and let’s just say, the fashion choices were questionable at best. We all have our moments, and unfortunately, mine involved excessive pockets and unfortunate patterns. Growth, right?
- What one thing would you want people to know about you?
If there’s one thing people should know about me, it’s that I am always down for the adventure! Whether it’s exploring a new destination, diving into a spontaneous experience, or just saying yes to the moment, I’m all in. Life’s too short for hesitation, and I fully intend to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.
And if you’re wondering how far that adventurous spirit goes—I’ll try just about anything at least once. From wild food choices to daring activities, if it sounds exciting (or slightly questionable), there’s a good chance I’ll give it a shot.
Because really, what’s life without a few stories to tell?
Who do you most admire in the world, besides Brand g’s incredible Director of Marketing?
Oh, picking just one person who I admire? Nearly impossible. I’ve been fortunate to learn from so many incredible people in my life.
First and foremost, my parents—supportive, encouraging, and always pushing me beyond my comfort zone. They gave me the foundation to explore the world, to embrace adventure, and to never be afraid of trying something new.
Then there’s Preston—my endlessly inspiring, ridiculously talented partner. An entrepreneur, a business owner, and someone who has brought so much joy, stability, and excitement into my life. Watching him navigate his ambitions with confidence and grace? Constant motivation.
My friends have also played a huge role—teaching me more about myself, introducing me to new perspectives, and reminding me to always strive for the best version of me.
And if we’re talking icons? I have to include Lady Gaga. I mean, have you heard those vocals? A powerhouse, a visionary, and a legend.
So yeah… I guess you could say my list is long—but with influences like these, how could it not be?
