Hidden Gems: Meet Olesia Drait of YANKEES MOVERS

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olesia Drait.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Olesia Drait, and I’m the founder of Yankees Movers, a family-owned moving company based in Los Angeles , California. My journey into the moving industry started with a simple desire — to redefine what a moving experience could feel like. I wanted to create a company that values people as much as property, where every move is handled with care, transparency, and heart.

When my family and I first came to the U.S., we started from scratch — just one truck, hard work, and a vision. Over time, Yankees Movers became known for our reliability, professionalism, and the personal touch we bring to every relocation. We serve clients across Los Angeles and all 48 states, specializing in residential and long-distance moving, office relocation, and white-glove delivery.

Our signature promise — “We move families, not just furniture” — reflects everything we stand for. We don’t treat moves as transactions; we treat them as milestones in people’s lives. From careful packing to direct-delivery routes and creative campaigns like “Catch the Bear” and “Yankees Coffee Break,” we bring warmth and innovation to an industry that often feels cold and mechanical.

As a female entrepreneur in logistics, I focus on trust, communication, and community. Every family we move reminds me why I started this business — to make transitions easier, safer, and more human. Yankees Movers isn’t just about trucks and boxes; it’s about helping people start new chapters with peace of mind.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth — but it has been worth every challenge. Starting a moving company in Los Angeles as a woman and immigrant came with countless obstacles: from earning trust in a male-dominated industry to understanding complex U.S. moving regulations, logistics, and licensing processes.

In the early days, my husband and I worked long hours — often doing the moves ourselves, managing clients, and learning the business from the inside out. There were moments of doubt and exhaustion, but also incredible lessons in resilience and teamwork.

Building Yankees Movers meant more than just growing a business — it meant proving that care, transparency, and creativity can transform an industry often known for stress and confusion. Finding reliable workers, training them in our customer-first standards, and maintaining consistency while scaling across 48 states was another major hurdle.

But every challenge shaped who we are today. It taught me that leadership is not about control — it’s about trust, empathy, and adaptability. Every time a client says, “You made this move so easy,” it reminds me why I kept going through every obstacle.

Today, I see challenges as opportunities to grow, innovate, and lead with compassion. Every setback helped me build not only a stronger company, but also a stronger mindset. I believe success in the moving industry isn’t measured by the number of trucks or miles — it’s measured by the number of families whose lives you make easier. That belief keeps me inspired every single day.

As you know, we’re big fans of YANKEES MOVERS . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Yankees Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Los Angeles, California, built on the belief that moving should feel personal, transparent, and stress-free. We understand that behind every move, there’s a story — a new beginning, a milestone, a dream — and that’s why our motto is: “We move families, not just furniture.”

We specialize in residential and commercial moving, local and long-distance relocation, packing and unpacking services, and white-glove delivery. Our signature direct delivery approach ensures your belongings are never reloaded or combined with other shipments — offering maximum safety, speed, and care for every client.

What truly sets us apart is our human approach. In an industry often focused on logistics, we focus on people. From the first call to the final box unloaded, our goal is to deliver peace of mind and exceptional service. We’re known for our professionalism, punctuality, clean trucks, and trained movers who treat every home as if it were their own.

Fully licensed and insured, Yankees Movers proudly serves clients across Los Angeles and all 48 U.S. states. Our reputation is built on trust, integrity, and community — values that guide every decision we make.

At Yankees Movers, we don’t just transport belongings — we help people move forward in life.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The most important quality behind my success is consistency with heart. In the moving industry, every day brings something unexpected — weather, schedules, emotions, logistics — and staying calm, focused, and compassionate through it all makes the biggest difference.

I believe that true leadership starts with empathy. When you genuinely care about people — your clients, your team, your community — it shows in every decision and every detail. For me, success is not built on luck or shortcuts but on showing up every single day with integrity, responsibility, and respect.

Another essential quality is adaptability. Building a business in a new country taught me to learn fast, listen deeply, and turn challenges into solutions. That mindset keeps Yankees Movers strong and trusted in a competitive market.

In short, consistency, empathy, and adaptability — those are the values that keep me grounded and guide every move I make.

Pricing:

• Local Moves: Starting at $125–$199/hour (depending on crew size and payment method)
• Long-Distance Moves: Flat or custom quotes based on route, volume, and delivery time — always direct, single-load delivery (no reloads or shared trucks)
• Packing Services: Available at hourly rates or as full-service packages — includes free use of wardrobe boxes on moving day
• Commercial & Office Relocation: Custom estimates with on-site consultation available
• Insurance: Fully licensed and insured, with optional Full Replacement Value Protection

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yankeesmovers.com
• Instagram: @yankeesmovers
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561920550394&mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/choice2go?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@yankeesmovers-u8m?si=o2ViIYrI3TyPNxVq
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/yankees-movers-woodland-hills?osq=Yankees+Movers
• Other: https://nextdoor.com/page/yankees-movers-woodland-hills-ca?share_platform=10&utm_campaign=1760477139270&share_action_id=058bf833-a337-4a76-abdb-b20cb88fd797

Image Credits
Additional photos courtesy of Yankees Movers Team