Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesus Ortega.
Hi Jesus, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into business ownership is deeply rooted in my father. Everything I’ve learned and everything I’ve achieved has been because of him.
He brought me into the moving industry at a young age and taught me from the ground up. Growing up in the business was both fun and challenging. I loved being by his side, and that time helped grow our bond into something truly beautiful. But it also meant weekends and school breaks weren’t about play—they were about work. That became normal for me.
More than anything, my dad taught me what real leadership looks like. I saw how hard it was—how he had to make tough decisions that weren’t always what he wanted, but were necessary for the good of the team or the client. That stuck with me.
He built his first company from one truck and two guys into a team of 20+ with six trucks. That journey inspired me to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science at UC Irvine, where I graduated in 2019. Unfortunately, due to a series of unfortunate events, we had to part ways with the original company and start fresh in late 2020. At the time, I was working as a software engineer, but I helped my dad rebuild from the ground up. We faced challenges—especially acquiring our first warehouse and learning how to grow without losing control. There were moments when we took on too much, just to keep momentum. But we learned from that, and with the loyalty of our team and clients, we started gaining traction again.
My background in software helped me bring structure to the business—things like regular team check-ins and communication that I’d seen in other industries. It added a new layer to how we ran things.
Sadly, in 2023, my father passed away. That’s when I left tech and fully stepped into the role of running the company. Since then, I’ve been most proud of the marketing and expansion we’ve done. We’ve continued to grow, gained a new warehouse, and stayed true to what sets us apart—our customer service and willingness to help with anything while maintaining a great attitude. Clients tell me all the time that they feel that energy.
I try to honor my father by simply being the best I can be. He was known for how he worked and the positivity he brought to every job. I carry that with me every day.
Looking ahead, I want Designer’s Moving Service to be a staple in Southern California. When people think of moving companies, I want this name to be the one—known for professionalism, reliability, and, as I like to say, “affiliated with amazingness.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. Running the business has been challenging every step of the way—but also incredibly rewarding.
The hardest part by far was losing my father. He was always my support system, both in work and in life. Losing him so suddenly was a massive blow. But honestly, what’s kept me grounded through it all has been the business. It gave me purpose when I needed it most.
To honor his legacy, I’ve committed myself to growing the business and carrying on everything he taught me. Living up to our name and what it represents has become my mission. It’s been a struggle at times, but knowing my why—why I do this, and who I do it for—has kept me going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Designer’s Moving Service is a full-service moving and logistics company based in Southern California. We specialize in everything from residential and commercial moves to high-end furniture installations for luxury resorts, office spaces, and designer showrooms. We’re known not just for getting the job done, but for how we do it—with care, professionalism, and a “whatever it takes” attitude.
What sets us apart is our customer service. We’re not just a moving company—we’re problem-solvers. Our team is known for stepping in and helping with anything that comes up during a move, and always doing it with a positive attitude. Whether it’s a last-minute adjustment, navigating tricky building logistics, or assisting with furniture placement, we show up with a calm, can-do mindset that clients truly appreciate.
We’re also proud of the loyalty and trust we’ve built over the years. A large portion of our business comes from referrals and repeat clients. That says a lot about who we are and how we operate.
Brand-wise, I’m proud of the reputation we’ve built and the legacy we’re continuing. Our name represents reliability, respect, and a personal touch. We’ve grown every year—expanded our warehouse, built our team, and developed long-term relationships with designers, builders, and businesses across Southern California.
At the end of the day, what I want people to know about Designer’s Moving Service is that we treat every job like it matters—because it does. Whether we’re moving a family across town or furnishing an entire resort, we bring the same energy, care, and attention to detail.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to enjoy every moment—the good and the bad.
My father had two mottos that I live by and also use to guide how I run the business: “Life is beautiful” and “It’s a process.” Those simple phrases carry a lot of weight. They’ve taught me to find beauty in everything I do, to appreciate every view in every city, and to treat each job—no matter how big or small—with care and intention.
I always try to leave a positive impact on our clients. That’s what sticks. And even when things get stressful or complicated, I choose to see the world as a glass half full. I’ve learned that keeping a steady mind, trusting the process, and leaning into problem-solving is what helps me get through anything.
This journey hasn’t always been easy, but learning to embrace it all—the highs, the lows, the growth, the grind—that’s what’s made it meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://designersmovingservice.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designersmovingservice/
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/dkNteg6
