Meet Ana Barrientos and Erik Barrita | SERNA ELITE Movers, Founders & Co-Owners

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ana Barrientos and Erik Barrita and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana and Erik, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
There were a couple of driving factors that pushed Erik and I to start our business. We met while working at our previous place of employment; Erik has been in the moving industry for over 7+ years and, in under a two years, I was able to quickly and fully grasp all that goes into the moving industry from an administrative side. There were a number of things we wished we could control and manage differently.

So when we were presented with the opportunity to manage our company it planted a seed in our minds. Instead, of having an investor, we felt confident to take the leap to fund and manage our own business. It was reassuring to know we had an abundant amount of support from our family and friends, knowing they would help spread word of our new endeavor and help us where needed.

For me, the idea to truly branch out on our own took life when my younger brother was hospitalized due to COVID-19 August 2021; knowing he wouldn’t be able to return to his normal way of life in regards to work, I fantasized about bringing him onboard with us. Unfortunately, he passed a month later, but that gave me the drive to start something of our own, knowing he’d watch over us. In part, I owe him credit for giving me the push to go full throttle with this idea!

What should our readers know about your business?
We are an Atlanta-based moving company assisting our clients with their packing and relocation needs. We work both locally and long-distance moves. As of today, we’ve officially been in business for just over 2 months. Erik and I make the perfect team, he leads and carries out the jobs, while I establish and maintain client relationships; we assisted a lovely couple with their move a few a weeks ago and a statement along the lines of “Ana is the face/personality of the company, while Erik is the money and muscle man”.

We are so blessed and grateful for the clients we’ve had of working with thus far because they are sharing their experience with family and friends. Most of the jobs we’ve worked so far are all from referrals and word-of-mouth. We believe in transparency, honesty, and communication with our clients and staff.

I truly believe that if we treat our employees well, in return, they’ll provide our clients with a pleasant experience. We want to improve the quality of work and the environment for everyone around, especially our clients. We’ve had a lot of take-aways over the years from previous employers, but my biggest take-away is there can never be enough communication. Communication is key – within our company and with our clients!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’re kind of homebodies to be honest, but if Atlanta United is playing, we’d definitely have to catch a game at the Mercedes Benz Stadium – nothing beats the energy of Atlanta at a soccer game! With any luck, we’d be able to swing by Felini’s for some late night pizza.

Without a doubt, we’d definitely have to stop by Bartaco for brunch and drinks – they have the best pork belly taco, in my opinion. If we have enough room for a dessert, we’d stop by Jeni’s Ice Cream. I recommend the Wildberry Lavender and Erik recommends the Texas Sheet Cake.

I’m not a huge shopper, but it’s always fun to window shop! We’d have to visit either the Avalon or the Halcyon in Alpharetta. Lastly, I couldn’t have a friend come in town and not go visit the GA Aquarium!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely our family and friends – knowing we have their full support encouraged us to move forward! Erik has family members who’ve worked in the moving industry for many years and giving us a helping hand until we got our labor force together. Considering the current labor market, that was a huge relief to us and it gave us comfort being able to work with people we trust.

Website: https://www.sernaelite.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sernaelitemovers/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sernaelitemovers

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sernaelitemovers

Image Credits
Ana Barrientos & Erik Barrita