Our Story | Moving Services in Western Nevada & Northern California

2014 - Present

Matthew Sowell & Jon-Luke Ryan

Both Matt & Jon are the grandchildren of Ernie and 3rd generation movers that took over the Grass Valley operations in 2014. They successfully grew the company in 2014 by opening a Rocklin, CA operation to service all of the Roseville-Rocklin and Placer County market. In 2020 a full service Reno, NV operation was opened to service all of the Reno-Sparks and Truckee-Tahoe market. Family focused; both Matt and Jon are committed to continuing the legacy of Ernie’s Moving & Storage by staying true to our core values of quality, integrity & solutions.

1975 - 2013

Douglas & Stuart Sowell

Both military veterans; Doug & Stuart opened our Grass Valley, CA operations in 1975. Under their leadership Ernie’s Moving & Storage became the premier mover in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. Doug & Stuart built a reputation for hard work and honesty and are currently enjoying their retirement and grandchildren in Grass Valley, CA.

1993-2001

Walter Sowell

A military veteran; Walter ran our Berkeley operations until its closure in 2001. He worked as a line-haul driver for our Grass Valley operations until his retirement and is currently enjoying life with his grandchildren in Utah.

1964 - 1992

Ernie Sowell Jr.

Ernie Jr. successfully ran our Berkeley operations for almost three decades. Under his leadership our relationship with Atlas Van Lines was formed. He too decided to retire in Grass Valley, CA and passed on to the Lord in 2022.

1935 - 1963

James “Ernie” Sowell

The founder and namesake of our company; Ernie Sowell, was born a twin in 1912. One of 11 children, he was raised a tobacco sharecropper on the Bell Wich Farm in Adams Station, Tennessee. Wanting more; Ernie rode a freight train to Berkeley, California in 1932 and opened Ernie’s Express in 1935 which he later renamed Ernie’s Van & Storage. He had nine children, each of whom worked in the business over the years. Ernie decided to retire in 1963 and purchased a ranch in Grass Valley, California. The roots he planted in the Gold Country grew almost stronger than the ones he left behind in the Bay Area. Ernie left this world to be with the Lord in 2003.

Our History