Through Hell & High Water…Again
Sixteen years ago, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the stories of unorthodox rescues abounded. Back In 2005, Atmosphere Movers kept rolling when their trucks were able to traverse flood waters to retrieve a stranded shipment of Sophisticated Woman magazines waiting for delivery. When history repeated itself this year on August 29 with Hurricane Ida, owner Chat Stockstill also repeated his rescue of magazines stuck in transit, once again demonstrating his dedication to over-the-top customer service. Stockstill says his expertise is called upon for out-of-the-ordinary moves regularly. They’ve moved 48 pianos in one day, handled an ancient Egyptian mummy, relocated a nursing home with over 80 residents and more.
Lucky Break
Chat Stockstill’s career was launched decades ago by a lucky break in a bar. After beating Walter Nichols in pool, the savvy 18-year-old asked the owner of Nichols Moving and Storage to settle the bet with a job rather than money. By 22, Stockstill had started his own moving company, Atmosphere Movers. “As a kid, sports taught me leadership,” says the tall, fit entrepreneur. “I was always team captain at Mandeville High – football, soccer, track. It’s just my Type A personality.” Leadership and discipline were further developed during Stockstill’s time in the military. “Friends and peers looked up to me because of my Marine Corps background, and my employees treat me with respect and admiration. They’re proud to be part of this business we’ve built.”
Heavy Lifting
Of his “guys,” Stockstill says they appreciate that he rolls up his sleeves and does heavy lifting with them. In their Monday morning meetings, he provides inspiration and guidance and listens to concerns for ways to make their jobs easier. “During COVID, we got called to move the belongings of a lady who had died in a nursing home. They were worried about going back home to their families, so I did that job by myself. I put on the chemical suit and got it done. I was happy not to put them in the position of choosing between their job and their family’s safety.”
Northshore Proud
Along with his serious dedication to his profession and colleagues, Stockstill reveals an enthusiastic outlook and a sharp sense of humor. As part of his job, he travels the state and even the country, which, he says, makes him appreciate St. Tammany all the more. “I love it here – this place is awesome! I’ve moved people all over – Alaska, Mexico, Canada, up the Eastern Seaboard. So I know first-hand that this is a nice place to live. I’m proud to operate and hire from the Northshore, and I hire employees who are kind and happy to work. Most of my guys have been with me for over 10 years.” Regarding excellence in business, Stockstill says, if you’re not trying to make it bigger and better, then you’re going backwards. “If I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it well. I go by the KISS philosophy. Keep it simple to be more efficient. It’s not necessary to overthink things.”
Kid at Heart
The upbeat father of four also offers words of wisdom about success in life to his children with his ‘Happy Begets Happy’ motto. “I teach them that if they’re positive in daily life, that good vibe will carry them through. Don’t concentrate on the negative because it can consume you if you let it.”
A self-proclaimed family man, he laughingly recounts adventures with his kids. “I taught them all how to drive. The joke was to count the bad drivers on the road, and if they couldn’t find any, to look in the mirror because there’s always one out there. Teaching them how to cook created a bond, and I’m the first one they call because I’m there for them at their school and sports events. I have their pictures on my trucks, but I’ll have to update those because they’re growing up.”
Still a kid himself in some ways, Stockstill plays soccer in a Mandeville league and loves to ride his motorcycle accompanied by his wife. “A peaceful, perfect outing is going down a country road on a nice day with Tiffany on the back right behind me. We just love doing that.”
Doing the Right Thing
As one himself, veterans are also close to his heart. Keeping those relationships up are important to him, and he extends help and discounts to his fellow soldiers. The recurring theme in both his personal life and business life is doing the right thing. Honor, he says, is his grounding foundation. “A handshake is stronger than a document to me. It sometimes backfires, but it’s how I choose to do business. We respect people’s possessions, show up on time, clean up after ourselves – we’re ‘yes ma’am’ kind of people.” Over the last 30 years, Stockstill has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the community and willingness to rise to a challenge. “I’ve seen it all in my many years of experience. I strive to make my company the only choice, and I love doing it.”
Chat Stockstill’s Atmosphere Movers is located at 1840 Highway 59 in Mandeville. For more information and quotes, call 985-626-7600 or visit atmospheremovers.com.
