MIDLAND, MI — Steve Billmeier, a U.S. Army and Marine Corps veteran, has transitioned from military service to small business ownership, driven by a mission to combat veteran suicide by providing a supportive space for those in need.
Earlier this month, Billmeier opened Sergeant Scoops and Baked Goods, an ice cream and homemade baked goods shop located at the Midland Mall, 6800 Eastman Ave. Along with the shop, he plans to launch a Self Sustaining Veterans Outreach Program in January, offering baking classes specifically for veterans.
A combat veteran with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan spanning 15 years, Billmeier understands the struggles many veterans face after leaving service. Having dealt with depression and anxiety himself, he is passionate about creating a safe space for veterans to connect and learn new skills. His goal is to offer a place where veterans can talk to someone who truly understands their experiences.
Billmeier’s journey to entrepreneurship began during the COVID-19 pandemic when he used his GI Bill benefits to attend culinary school. While learning to cook, he spent time making pasta dishes with his sister and brother-in-law, both still in the military. Inspired by this, he considered teaching veterans how to cook, but found the high-pressure culinary environment too reminiscent of military life. He eventually shifted his focus to pastry school, where the steady pace of baking felt more suitable for his goals.
“My goal is to help veterans learn a new skill or simply have someone to talk to,” Billmeier said. “I think it’s vital for veterans to have someone who’s walked in their shoes.”
Sergeant Scoops and Baked Goods currently serves 16 flavors of Great Lakes Ice Cream, including dairy-free and gluten-free options. Billmeier also bakes a variety of goods, using organic butter, cage-free eggs, and “love,” as he puts it. Some items, such as his signature chocolate chunk cookies, will remain staples, but he plans to rotate other flavors, introducing new offerings like tres leches cake.
Billmeier’s wife, Beccah, who works as the Midland Mall’s facilities manager, expressed her excitement for her husband’s venture. “It’s been fun seeing him help veterans, and it helps him too. He’s definitely more upbeat and comes home with great stories of who he’s helped that day,” she said.
Looking ahead, Billmeier hopes his shop and outreach programs will provide a sense of community for local veterans. The classes for veterans are slated to begin in January.
Sergeant Scoops and Baked Goods operates from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. The shop is closed on Mondays. Frequent visitors can also take advantage of a punch card program, earning a free cookie after collecting 12 punches, which can be enjoyed alone or shared with a veteran.
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