This journey to owning a coffee roasting plant began in recognition of Brian Smith, Scott’s best friend since childhood. They had classes, football, and track together, and formed a bond that was stronger than friendship. “I’ll always remember how he made me feel when I was around him, which was ready for a laugh and knowing he had my back no matter what,” Scott recalls. Brian enlisted in the military after high school, and after the horrific events of 9/11, Scott quickly followed. After completing their services, Scott and Brian spent many long nights talking about what they had gone through during their deployments. On a few occasions, they even went to counseling together at a VA Vet Center. Yet on an early February morning in 2013, Scott got a call that would change his life forever. Brian had taken his own life the night before. “There was nothing I could do to bring him back or tell him how much he meant to me and everyone else in his life. It was crushing. For years when I thought of him, I would be overwhelmed with grief. I could hardly bear to talk about him without breaking down, except with the closest of friends that I knew loved and missed him too,” Scott says. “I’m still overwhelmed by grief when I think of my friend. But I am also proud of him. Proud of who he was, proud of his
service to our country, and thankful for the time we had together.” In honor of Brian and his legacy of service and friendship, Scott founded Freedom Hill Coffee Roasters at Freedom Hill Farm in Central Lake, Michigan. Scott was introduced to coffee at a young age by growing up on a farm and getting up in the early hours. “Since then, I’ve always been a morning person, and coffee is my favorite ritual of the day. Over the years I became more interested in specialty coffees that have hit the market and started roasting at home.” After selling his coffee to friends and family and receiving excellent reviews, he decided to make it a career. He found meaning in his company by crafting it around a mission of hiring and supporting veterans. “I hope to grow this company and provide a supportive, prosperous environment for vets like me along the way,” Scott explains. “Selling coffee is great, but knowing that if I really work at it, I may save the lives of some veterans is what wakes me up motivated in the morning.” Freedom Hill Coffee Roasters donates significant portions of its proceeds to Mission 22 annually. They pledge up to $100,000 a year to the veteran mental health organization. Each bag purchased directly helps veterans in need. “When our customers choose to drink Freedom Hill Coffee in-
stead of the big guys, they’re helping keep a veteran-owned, veteran-employed business open, they’re sending a portion of the profits to Mission 22, and they’re helping support our efforts to eliminate the stigma of seeking mental health care via our communications and social media efforts. Every bag of coffee we have out in the world is an opportunity for a customer to share with a friend or family member that they care about, honoring America’s heroes and ending veteran suicide. If through all our messaging we can help budge the needle closer to ending veteran suicide, every ounce of effort will be worth it,” concludes Scott. The amazing background of Freedom Hill Coffee Roasters and the outstanding taste of their freshly brewed batches are reason enough to purchase a few bags, and then add free shipping! Their shipping is always free on orders over $40 or with a coffee subscription, where you select the coffee you’d like (at a discount!) and choose your delivery frequency. “The most important message I’ll ever have for my brothers and sisters in arms is that hard times come to pass, not to stay. Please keep fighting until you find a path of peace and purpose you deserve. There is meaning for you out there. Please don’t give up. We need you,” Scott urges. It’s easy to admit that we need people like Scott (and coffee!), just as much.
GATHER Veterans – 19
