Hannah Pollack, co-founder of Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches, knows a thing or two about discipline and strength. Those qualities weren’t honed in a kitchen, but in the Marine Corps, where she served before pursuing her passion for food. Today, she and her husband, Xavier, run a thriving ice cream sandwich business in Richmond, Virginia, blending Xavier’s Belgian roots with Hannah’s Southern charm. But while the delicious treats they create are the heart of Nightingale, it’s Hannah’s journey to entrepreneurship that truly shapes the company’s culture.
A Strong Foundation
Hannah’s story begins with the Marine Corps, where she learned the importance of discipline and how to adapt in high-pressure environments. “The military teaches you how to keep moving forward, no matter what challenges come your way,” Hannah says. Those lessons didn’t just apply to her service—they became the foundation for the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches today.
The skills she developed in the military—resilience, leadership and adaptability—are just as essential in business as they were in the Marines.
“You’re constantly pushed to adapt when things don’t go as planned, and that mindset has been invaluable in building Nightingale,” she reflects.
The Birth of Nightingale
When Xavier, a Belgian chef, arrived in Richmond to open a restaurant, he was introduced to Hannah, a spunky Southern sous chef. Their shared love of food and cooking created an instant connection. But their story didn’t end with their culinary bond—it blossomed into something far greater.
Together, they began creating their now-famous ice cream sandwiches, a fusion of their European and Southern influences.
“When Xavier and I first made our ice cream sandwiches, it wasn’t just about making a fun dessert,” Hannah explains. “It was about creating something that felt special, something handcrafted and full of quality ingredients—real ice cream, real cookies, no shortcuts.”
The couple’s passion for making the highest-quality ice cream sandwiches was clear from the start. Nightingale’s sandwiches are handcrafted in small batches with 14% butterfat ice cream, fresh-baked cookies and homemade inclusions, creating an indulgent treat that’s impossible to compare to any other ice cream novelty.
Military Influence
For Hannah, the lessons she learned in the Marine Corps have shaped the way she leads her team at Nightingale.
“I have high expectations, but I also believe in taking care of my team,” she says. “In the Marines, you learn that leadership isn’t about you—it’s about making sure your people have what they need to succeed.”
This ethos of mutual respect and teamwork extends into Nightingale’s company culture, where everyone plays an important role.
“We work hard, we move fast and we’re always looking for ways to be better,” she adds. “But at the end of the day, it’s about the people.”
As a result, Nightingale is not just a company that produces exceptional ice cream sandwiches; it’s a place where people thrive. That focus on putting people first, which Hannah carried from her military experience, has contributed to the company’s success.
Advice for Fellow Veterans
Hannah has valuable advice for fellow veterans who may be considering starting their own businesses.
“For other veterans thinking about starting a business, my best advice is to trust that you already have what it takes,” she says.
The skills honed in the military are crucial for entrepreneurship.
“Those skills don’t go away when you take off the uniform,” she adds.
Her advice?
“Surround yourself with good people, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and most importantly, believe in what you’re building. If you can handle the military, you can handle entrepreneurship—it’s just a different kind of challenge.”
Hannah’s journey from the Marine Corps to becoming an entrepreneur shows how military experience can provide invaluable tools for success in business. Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches is proof that with the correct mindset, success is within reach—whether it’s conquering a battlefield or building a thriving business from scratch.
At the heart of it all, it’s not just about making the best ice cream sandwiches. It’s about a dedication to quality, a commitment to people and an unshakable belief that with the right mix, anything can be achieved. And for Hannah, it all started with the lessons she learned in the Marines.
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