Will Tarver first started working at Tarver Distributing at the age of 14, washing trucks in the warehouse and working on delivery trucks part time. He briefly left to attend East Tennessee State University, where he graduated with a bachelor's in History and a minor in Geology. After college, Will returned to the company as an Assistant Area Manager.
In that role, Will had the opportunity to visit many craft breweries and gained an appreciation for the different styles of beverages sold by Tarver Distributing. His interest in this area lead to his role as On Premise Craft Brand Manager. Today, Will's role focuses on selling all types of beverages – from soda and tea to spirits and wine.
People always seem to be surprised by the vast selection of products Tarver sells, so what better way to share with the world than a podcast!
Will Tarver has hosted eight Episodes.
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Episode 8: Eric Hughey
April 29th, 2025 | 15 mins 37 secs
alcohol, beverages, business, distribution, water
On this episode of Banter and Brews, Will Tarver talks with Eric Hughey. Eric is the manager of Fort Loudoun State Historic Area and once worked in the park with Will. They share some stories about their fun times together and discuss the connection between Tennessee state parks and Tennessee Brew Works.
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Episode 7: Julie Johnson
April 18th, 2025 | 12 mins 48 secs
alcohol, beverages, business, distribution, water
Will Tarver is joined by guest Julie Johnson, owner of The Bus Bar in Ocoee, TN. They talk about the amazing local brew selection available at her unique bar – a retired river rafting bus off Highway 64 on the way to the whitewater rafting opportunities of the Ocoee River!
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Episode 6: Kurt Keene
January 21st, 2025 | 20 mins 8 secs
alcohol, beverages, business, distribution, water
Will Tarver welcomes guest Kurt Keene, zone manager for D.G. Yuengling & Son, the oldest operating brewing company in the United States. This episode, they talk about the rich history of Yuengling, the incredible historic facility they operate in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and the delicious flavor of Yuengling's traditional lager.
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Episode 5: Doran Burnside and Brian Smith
December 11th, 2024 | 24 mins 58 secs
alcohol, beverages, business, distribution, water
Doran Burnside, host of the podcast High Proof Ashes, and Brian Smith, master distiller at Hard Proof, join host Will Tarver on this episode. Brian shares insight on several bourbons Hard Proof has created as Will and Doran give them a taste!
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Episode 4: Rob McGowen
November 15th, 2024 | 17 mins 12 secs
alcohol, beverages, business, distribution, water
Will Tarver is joined this episode by Rob McGowan, owner of Mash and Hops in Cleveland, Tennessee. Rob has a long history of working in the beverage industry, and he talks to Will about his journey to becoming the owner of one of Cleveland's coolest little downtown spots!
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Episode 3: Sara Berry
October 9th, 2024 | 10 mins 53 secs
alcohol, beverages, business, distribution, water
Will Tarver is joined by Sara Berry, co-owner of Copperhill Brewery in Copperhill, Tennessee. Sara shares the story of how she became involved with the brewery and talks about the incredible things they are doing in the local community.
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Episode 2: Johnathan Rice
September 25th, 2024 | 14 mins 50 secs
alcohol, beverages, business, distribution, water
Will hangs out with Twitch streaming gamer Johnathan Rice to talk about Dungeons and Dragons and the world of tabletop roleplaying games. They enjoy a few different varieties of Liquid Death water, which leads them to make a silly character sheet for the brand's ambassador, a cartoon character named Murder Man.
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Episode 1: Ross Tarver
September 24th, 2024 | 20 mins 54 secs
alcohol, beverages, business, distribution, water
Banter and Brews host Will Tarver welcomes his first guest – his father! Ross Tarver shares the history of Tarver Distributing and some wild, fun stories from the beverage distribution business as they enjoy a classic Budweiser.