Hand Family
Companies

Charles W. Hand was only eight years old when his father, Raymond C. Hand, started Ideal Distributing Company in 1949, and only 22 when he left school to take over the family business after Raymond passed away.

Charles Hand spent the next few decades growing the small, regional wholesaler into the multi-state distributor that it is today. His tireless dedication to the Hand Family business has resulted in the company being recognized as the Anheuser-Busch Tennessee Wholesaler of the Year five times (1985, 1991, 1996, 1998, and 1999), as well as being designated a Key Wholesaler by Anheuser-Busch InBev.

Charles’s accomplishments continue as he leads the Hand Family Companies into the future. From 1961 to today, the company has grown from its humble beginnings to more than 40 million cases of annual sales. The company has continued to flourish through organic growth and acquisition of beverage distribution operations in Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois.

Charles is involved in numerous philanthropic and developmental efforts in his home community of Clarksville as well as in greater Tennessee. He sits on the Board of Directors for the Clarksville Academy, Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Tennessee Malt Beverage Association, among others.

As President and CEO of Hand Family Companies, JR Hand is the driving visionary behind the company and its many locations. Under his leadership the company has expanded into three states, with over 1,200 employees and annual sales of more than 40 million cases.

A believer in the giving back to the communities his company lives and works in, JR serves on many business and charitable boards including the YMCA Board of Directors, Better Business Bureau Advisory Council, Tennessee Malt Beverage Association, Keep Tennessee Beautiful Advisory Council, and Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence Board of Examiners.

JR is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and is an avid supporter of the school and their athletics program. In his free time, JR enjoys spending time with his wife Kailey and their four children, Harper, Jackson, Beckett, and Hayes.

Zachary was appointed Hand Family Companies Vice President-Accounting and Finance in October 2023. Zachary is responsible for managing all aspects of the financial statements for Hand Family Companies (TriStar Beverage, Bluegrass Beverage, and Lakeshore Beverage) and Bounty. In addition, he is responsible for the database team and shared services for Hand Family Companies and Bounty. Zachary says his favorite thing about his job with Hand Family Companies is the impact that it can have on the whole company and that the company provides him the opportunity to reach career goals while also pursuing other things he is passionate about outside of work; “It’s very rewarding to work somewhere where you can make a difference and Hand Family Companies allows that opportunity while allowing you to follow your personal passions outside of the office”.

Zachary has been with Hand Family Companies since joining as the Director of Accounting and Finance in April 2018. Prior to joining Hand Family Companies, Zachary worked in manufacturing accounting/finance. He attended Murray State University where he received a B.S. with a major in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He is a licensed CPA.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, kids, and labs. His hobbies include coaching his kids in softball/baseball, running and biking; watching LSU Tigers, Chicago White Sox, and the Oakland Raiders; and, when he finds time, he enjoys taking his Harley for a ride or just doing anything outdoors.

Barry Batson was appointed Hand Family Companies Vice President of Operations in August 1982. As Vice President of Operations, Barry Batson oversees the performance of the Hand Family Companies’ various locations. Barry coordinates operations managers at various locations with their respective warehouse and delivery teams to ensure that our receiving, storing, and shipping is as smooth and efficient as possible. Barry credits the Hand Family Companies’ consistent dedication to winning and excellence for his long tenure and continued commitment. When he isn’t at work, Barry can be found flying through the skies, as he is a licensed private pilot.

Mike was appointed Hand Family Companies IT Director in October 2014. As Director of Information Technology (IT), Mike Camp is responsible for overseeing the infrastructure and technical operations with the support of his team. He works to maintain the day to day operations and systems, addresses security threats, while managing the overall budget for IT. Mike has worked in IT for over 27 years and he has enjoyed working with Hand Family Companies since 2014. He is a Clarksville native and is proud of his hometown. Mike is married to his wife, Paulette, of 33 years. When he is not working, he can be found enjoying his family including his granddaughter, Clare. He is looking forward to welcoming two new grandsons this year as well. He also enjoys playing golf with his friends and family.

Jay Smith was appointed Hand Family Companies Chief Financial Officer in December 2013. As Chief Financial Officer, Jay Smith coordinates and manages accounting, finance, budget, forecasting and reporting duties. Jay also manages banking relationships and oversees the fiscal health and security of the Hand Family Companies. A native Tennessean, Jay graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in economics, and went on to get his MBA from the University of Tennessee.

DeVon Robertson serves as Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations for Hand Family Companies, where he leads human resources strategy, labor relations, talent development, and organizational culture initiatives across the organization. With nearly two decades of industry experience, DeVon is focused on fostering strong employee engagement, building high-performing teams, and creating workplace environments that support both business objectives and employee success. His leadership combines strategic vision with a practical understanding of operational needs, making him a trusted partner across the business.

DeVon began his career in the beverage industry in 2008 as a Payroll Technician with City Beverage and has steadily advanced through a series of human resources leadership roles, including HR Administrator, HR Manager, Regional HR Manager, Director of Human Resources, and ultimately Vice President. His career progression reflects a deep commitment to people, process improvement, and organizational excellence. Beyond his responsibilities within Hand Family Companies, DeVon serves as an Employer Trustee for the Union Local 703 Health & Welfare and Pension Board, is a Director on the Chicago Beer Wholesalers Association Board, and participates on the Union Local 703 Bargaining Committee.

Originally born in Gary, Indiana, and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, DeVon earned his Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management from Western Michigan University. He currently resides in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood and enjoys spending time with his family, attending sporting events and concerts, traveling, and exploring the city. An avid basketball enthusiast, DeVon values the relationships and experiences that have shaped his career and remains passionate about developing people and strengthening workplace cultures throughout the beverage industry.