At Tap Truck USA, we believe there’s no greater title than “Dad” — unless, of course, it’s “Dad and Business Owner.” This Father’s Day, we’re highlighting the men in our network who aren’t just running successful mobile bar businesses — they’re also raising families, coaching games, flipping pancakes, and tucking kids in at night.

Running a business is a grind. Being a father is a full-time role. Doing both? That takes intention, heart, and a heck of a lot of planning. We sat down with three incredible licensees — Tim Stone of Tap Truck East San Diego, Bernie White of Tap Truck Midwest, and Kalem Brock of Tap Truck River Valley — to hear how they make it all work.

Whether you’re a fellow entrepreneur, a parent, or just someone curious about what fuels the fire behind our trucks, their stories are a tribute to balancing hustle and home.

Meet the Dads Behind the Bar

How did you first discover Tap Truck, and what role do you play today?

Each journey began with a spark — and a desire for something more.

For Tim Stone, father of two, it started with a chance encounter: “I saw a truck that was being built at my real estate client’s shop and fell in love with the idea. We already had the truck, just needed to start a business.” Today, he runs Tap Truck East San Diego as part of a broader portfolio of five businesses.

Bernie White, father of six, and his wife were exploring business ideas in 2022. “She shared the Tap Truck idea with me and we agreed it looked like a great opportunity — low cash barrier and all about bringing people together. We began our conversation with Tap Truck, purchased the Green Goblin, had it shipped to Minnesota, and had our first event in December 2022 at a Christmas Marketplace hosted by my former fire department. We served Busch Light, mulled wine and hot chocolate while families were in line to see Santa!” Now, he’s in charge of operations, finances, and event service for Tap Truck Midwest, noting “I make sure the truck is working, the beverages are flowing, taxes are paid and that our customers are happy!”

Kalem Brock, father of three, made the leap after two decades in law enforcement. “I began to feel the need for more freedom and flexibility — not just for myself, but for my family. After stepping away from my career, I spent a few months researching business ideas. I came across Tap Truck shortly after volunteering for a local holiday home tour, where classic cars were used as decor pieces outside each home — and they stole the show. That moment stuck with me. When I discovered Tap Truck, everything clicked. It combined that classic car charm with a fun, in-demand service — and I knew it was the perfect fit.” Now, he leads day-to-day operations, client outreach, marketing, and event coordination for Tap Truck River Valley.

Pictured above: Tap Truck East San Diego Owner, Tim Stone, with his wife & one of his sons. 

What has fatherhood taught you about running a business?

For these dads, the lessons of parenting are deeply woven into their business mindset.

Tim says, “Your image for your business is just like the image your kids create. They are a direct product of your influence, and if you provide good inputs, you get good outputs.”

Bernie learned resilience: “Patience, perseverance, doing the best you can with what you have. Even when it feels like you have no idea what you’re doing, keep moving forward.”

Kalem echoes Bernie’s sentiments saying, “Patience, perspective, and the value of clear guidance. Managing the different needs and personalities of three kids has made me a better communicator and decision-maker. I’ve also learned how to lead with both structure and empathy — which is invaluable when working with clients.”

How do you balance family life and entrepreneurship?

Balance comes from structure — and these dads have mastered the art.

“I try and plan every hour of each day a week in advance so I can maximize efficiency and prioritize family events,” says Tim.

Bernie agrees, emphasizing smart scheduling: “Creating a balance is all about planning when you are going to do things. My wife ensures that we have someone to watch our kids when we have events. I do most of my work after my kids are in bed. This means I am trading sleep for business work, which allows me to maximize family time.”

Kalem supports the power of a daily rhythm as well: “With all three kids in school, I get a solid window each day to focus on work. Once school’s out, it’s family time. That kind of balance was nearly impossible in my previous career, so this shift has been life-changing. I now have the flexibility to be present and involved — without sacrificing business goals.”

What does a typical day look like juggling Tap Truck and dad life?

It’s organized chaos — with plenty of heart.

“Tap Truck is one of five businesses I run,” says Tim. “It usually takes the most time on the weekends, so it’s very common for me to take one kid to basketball, the other to soccer, and then head to an event in the evening.”

Bernie states that “I am not sure there is such a thing as a typical day, but… start the day off with some family time after everyone gets out of bed (who doesn’t want to snuggle with a still sleepy 2 ½ year old?). Then go to work my regular job during the day. After that it is dinner time and after dinner is more family time to play with the kids and then it is time to read and time for the younger kids to get to bed. After they are in bed, depending on what needs to be done, I will pay quarterly sales taxes, or do event prep (make sure truck is running, batteries are charged, beverage lines sanitized, etc.).”

Kalem splits his time by the school bell: “work while the kids are in school, then switch gears in the afternoon. I spend my mornings handling emails, calls, event prep, and marketing. Evenings are for homework, dinner, and time with the kids. On event days, it’s go time — and sometimes the kids even tag along if it’s a family-friendly gathering. They love being part of it in their own little ways.”

Do your kids ever get involved with Tap Truck?

Absolutely — and they love it!

Tim shares, “We do a lot of non-alcohol events, many at our kids’ school. They always jump in to pour nitro brew coffee, floats, or teas.”

Bernie says his two oldest sons help serve at events, and his daughter even helped during a “rescue mission for an event when the wrong product (mis-labeled keg) came out of a keg.”

Kalem’s kids help clean up and brainstorm ideas. “They help with event clean-up and love brainstorming kid-friendly drinks and ideas. For non-alcoholic events, they’ve even helped serve drinks and hand out supplies. It gives them a sense of pride and ownership — and it’s a lot of fun for all of us.”

What’s your favorite part of being both a Dad and a business owner?

For all three, the answer is simple: freedom and legacy.

“I love that my kids get to see me build businesses from scratch,” says Tim. “I hope it teaches them how to be driven and successful.”

Bernie adds, “Showing my children that you can have a job and still run your own business — that’s powerful.”

Kalem reflects, “Freedom. I finally have the ability to spend meaningful time with my children and build something that excites me. That kind of balance and fulfillment wasn’t possible in my old life — and I don’t take it for granted.”

How has the Tap Truck community supported you as a Dad in business?

For Tim, proximity has been a bonus. “I have the unique advantage of being 20 minutes from Corbin so anytime there is a chance to help each other we jump on it.”

Bernie is grateful for the shared wisdom across the Tap Truck network. “Sharing their experience has helped us do things more efficiently and helped us know that, sometimes, that is just how things go.”

Kalem adds, “It’s truly a family. Many Tap Truck owners are parents, and there’s a strong sense of support and camaraderie. I’ve found that family is not just valued — it’s celebrated, both among owners and at the corporate level. It’s more than a business; it’s a network of people who genuinely have your back.”

What does your ideal Father’s Day look like?

For Tim? His answer is a simple one we can all attest to be a solid day: “A six-pack & charter boat with the family catching yellowtail and rockfish.”

Bernie’s perfect day involves zero fanfare. “Being surrounded by my family and doing random family things. To me being a father is time with my kids, that gives me great joy.

Kalem envisions a full day of memory-making: “A brunch with my kids, followed by an A’s game in Sacramento, and then a relaxing evening in the front yard with a cocktail while the kids ride their bikes and swing in the tree. If the neighborhood dads swing by with craft beers to cap it off — that’s a perfect day.”

What advice would you give to other Dads thinking about starting their own business?

Tim’s advice is effective & straightforward: “You can run TapTruck and most businesses and still have family time. You just need to be efficient and prioritize. ”

Bernie recommends discussing logistics with your partner. “Have a plan for how you will manage when you work for your business (in partnership with your spouse). Some examples, when will you do your bookkeeping? Event prep? Post-event cleaning & restocking? Maintenance on your truck?”

Kalem encourages dads to leap. “Start now. There’s never a ‘perfect time.’ If you have an idea that energizes you, lean into it. The risk is real — but so is the reward. If your goal is more control over your time and more connection with your family, that’s one of the best reasons to take the leap.”

To All the Dads Who Pour Their Hearts Out — We See You.

These stories are just a glimpse into the heart of the Tap Truck community. Our trucks may serve beer, but behind them are real people — building legacies, shaping young lives, and showing what’s possible when you pursue both purpose and presence.

Whether you're running a business, starting a side hustle, or just trying to make it home in time for bedtime stories, this one’s for you. You show your kids what passion looks like. You model resilience in late nights and early mornings. You pour your energy into something that can grow right alongside your family.

And if you’re part of the Tap Truck community, like so many dads across the country are, you’re not doing it alone. From coast to coast, fathers are transforming vintage trucks into unforgettable experiences and legacies their children can be proud of.

This Father’s Day, we raise a glass (or a float) to the men balancing blueprints with bedtime, bookings with ballgames, and beer taps with baby wipes.

You’re not just building businesses.
You’re building futures.

Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Tap Truck USA!