WG Provisions was founded by Marv Walter in 1979. Marv was a remarkable individual known for his visionary spirit, entrepreneurial drive, and love for meat.
Marv earned a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science in 1962 and a Master’s degree in Meat Science in 1964 from Iowa State University. As a student, he was an active participant in ISU’s Livestock and Meat Judging teams.
Marv’s professional journey took him to various roles within the American Meat Industry and as a floor trader on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Alongside his partners, Marv ventured into entrepreneurship, founding 30 businesses that showcased his innovative spirit.
He held prominent leadership roles, and served as the director of the American Meat Institute and the US Meat Export Federation. Marv’s contributions were recognized through prestigious awards, including being named the 1989 Iowa Small Business Person of the Year and induction into the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Hall of Fame. Later, he earned other accolades, such as the 2008 Certified Angus Beef Commitment to Integrity Award and induction to the Meat Industry Hall of Fame.
Marv was also a generous philanthropist. He supported organizations like Alpha Gamma Rho and 4H, and his commitment to his alma mater was evident through a $1.5 million donation towards the Hansen Ag Learning Center at ISU.
Throughout his lifetime, Marv remained dutifully committed to excellence. He laid the foundation of WG Provisions. We honor it today.
The Legacy Continues: Darren Dies
Darren Dies, current president, has held his position at WG Provisions since 1996. His leadership brought us a fresh new perspective and a ceaseless wealth of innovation.
Just like Marv, he earned an Animal Science degree at Iowa State University. After graduation, he moved to Chicago, where he worked for one of the largest meat manufacturers in the country. He returned home to Iowa 9 years later, and joined Marv as a business partner in 1996.
Darren’s time in Chicago provided him with a diverse background. He was hired as a management trainee, and worked in quality assurance and product development. Darren saw tremendous opportunities for WG Provisions within the food service and retail markets, and helped build the company to what it is today.
He helped test, create, and develop our wide range of Smokehouse products, including our famous Double-Smoked Brisket. As Darren likes to call it, our RTE Smokehouse products are “no-brainer barbecue”.
His eye for innovation didn’t stop there. He helped produce The Perfect Pig, recognized a market need for rabbit meat, and introduced heat post-pasteurization to our safety protocols. All this said, Darren’s relentless pursuit of innovation extends beyond these accomplishments. He remains vigilant in seeking out new opportunities, eager to provide the best for our clients every single day. His dedication to the industry earned him recognition as a “Rising Star” by Meat Processing magazine in 2004.
As we look to the future, we are inspired by Marv’s legacy and guided by Darren’s vision. Our family is committed to upholding the standards of excellence and innovation that define WG Provisions. Together, we honor the past, embrace the present, and pave way for a future that reflects the pioneering spirit of our founder.
Marv Walter created an environment where people felt valued, supported, and part of a larger family. His commitment to community engagement left an unforgettable mark on those fortunate enough to be part of his professional circle. Today, Marv’s legacy lives on. His good character still shapes our company’s ethos, and we’ll always prioritize our employees’ wellbeing—they’re our family, after all.
