Empire Distributors Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Empire Distributors has 6 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, information technology, operational logistics, and regional market management.

Focused on regional beverage distribution excellence, Empire Distributors maintains a commitment to supply chain efficiency and superior service standards across the Southeast market.

Leadership Roles at Empire Distributors

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - James Schwarzkopf
  • Vice President, Chief Operating Officer - Gary Wolfe
  • President, EDI Co - David Beyer
  • President, Tennessee - Patrick Stephenson
  • President, EDI GA - Brian Graeser
  • Vice President, Chief Information Officer - Bill MacPhail
  • James Schwarzkopf - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    James Schwarzkopf, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Empire Distributors, manages all fiscal planning and capital allocation strategies. Overseeing the financial health of the organization, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer directs budgeting processes and risk management protocols to ensure long-term stability. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends across Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee to optimize wholesale beverage revenue streams. By maintaining rigorous accounting standards, James Schwarzkopf supports the broader corporate mission of operational excellence. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the board to evaluate investment opportunities in logistics infrastructure. Through precise financial oversight, Schwarzkopf secures the necessary resources for regional expansion. This position remains vital for maintaining the competitive edge of the company within the beverage distribution sector, ensuring that every dollar invested drives sustainable growth and profitability for the entire enterprise.

    Gary Wolfe - Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

    Gary Wolfe, the Vice President, Chief Operating Officer at Empire Distributors, directs the daily logistics and warehouse operations across the Southeast. Overseeing the movement of beverage inventory, the Vice President, Chief Operating Officer ensures that supply chain workflows meet the high-volume demands of retail partners. This leadership role involves optimizing fleet management and distribution routes to maximize delivery speed throughout Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. By refining warehouse processes, Gary Wolfe enhances overall productivity and reduces operational overhead. The Vice President, Chief Operating Officer collaborates with regional presidents to align distribution capabilities with market demand. Through the implementation of lean management principles, Wolfe maintains high service standards for all beverage clients. This position remains critical for sustaining the company's reputation for reliability, ensuring that every aspect of the distribution network functions with precision to support the broader business goals of the organization.
    Gary Wolfe

    David Beyer - President, EDI Co

    David Beyer, the President, EDI Co at Empire Distributors, leads the strategic direction of the corporate entity. Overseeing high-level business development, the President, EDI Co drives initiatives that expand the market footprint of the organization. This leadership role involves coordinating with other executive leaders to ensure that corporate policies align with the mission of providing superior beverage distribution services. By fostering relationships with key industry stakeholders, David Beyer strengthens the competitive position of the company within the Southeast. The President, EDI Co evaluates long-term growth opportunities and monitors performance metrics to ensure consistent progress. Through effective governance, Beyer maintains the organizational culture and commitment to quality service. This position remains essential for guiding the company through evolving market conditions, ensuring that the business continues to deliver value to retail partners while maintaining operational excellence across all regional territories.

    Patrick Stephenson - President, Tennessee

    Patrick Stephenson, the President, Tennessee at Empire Distributors, manages all beverage distribution activities within the Tennessee market. Overseeing regional sales teams and local logistics, the President, Tennessee drives revenue growth by securing partnerships with retail convenience stores and other outlets. This leadership role involves tailoring distribution strategies to meet the specific needs of the Tennessee customer base. By monitoring local market trends, Patrick Stephenson ensures that the company maintains a strong presence and competitive advantage. The President, Tennessee collaborates with corporate leadership to implement standardized service protocols while addressing regional challenges. Through proactive management of local operations, Stephenson optimizes delivery schedules and inventory turnover. This position remains vital for the success of the company in the Tennessee territory, ensuring that the organization delivers consistent value and maintains high service levels for all regional clients.
    Patrick Stephenson

    Brian Graeser - President, EDI GA

    Brian Graeser, the President, EDI GA at Empire Distributors, oversees all wholesale beverage operations within the Georgia market. Managing regional sales and distribution networks, the President, EDI GA drives market penetration and customer satisfaction across the state. This leadership role involves coordinating with warehouse managers to ensure that inventory levels meet the demands of local retail partners. By analyzing regional sales data, Brian Graeser identifies opportunities for growth and service improvement. The President, EDI GA collaborates with the executive team to align Georgia operations with the broader corporate strategy. Through effective leadership of local teams, Graeser maintains high standards of operational efficiency and service reliability. This position remains essential for the company's success in its home state, ensuring that the organization continues to provide exceptional distribution services while adapting to the unique requirements of the Georgia beverage market.

    Bill MacPhail - Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    Bill MacPhail, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer at Empire Distributors, architects the digital infrastructure supporting wholesale beverage operations. Overseeing enterprise software and data security, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer drives technological innovation to streamline supply chain logistics across the Southeast. This leadership role involves integrating advanced inventory management systems to enhance delivery accuracy for retail partners. By modernizing internal networks, Bill MacPhail ensures seamless communication between regional hubs in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The Vice President, Chief Information Officer collaborates with operational teams to implement data-driven insights that improve warehouse efficiency. Through the deployment of robust cybersecurity measures, MacPhail protects sensitive corporate information and client data. This position remains essential for maintaining the technological agility required to navigate the complex beverage distribution landscape, ultimately ensuring that the company leverages digital tools to maintain market leadership and operational excellence.
    Bill MacPhail

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Empire Distributors Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Empire Distributors?
    Empire Distributors is led by James Schwarzkopf (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Gary Wolfe (Vice President, Chief Operating Officer) and David Beyer (President, EDI Co).
    Who is part of Empire Distributors’s executive team?
    The executive team of Empire Distributors includes leaders such as James Schwarzkopf (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Gary Wolfe (Vice President, Chief Operating Officer), David Beyer (President, EDI Co) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Empire Distributors have?
    Empire Distributors has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Empire Distributors’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Empire Distributors includes roles such as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, President, EDI Co, President, Tennessee, President, EDI GA.