Empire Distributors Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Empire Distributors has 5 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, operational logistics, regional management, and market expansion.

Focused on delivering premium beverage solutions across the Southeast, Empire Distributors maintains a commitment to supply chain excellence and regional market growth through strategic wholesale distribution.

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
  • 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 efficient distribution. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the board to evaluate investment opportunities in logistics infrastructure. Through precise financial oversight, the executive ensures that the company maintains a competitive edge in the Southeast beverage market. Schwarzkopf drives fiscal discipline, enabling the organization to scale operations effectively while meeting the complex demands of the retail beverage industry.

    Gary Wolfe - Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

    Gary Wolfe, the Vice President, Chief Operating Officer at Empire Distributors, architects the daily logistics and supply chain workflows that define the company's wholesale operations. Overseeing warehouse management and fleet distribution, the Vice President, Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless product delivery across the Southeast region. This leadership role involves optimizing inventory turnover and streamlining order fulfillment processes to maximize service levels for retail partners. By implementing advanced tracking systems, Gary Wolfe enhances operational transparency and reduces overhead costs. The Vice President, Chief Operating Officer coordinates with regional leadership to align distribution capacity with fluctuating market demand. Through continuous process improvement, Wolfe drives efficiency across the entire supply chain network. The executive maintains high standards for safety and compliance, ensuring that all logistical activities support the company's reputation for reliability in the beverage distribution sector.
    Gary Wolfe

    David Beyer - President, EDI Co

    David Beyer, the President, EDI Co at Empire Distributors, directs the overarching corporate strategy and business development initiatives for the enterprise. Overseeing the alignment of various regional divisions, the President, EDI Co ensures that the company maintains a unified market presence across Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. This leadership role involves fostering relationships with major beverage suppliers and negotiating long-term distribution agreements. By identifying new growth opportunities, David Beyer expands the company's footprint within the competitive wholesale beverage landscape. The President, EDI Co collaborates with other executive leaders to refine the organizational vision and improve service delivery models. Through strategic planning, Beyer drives the company toward sustainable revenue growth and operational excellence. The executive monitors industry shifts, ensuring that the organization adapts to changing consumer preferences while upholding the core values of the wholesale beverage business.

    Patrick Stephenson - President, Tennessee

    Patrick Stephenson, the President, Tennessee at Empire Distributors, manages all wholesale beverage operations and sales initiatives within the Tennessee market. Overseeing local distribution teams, the President, Tennessee ensures that retail partners receive consistent service and product availability. This leadership role involves executing regional sales strategies that capitalize on local market trends and consumer demand. By building strong relationships with regional retailers, Patrick Stephenson drives market penetration and brand loyalty for the company's beverage portfolio. The President, Tennessee coordinates with corporate headquarters to implement standardized operational procedures while maintaining the flexibility to address specific regional challenges. Through effective team leadership, Stephenson optimizes sales performance and ensures that the Tennessee division meets its quarterly growth targets. The executive maintains a focus on operational efficiency, ensuring that the supply chain remains responsive to the unique requirements of the Tennessee retail landscape.
    Patrick Stephenson

    Brian Graeser - President, EDI GA

    Brian Graeser, the President, EDI GA at Empire Distributors, directs all wholesale beverage distribution activities and commercial operations throughout the Georgia market. Overseeing the largest regional division, the President, EDI GA ensures that the company maintains its dominant position in the local retail sector. This leadership role involves managing complex distribution networks and driving sales growth through strategic account management. By analyzing regional consumption patterns, Brian Graeser optimizes product placement and inventory levels to maximize profitability. The President, EDI GA collaborates with logistics teams to ensure timely delivery and superior customer service across the state. Through proactive market engagement, Graeser drives the expansion of the company's beverage offerings to meet evolving retail needs. The executive ensures that all Georgia-based operations align with the broader corporate strategy, maintaining high standards of performance and operational excellence in the competitive Southeast beverage market.

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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 5 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.