Empire Today Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Empire Today has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, human resources, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to customer satisfaction, Empire Today simplifies the flooring purchase and installation process, providing in-home estimates and professional services across major US markets.

Leadership Roles at Empire Today

  • Chief Executive Officer - Brian Hutto
  • Chief Executive Officer & Owner - Cliff Bailey
  • Contractor and President - Melissa Kobin
  • President - Kristin Prudhomme
  • President - Bob Ellsweig
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Terry Gornet
  • Chief Strategy & Technology Officer - Paul Carter
  • Brian Hutto - Chief Executive Officer

    Brian Hutto, the Chief Executive Officer at Empire Today, directs the company's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Hutto guides the organization's expansion within the home improvement sector, focusing on enhancing the direct-to-consumer flooring sales and installation model. Overseeing all departments, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the company's mission to simplify the flooring purchase experience for residential and commercial clients. This leadership involves driving innovation in service delivery and product offerings, particularly in carpet, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile solutions. Brian Hutto's focus remains on strengthening market presence in key metropolitan areas across the United States, ensuring consistent quality and customer satisfaction through the shop-at-home consultation approach. The Chief Executive Officer's role is critical in maintaining Empire Today's competitive edge and fostering sustainable growth within the industry.
    Brian Hutto

    Cliff Bailey - Chief Executive Officer & Owner

    Cliff Bailey, the Chief Executive Officer & Owner at Empire Today, holds ultimate responsibility for the company's strategic direction and ownership oversight. Bailey's leadership encompasses the entire scope of Empire Today's operations, from direct-to-consumer flooring sales to the execution of installation services nationwide. As Chief Executive Officer & Owner, this individual ensures the company's core values are upheld, particularly its commitment to simplifying the flooring purchase journey for both residential and commercial customers. The role involves setting the long-term vision for market expansion and service enhancement, leveraging the established shop-at-home consultation model. Cliff Bailey's influence extends to maintaining the quality and efficiency of services offered, including carpet, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile solutions. The Chief Executive Officer & Owner's strategic decisions are pivotal in solidifying Empire Today's position as a leading home improvement provider across major US metropolitan markets.

    Melissa Kobin - Contractor and President

    Melissa Kobin, the Contractor and President at Empire Today, leads critical operational aspects of the company's installation services and market presence. Kobin's dual role emphasizes a hands-on approach to managing contractor networks and ensuring the seamless execution of flooring projects nationwide. As Contractor and President, this individual focuses on optimizing the installation process for carpet, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile flooring, directly impacting customer satisfaction. The leadership involves overseeing the quality control and efficiency of installation teams, reinforcing Empire Today's commitment to simplifying the home improvement experience. Melissa Kobin's responsibilities extend to managing relationships with installation partners and ensuring adherence to company standards across all residential and commercial projects. The Contractor and President's strategic input is essential for maintaining the high level of service expected by customers utilizing the shop-at-home consultation model.

    Kristin Prudhomme - President

    Kristin Prudhomme, the President at Empire Today, drives strategic initiatives focused on enhancing the company's market position and operational excellence. Prudhomme's leadership oversees key business functions aimed at refining the direct-to-consumer flooring sales and installation experience. As President, this individual is instrumental in developing strategies that support the company's growth across residential and commercial sectors, ensuring the simplification of the flooring purchase process. Kristin Prudhomme's role involves collaborating with executive leadership to implement innovative solutions for product selection and service delivery, covering carpet, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile offerings. The President's focus is on strengthening customer relationships and expanding the reach of the shop-at-home consultation model into new metropolitan markets. This leadership ensures that Empire Today consistently delivers quality and value, reinforcing its reputation for professional installation services.
    Kristin Prudhomme

    Bob Ellsweig - President

    Bob Ellsweig, the President at Empire Today, directs significant operational segments of the company, focusing on market expansion and service delivery excellence. Ellsweig's leadership is crucial in managing the logistical and strategic elements of Empire Today's direct-to-consumer flooring sales and installation services. As President, this individual champions initiatives that enhance the customer journey, ensuring the simplification of purchasing carpet, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile flooring. Bob Ellsweig oversees the coordination of in-home estimates and professional installation across various regions, reinforcing the company's commitment to quality and efficiency. The President's role involves fostering strong relationships with operational teams and ensuring alignment with the overall business objectives. This leadership is key to maintaining Empire Today's competitive advantage and expanding its footprint in residential and commercial markets through its established shop-at-home model.

    Terry Gornet - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Terry Gornet, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Empire Today, directs all human capital strategies and organizational development initiatives. Gornet oversees the recruitment, retention, and professional growth of the company's workforce, ensuring a high-performing team that supports Empire Today's direct-to-consumer flooring sales and installation services. The Chief Human Resources Officer is responsible for cultivating a positive and productive work environment, aligning HR policies with the company's mission to simplify the flooring purchase process. This leadership role involves managing employee relations, compensation and benefits, and talent management programs across all operational levels. Terry Gornet's strategic focus includes developing programs that enhance employee engagement and support the company's expansion into new residential and commercial markets. The Chief Human Resources Officer plays a vital part in ensuring the company has the skilled personnel necessary to deliver exceptional service and maintain its reputation for quality installation.
    Terry Gornet

    Paul Carter - Chief Strategy & Technology Officer

    Paul Carter, the Chief Strategy & Technology Officer at Empire Today, architects the company's long-term strategic planning and technological infrastructure. Carter leads the integration of innovative technologies to enhance Empire Today's direct-to-consumer flooring sales and installation services, ensuring a seamless customer experience. The Chief Strategy & Technology Officer is responsible for developing and executing strategies that drive operational efficiency and market growth, particularly in the areas of carpet, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile solutions. This leadership role involves overseeing digital transformation initiatives, data analytics, and the technological backbone supporting the shop-at-home consultation model. Paul Carter's focus is on leveraging technology to streamline processes, improve service delivery, and maintain Empire Today's competitive edge in residential and commercial markets. The Chief Strategy & Technology Officer's vision is critical for future-proofing the company's operations and expanding its reach across the United States.
    Paul Carter

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Empire Today Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Empire Today?
    Empire Today is led by Brian Hutto (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Cliff Bailey (Chief Executive Officer & Owner) and Melissa Kobin (Contractor and President).
    Who is part of Empire Today’s executive team?
    The executive team of Empire Today includes leaders such as Brian Hutto (Chief Executive Officer), Cliff Bailey (Chief Executive Officer & Owner), Melissa Kobin (Contractor and President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Empire Today have?
    Empire Today has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Empire Today’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Empire Today includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Owner, Contractor and President, President, President.