Empire Today Executive and Leadership Team

Brian Hutto, the Chief Executive Officer at Empire Today, directs the overarching corporate vision and long-term growth trajectory for the organization. By overseeing the expansion of the shop-at-home flooring model, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent service delivery across major metropolitan markets. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine the competitive positioning of the company within the retail hardware sector. Brian Hutto drives operational excellence by aligning internal resources with the evolving demands of residential and commercial flooring consumers. Through the implementation of streamlined installation processes, the Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards of customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the Chief Executive Officer monitors national market trends to identify new opportunities for scaling the business. By fostering a culture of efficiency and innovation, the Chief Executive Officer secures the market leadership of the firm while delivering value to stakeholders and homeowners alike.

Kimberly Ruggles, the Chief Operating Officer at Empire Today, manages the daily execution of flooring sales and installation logistics across the United States. Overseeing the complex supply chain for carpet, hardwood, and tile products, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that inventory levels meet the high-volume demands of the shop-at-home model. This leadership role requires constant coordination with regional managers to optimize the efficiency of in-home estimates and professional installation services. Kimberly Ruggles drives operational improvements by refining the workflows that connect product selection with final delivery. By analyzing performance metrics, the Chief Operating Officer identifies bottlenecks in the service cycle and implements solutions to accelerate project completion times. The Chief Operating Officer also maintains rigorous quality control standards to uphold the reputation of the brand. Through meticulous oversight of field operations, the Chief Operating Officer guarantees that every customer receives consistent, high-quality service regardless of the geographic market.

Melissa Kobin, the Contractor and President at Empire Today, oversees the specialized network of independent contractors and service providers that execute flooring installations. Managing the rigorous vetting and onboarding processes for these partners, the Contractor and President ensures that every installation meets the high quality standards expected by residential and commercial clients. This leadership role involves developing standardized protocols for project management and site safety across all active metropolitan markets. Melissa Kobin drives performance improvements by monitoring contractor metrics and providing the necessary support to maintain service consistency. By fostering strong relationships with the contractor base, the Contractor and President ensures that the company can scale its installation capacity to meet seasonal demand fluctuations. The Contractor and President also works closely with the operations team to resolve complex installation challenges. Through these efforts, the Contractor and President maintains the integrity of the service delivery model and supports the overall reputation of the brand.

Bob Ellsweig, the President at Empire Today, manages the day-to-day business activities and cross-functional alignment required to sustain the market position of the company. Overseeing the integration of sales, marketing, and customer service departments, the President ensures that the shop-at-home model functions as a cohesive unit. This leadership role involves driving revenue growth through the optimization of regional sales strategies and the expansion of the product portfolio, including hardwood, laminate, and vinyl flooring. Bob Ellsweig monitors key performance indicators to ensure that the company meets its financial targets while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction. By facilitating communication between the executive team and department heads, the President ensures that corporate initiatives are executed effectively across all territories. The President also identifies opportunities to streamline internal processes to reduce costs and improve service speed. Through these efforts, the President supports the long-term profitability and operational health of the organization.

Terry Gornet, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Empire Today, architects the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies necessary to support a national workforce. Overseeing the recruitment of skilled installation professionals and sales consultants, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the company maintains a high-caliber team capable of delivering the signature shop-at-home experience. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training programs that align employee performance with the specific service standards of the flooring industry. Terry Gornet drives engagement initiatives that foster a culture of accountability and professional growth across all regional offices. By managing complex labor relations and benefits administration, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the operational stability of the firm. The Chief Human Resources Officer also collaborates with executive leadership to align human capital strategies with the broader business objectives of the company. Through these efforts, the Chief Human Resources Officer builds a resilient organization prepared for sustained growth.

Paul Carter, the Chief Strategy & Technology Officer at Empire Today, directs the digital transformation and long-term planning initiatives that modernize the flooring purchase process. Overseeing the integration of advanced software platforms, the Chief Strategy & Technology Officer ensures that the shop-at-home consultation model remains technologically superior and user-friendly for residential customers. This leadership role involves architecting scalable data infrastructure to support real-time inventory management and customer relationship tracking. Paul Carter drives strategic innovation by identifying emerging technologies that enhance the efficiency of in-home estimates and product visualization. By aligning technical capabilities with corporate goals, the Chief Strategy & Technology Officer enables the company to maintain a competitive edge in the retail hardware market. The Chief Strategy & Technology Officer also collaborates with other C-suite leaders to evaluate market expansion opportunities through digital channels. Through these initiatives, the Chief Strategy & Technology Officer secures the technological foundation required for future business scalability.