Empire Today Executive and Leadership Team

John Sutherland, the Chief Executive Officer at Empire Today, directs the overarching corporate vision and long-term growth trajectory for the organization. Sutherland manages the strategic alignment of all departments to ensure the shop-at-home flooring model maintains market leadership across the United States. By overseeing the expansion of service territories and the optimization of the direct-to-consumer sales funnel, the Chief Executive Officer drives consistent revenue performance. John Sutherland also coordinates with the Board to refine the competitive positioning of the company within the home improvement sector. This leadership role involves evaluating market trends to pivot service offerings toward emerging consumer demands. Through rigorous oversight of operational efficiency and brand integrity, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the enterprise. Ultimately, Sutherland fosters a culture of excellence that supports the delivery of premium flooring products to a diverse residential and commercial customer base.

Kimberly Ruggles, the Chief Operating Officer at Empire Today, manages the complex logistics and supply chain networks required for nationwide flooring installation services. Ruggles oversees the daily execution of in-home consultations and the subsequent fulfillment of product orders, ensuring that service delivery meets strict quality standards. By optimizing the coordination between regional warehouses and field installation teams, the Chief Operating Officer enhances operational throughput across major metropolitan markets. Kimberly Ruggles also monitors performance metrics to identify bottlenecks in the service delivery process, implementing corrective measures to improve customer satisfaction. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with other C-suite members to align operational capacity with sales volume. Through the refinement of installation workflows and the management of inventory distribution, the Chief Operating Officer drives significant improvements in service speed and reliability, directly impacting the overall efficiency of the company.

Melissa Kobin, the Contractor and President at Empire Today, manages the strategic relationships with independent installation partners and field contractors who execute the company's flooring projects. Kobin oversees the vetting, onboarding, and performance monitoring of these external service providers to ensure consistent quality across all regional markets. By establishing rigorous standards for installation excellence, the Contractor and President drives the reliability of the shop-at-home service model. Melissa Kobin also coordinates with internal operations teams to align contractor capacity with fluctuating consumer demand for hardwood, laminate, and tile flooring. This leadership role involves negotiating service agreements and maintaining compliance with industry regulations to protect the brand reputation. Through the effective management of the contractor network, the Contractor and President ensures that every installation meets the high expectations of residential and commercial customers, thereby supporting the long-term growth and market presence of the company.

Bob Ellsweig, the President at Empire Today, manages the day-to-day business activities and cross-functional initiatives that sustain the company's market position in the flooring industry. Ellsweig oversees the execution of regional sales strategies and the coordination of marketing efforts that drive consumer interest in the shop-at-home model. By monitoring the performance of various product lines, including carpet and vinyl, the President drives revenue growth through targeted promotional campaigns and service enhancements. Bob Ellsweig also facilitates communication between the executive team and frontline management to ensure that corporate objectives are translated into actionable tasks. This leadership role involves analyzing regional market data to identify opportunities for service expansion and operational refinement. Through the oversight of key business units, the President ensures that the company delivers a consistent and high-quality experience to every customer, ultimately supporting the broader mission of simplifying the home improvement process.

Terry Gornet, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Empire Today, architects the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies necessary to support a large-scale, distributed workforce. Gornet oversees the recruitment of skilled professionals and the implementation of training programs that ensure high standards of service during in-home flooring consultations. By fostering a corporate culture centered on performance and customer-centric values, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives employee engagement and retention across all regional operations. Terry Gornet also manages the design of compensation structures and benefits packages that attract top-tier talent in the competitive home improvement industry. This leadership role involves partnering with executive leadership to align human capital initiatives with the broader business objectives of the company. Through the development of robust performance management systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains capable of delivering the high-quality, professional installation services that define the brand.

Paul Carter, the Chief Strategy & Technology Officer at Empire Today, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure that power the shop-at-home flooring experience. Carter oversees the development of proprietary software platforms that facilitate seamless in-home estimates and real-time inventory management. By integrating advanced data analytics into the sales process, the Chief Strategy & Technology Officer drives informed decision-making regarding product selection and market expansion. Paul Carter also manages the cybersecurity and IT systems that protect sensitive customer information across all digital touchpoints. This leadership role involves identifying emerging technologies that can further simplify the flooring purchase process for residential and commercial clients. Through the continuous improvement of the digital ecosystem, the Chief Strategy & Technology Officer ensures that the company maintains a competitive edge in the retail hardware sector. Carter secures the technological foundation required for scalable growth and superior customer service delivery.