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. Hutto manages the alignment of all business units to ensure the delivery of premium flooring products and installation services to residential and commercial clients. By overseeing the expansion of the shop-at-home consultation model, the Chief Executive Officer drives market penetration across major metropolitan areas in the United States. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine the competitive positioning of the company within the home improvement sector. Brian Hutto maintains a focus on operational excellence and customer satisfaction, ensuring that every flooring project meets rigorous quality standards. Through strategic oversight of the entire enterprise, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health and brand reputation of the firm while fostering a culture of innovation and service efficiency.

Kimberly Ruggles, the Chief Operating Officer at Empire Today, oversees the daily execution of flooring sales and installation logistics. Ruggles manages the complex supply chain and service delivery networks that define the shop-at-home experience for customers nationwide. By optimizing internal workflows, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that in-home estimates and product installations occur with maximum efficiency and precision. This role requires constant coordination with regional managers to maintain high service standards across diverse metropolitan markets. Kimberly Ruggles monitors operational metrics to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction within the flooring installation lifecycle. Through the implementation of scalable service protocols, the Chief Operating Officer supports the company mission of simplifying home improvement. Ruggles maintains a rigorous focus on field performance, ensuring that every customer interaction reflects the commitment to quality and reliability that characterizes the brand.

Bob Ellsweig, the President at Empire Today, manages the tactical execution of business initiatives and cross-departmental collaboration. Ellsweig oversees the integration of sales and service functions to ensure a cohesive customer experience from initial consultation to final installation. By driving revenue growth and market expansion, the President supports the long-term strategic goals of the organization. This role involves working closely with other C-suite leaders to refine the product offerings, including carpet, hardwood, and tile solutions. Bob Ellsweig monitors market trends to adjust the service model for changing consumer demands in the home improvement industry. Through the oversight of key business units, the President ensures that the company maintains its competitive edge in major metropolitan markets. Ellsweig focuses on operational agility and the consistent delivery of value to customers, reinforcing the reputation of the firm as a leader in direct-to-consumer flooring services.

Melissa Kobin, the Contractor and President at Empire Today, manages the critical relationships with the network of independent contractors who perform flooring installations. Kobin oversees the vetting, onboarding, and performance monitoring of these essential service partners to ensure consistent quality across all projects. By driving the development of contractor-focused programs, the Contractor and President ensures that the installation workforce remains highly skilled and aligned with company standards. This role involves balancing the needs of the contractor network with the operational requirements of the business to maintain seamless service delivery. Melissa Kobin monitors installation metrics to ensure that every residential and commercial project meets the high expectations of the brand. Through the strategic management of these external partnerships, the Contractor and President supports the overall efficiency and reliability of the shop-at-home model. Kobin maintains a focus on fostering strong, productive relationships that sustain the growth of the company.

Terry Gornet, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Empire Today, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies necessary to support a national workforce. Gornet manages the recruitment of skilled professionals and installation experts who represent the company in customer homes. By overseeing employee engagement and training programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the staff remains aligned with the core mission of providing exceptional flooring services. This leadership role involves designing compensation structures and performance management systems that drive productivity across all regional operations. Terry Gornet fosters a workplace culture that prioritizes safety, professional growth, and customer-centric values. Through the strategic management of human capital, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the overall business objectives of the firm. Gornet maintains a focus on building a resilient and capable team that consistently delivers high-quality results for residential and commercial clients.

Paul Carter, the Chief Strategy & Technology Officer at Empire Today, architects the digital infrastructure and technological roadmap that powers the shop-at-home consultation model. Carter manages the development of proprietary software tools that facilitate in-home estimates and streamline the flooring selection process for customers. By overseeing the integration of advanced data analytics, the Chief Strategy & Technology Officer drives informed decision-making across the enterprise. This role involves identifying emerging technologies that enhance service delivery and operational efficiency in the home improvement sector. Paul Carter collaborates with other executives to align technological investments with the broader strategic goals of the company. Through the implementation of robust digital platforms, the Chief Strategy & Technology Officer ensures that the business remains at the forefront of retail innovation. Carter maintains a focus on scalability and security, supporting the continued growth of the firm across diverse regional markets.