2016 - 2017 Foundation Chairman, Jimmy Tryon
Retail Wine Division Manager, Empire Distributors
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Q&A with the Chairman

How did you get started working in the grocery industry? How has your career evolved over the years?

I started working when I was 14 years old bagging groceries for Publix Supermarkets in Jupiter, FL. My father was a Publix store manager for more than 20 years and I was following in his footsteps at an early age in my life. 10 days after I graduated HS I moved to GA during the Publix migration to Atlanta. I worked my way into management at an early age of just 21. In September of 2000 I decided to make a career change and began my career at Empire Distributors selling wine and beer. I have been with Empire for 12 years with a short stint as a supplier with the E&J Gallo Winery from 2009 – 2013. Upon returning to Empire I have been promoted to Retail Sales Manager for the largest division in our company.

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Tell us about your family --

​My wife and I have been married for 9 years. We have a 23- year old daughter who just graduated from Kennesaw State University and a 16- year old son who just entered into the 11th grade.  

What types of hobbies and personal interests do you enjoy?

​I enjoy traveling to foreign countries, any and all sporting events, boating and exercising.

What do you enjoy most about serving on the Board of Trustees?

I have been volunteering for the GFIA in many capacities for over 14 years. The networking and the people we meet and interact with in the GFIA are some of the best talents in their respective industries. It brings me great pleasure to know that our organization is helping students financially with scholarships to take some of the burden off of school loans. This is a team of great leaders and professionals and I am truly blessed to be the new GFIEF Chairman for 2016.  ​