Fred Shefte is a multi-talented executive for Empire, bringing a wide range of skills and experience to the Company.  Licensed as an attorney, Fred practiced law in California for more than 20 years before moving into business entrepreneurship and becoming a supplier-vendor to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.  Shefte’s extensive financial background made him an ideal manager for the Bank of Fayetteville, where he served as Senior Vice-President and Trust Officer for eight years before joining forces with Eric Parkinson in Hannover House.  Shefte is also a part-time, adjunct professor at the University of Arkansas in the Sam Walton School of Business.