Paula Flowers’ parents owned and operated a machine shop and parts store in Louisville, Ky. Growing up she spent a lot of time at the shop and eventually worked there. It wasn’t long before Flowers realized a need for a warehouse distributor with a focus on internal engine parts. From that idea, Engine Parts Warehouse was born with the help of three partners, Paula Flowers, Mark Flowers and Zorado Shelton. It was difficult at first as the company’s potential customers were also its competitors.  However, the company’s persistence was rewarded by the confidence in other engine builders in the area that needed inventory. Engine Parts Warehouse later expanded into performance parts with PBM Performance Products and Erson Cams.