Story by Brenda Eggert Brader Photos by David Scott
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The Volkswagen Beetle was big then, really big. The disposable razor was an item and the modern car’s catalytic converter was born – the time was the 1970s and Empire Imported Parts and Service in Winter Haven was established. Thirty-six years later, Empire Imported Parts and Service owners, Kenny and Carol Moore, share history and memories of their business from its inception by Kenny’s dad, Ken Moore.

At first, the business was all about the Volkswagens and was then located on Cypress Garden Boulevard in a strip plaza with service handled through the back door, laughed Kenny. “We sold parts out front and serviced Volkswagens in the back.” Needing more space, Ken Moore decided to purchase property on Dundee Road in Winter Haven. “We have built on here twice,” said Kenny, “and when we moved in here, I thought, what are we going to do with all this room?”

“When the Volkswagen craze began to wane, Ken Moore started picking up business and service on all other foreign car models, keeping away from domestics,” said Kenny. Even though the Moore’s still stock Volkswagen parts, and have calls for the old stuff, they have $60,000 in parts inventory, Carol says she can see how the service business has changed. They now use and have the latest in diagnostic equipment like the diagnostic scanner. “An engine tune up used to cost $10 in the early days for parts and labor,” said Kenny. “Today the same job, due to inflation, costs $150.”

The four technicians in the service bays are under the direction of Larry Cox, shop foreman for 32 years. Friendly and outgoing, the Moores seem to make a great team. They have reared two sons and a daughter and put them through college while making their living at Empire. “I couldn’t do it without her,” said Kenny. Carol says they don’t take the business home with them. Carol met Kenny at work when she first started at Empire, arriving dressed in a beige business suit. “I thought, oh my goodness this place is an auto parts store,” said Carol of when she arrived for her interview in the 1970s. “At that time in Winter Haven, there was a dress shop called the Empire. I had gotten my job interview through a service and they said Empire and gave me the address,” she laughed. “I sure would have dressed differently if I had known where I was going.’’ But history was made, Ken Moore hired her and she ended up falling in love with the boss’s son.

The Moores love their customers and have found so many friends. “We try to run an honest business and have gotten a lot of longtime customers, many older people who are still with us,” said Kenny. “Our customers have become our friends. We have attended their family weddings and even their funerals.” They stand behind their work and want customers to return. “People can get a lot of bad raps and they want someone they can trust with their car,” said Kenny. “People like to find out about a shop before they go there so we do a lot of word-ofmouth business. Our quality work isn’t a problem because we have such a good group of technicians.”

Carol is the bookkeeper and manages the office with help from a part-time person. The business is up with the times and Carol is so proud. “We just put everything in the computers now and it is so much easier. That was my goal for 2006 to get us up to date.” Kenny fills his days with telephone calls, orders, test drives and duties surrounding a service manager. The business employs eight people including the owners (and one bright and beautiful dog, Bailey). Hours are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Service work is by appointment and all the major credit cards are accepted. The phone number is 863.324.4222.