Steve Mugerauer began selling valvetrain products from his home garage in Oshkosh, Wis., in 1970 at a discount price after buying them in large bulk. His clientele slowly increased until his business grew into a full-fledge enterprise and the mail-order automotive retail giant it is today, Competition Products.

Competition Products caters to the needs of domestic engine builders with an expansive parts and tools catalog, but what sets the company apart from other retailers is the knowledge of its sales staff, which includes engine and transmission specialists, some of whom have deals with racing teams.

“Every salesman in our team is a hands-on car guy, not just someone who tinkers on their engine,” said Competition Products Operations Manager Brian Adix. “We're talking guys who really know the parts. In fact, many of them go to their own engine shop after work and build engines for customers.”

Having these experts be part of the team enables Competition Products to provide a level of customer service not experienced with many other retailers.

“If you need help with installation, you can call and we can help guide you or provide the resources, like a how-to article,” said Adix. “We are here to help not only when you are making a purchase but also when you are ready to install it.”

Competition Products also places a lot of importance in ensuring its customers purchase the part they need.

“When a customer calls to order a specific part but is possibly mismatching or has other options, our guys know right away to ask questions,” Adix said. “Other companies will just sell a customer the part they request and then put the blame on the customer for purchasing a product that ends up not working with their engine combination. That's why our customers keep coming back because they know our guys can help them.”

Competition Products continues to buy parts like Mugerauer did back in 1970: By dealing direct and purchasing in high volume, resulting not only in a bigger selection but also low prices.

Through the years Competition Products has added all types of engine parts to its product lineup, and thanks to alliances with trusted manufacturers, the company offers many exclusive items that other mail-order firms do not have, all of which is accentuated by its knowledgeable and professional staff.

"Knowledge is power. We have the knowledge to help you build correctly,” said Adix. “We want to make sure that you are getting the right part: Not one that will work, but one that is correct.”