CRW Parts, Inc., formerly Chesapeake Rim & Wheel Distributors, opened for business on March 12, 1962, specializing in replacement wheels and brakes for passenger cars and trucks. The company began with fourteen people, all veterans of the automotive aftermarket. Each had worked for R.W. Norris & Sons, a wholesaler with roots going back to the 1850's. Due to the death of several of the principals of that firm, the decision was made to liquidate the 112 year old business which had spanned through five generations, thereby, opening the opportunity for CRW to select the most promising product lines and personnel from the liquidated firm