“You don’t see too many women in construction and sometimes it’s hard. But I love what I do,” said Flores-Warmock, owner and chief executive of FloWar. “I would like to create a lasting impact on El Paso through my company by doing everything we can to build the city up.”

On October 20, the Small Business Development Center at El Paso Community College hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for FloWar Construction during National Business Women’s Week.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to be recognized,” she said. “Sometimes you don’t see everything you have achieved until someone else reflects on it.”

Flores-Warnock is no stranger to the El Paso business world. She co-owns the city’s Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise, Marco’s Pizza, Hand and Stone, and others with partner Kaleb Warnock. FloWar Construction is her first solo venture. When she arrived in the U.S. in 2013, Flores-Warnock worked as a Starbucks barista.

“My parents taught me the value of hard work, “she said.” They were a great example of how everyone has their own time to shine and I believe my time is now. I never give up, I always respect and keep pushing forward.”

The groundbreaking ceremony opened with a blessing over the property at 4830 Transmountain – the future grounds of FloWar Construction corporate office, the city’s fifth Tropical Smoothie Cafe and El Paso’s third Marco’s Pizza. Flores-Warnock said they will create 100 jobs. Audrey Marrufo, the training coordinator at the Small Business Development Center, said the couple have been clients of the center since they opened the first Tropical Smoothie Cafe in El Paso in April 2016.

“When you meet someone with so much passion and determination like Patricia, who’s paving the way for women in a male-dominated industry, you just can’t help but get on board,” Marrufo said.

The center provided startup assistance for FloWar Construction and helped navigate the world of government contracting.
“The Small Business Development Center is a great resource for starting a business,”