Administration and Operations
King of Friendship: Tom Kerr began Friendship Flea Market back in 1968 with his wife, Rosemary. With a friendly smile and a quick wit, he had both vendors and visitors returning year after year. Tom retired in 2012 and sadly passed away in February 2019.
Jan Schnell (right) is Rosemary’s daughter and is the mastermind behind the day-to-day operations. She organizes the vendors and campers from the Main Office and is always ready with a friendly smile to assist you. Her assistant, Gretchen Vansant (left), is both a friend and Friendship enthusiast. Gretchen started assisting Jan in June, 2017.
Brigette Smith runs the Field Office located on Kerr Hollow. She answers the phone, makes announcements, and sells ice.
Parking Lot
Connie Eggleston is the Parking Lot Manager. She greets customers and is responsible for overseeing daily operations.
Leason Smith is the parking lot attendant. He greets customers and oversees finding parking spaces.
Maintenance and Set-Up
Frank Smith is the person to see for electric, plumbing, vendor setup or any general maintenance questions concerning the operations of the flea market.
Charlie Carey performs ground maintenance. He assists with show preparation and general assistance.
Kathy Carey serves as the restroom attendant and cleaning specialist. She maintains cleanliness and sanitation and ensures restroom supplies are stocked.
Lillian Kerr Young, Congratulations!!on turning 100 on June 25, 2025! Lillian is Tom Kerr’s sister, and retired at age 98. She worked the parking lot for decades along with her husband Walter until he passed in 2008. Lillian has moved from her life long home in Clinton, Tennessee to be with her son and family in Florida. She is doing well!
The Goals of Friendship Management
For the Vendor: Create an atmosphere conducive for them to live comfortably in a safe and pleasant outdoor atmosphere for nine days. Friendship management works to draw people to the market so the vendor can make a profit during their nine-day stay.
For the Visitor: Create a safe and pleasant atmosphere which brings them back, again and again to our twice a year events. Friendship management ensures our visitors enjoy the fun and spend, at their leisure, their time and money for those items our vendors sell.