Mitch Walters

Mitch Walters is treasurer of the Advance Bristol Executive Committee and president of Friendship Enterprises. He is most famous for his popular catchphrase, “We’re Dealin’!”

In 1993, Mr. Walters started Friendship Ford of Bristol, which has grown to include 15 locations in seven cities and four states, with over 450 team members. Friendship Enterprises now represents Ford, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Hyundai, Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Volvo, Honda, Nissan, Indian, Polaris, Triumph and several other motorsport franchises.

The Friendship Family of Dealerships has been named one of the Top 100 Dealerships to Work For by Automotive News over 35 times since 2012, one of the top 10 award winners in the country. Mr. Walters has been honored as The Andrew Johnson Award winner for the state of Tennessee and is one of 50 finalists for the TIME Quality Dealer of the Year Award for 2021.

Friendship Enterprises is also involved in real estate development as a partner in Centre Pointe 74, The Sessions Hotel and other commercial real estate properties. Friendship also leases the property to The Golf Club of Bristol and Lifestyle Fitness, both in Bristol, Tennessee.

Mr. Walters has been past chairman/board member of the Bristol Tennessee Industrial Development Board, NETWORKS, United Way, Junior Achievement, Boys & Girls Club, Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce, and Mountain Mission School, among other organizations.

Mr. Walters attended The Ohio State University, graduated from Northwood University and has lived in Bristol since 1976. He and his wife, Danea, have two children and six grandchildren. They support the area in many ways, including The Friendship Foundation, Camp Friendship, Petworks, The Friendship Career Center, and The Friendship Bikes for Kids Program.