"The brothers have no acting talent," Tim says. Shop the label. The company makes, sells, and repairs furniture, specializing in custom upholstery, and operates ten showrooms throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. "Smithes have fun at the old ballpark". Sisters Colleen, Caitie, Maureen and Meghan Smithe, from left, are breaking the mold as fourth-generation leaders of the 75-year-old Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design. His four daughtersMaureen, Meghan, Caitie, and Colleenare now the new faces of this historic Chicago brand, a spot he and his brothers held for decades. Main Telephone (630) 285-8000. 1E, kneenandco.com) continues to add to its Robbe & Berking assortment with the new Martel Bar collection, which features bar cart staples like handmade silver tumblers and cocktail coupes as well as bottle openers and nutcrackers. We strive to bring our clients the best in home furnishings for every style, budget, and. I was probably in elementary school when I would come in to work in the warehouse sweeping for a nickel Colleen says. WALTER E. SMITHE FURNITURE Revenue, Growth & Competitor Profile "Some dabbled and moved on and others just weren't interested.". [7], Chicagoans have had mixed reactions to the Walter E. Smithe commercials. It's pretty surprising they are still playing on these tired sexist tropes in this day and age. With 10 years of advertising industry experience, Smithe Parker, daughter of President Walter E. Smithe III, has worked with high-profile advertising agencies in Chicago. Sisters Take Smithe Spotlight, More High-End Barware, and a Sofa Sale, 2020 Chicago magazine / A Chicago Tribune Media Group website, map of participating First Friday locations, Design Controls - Facebook Instant Article. Most recently, she was at . Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design is a family-owned furniture retailer, founded right here in Chicago, back in 1945. Shop the Sofa Sale. "If we'd done that with a large agency, it would have been flying people in from New York and storyboards and approvals along the way," he says. They hammer out a script, call in O'Neil and start filming. Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design (Old Orchard) 17 miles. "Staying fresh, young and relevant is how we're going to sustain the brand into the next 75 years," Meghan said. Lewis Lazare. "But these are guys who you'd go to dinner with, you know? The sisters can measure the span of their careers by their childrens ages and development, so they clearly understand what its like to worry about furniture at the mercy of young, messy children. In one of their most memorable ads, the four women get into a food fight -- spaghetti and red wine included -- and seemingly destroy a bright white couch, which is then scrubbed clean. The Smithe brothers are following in the footsteps of other memorable Chicago commercial icons: - Jim Moran: Starting in the late '40s, "The Courtesy Man" sponsored wrestling programs, late-night movies, a country-and-western music show and his own variety show. The Smithe sisters now serve as the face . "It almost feels like the business is, in a weird way, a member of the family. We can be real nimble when we're this tight and this spread across the business.". In the late '60s, the growing family -- there are also four sisters, Cindy, Margie and . Its unjust to think that women can somehow balance it all, Colleen adds. We connect families with the best local resources, advice, stories, things to do with kids and much more. A few bucks later, the clunker is off to Victory's Bensenville lot. Receive a 20 percent discount on sofas, love seats, sectionals, chaises, and more at Cassona (5241 N. Clark St., cassona.com) through March 13. Check out the new collection. walter e smithe furniture - inc. walter e smithe furniture. Reaching a younger demographic and expanding their clientele has required some creativity, the sisters said. Walter Smithe, president of the furniture company, climbs the stairs March 21, 2017, at the Walter E. Smithe furniture store in Oak Brook, alongside his four daughters, Colleen, from left, Caitie, Maureen and Meghan. For example - my favorite large upholstered dining chairs are under $200. '", "I was at a gym on a treadmill," Mark says of the first time he caught one of the commercials. - Timmy: Dressed as an old-time newspaper boy, 10-year-old Timmy appeared in dozens of commercials in the '70s for his uncle's Long Chevrolet dealership in Elmhurst. Walter E. Smithe Jr. Obituary. The company gained national exposure from Lewis' collection, and each sister was able to shine in her own specialty. "What about you and your sisters?". We strive to bring our clients the best in home furnishings for every style, budget, and stage of life. "So that drove us, I think, to be successes.". Meghan Smithe was on maternity leave when she began working part time in the family business, long known for its infectious jingle: You dream it, we build it.. Over the past 76 years, the company has grown to include 10 Chicago area showrooms. getting a penny or nickel for every clearance tag we pulled," says Meghanthe four daughters of Walter Smithe III have . Caitie Smithe, Designer and Stylist. Some have criticized the spots for underemphasizing Walter E. Smithe's actual furniture products. "We have wonderful clients who are my generation or older, but we have to figure out how we cater to this new generation that's setting up households now. - Linn Burton: He started selling appliances in Polk Bros. ads in 1953, but the majority of his 35-year TV career was spent hawking cars -- Kaisers, Frazers, Joe Rizza's Pontiacs and, most famously, Bert Weinman's Fords. CHICAGO (CBS) -- Walter Edward Smithe Jr., the founder of Chicago's Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design, has died at the age of 86. Our dad always put an emphasis on hard work, and it stuck with us.. Itasca, IL 60143. 9's "Garfield Goose" and "Ray Rayner" shows. Walter e smithe daughters. Walter E. Smithe told me they work with many designers but Jeff was really able to get a lot of value into the pieces in his collection and that its why . Sometimes we present to our dad as a united front and other times we need him to be a tie breaker. The Empire Carpet Guy, of course. "[5] Of the commercials, Tim Smithe has said, "We wanted to entertain people first, so then when we wanted to inform them they'd already be paying attention". As their father, the company president, has told customers for decades, Life is too short to sit on uncomfortable furniture.. Reviews on Outlet Walter E Smithe in Glendale Heights, IL 60139 - Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design, Toms Price Home, The Dump Furniture Outlet, Ashley HomeStore, The RoomPlace, Roy's Furniture, Domicile PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR, When Maureen Smithe returned from maternity leave after giving birth to identical twin daughters last August (children number five and six for those keeping count), she was puzzled by the pained looks she received from some of her colleagues. Its a tough balance, but I like figuring out the retail puzzle.. Walter E. Smithe ads, famous for their jingle, now featuring next The girls have all worked elsewhere before they came to work here, says Walter of his daughters who have had careers ranging from merchandising to advertising. with Maureen Smithe Brusznicki and Caitie Smithe Jisa at Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design. But always start from a place where we love each other and enjoy working together., Between the ages of 10 and 18, former Barrington High School soccer, For Olympian Patrick Gasienica, ski jumping has been a part of his, Dr. Rekha S. Rajan has devoted her personal and professional life to, One of the most prestigious dance companies in the world, The Joffrey, Saint Anne Catholic Community Churchs Project Hope ministry, A night of sequin-studded disco fever, the 5th Annual Hoosier Ball was. The chemistry among this familial foursome is something parents can only hope for from their children. The sisters left for college with a few prized furnishings and a work ethic that became a permanent fixture in their lives. The announcement was merely an early April Fools' Day prank, although the Smithe brothers said they had received about one hundred emails from viewers who were not sure what to think. and became working moms in different industries. The sisters get together at least twice a week, traveling from their homes in Chicago, Barrington and Riverside, leaving behind their children, husbands and home duties. So I'm speaking, and they're half listening, you know. "Instead we did it on the turn of a dime. Walter E. Smithe Furniture, Inc. Corporate Profile - Winmo "In a family business, everyone has to wear all hats at all times," Maureen said. The brothers are recognized on the street, in grocery stores and coffee shops ("I got a free Starbucks latte once," Tim says). Dazzling Divas Glam Mansion Offers the Ultimate Diva Experience, Family Guide to Attending a Chicago Cubs Game at Wrigley Field, Pelvic Floor Therapy Growing in Popularity for Women, 10 Non-Candy Items for Your Kids Easter Basket. Favorite design style: Cozy and comfortableaka hygge ethos. Then they brought in the wives. It's not included in a shorter version now airing on TV. Start shopping. He received a Bachelor of Philosophy in Commerce from the University of Notre Dame in 1958. That collective experience comes in handy ahead of any major decisions. Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design - Home - Facebook Someone really needs a new marketing director/CMO/agency because they do not know what they are doing. I havent seen the Tile Outlet lady in a while!! Along the way, they got married, had children (17 in all!) 'Flipping Out' Where To Get Jeff Lewis' Furniture Collection We simply never had that conversation, Meghan says. Walter E. Smithe III, the company's president, and his four beautiful Walter E. Smithe Furniture - Employees, Contact info, Overview - Wiza Tim offered Walt brotherly support after a just-completed scene. Courtesy of Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design, - Courtesy of Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design, Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. Smithe guy Walt actually Walter Smithe III 45 is president and general manager of the. Four sisters carry the Walter E. Smithe brand into the future How could they ensure the 75-year-old brand would be sustainable for decades to come? Further confused by the commercials now. How could the Itasca-based company break the mold and reach a new audience while still carrying its message into a fourth generation? I presented my ideas for this two weeks ago and it will be out on the floor in three weeks. You could say that the Smithes are a bit obsessed with quality. The Sisters Behind the Walter E. Smithe Furniture Company - DuJour Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design - Yelp The transition took place over the span of 12 years as key positions became available in the company, starting with Maureen who became a merchandise buyer. We feel like we can now speak to the multitude of generations who shop with us, she says. You have this sense of passion and responsibility for it. Walter E. Smithe Furniture founder, Walter E. Smithe Jr., dies at 86 The journey from Point A to Point B started with an all-blooper and outtakes reel that O'Neil and Tim Smithe put together as a birthday gift for mom Florence. Additional partnerships with the likes of Cynthia Rowley and Ellen Degeneres have exposed the company to a new customer base. Regarded as top performer within the account and the Agency, as a result of consistent over-delivery, passion to grow the business . This article originally appeared in the April 2019 issue of Chicago Parent. There are so many cool and unique materials being used to manufacture furniture these dayssuch as capiz shells, bone inlay, faux shagreen, concrete, rope and slate. Find out where to go, what to eat, where to live, and more. The store, which has 10 locations in the Chicago area, has been open for nearly 75 years and has faced all the challenges of . The Smithes: (L-R) Colleen, Meghan, Walter III, Walter Jr., Mark, Caitie, and Maureen. This rating has improved by 10% over the last 12 months. The Bob's puppet is a far better actor than the Smithe girls though. While it may not be usable 365 days a year, the days that your outdoor space are in fact usable should be embraced. View a map of participating First Friday locations. This has been our priority since we first began serving the Chicago area back in 1945. But even as likable as the brothers are, do they run the risk of oversaturation or going to the well too often? Also would somebody please feed them? Still, she never dreamed of working full time for Walter E. Smithe Furniture, even while growing up in Barrington with her three sisters, Maureen, Caitie and Colleen. But the truth is, I love coming to the office. One of the first opportunities to test their compatibility was through a partnership with interior designer and TV personality Jeff Lewis. That sentiment applies to their lively commercials, too, which frequently feature the sisters chatting on a stylish couch or gathering with family members in a beautifully staged home. His four daughtersMaureen Megan Clarke Caitie Jisa and Colleen Parkerare now the new faces of this historic Chicago brand a spot he and his brothers held for decades. Relevant. Sometimes it does not pay to work with family. And Mark, 40, is Smithe's general counsel; he and his partner live in Lincoln Park with Petey, a 4-year-old bulldog. Postpartum bladder leaks are common but there's help. And Amy is a singer and songwriter. Last edited on 17 December 2022, at 02:33, https://incfact.com/company/walteresmithefurniture-itasca-il/, Walter E. Smithe gives royal treatment to Royal Manner. Tim recalls Walt trying to smother him -- repeatedly, apparently -- with a bean bag chair. Now, a lot more people know about us than knew a few years ago.". Find locations. Be sure to visit Sawbridge Studios, which will showcase sustainably harvested, live-edge furniture by David Stine. Nothing will be worse than the commercials they ran the last time the Cicadas were in season. "Pam, Bill and I are always on the watch for pop culture. Meghan is director of marketing, Caitie is a designer and stylist and Colleen is director of advertising. By last year, though, each had returned to the company their great-grandfather founded. You may have noticed a change lately in those Walter E. Smithe (smithe.com) siblings-on-a-couch commercials. My sisters and I represent the viewpoint of our younger clientele, Meghan says. Walter E. Smithe Trade In Sale - YouTube But shes quick to point out that the business is still very much a multigenerational effort, noting that their 81-year-old grandfather still regularly meets with clients. The 86-year-old patriarch of the Smithe family, Walter Edward Smithe Jr., "died . I think people felt sorry for me, assuming that I wasnt getting any sleep and having to come to work every day, says Maureen. Tags: Design Controls - Facebook Instant Article, Home & Garden, Interior Design. With 16 1/2 children among them (Colleen is due with her third baby this month), the sisters also find work as a time to be togethersans children. Walter E. Smithe Near You in Vernon Hills, Illinois - furniture For decades, the public faces of the privately owned company have been the sisters father, Walter E. Smithe IIIthe 59-year-old grandson of the businesss namesakeand the sisters uncles, Mark and Tim. Multi Location Business. "That was the best part," she said. Around the same time, Caitie was ready to return to the workforce as a designer and stylist, a skill she had honed early in her career. It's fun to be part of Chicago in that way.". As the oldest sibling, Maureen was the first to officially join Walter E. Smithe in a professional capacity in 2004. But they still manage to get out to their stores about once a week, touching base with their employees, surprising customers or hosting events such as book signings or wine tastings. This is useful in estimating the financial strength and credit risk of the company. Walter E. Smithe III, is the President of family owned and operated Walter E. Smithe Furniture + Design. "They took different career paths," Tim says. 20 White Bathroom Design Ideas | HGTV It took the mother of six children a few years to figure out how to juggle her demanding career and busy home life. Walt and Tim mocked Mark's new haircut. Chicago, IL. Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta, Room Request: Four Seasons Hotel Bogota Casa Medina, New Restaurants and Bars in New York City, Clare V., Mulberry and More New Retail Openings in NYC, Tony Robbins Challenge to Provide 1 Billion Meals Nears its Goal, Get behind-the-scenes pictures on Instagram. Even their more than 250 employees are treated like family. For the most part, that relationship translates well in the business world, they say. His daughters were hesitant at first, questioning whether they were ready for such a responsibility. The Walter E. Smithe + Jeff Lewis showcase certainly fits the bill. Caitie was a manufacturers' representative before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Edited to add: Looked them up and gee, it's one of the daughters managing the marketing. Walter E Smithe Daughters - Josephine Goodwin Blogs He also hosted telethons. Spoken like the daughter of a true "shop owner," as her father Walter E. Smithe III, president of the eponymous furniture retailer calls himself. The Chicago native attended Fenwick High School and the University of Notre Dame. After college, all three gravitated back to the family business, which was founded by their father. They're nice folks. They've transitioned into the spotlight. Now, the Itasca-based furniture and interior design company wants you to get to know the Smithe sisters.
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