While a new recession may strike a particular industry, measuring the industry and . The sisters laughed at hearing this family adage, knowing that home furnishing has been woven into the tapestry of their lives. It's pretty surprising they are still playing on these tired sexist tropes in this day and age. Born in the heart of Chicago, we're a family owned and operated local business since 1945, now four generations strong. And yet, as they went off to college and moved into the next phase of life, they were never expected to someday return full time. Some have criticized the spots for underemphasizing Walter E. Smithe's actual furniture products. While we still have traditional pieces, our showroom appeals to a number of different lifestyles. She has a few ideas for how to add a little spring to your home. - Lynn Hauldren: Who? Haute Living is a network of luxury publications with bimonthly regional editions in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco. Only a year apart in age, the lively, fast-talking Smithe sisters consider one another best friends. - 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. 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. An added factor in the commercials' success are the brothers, who come across as regular guys. But even as likable as the brothers are, do they run the risk of oversaturation or going to the well too often? between Scott Ave. and Tower Rd., Winnetka, shophwdd.com) hosts a First Friday event on the North Shore. They've transitioned into the spotlight. Last year there aas a commercial where the puppet quickly moved to close his laptop when someone came in the office. We learned so much from these relationships, Colleen says. 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. Meghan and Colleen spent several years working at advertising agencies in Chicago. A matte black bathtub, vanity mirrors and hardware pop against the airy walls in this modern primary bathroom. They decided on an ad campaign that would, simply, pitch their product. Even with little ones underfoot, the Smithe sisters make balancing their family furniture business and their growing broods look effortless. Shop now. I'm a brand manager and their commercials make the brand seem like a discount bin. He received a Bachelor of Philosophy in Commerce from the University of Notre Dame in 1958. And Mark, 40, is Smithe's general counsel; he and his partner live in Lincoln Park with Petey, a 4-year-old bulldog. Contact Information. The founder of well-known Chicago-area furniture company Walter E. Smithe has died, his family announced Wednesday. Woven Roman shades, a jute rug and a blonde wood vanity usher texture and warmth into the otherwise minimalist design. As the oldest sibling, Maureen was the first to officially join Walter E. Smithe in a professional capacity in 2004. The Empire Carpet Guy, of course. The new generation of Smithes are featured in the company's new advertising. Best Outlet Walter E Smithe near Glendale Heights, IL 60139 - Yelp His line was, `If you can talk you can breathe.'". Shop the Sofa Sale. 1 Early life; 2 Television; 3 Personal Life; 4 References; . Their grandfather, who is in his 80s, remains active in the company, frequently visiting showrooms and making connections with clients. And they wanted a way to build the brand. - The Victory Auto Wreckers guy: Almost every night since 1981, on some channel, Bob Zajdel has barely escaped injury when the driver's door fell off his old Chevy. Subscribe for free today! In the late '60s, the growing family -- there are also four sisters, Cindy, Margie and twins Hope and Amy, none of whom is involved in the family business -- moved to a slightly larger home in Park Ridge. Instead of starring third-generation brothers Walter III, Tim, and Mark, the new ones put the spotlight on fourth-generation sisters Caitie, Meghan, Maureen, and Colleen. This style is out there and we need to respond and get it on our floor. About. with Maureen Smithe Brusznicki and Caitie Smithe Jisa at Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design. walter e smithe furniture - inc. walter e smithe furniture. And it's not uncommon for their kids to make cameo appearances in advertisements or to help sort through fabric samples, "which would technically make it a five-generation business," Maureen says. Trendwise, Caitie says the color gurus at Pantone were right on when they selected a bright shade of green as Color of the Year. Its unjust to think that women can somehow balance it all, Colleen adds. Walter E. Smithe Jr. also earned a master's degree in Anthropology at Loyola University Chicago in 1980. "Staying fresh, young and relevant is how we're going to sustain the brand into the next 75 years," Meghan said. "And they've been able to personalize a retail chain through the use of the brothers. How could the Itasca-based company break the mold and reach a new audience while still carrying its message into a fourth generation? A new collection at Holly Hunt, discounts at EuroFurniture, a First Friday event at Hubbard Woods Design District, and more. Walter E. Smithe is a family business in every sense of the word, the sisters say. "There are still people who ask us, 'Where are the brothers? It couldn't have gone more perfectly, Maureen said. First there were the brothers. Now the Walter E. Smithe - Pinterest When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Sometimes it does not pay to work with family. Chicagoans came to know and appreciate the three Smithe brothers who starred for years in quirky TV commercials touting their family-run furniture company. We are a 4th generation family-owned business, and our employees are an integral part of . Over the past 76 years, the company has grown to include 10 Chicago area showrooms. You could say that the Smithes are a bit obsessed with quality. "People really did love seeing them on their TVs.". It stuck in your head. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. (847) 933-1481. However, Lewis Lazare, the Chicago Sun-Times' advertising critic, has defended the commercials. "Staying fresh, young and relevant is how we're going to sustain the brand into the next 75 years. At-a-glance. The company gained national exposure from Lewis' collection, and each sister was able to shine in her own specialty. The company has become known over the years in particular for its quirky TV commercials Chicago TV viewers have long known the jingle, "Walter E. Smithe, you dream it we build it." Plus, they seem like nice guys. Now, there are 12, a 115,000-square-foot headquarters in Itasca and more than 550 employees, and this year Walter E. Smithe Furniture will do $100 million in sales. [4][5] In 2008, they filmed and edited a takeoff of the Sex and the City franchise, with the brothers sipping "Smithe-o-politans". Walter e smithe daughters. I gave up sleep and TV, Maureen jokes. There is nothing like a day spent soaking up the sun and a good book or an evening with friends and good food and drinks under the stars. We've got the radar out for that," Tim Smithe says. ", Says Tim Smithe, "Pop culture is always changing and so are we.". The girls got the bedrooms; the three boys shared a room in the basement. Shop the label. Moms of 17 juggle the Chicago-based family business Young. Walter E. Smithe Furniture is a company located in Itasca, Illinois, United States. "But we've also gotten some really nice feedback from people who are happy to see four working women on their TV.". Since 1945, we have been Chicago's local source for quality furniture and expert design. Caitie Smithe, Designer and Stylist. From 5 to 8 p.m., select retailers will offer refreshments while highlighting unique designers. Walter E. Smithe Furniture, Inc. Marketing Contacts Contacts (5/9) Name Title State; Walter S. President & Chief Executive Officer . The 4th generation (the Smithe Sisters), all daughters of Walter III, are Maureen Smithe (buyer), Meghan Smithe (director of marketing), Caitie Smithe (designer, design coordinator and stylist) and Colleen Smithe (director of . While their father and grandfather are still actively involved in the day-to-day, the women have taken over the companys marketing, design, advertising and buying effortsand immediately went about altering brand perceptions. Personally, I dont want to stare at ugly furniture for all those years, Meghan says. "They took different career paths," Tim says. One by one, each sister began working in the family business. The Smithes had been encouraged to air their outtakes on television after Tim Smithe screened them at an interior design seminar and received a positive reaction from the crowd. "And there's 10 televisions, all tuned to the same station. Falling asleep. The Smithe brothers used good-natured humor on countless TV commercials selling furniture. Brothers Walt, Tim and Mark Smithe -- the faces of Walter E. Smithe Furniture -- seem to have hit on something with their ubiquitous ads. Im stunned when people watch one of our makeovers and are surprised that Smithe carries so much of what they like, says Caitie. That collective experience comes in handy ahead of any major decisions. The Smithe brothers have been described as "Chicago's most recognizable furniture purveyors", due to their ubiquitous television commercials starring themselves. 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. But one by one, they followed Maureen's lead and rejoined the family business. We take that very seriously, and we have so much passion for it.". In 2002 they brought in director Bill O'Neil to help them. We understand that customers see a certain look on, say, Instagram and they want it replicated in their own home, Colleen says. I was probably in elementary school when I would come in to work in the warehouse sweeping for a nickel Colleen says. How could they ensure the 75-year-old brand would be sustainable for decades to come? This rating has improved by 10% over the last 12 months. 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. Chicago's Best Furniture and Expert Design. But now a new generationsisters Meghan, Colleen, Maureen, and Caitie . "The brothers have no acting talent," Tim says. "It's a big responsibility. His signature line: "Linn Burton for certain!". Since 1945, the company has established itself as a reliable family-run retailer, with the second- and third-generation Smithe men at the helm. Compare how recession-proof Walter E Smithe Furniture is relative to the industry overall. The 86-year-old patriarch of the Smithe family, Walter Edward Smithe Jr., "died . Determine whether Walter E. Smithe Furniture grew or shrank during the last recession. Sibling revelry - Chicago Tribune Walter E. Smithe Furniture, Inc. is headquartered in Itasca, IL. This led to the development of Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design. "An hour and a half. The boys' first ventures into the working world included Walt's daily paper route -- 70 Tribunes, three or four Sun-Times and a couple of Wall Street Journals -- that Tim helped him with ("I got 1 cent per paper, and I'd give Tim 10 cents for helping me"), and collecting beer cans that they resold at a Park Ridge flea market. 74% of employees would recommend working at Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design to a friend and 70% have a positive outlook for the business. getting a penny or nickel for every clearance tag we pulled," says Meghanthe four daughters of Walter Smithe III have . The Smithes: (L-R) Colleen, Meghan, Walter III, Walter Jr., Mark, Caitie, and Maureen. "Case in point, I was just this morning sketching out my first ideas for The Three Tenors, featuring, of course, the Smithe brothers in a coliseum. Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design - Yelp The answer -- and the sisters' secret to success -- can be summed up in three key words: Fresh. "We're dreamers and we have big ideas," Meghan said. "The majority of what we run is informational and tells about the company, but those aren't the ones people are talking about at the water cooler. [4], In March, 2017, daughters of Walter E. Smithe III became the fourth generation of the Smithe family to be featured in the commercials.[8]. 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. Give yourself time to just be in a comfortable and beautiful outdoor space. Walter E. Smithe, Jr., founder of Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design, has died at the age of 86, his family said. Then there's their father, a hardworking industry expert who leads by example and walks into any work setting saying, "We check our egos at the door.". Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design has an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5, based on over 92 reviews left anonymously by employees. Happy Hour With Jeff Lewis + Walter E. Smithe - fountainof30.com This article originally appeared in the April 2019 issue of Chicago Parent. Contents. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. High School," Walter says. Sisters Take Smithe Spotlight, More High-End Barware, and a Sofa Sale Colleen Smithe, Director of Advertising The new generation of Smithes are featured in the company's new advertising. WALTER E. SMITHE FURNITURE Revenue, Growth & Competitor Profile No outside agency required. My wife and I were just talking about this yesterday, we truly hate the Walter E Smithe commercials with the daughters. Then the commercial came on. There's a lot of blurred lines, and we have to learn when to defer to each other.". You want it to succeed and do well.". One of the first opportunities to test their compatibility was through a partnership with interior designer and TV personality Jeff Lewis. And I thought, `makeup and lighting. Read on to find out more about pelvic floor therapy and how it's growing in popularity among postpartum women. It worked really well for a long time, but post-recession, we saw peoples sensibilities had changed, says Meghan. Meghan is director of marketing, Caitie is a designer and stylist and Colleen is director of advertising. The commercial, Colleen's brainchild, aimed to show off the company's new "worry-free" performance fabrics that repel stains, a trend Maureen recognized at a major industry trade show and brought back to the Chicago market. What she does: "I make spaces beautiful for clients' homes, our catalogs and showrooms, and play couples' therapist for clients who can't agree on a sofa." Favorite design style: Modern mixed with traditional. Sometimes you have to act fast. Our lives can be overrun with technology, commitments and schedules. }); Chicago Parent is Chicagolands trusted parenting hub since 1984. Introduced to the family business at an early ageI can recall pigtails in my hair, getting a penny or nickel for every clearance tag we pulled, says Meghanthe four daughters of Walter Smithe III have embraced their own roles for the Itasca, Illinois-based company; Meghan is director of marketing, Colleen is director of advertising, Maureen is a buyer, and Caitie is a designer. Working at Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design | Glassdoor But repeated airings of the ad have made him and his door legendary. E. Smithe sisters Caitie, Colleen, Meghan and Maureen were introduced to the business at a young age. He cites the U2 music video takeoff. The Smithe sisters now serve as the face of the firm, offering a female perspective that better reflects the company, the industry and the country today. Warehouse workers go over every piece of inventory awaiting delivery with a fine-tooth comb, looking for things an untrained eye would never see. His sons, Walter, Tim, and Mark, joined the company in the 1970s and 1980s. Am I the only one who just thinks he looks like Louis CK? "So that drove us, I think, to be successes.". Favorite design style: Cozy and comfortableaka hygge ethos. Cindy went to college in Iowa and settled there after school. - Nick Celozzi and Maury Ettleson: Starting in the early '70s, they waved fistfuls of cash at TV viewers and reminded everyone that Celozzi-Ettleson Chevrolet in Elmhurst was "Where you always save more money!". [4], Many of Walter E. Smithe's commercials have been pop culture parodies. The company makes, sells, and repairs furniture, . Walter E. Smithe Furniture founder, Walter E. Smithe Jr., dies at 86 I love incorporating an unexpected element into a room. View info about Walter E. Smithe Furniture (smithe.com). Chicago, IL. Its a constant toggle between work and family talk, notes Colleen, but at the end of the day theyre focused on creating a furniture company that helps clients truly curate a home. / CBS Chicago. The brothers spend most of their time in the company's Itasca headquarters, which also serves as a warehouse, customer service center and point of departure for the fleet of Smithe trucks. Is anyone else annoyed with the new generation of Walter E Smithe 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. We don't take that lightly.". What she does: I use both sides of my brain: left for all the analytical spreadsheet stuff and right for the creative vision.

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