walter e smithe daughters

One spot was modeled after Apple's weird commercials. Walter e smithe is a high end furniture store, no surprise their ads are geared towards middle aged women from high income households aka suburban moms. The Itasca-based company has 10 locations across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, where the sisters ply their fourth-generation talents. This style is out there and we need to respond and get it on our floor. 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. The process starts with Tim Smithe, Pam Thorson (the company's director of advertising) and director/editor Bill O'Neil of O'Neil Productions of Wilmette. "They took different career paths," Tim says. Courtesy of Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune). My wife and I were just talking about this yesterday, we truly hate the Walter E Smithe commercials with the daughters. "It's always positive, and it's nice to be part of it. "If our specialties fit those needs, then we were invited to have a conversation and explore the opportunity, but it was never a demand placed on us.". The Smithes: (L-R) Colleen, Meghan, Walter III, Walter Jr., Mark, Caitie, and Maureen. "They're having a lot of fun. Jamie Sotonoff. 1 Early life; 2 Television; 3 Personal Life; 4 References; . His line was, `If you can talk you can breathe.'". Ask how we can add diversity to your supply chain. 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. Still, the Smithes have had to weather various challenges since joining the company, including the retirement of their uncle, Tim. "I think it's time for us to get out of these TV commercials," Walter said. Caitie Smithe, Designer and Stylist. Find out where to go, what to eat, where to live, and more. "It's never gone completely crazy -- no one can say that one commercial will bring customers in -- but we kind of thought it re-established us in the marketplace. It worked really well for a long time, but post-recession, we saw peoples sensibilities had changed, says Meghan. Or "Hardrock, Coco and Joe." We take that very seriously, and we have so much passion for it.". A few bucks later, the clunker is off to Victory's Bensenville lot. - 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!". As teens, the four sisters worked only part time in their fathers showroom or outlet store, selling furniture and earning their first paychecks along with other eager, cash-strapped teens. We refer to Smithe.com as our 12th store, since many of our clients are doing their research online before coming to see us in person.. "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. You have this sense of passion and responsibility for it. What are they up to?' Furniture Stores. . 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. Then they tie in pop culture it shows that they're sort of a with-it furniture company. hbspt.forms.create({ 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. Smithe then went into the computer industry working for General Electric and IBM in 1967, according to his obit. But one by one, they followed Maureen's lead and rejoined the family business. Mix together different, but complimentary, elements such as woods, metals and stonesand feel free to mix various metals together. Bringing new and various textures into a room can take it from plain and lacking in interest to exciting and memorable. 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. So much misogyny in these comments, their commercials have always been cheesy and annoying. 1251 West Thorndale Avenue. Get Eric Clark's email address (e*****@smithe.com) and phone number at RocketReach. He attended the University of Notre Dame and earned a bachelor 's . 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. It's all a part of an effort to hang on to the company's loyal customers while persuading younger shoppers that Walter E. Smithe isn't just their parent's go-to store. People are buying a look, but they want it to feel curated and personal., Its up to Maureen and Caitie to monitor the market, make sure the showroom reflects current palettes, while staying a few steps ahead of what is currently trending. They seem very pretentious I think. Rocketreach finds email, phone & social media for 450M+ professionals. In recent years, Smithe enjoyed his time with extended family. Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design advertising has featured everything from parodies of "The Price Is Right" to a 2013 classic in which the Smithe brothers got into a wrestling ring with Billy Corgan. And now with the company's 75th anniversary approaching in August, they're ready to push forward plans to expand and evolve. walter e smithe. Start shopping. A new book offers a primer on how to spot, seize, and exploit and create lucky breaks More, Two new must-visit hotels from Austin to Houston More, Shop Patek Philippe timepieces, Oiya bracelets and a Miami-based skincare brand More, Plan a day of relaxation at Pressed Roots and The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas More, Raise a glass to our favorite new French-inspired bistros, charming piano bars and bold Italian eateries in Manhattan More, From shoes to handbags, here are the new boutiques to visit in New York City More, The best-selling author, entrepreneur and global philanthropist continues a push with Feeding America to provide 1 billion meals More, Were Over The Moon About This New Travel Registry, 2022 Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Edible Presents, Room Request! 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. So I'm speaking, and they're half listening, you know. 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 business's namesakeand the sisters' uncles, Mark and Tim. It's pretty surprising they are still playing on these tired sexist tropes in this day and age. "By being so close and meeting so regularly, we're all in the loop with what's happening in each other's sphere. To their delight, the reaction to that initial campaign was primarily positive, as has been the case for every commercial they've produced since. Those early Smithe commercials were straight-forward affairs, with each brother talking about his area of expertise -- Walt discussed the merchandise, Tim the company's designers, and Mark Smithe's delivery system and customer satisfaction -- and, of course, the furniture. The Walter E. Smithe furniture jingle "you dream it, we build it" has been a longtime fixture in the firm's television ads, just as the Smithe brothers themselves have been. The company makes, sells, and repairs furniture, specializing in custom upholstery, and operates ten showrooms throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Today. For instance, finding that perfect piece of decorative furniture that creatively doubles as a toy box for kids games, toys and video devices. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . 1251 W. Thorndale Ave. Itasca, IL 60143-1149. This rating has improved by 10% over the last 12 months. "We wanted to entertain people first, so then when we wanted to inform them they'd already be paying attention," Tim says of their advertising philosophy. If you grew up in Chicago, you can probably hum it. After college, all three gravitated back to the family business, which was founded by their father. It said he passed away peacef 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. walter e smithe furniture - inc. walter e smithe furniture. At-a-glance. Favorite design style: Cozy and comfortableaka hygge ethos. "The girls have all worked elsewhere before coming back to Smithe," says Walter of his daughters who have had careers ranging from merchandising to advertising. 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 company gained national exposure from Lewis' collection, and each sister was able to shine in her own specialty. You may have noticed a change lately in those Walter E. Smithe . This article originally appeared in the April 2019 issue of Chicago Parent. You want it to succeed and do well.". Tim recalls Walt trying to smother him -- repeatedly, apparently -- with a bean bag chair. What she does: I make spaces beautiful for clients homes, our catalogs and showrooms, and play couples therapist for clients who cant agree on a sofa.. The Smithe sisters now serve as the face . 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. We learned so much from these relationships, Colleen says. Smithe guy Walt actually Walter Smithe III 45 is president and general manager of the. College was a turning point for the sisters, who now call one another their best friends. 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. Contact Information. They've relaunched catalogs showcasing their furniture in fully designed spaces. Revenue: $100 to $500 million (USD) Competitors: Linly Designs, Rieke Office Interiors, 57st Design. The new generation of Smithes are featured in the company's new advertising. They hammer out a script, call in O'Neil and start filming. / CBS Chicago. Chicago, IL. Relevant. and runners at CB2 (800 W. North Ave., cb2.com). 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. Warehouse workers go over every piece of inventory awaiting delivery with a fine-tooth comb, looking for things an untrained eye would never see. Our lives can be overrun with technology, commitments and schedules. Favorite design style: Clean and neutral. Were really excited about this program, explains Meghan. The Feldco guy creeps me out more. William Hageman and Tribune staff reporter. Postpartum bladder leaks are common but there's help. Get 5 free searches. 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. We connect families with the best local resources, advice, stories, things to do with kids and much more. That was the extent of his pitchman career. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Walter E. Smithe, Jr., founder of Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design, has died at the age of 86, his family said. Were a Chicago company that was given national exposure. We see this country chic trend currently happening as a design emergency, says Maureen. The Smithe boys started out in a tiny ranch house in Des Plaines, the children of Walter Jr. and Florence. I can't breathe!' The implication was that he was doing/looking at something inappropriate. "But we've also gotten some really nice feedback from people who are happy to see four working women on their TV.". 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. Watch. Kneen & Co. (399 W. Fullerton Pkwy., Ste. The Chicago native attended Fenwick High School and the University of Notre Dame. Whether bringing in color as an accent or making a big statement with a lot of color, your home will feel instantly transformed and personalized. We get that question all the time, and that was to be expected," Colleen said. Unlike their brothers, they chose other careers. Even with little ones underfoot, the Smithe sisters make balancing their family furniture business and their growing broods look effortless. This has been our priority since we first began serving the Chicago area back in 1945. He cites the U2 music video takeoff. "An hour and a half. "It was kind of ingrained in us," Caitie Smithe said. ", Says Tim Smithe, "Pop culture is always changing and so are we.". Colleen, Caitie, Meghan and Maureen Smithe, all between the ages of 33 and 37, represent the fourth generation of the family business and are daughters of company President Walter Smithe, the grandson of the business's namesake. The fourth generation of Smithe leadership is hoping that this young, fresh approach to advertising and marketing will resonate with a consumer base that hasnt yet shopped with Smithe before. Plus, they seem like nice guys. walter e smithe furniture inc. Caitie Smithe is aDesigner, Design Coordinator + Stylist atWalter E. Smithe Furniture + Design. Here, get to know this powerhouse quartet. Now, the fourth-generation leaders of Walter E. Smithe are learning to balance their busy personal lives with the big responsibility of carrying out the legacy of their family-run business. 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. One of the first opportunities to test their compatibility was through a partnership with interior designer and TV personality Jeff Lewis. '", "I was at a gym on a treadmill," Mark says of the first time he caught one of the commercials. When they get a topic, Smithe says, he tries to figure a way to blend it into an ad. 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. Three generations are involved in the family-run Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design, including Walter Smithe Jr. (far right); his sons Walter III (far left) and Mark; and his four granddaughters, from left, Maureen, Caitie, Colleen and Meghan. We feel like we can now speak to the multitude of generations who shop with us, she says. There's a preconceived notion that furniture stores are stuffy and tired, run by men in suits and catering to older generations. The Smithes stand out because they're doing silly things. And I thought, `makeup and lighting. Walter E. Smithe, Jr., founder of Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design, has died at the age of 86, his family said. Walter E. Smithe also is changing up its ads. 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 Margie, who used to be a buyer for Smithe, moved to St. Louis with her husband, who worked for Anheuser-Busch's ad agency. Create Comparison. While a new recession may strike a particular industry, measuring the industry and . We dont always agree on things, Colleen says. In fact, none of the sisters seriously considered having a career in the company, founded by their great-grandfather in 1945. The commercials are created in-house. walter e smithe furniture & design. Draftfcb. We strive to bring our clients the best in home furnishings for every style, budget, and stage of life. Itasca, IL 60143. In the 1970s Walter left Smithe and Shanahan (His brothers remained with the original company) to start his own company - Walter E. Smithe. The Smithe sisters - Walter III's daughters Maureen, Meghan, Caitie, and Colleen - are also now executives at Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design and appear in the ads. 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. walter e smithe. [3], The company has become well known in the Chicago area for its television commercials, which for decades starred the three Smithe brothers, and now star the four Smithe sisters. They decided on an ad campaign that would, simply, pitch their product. Walter E. Smithe Jr's death was announced Thursday on the company's Facebook page. Its unnerving. They've been able to weather the unexpected storm of the coronavirus pandemic. "What about you and your sisters?". In 2002 they brought in director Bill O'Neil to help them. Explore more of the publications in our portfolio here. They've transitioned into the spotlight. The Smithe brothers commercials Chicagoans are used to were great for getting the Walter E. Smithe name out, but the new ads put the focus back on the furniture and design services, said Meghan Smithe. Spoken like the daughter of a true "shop owner," as her father Walter E. Smithe III, president of the eponymous furniture retailer calls himself. Lewis Lazare. The slogans "You dream it, we build it", or "That's Smithe, with an E" are commonly used. 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. ", Instead they talk about the U2/iTunes takeoff, the brothers' version of "The Apprentice" or the Olympic parody from last year. Determine whether Walter E. Smithe Furniture grew or shrank during the last recession. With a 71-year history and 11 stores sprinkled throughout Chicago and the suburbs, Walter E. Smithe is a local furniture icon. My sisters and I represent the viewpoint of our younger clientele, Meghan says. Further confused by the commercials now. "That's F-A-M-E, with an E". }); Chicago Parent is Chicagolands trusted parenting hub since 1984. By last year, though, each had returned to the company their great-grandfather founded. Bloomingdale Plaza. "It's made us focus on what we do best, which is designing our clients' homes," he said. /r/Chicago is the place to discuss and stay updated on the daily happenings of Chicago, Illinois, USA. [6], One of Walter E. Smithe's most discussed commercials aired in late March 2006. No outside agency required. Building upon the Smithe family legacy is a big responsibility, the sisters said, one they've embraced with fervor. 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. Nothing will be worse than the commercials they ran the last time the Cicadas were in season. The Walter E. Smithe + Jeff Lewis showcase certainly fits the bill. Her sisters had fallen into their own specialties and were pursuing different paths at the time. And youll see each of my sisters doing what they do best.. Walter E. Smithe wants to create a series of similar videos to give customers a behind-the-scenes look at their services and the company. E. Smithe sisters Caitie, Colleen, Meghan and Maureen were introduced to the business at a young age. We had no grand plan.. Be sure to visit Sawbridge Studios, which will showcase sustainably harvested, live-edge furniture by David Stine. I think people felt sorry for me, assuming that I wasnt getting any sleep and having to come to work every day, says Maureen. Check out the new collection. The company's commercials were originally straightforward descriptions of their products and services, but in 2003, the brothers decided to include outtakes from past filmings, which showed the brothers stumbling over words and laughing at each other. 9's "Garfield Goose" and "Ray Rayner" shows. But now a new generationsisters Meghan, Colleen, Maureen, and Caitie Smitheis shaking things up in a big way. He also hosted telethons. 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. It couldn't have gone more perfectly, Maureen said. They're going to be the ones buying furniture for the next 50 years, so we have to be ready to serve them the way they want to be served," said Walter Smithe, 57. Tomorrow, Hubbard Woods Design District (Green Bay Rd. Walter Smithe III and his brothers Mark and Tim helped make the furniture store a household name with clever commercials -- a tradition that's continued with Smithe III's four daughters, Colleen . USA. Along the way, they got married, had children (17 in all!) "We take that very seriously, and we have so much passion for it.". We've got the radar out for that," Tim Smithe says. Sometimes its the only quiet I get.. But when they finally decided to accept, they knew they needed to come up with a unique and effective way to introduce themselves to the Chicago market as the new faces of Walter E. Smithe. They're nice folks. Their grandfather, who is in his 80s, remains active in the company, frequently visiting showrooms and making connections with clients. Growing up, she and her sisters held various roles at the furniture and design firm, earning their first paychecks and gaining job experience and exploring interests that would later launch their careers. The company began in 1945 as Tone Appliances and Furniture, a single store on Belmont Avenue in Chicago. You can still be a fun premium brand (Virgin, for example) but this is Family Dollar-type schtick. No surprise why the quality is so crap. Walter E. Smithe, Jr. joined the business in the 1960s with his brothers Gary and Tomm, and began phasing out appliances to focus on custom upholstery. I havent seen the Tile Outlet lady in a while!! When Smithe makes a furniture delivery, Its not uncommon for our crews to bring a 25-year-old sofa with a Smithe sticker on it back to this warehouse, Meghan says. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune). Some have criticized the spots for underemphasizing Walter E. Smithe's actual furniture products. That's why when she and her three sisters -- Maureen, Meghan and Caitie -- were asked a few years ago to transition into the role their father and uncles held for so long, they weren't immediately receptive. Reaching a younger demographic and expanding their clientele has required some creativity, the sisters said. I'm so annoyed that I won't buy anything from there. Since 1945, the company has established itself as a reliable family-run retailer, with the second- and third-generation Smithe men at the helm. Walter Smithe, president of the furniture company named for his grandfather, is flanked by daughters, Maureen, left, and Caitie on March 21, 2017, as theywatch his other daughters Colleen, far left, and Meghan play pingpong at the Walter E. Smithe furniture store in Oak Brook. Haute Living is a network of luxury publications with bimonthly regional editions in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco. "We're not your parents' furniture company," Caitie said. 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. Sisters Colleen, Meghan, Maureen and Caitie Smithe, from left, say three key words have helped them carry their family-run furniture company into a fourth generation: fresh, young and relevant.

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