It was founded by Walter Edward Smithe and Bill Shanahan in 1945. As their father, the company president, has told customers for decades, Life is too short to sit on uncomfortable furniture.. The company gained national exposure from Lewis' collection, and each sister was able to shine in her own specialty. And they're not showbiz types. Furniture store patriarch Walter E. Smithe Jr. dies at 86 In family businesses, thats the only way to ensure a companys continued success. Today, Maureen is a buyer, Meghan is the director of marketing, Caitie is a designer and assists the merchandising team, and Colleen is the director of advertising. Find employees, official website, emails, phone numbers, revenue, employee headcount, social accounts, and anything related to Walter E. Smithe Furniture. "We're not your parents' furniture company," Caitie said. Even if you weren't sure that Walt, Tim and Mark Smithe were brothers -- yep, those Smithe brothers, of "Walter E. Smithe, you dream it, we build it" fame -- their banter at a recent commercial shoot was a dead giveaway. Now, a lot more people know about us than knew a few years ago.". It's not included in a shorter version now airing on TV. Walter was the first of the third generation to join the family business in 1981 . Home Cities Chicago Meet the Smithe Sisters, The new generation is shaking things up at furniture icon Walter E. Smithe. 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. Additional partnerships with the likes of Cynthia Rowley and Ellen Degeneres have exposed the company to a new customer base. This led to the development of Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design. Start shopping. The Feldco guy creeps me out more. So I'm speaking, and they're half listening, you know. We get that question all the time, and that was to be expected," Colleen said. "They took different career paths," Tim says. - 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!". While a new recession may strike a particular industry, measuring the industry and . 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. Walter E. SMITHE: Employee Directory | ZoomInfo.com Sometimes you have to act fast. 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 take that very seriously, and we have so much passion for it.". The commercials are created in-house. Is she OK? 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 furniture & design. We learned so much from these relationships, Colleen says. Walter E. Smithe Jr's death was announced Thursday on the company's Facebook page. "[7] Maria Coons, a marketing teacher at Harper College, has also defended the advertisements, telling a Daily Herald reporter, "Some people who aren't in that [30 to 60 year old] demographic might consider them dorky, but for their target market, they're not. When I first came on board, our industry was very much a good old boys club, says Maureen, who regularly travels to marketplaces around the country to buy merchandise. Then when I plugged it in, the place went up for grabs. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. They pointed out how affordable the pieces are. Plus, they seem like nice guys. So, somewhat reluctantly, they let themselves become the public face of Walter E. Smithe Furniture. College was a turning point for the sisters, who now call one another their best friends. It took the mother of six children a few years to figure out how to juggle her demanding career and busy home life. 1428, hollyhunt.com) has expanded its Great Plains textile offering with the Foreign Affair collection, which has a mix of warm and cool neutrals. That cartoon of Bob has BDE and you can't deny it. The spot showed the brothers at a news conference announcing that they had purchased Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, with plans to rename it Walter E. Smithe Field. walter e smithe, furniture stores near me, ballinger vase buy, gold side end table, tall mirror, walter e smithe daughters, furniture . The Chicago native attended Fenwick High School and the University of Notre Dame. Caitie Smithe, Designer and Stylist. The implication was that he was doing/looking at something inappropriate. What she does: I use both sides of my brain: left for all the analytical spreadsheet stuff and right for the creative vision. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Or using a new high-tech application to keep couch fabric truly worry free from childrens spills, everything from spaghetti sauce to Kool-Aid. Take dress up and glam up a notch with a self-care day at this luxurious spa for kids and tweens. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Sometimes its the only quiet I get.. "KFC dances to beat of familiar drummers". Chicago Parent, as a Zoe Communications Group company, is certified as a Womens Business Enterprise by the Womens Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nations largest third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women. Then he and Thorson meet with his brothers and throw ideas around. For the most part, that relationship translates well in the business world, they say. [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. Their interactions were zany, their dialogue lighthearted, their catchy jingle -- "you dream it, we build it" -- recognizable throughout the region. But learning how to work together while also juggling their busy personal lives -- they have 18 kids among the four of them -- can be a delicate balance. Its unnerving. Last year there aas a commercial where the puppet quickly moved to close his laptop when someone came in the office. They have a younger brother, who lives out of state, and plenty of younger cousins who have yet to join the team, though the sisters say there's still time. The Smithe sisters are working to expose the brand to a new customer base Photo credit: Robin Subar. So as long as strangers keep serenading them with the company jingle instead of pelting them with "Hardrock, Coco and Joe" DVDs, and as long as the business continues to grow, they'll keep doing the ads. The company made its website easier to use and more modern-looking. Its a tough balance, but I like figuring out the retail puzzle.. But it wasn't long before he approached his youngest daughter with a proposition. Then the commercial came on. "That's F-A-M-E, with an E". Sometimes we present to our dad as a united front and other times we need him to be a tie breaker. You may have noticed a change lately in those Walter E. Smithe (smithe.com) siblings-on-a-couch commercials. So is there a `Wally and the Sofa Factory' in our future?". "I was at Dulles Airport in Washington, waiting for a 9:30 flight at night," Mark says. I can't breathe!' Hell stand on things, jump on them, do his best to break dining chairs. Nearby is a mangled lamp that will never find its way to a Smithe showroom floor. We strive to bring our clients the best in home furnishings for every style, budget, and. It couldn't have gone more perfectly, Maureen said. Tim offered Walt brotherly support after a just-completed scene. Shop the Sofa Sale. At that age, it was very exciting to come home and brag that we sold maybe hundreds or thousands of dollars in furniture, Meghan recalls. Edit: I have been informed that they are the daughters, not the wives. The company offer of a free DVD generated a huge response, and more than 60,000 were given away.). We had no grand plan.. The Itasca-based company has 10 locations across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, where the sisters ply their fourth-generation talents. There's a lot of blurred lines, and we have to learn when to defer to each other.". "But these are guys who you'd go to dinner with, you know? President - Walter E. Smithe Furniture + Design - LinkedIn - 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. "You think a huge corporation is going to have pencil pushers and button touchers," says Lynn Hamilton, vice president of the Shirley Hamilton Agency, a Chicago talent agency. 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. Walter E. Smithe III, is the President of family owned and operated Walter E. Smithe Furniture + Design. Walter E. Smithe Jr., head of family furniture dynasty, dead at 86 "We take that very seriously, and we have so much passion for it.". 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. "Staying fresh, young and relevant is how we're going to sustain the brand into the next 75 years. Now its only the wives and zero about the furniture. The commercial included the tagline "Change the Name, Change the Luck", a reference to the Cubs' decades-long struggle to reach the World Series. Receive a 20 percent discount on sofas, love seats, sectionals, chaises, and more at Cassona (5241 N. Clark St., cassona.com) through March 13. That can help Walter E. Smithe differentiate itself from the growing number of lower-priced furniture retailers that have moved into the Chicago area in the past couple of years, Walter Smithe said. 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. CHICAGO The founder of Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design has died. Moms of 17 juggle the Chicago-based family business The new campaign, dubbed Smithe Family Makeovers, showcases Smithe furniture in the homes of actual clients, revealing the handiwork of the companys designers in HGTV-esque episodes. Mix together different, but complimentary, elements such as woods, metals and stonesand feel free to mix various metals together. 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. Currently, there are 3 generations involved in the business: Walter Smithe Jr is retired, but regularly visits the showrooms. You may have noticed a change lately in those Walter E. Smithe . For example, Meghan had to miss her sons Valentines Day party at school this year, due to work responsibilities. - Lynn Hauldren: Who? 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. Timothy Smithe Jr. (m. 2013-2018) Kyla Lynn McCarthy (born October 8, 1986) is the daughter of politician and former Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy. His daughters were hesitant at first, questioning whether they were ready for such a responsibility. Smithe's wife of 64 years was by his side when he passed, and he . In the 1970s Walter left Smithe and Shanahan (His brothers remained with the original company) to start his own company - Walter E. Smithe. 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. Walter E. Smithe - Wikipedia 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. "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. Building upon the Smithe family legacy is a big responsibility, the sisters said, one they've embraced with fervor. Walter E. Smithe Furniture, Inc. is headquartered in Itasca, IL. 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. But the truth is, I love coming to the office. For people who are in their 40s and have families, that's how brothers act around each other when they get together. "And of course this summer's blockbuster is supposed to be `Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.' 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. 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.. Walt (actually Walter Smithe III), 45, is president and general manager of the company; he and his wife have five kids and live in Barrington Hills. "They've done a wonderful job building a distinctive brand," says Tim Calkins, a professor of marketing at Northwestern University. Walter Smithe III and Mark Smithe (the Smithe Brothers) are the sons of Walter Jr, and serve as President and VP/Legal Counsel, respectively. We are sad to announce that on October 9, 2022 we had to say goodbye to Walter E. Smithe Jr. of Chicago, Illinois. 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. Updating your home theater? with Maureen Smithe Brusznicki and Caitie Smithe Jisa at Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design. Smithe then went into the computer industry working for General Electric and IBM in 1967, according to his obit. 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 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. walter e smithe furniture inc. Draftfcb. William Hageman and Tribune staff reporter. Its very much in line with our desire to offer the most beautiful pieces that are of the highest quality. The business grew in popularity as they approached adulthood, at which point friends would regularly sing the jingle and colleagues would ask about the creative TV ads. And Mark, 40, is Smithe's general counsel; he and his partner live in Lincoln Park with Petey, a 4-year-old bulldog. Who are the Walter E Smithe daughters? As mothers, all of us have cleaned up a childs spill, or even their vomit, from our furniture, Colleen jokes. "But we've also gotten some really nice feedback from people who are happy to see four working women on their TV.". Let's go Cubbies! Meghan was hired in 2013 and now serves as director of sales strategy. Reaching a younger demographic and expanding their clientele has required some creativity, the sisters said. 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. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Walter E. Smithe, Jr., founder of Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design, has died at the age of 86, his family said. Caitie was a manufacturers' representative before becoming a stay-at-home mom. "Staying fresh, young and relevant is how we're going to sustain the brand into the next 75 years," Meghan said. [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]. 'Flipping Out' Where To Get Jeff Lewis' Furniture Collection Walter E. Smithe Trade In Sale - YouTube With a 71-year history and 11 stores sprinkled throughout Chicago and the suburbs, Walter E. Smithe is a local furniture icon. And youll see each of my sisters doing what they do best.. Caitie Smithe is aDesigner, Design Coordinator + Stylist atWalter E. Smithe Furniture + Design. By last year, though, each had returned to the company their great-grandfather founded. 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. Nothing will be worse than the commercials they ran the last time the Cicadas were in season. A few bucks later, the clunker is off to Victory's Bensenville lot. "Pam, Bill and I are always on the watch for pop culture. They're not egomaniacs. Chicago, IL. Walter E. Smithe Jr., Founder of Popular Chicago-Area Furniture Company You may also light a candle in honor of Walter E. Smithe Jr. or send a beautiful flower arrangement to the funeral . It said he passed away peacef Walter E. Smithe ads, famous for their jingle, now featuring next Their camaraderie is genuine, and they can easily share ideas and bounce between conversations. Smithe guy Walt actually Walter Smithe III 45 is president and general manager of the. The company makes, sells, and repairs furniture, . 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. Walter E Smithe Daughters - Josephine Goodwin Blogs . 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. This style is out there and we need to respond and get it on our floor. Eric Clark email address & phone number | Walter E. Smithe Furniture Feb 20, 2022 - The 4th generation of Walter E. Smithe family stops by to visit Bob and Marianne. 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. 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. "By being so close and meeting so regularly, we're all in the loop with what's happening in each other's sphere. "They go a long way with a limited budget through the use of creativity," he says. "The brothers have no acting talent," Tim says. 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. To their delight, the reaction to that initial campaign was primarily positive, as has been the case for every commercial they've produced since.