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walter e smithe. 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. To make up for it, she woke up early to make heart-shaped pancakes. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune). Walter E. Smithe is a family business in every sense of the word, the sisters say. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. By last year, though, each had returned to the company their great-grandfather founded. Since 1945, we have been Chicago's local source for quality furniture and expert design. As mothers, theyve learned its not only possible, but preferable, to have a functional yet beautiful home. However, Lewis Lazare, the Chicago Sun-Times' advertising critic, has defended the commercials. As Caitie puts it, Theres no reason you cant use an entertainment console as a buffet in the dining room.. Also would somebody please feed them? Chicago magazine newsletters have you covered. walter e smithe furniture & design. Contact Information. 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. Press J to jump to the feed. "We're dreamers and we have big ideas," Meghan said. His daughters were hesitant at first, questioning whether they were ready for such a responsibility. Timothy Smithe Jr. (m. 2013-2018) Kyla Lynn McCarthy (born October 8, 1986) is the daughter of politician and former Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy. Were now getting calls from all over the world., Under Colleen and Meghans direction, Smithe now has a beautiful new lookbook in its marketing toolbox and a stable full of breathtaking photography, as they become the exclusive distributor for Ellen DeGeneres new furniture collection from Thomasville. Walter E. Smithe, Jr., founder of Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design, has died at the age of 86, his family said. "There are still people who ask us, 'Where are the brothers? "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.". Calkins says that by minimizing production costs and media costs and doing those quick turnarounds, Smithe gets a bigger bang for its advertising buck. 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. CHICAGO (CBS) -- Walter Edward Smithe Jr., the founder of Chicago's Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design, has died at the age of 86. "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. "But these are guys who you'd go to dinner with, you know? Visit . They've transitioned into the spotlight. At Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design, we are committed to helping our clients love their homes through expert design, quality furnishings, and exemplary service. Walter E. Smithe and Bill Shanahan founded the store anticipating a booming economy in the wake of World War II. 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. [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. For the most part, that relationship translates well in the business world, they say. The Smithes stand out because they're doing silly things. The Smithe boys started out in a tiny ranch house in Des Plaines, the children of Walter Jr. and Florence. But it wasn't long before he approached his youngest daughter with a proposition. Nothing is left unchanged, Meghan notes. Customers were more concerned with what we were selling versus the people who were selling it, she adds. To the Smithe sisters, the company has always been a piece of their identity, an integral thread of their childhood. "With a strategy to continue Smithe parodies of relevant topics, really, the future is limitless," he says. Walter E. Smithe III, is the President of family owned and operated Walter E. Smithe Furniture + Design. "We take that very seriously, and we have so much passion for it.". "An hour and a half. Zajdel was a driver for Victory when he made the commercial a quarter-century ago. [6], One of Walter E. Smithe's most discussed commercials aired in late March 2006. And I thought, `makeup and lighting. She also sees more demand for curation: Rather than walking into a store and getting an entire matching bedroom or dining set, people are mixing and matching and getting a look thats uniquely theirs., The new ED Ellen DeGeneres furniture collection (now available at all 11 Walter E. Smithe showrooms) allows for just thatand it includes versatile pieces that transcend their typical use. CHICAGO The founder of Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design has died. 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. He entertained the youngest generation of the family playing banjo and singing folk songs such as "The Rock Island Line," and telling stories of Tiny Tim and the Magic Gumball Machine, his obit said. I always suggest going with whatever color or colors are most pleasing to you, but some big color trends this spring are oranges, pinks, sage green and pastel blue. 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. Its a tough balance, but I like figuring out the retail puzzle.. Walter E. Smithe also is changing up its ads. But I never forget that these are my sisters and I completely respect them. Meghan was hired in 2013 and now serves as director of sales strategy. "We're custom, so we can create everything, but we need to get the right mix out there to give people ideas," said Meghan Smithe, the company's director of marketing. Smithe was born in 1936 to Margaret Slifka and Walter E. Smithe Sr., and grew up in the Northwest Side's Belmont Central neighborhood. [4][5] In 2008, they filmed and edited a takeoff of the Sex and the City franchise, with the brothers sipping "Smithe-o-politans". Its unnerving. There have been more than a thousand of them since, and thanks to the magic of cable TV he is now a national celebrity. College was a turning point for the sisters, who now call one another their best friends. Today. "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. Pinterest. ". 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. Reaching a younger demographic and expanding their clientele has required some creativity, the sisters said. "In a family business, everyone has to wear all hats at all times," Maureen said. Subscribe for free today! No outside agency required. "And a woman was there with her daughter, and she nudged her and I heard her say, 'That's the Walter E. Smithe guy.' But they do have a business. Visit Website (opens in new window) Walter E. Smithe. walter e smithe furniture - inc. walter e smithe furniture. Postpartum bladder leaks are common but there's help. "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. We all trickled back in, and it happened really organically, says Meghan of the industrious quartet, who collectively has 17 children. Caitie, Colleen, Maureen and Meghan Smithe represent the fourth generation helping run their Chicago-based family furniture store, Walter E. Smithe, and they're determined not to be the last. Falling asleep. Sip A Negroni While Exploring This Stunning New Home Boutique, Peruse Artisan-Crafted Collections At This Chicago Boutique, Fresh And Feminine Vibes Rule This Winnetka Boutique, Whats In Store At Chicagos New Must-See Surface Destination, 3 Things To Know About The Latest RH Gallery, Do Not Sell Or Share My Personal Information. Primary Address. Mark admonished Walt to keep his feet off the furniture. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. This began a long series of lighthearted television commercials, which became increasingly elaborate over the next few years. Bringing new and various textures into a room can take it from plain and lacking in interest to exciting and memorable. The company makes, sells, and repairs furniture, specializing in custom upholstery, and operates ten showrooms throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. 9615 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077. 1251 West Thorndale Avenue. For example, Meghan had to miss her sons Valentines Day party at school this year, due to work responsibilities. It couldn't have gone more perfectly, Maureen said. 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. officially retires, although he still enjoys visiting showrooms and meeting clients. The brothers are recognized on the street, in grocery stores and coffee shops ("I got a free Starbucks latte once," Tim says). They hammer out a script, call in O'Neil and start filming. 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. The Smithes: (L-R) Colleen, Meghan, Walter III, Walter Jr., Mark, Caitie, and Maureen. They brought in real clients, worked with real designers and demonstrated each sister's essential role within the business. If you find the right furniture, it will last even through your kids, Colleen says. 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. Favorite design style: Cozy and comfortableaka hygge ethos. 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. 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. "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. Our lives can be overrun with technology, commitments and schedules. Colleen loved being able to point out that her dad and uncles, Mark and Tim, brainstormed and executed the ideas themselves. Compare how recession-proof Walter E Smithe Furniture is relative to the industry overall. I love the one where they are drinking what looks like Tang out of wine glasses. Still, the Smithes have had to weather various challenges since joining the company, including the retirement of their uncle, Tim. 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. They've been able to weather the unexpected storm of the coronavirus pandemic. Newlyweds can now register for exclusive honeymoon stays and experiences at 23 of Auberge Resorts Collections luxury hotels and resorts worldwide More, With two movies out this winter, the actress and producer Salma Hayek Pinault is at the top of her game More, The star of A Beautiful Noise, which just opened at the Broadhurst Theatre, is a big Neil Diamond fan More, The writer and actor makes his Broadway debut in his just-opened play Aint No Mo More, After flying high in the hit sequel Top Gun: Maverick, Glen Powell stars in the new film Devotion, out now More, It's not enough to just be smart. We get that question all the time, and that was to be expected," Colleen said. 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. William Hageman and Tribune staff reporter. Kneen & Co. (399 W. Fullerton Pkwy., Ste. There's a lot of blurred lines, and we have to learn when to defer to each other.". }); Chicago Parent is Chicagolands trusted parenting hub since 1984. 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. It was an organic transition for each of us, says Colleen, the youngest sister. 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. 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 . 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. - 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. Jamie Sotonoff. 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. Walter E. SMITHE corporate office is located in 1775 W Rand Rd, Arlington Heights, Illinois, 60004, United States and has 382 employees. I only hear them on the radio. What are they up to?' 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. [7], Chicagoans have had mixed reactions to the Walter E. Smithe commercials. Since 1945 the company has . ("You should keep that hat on for about three weeks. 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. One of the first opportunities to test their compatibility was through a partnership with interior designer and TV personality Jeff Lewis. The commercial included the tagline "Change the Name, Change the Luck", a reference to the Cubs' decades-long struggle to reach the World Series. In some of the footage, youll see my dad installing a dimmer or my uncle driving a truck. Get 5 free searches. But repeated airings of the ad have made him and his door legendary. - 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!". Even with little ones underfoot, the Smithe sisters make balancing their family furniture business and their growing broods look effortless. 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. "Smithes have fun at the old ballpark". 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.. And Mark, 40, is Smithe's general counsel; he and his partner live in Lincoln Park with Petey, a 4-year-old bulldog. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Some ways to do this include mixing fabrics and leathers such as pairing linens with velvets, shag rugs, fur throws, organic elements such as rattan and bamboo even the reflective-ness of chrome can add texture to a room! Im stunned when people watch one of our makeovers and are surprised that Smithe carries so much of what they like, says Caitie. Additional partnerships with the likes of Cynthia Rowley and Ellen Degeneres have exposed the company to a new customer base. The inky accents create a sleek statement against the white walls and lend a streamlined look to the space. "It was kind of a neat way to kick off our involvement in the business as a group.". The Smithe family announced that their patriarch died this past Sunday with his wife of 64 years, Florence Flynn Smithe, by his side. Compare how recession-proof Walter E. Smithe Furniture is relative to the industry overall. It's partnered with celebrity designers and broadened the mix of products carried in stores, online and in its resurrected catalog to include more current trends and a wider range of price points. Lewis Lazare. They've spruced up their styles, selling more contemporary pieces among their traditional designs. Here, get to know this powerhouse quartet. Lewis Lazare. 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.. The Smithe brothers used good-natured humor on countless TV commercials selling furniture. 70 reviews of Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design "This is a really good store for when you hit age 40 or so and realize your house still resembles a college dorm. This is not how you attract a premium buyer or build a premium brand. Shop the clearance. Building upon the Smithe family legacy is a big responsibility, the sisters said, one they've embraced with fervor. Were not trying to portray an image that working mothers can pull off everything without something falling through, Maureen says candidly. It's not included in a shorter version now airing on TV. 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 . Main Telephone (630) 285-8000. "It was kind of ingrained in us," Caitie Smithe said. They look hungry. While a new recession may strike a particular industry, measuring the industry and . He attended the University of Notre Dame and earned a bachelor 's . That was the extent of his pitchman career. Sometimes it does not pay to work with family. We had no grand plan.. ("Did you notice he used the wide-angle lens when he shot your [rear end]?"). Getting the Smithes in front of the camera wasn't easy. The Bob's puppet is a far better actor than the Smithe girls though. Walter E. Smithe Jr. died peacefully at age 86, his family said in a prepared statement. Today, they help oversee 10 showrooms, the warehouse and headquarters, working together (generally) perfectly. 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. His signature line: "Linn Burton for certain!". But the sisters also know they can always turn to the leaders who came before them. You have this sense of passion and responsibility for it. The Smithe sisters have always been close -- and growing up, it wasn't always by choice. All three attended St. Mary's College in Winona, Minn. Walt got an MBA at Notre Dame, Tim got one at Northwestern, and Mark got a law degree at Loyola. I was probably in elementary school when I would come in to work in the warehouse sweeping for a nickel Colleen says. 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.". We feel like we can now speak to the multitude of generations who shop with us, she says. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. /r/Chicago is the place to discuss and stay updated on the daily happenings of Chicago, Illinois, USA. Nothing will be worse than the commercials they ran the last time the Cicadas were in season. Only a year apart in age, the lively, fast-talking Smithe sisters consider one another best friends. In 2002 they brought in director Bill O'Neil to help them. E. Smithe sisters Caitie, Colleen, Meghan and Maureen were introduced to the business at a young age. 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. There's a certain time and simplicity factor, so from the time of the idea to the time we shoot it can be as short as a week.". 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. Tomorrow, Hubbard Woods Design District (Green Bay Rd. How, they wondered, would longtime customers respond to four new female faces on their television screens? Check out the new collection. "The brothers have no acting talent," Tim says. 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. Only a year apart in age, the lively, fast-talking Smithe sisters consider one another best friends. 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. And it's those commercials, always informative and usually silly, that have the Smithe brothers walking in the footsteps of Linn Burton and the Empire Carpet Guy as Chicago TV commercial icons. It also featured an appearance by Dutchie Caray, wife of the late Cubs announcer Harry Caray. Their interactions were zany, their dialogue lighthearted, their catchy jingle -- "you dream it, we build it" -- recognizable throughout the region. Cindy went to college in Iowa and settled there after school. How could they ensure the 75-year-old brand would be sustainable for decades to come? At-a-glance. 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.

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