The 3rd brother, Tim Smithe, retired in 2016. She has a few ideas for how to add a little spring to your home. The Smithe sisters now serve as the face . Walter E. Smithe Furniture, Inc. is headquartered in Itasca, IL. Jeff Lewis's collection of vignettes is available at Walter E. Smithe's 11 showrooms in Chicago, and online. Oct 2012 - Apr 20152 years 7 months. And then fate gently tapped them on their shoulder. 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. Colleen loved being able to point out that her dad and uncles, Mark and Tim, brainstormed and executed the ideas themselves. He attended the University of Notre Dame and earned a bachelor 's . With a 71-year history and 11 stores sprinkled throughout Chicago and the suburbs, Walter E. Smithe is a local furniture icon. A matte black bathtub, vanity mirrors and hardware pop against the airy walls in this modern primary bathroom. 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. His daughters were hesitant at first, questioning whether they were ready for such a responsibility. Most recently, she was at . between Scott Ave. and Tower Rd., Winnetka, shophwdd.com) hosts a First Friday event on the North Shore. Falling asleep. Meghan and Colleen spent several years working at advertising agencies in Chicago. Later, both Tim and Mark were night managers at competing convenience stores, Tim at a 7-Eleven in Niles and Mark at a Park Ridge White Hen. Cindy went to college in Iowa and settled there after school. Calkins says that by minimizing production costs and media costs and doing those quick turnarounds, Smithe gets a bigger bang for its advertising buck. They decided on an ad campaign that would, simply, pitch their product. Tags: Design Controls - Facebook Instant Article, Home & Garden, Interior Design. Only a year apart in age, the lively, fast-talking Smithe sisters consider one another best friends. During a stint in the Army, Smithe attained the rank of captain and became an expert in the field of computers. 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. Its nice to see when a family is ready to replace a well-loved piece that they come back to Smithe to do it. To date, there are 10 Smithe stores scattered throughout Chicago, and one in northwest Indiana. 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. They seem very pretentious I think. Since 1945 the company has . "An hour and a half. "And they've been able to personalize a retail chain through the use of the brothers. 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. 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. While it may not be usable 365 days a year, the days that your outdoor space are in fact usable should be embraced. Shop now. Determine whether Walter E. Smithe Furniture grew or shrank during the last recession. 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.. "It was kind of a neat way to kick off our involvement in the business as a group.". The Smithe boys started out in a tiny ranch house in Des Plaines, the children of Walter Jr. and Florence. Give yourself time to just be in a comfortable and beautiful outdoor space. The company made its website easier to use and more modern-looking. "We take that very seriously, and we have so much passion for it.". 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. Then the commercial came on. If you grew up in Chicago, you can probably hum it. 9615 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077. In recent years, Smithe enjoyed his time with extended family. In a new seven-minute "Smithe Family Makeover" video, you'll only see one Smithe brother and you'll only hear the new version of the familiar jingle if you watch all the way through to the credits. Smithe was born in 1936 to Margaret Slifka and Walter E. Smithe Sr., and grew up on the Northwest Side in Belmont Central. They were each only a year apart, at one point covering all four grade levels at Barrington High School. In 2002 they brought in director Bill O'Neil to help them. "They took different career paths," Tim says. I love the attention I get as a local celebrity," Mark says. I also think, coming from a family business myself, to see how they interact with each other just gives you the feeling that they're good people, that you'd want to do business with those people.". walter e smithe. 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. Its no longer that way.. 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. Shop the clearance. The brothers are recognized on the street, in grocery stores and coffee shops ("I got a free Starbucks latte once," Tim says). 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. 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. [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]. We strive to bring our clients the best in home furnishings for every style, budget, and. Visit . 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. I'm a brand manager and their commercials make the brand seem like a discount bin. "Staying fresh, young and relevant is how we're going to sustain the brand into the next 75 years. October 12, 2022 / 3:27 PM But repeated airings of the ad have made him and his door legendary. This is not how you attract a premium buyer or build a premium brand. "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. You may have noticed a change lately in those Walter E. Smithe (smithe.com) siblings-on-a-couch commercials. Updating your home theater? Who are the Walter E Smithe daughters? (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune). You have this sense of passion and responsibility for it. Find locations. Explore. ("Did you notice he used the wide-angle lens when he shot your [rear end]?"). Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. To the Smithe sisters, the company has always been a piece of their identity, an integral thread of their childhood. We take that very seriously, and we have so much passion for it.". Through March 7, EuroFurniture (2145 W. Grand Ave., eurofurniture.com) is offering 15 percent off BDI media cabinets and consoles available in-store, online, and by phone. They hammer out a script, call in O'Neil and start filming. }); Chicago Parent is Chicagolands trusted parenting hub since 1984. Maureen Smithe and Caitie Smithe had the pleasure of working with Chicago's own Mr. FixIt, Lou Manfredini.Such a nice guy and a true Chicagoan! Explore more of the publications in our portfolio here. Walter E. Smithe, Jr., founder of Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design, has died at the age of 86, his family said. For example - my favorite large upholstered dining chairs are under $200. Their camaraderie is genuine, and they can easily share ideas and bounce between conversations. Feb 20, 2022 - The 4th generation of Walter E. Smithe family stops by to visit Bob and Marianne. This style is out there and we need to respond and get it on our floor. He cites the U2 music video takeoff. 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. The Smithes stand out because they're doing silly things. His sons, Walter, Tim, and Mark, joined the company in the 1970s and 1980s. The Empire Carpet Guy, of course. 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. "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. Since 1945, the company has established itself as a reliable family-run retailer, with the second- and third-generation Smithe men at the helm. portalId: "6766057", Others have been parodies of reality television shows, such as The Apprentice and The Bachelor. They've transitioned into the spotlight. Walter E. Smithe Jr. Obituary. Its unjust to think that women can somehow balance it all, Colleen adds. Opening Day is March 30. Tim, 41, is the vice president of sales; he and his wife have four kids and live in Winnetka. But now a new generationsisters Meghan, Colleen, Maureen, and Caitie . I gave up sleep and TV, Maureen jokes. Anyone got a link to the current commercial? Then they brought in the wives. Whoever said brick-and-mortar is dead hasn't met the Smithe sisters. "There was some physical violence between the brothers," Walt says with that satisfied look of a big brother who got to dish it out. My hope is to inspire people to slow down enough to talk with a designer and hopefully buy something.. "KFC dances to beat of familiar drummers". "It's a big responsibility. "I think it's time for us to get out of these TV commercials," Walter said. "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. Revenue: $100 to $500 million (USD) Competitors: Linly Designs, Rieke Office Interiors, 57st Design. 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. But the truth is, I love coming to the office. "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. ", Instead they talk about the U2/iTunes takeoff, the brothers' version of "The Apprentice" or the Olympic parody from last year. Ask how we can add diversity to your supply chain. 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. Walter E. Smithe is a furniture company based in Itasca, Illinois. The founder of well-known Chicago-area furniture company Walter E. Smithe has died, his family announced Wednesday. To see these serious, stuffy guys laughing and having fun someone yelled out, `You should use that as a commercial. The chemistry among this familial foursome is something parents can only hope for from their children. Were not trying to portray an image that working mothers can pull off everything without something falling through, Maureen says candidly. Compare how recession-proof Walter E. Smithe Furniture is relative to the industry overall. 1251 W. Thorndale Ave. Itasca, IL 60143-1149. - 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. Hope, once a Smithe designer and store manager, now lives in Colorado with her husband. How could they ensure the 75-year-old brand would be sustainable for decades to come? From 5 to 8 p.m., select retailers will offer refreshments while highlighting unique designers. The first change I noticed was it became all about the sons. My sisters and I represent the viewpoint of our younger clientele, Meghan says. It said he passed away peacef Her sisters had fallen into their own specialties and were pursuing different paths at the time. Business Profile for Walter E. Smithe Furn-Itasca. So, somewhat reluctantly, they let themselves become the public face of Walter E. Smithe Furniture. The Itasca-based company has 10 locations across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, where the sisters ply their fourth-generation talents. Now, a lot more people know about us than knew a few years ago.". And youll see each of my sisters doing what they do best.. "But we've also gotten some really nice feedback from people who are happy to see four working women on their TV.". It was a natural fit, she said. Timothy Smithe Jr. (m. 2013-2018) Kyla Lynn McCarthy (born October 8, 1986) is the daughter of politician and former Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy. "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. 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. You may also light a candle in honor of Walter E. Smithe Jr. or send a beautiful flower arrangement to the funeral . An added factor in the commercials' success are the brothers, who come across as regular guys. Assuming your a dude your not supposed to understand the commercials. Like their brothers, the four Smithe sisters were all in the business when they were in high school. One spot was modeled after Apple's weird commercials. Be sure to visit Sawbridge Studios, which will showcase sustainably harvested, live-edge furniture by David Stine. Nothing is left unchanged, Meghan notes. 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. Courtesy of Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design. Press J to jump to the feed. Tomorrow, Hubbard Woods Design District (Green Bay Rd. Today, they help oversee 10 showrooms, the warehouse and headquarters, working together (generally) perfectly. The 86-year-old patriarch of the Smithe family, Walter Edward Smithe Jr., "died . Thats fast, but it shows what we can do. "Pam, Bill and I are always on the watch for pop culture. Walter E. SMITHE corporate office is located in 1775 W Rand Rd, Arlington Heights, Illinois, 60004, United States and has 382 employees. Compare how recession-proof Walter E Smithe Furniture is relative to the industry overall. getting a penny or nickel for every clearance tag we pulled," says Meghanthe four daughters of Walter Smithe III have . Today. 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. 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. First published on October 12, 2022 / 3:27 PM. 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. "We're kind of strategically positioned in different departments," Meghan said. Since 1945, we have been Chicago's local source for quality furniture and expert design. The Smithe sisters are working to expose the brand to a new customer base Photo credit: Robin Subar. - 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. As their father, the company president, has told customers for decades, Life is too short to sit on uncomfortable furniture.. "I said, `Let's get you guys on camera.'". You may have noticed a change lately in those Walter E. Smithe .
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