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Or "Hardrock, Coco and Joe." Let's go Cubbies! The commercial included the tagline "Change the Name, Change the Luck", a reference to the Cubs' decades-long struggle to reach the World Series. My hope is to inspire people to slow down enough to talk with a designer and hopefully buy something.. Find out where to go, what to eat, where to live, and more. 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. Sometimes it does not pay to work with family. Four sisters carry the Walter E. Smithe brand into the future The Smithe boys started out in a tiny ranch house in Des Plaines, the children of Walter Jr. and Florence. Holly Hunt (222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Ste. Walter E. Smithe, Jr., founder of Smithe Furniture, dies at 86 Nothing will be worse than the commercials they ran the last time the Cicadas were in season. We strive to bring our clients the best in home furnishings for every style, budget, and stage of life. "It's been about reworking how we approach visually what we want to convey about the product that we're selling," Meghan said. Explore more of the publications in our portfolio here. The company offer of a free DVD generated a huge response, and more than 60,000 were given away.). Walter E. Smithe Furniture is a company located in Itasca, Illinois, United States. High School," Walter says. One by one, each sister began working in the family business. The sisters are making their official debut in a new campaign theyve recently launched called the Smithe Family Makeovers. Fielding countless applications, the Smithes choose a home where they redesign a space and showcase the full range of interior design services and furnishings Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design offers. 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. This article originally appeared in the April 2019 issue of Chicago Parent. You may also light a candle in honor of Walter E. Smithe Jr. or send a beautiful flower arrangement to the funeral . Bringing new and various textures into a room can take it from plain and lacking in interest to exciting and memorable. Is anyone else annoyed with the new generation of Walter E Smithe A family affair: How four sisters are bringing a 75-year-old store into For instance, finding that perfect piece of decorative furniture that creatively doubles as a toy box for kids games, toys and video devices. 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. The company made its website easier to use and more modern-looking. It's not included in a shorter version now airing on TV. "Pam, Bill and I are always on the watch for pop culture. Whoever said brick-and-mortar is dead hasn't met the Smithe sisters. The sisters left for college with a few prized furnishings and a work ethic that became a permanent fixture in their lives. First there were the brothers. Now the Walter E. Smithe - Pinterest But it wasn't long before he approached his youngest daughter with a proposition. Meghan and Colleen spent several years working at advertising agencies in Chicago. Hauldren -- an advertising copywriter who created the character -- first appeared in the ads in 1973. What are they up to?' 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. We not only respect this, we embrace it.. 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 two renamed the store Smithe and Shanahan, but Bill Shanahan eventually sold his share to Smithe's brother Charlie. Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design is a family-owned furniture retailer, founded right here in Chicago, back in 1945. By last year, though, each had returned to the company their great-grandfather founded. Walter E Smithe Daughters - Aniya Hendrix Trends Chicagoans came to know and appreciate the three Smithe brothers who starred for years in quirky TV commercials touting their family-run furniture company. They seem very pretentious I think. (847) 933-1481. "Staying fresh, young and relevant is how we're going to sustain the brand into the next 75 years. 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. For example, Meghan had to miss her sons Valentines Day party at school this year, due to work responsibilities. The girls got the bedrooms; the three boys shared a room in the basement. What The Walter E. Smithe Daughters Do . 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. 20 White Bathroom Design Ideas | HGTV 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. We learned so much from these relationships, Colleen says. ("You should keep that hat on for about three weeks. Business Profile for Walter E. Smithe Furn-Itasca. The 4th generation (Walter III's daughters) join the business after careers in their respective fields; Maureen in 2002, Meghan in 2014, Caitie in 2015, and Colleen in 2016. "That's F-A-M-E, with an E". 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. Mix together different, but complimentary, elements such as woods, metals and stonesand feel free to mix various metals together. "It was kind of a neat way to kick off our involvement in the business as a group.". "They go a long way with a limited budget through the use of creativity," he says. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. The CBS Chicago team is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on CBSChicago.com. Since 1945, the company has established itself as a reliable family-run retailer, with the second- and third-generation Smithe men at the helm. This is not how you attract a premium buyer or build a premium brand. Its a tough balance, but I like figuring out the retail puzzle.. Walter E. Smithe is a furniture company based in Itasca, Illinois. Sisters Take Smithe Spotlight, More High-End Barware, and a Sofa Sale, 2020 Chicago magazine / A Chicago Tribune Media Group website, map of participating First Friday locations, Design Controls - Facebook Instant Article. Then the commercial came on. 177 East Army Trail Road, Glendale Heights, IL 60139. Smithe's three sons the Smithe brothers Mark, Tim, and Walter III became executives in the business and were regularly featured in the commercials. Compare how recession-proof Walter E. Smithe Furniture is relative to the industry overall. 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 Jr. died peacefully at age 86, his family said in a prepared statement. But they do have a business. Some have criticized the spots for underemphasizing Walter E. Smithe's actual furniture products. Rocketreach finds email, phone & social media for 450M+ professionals. [4][5] In 2008, they filmed and edited a takeoff of the Sex and the City franchise, with the brothers sipping "Smithe-o-politans". /r/Chicago is the place to discuss and stay updated on the daily happenings of Chicago, Illinois, USA. She has a few ideas for how to add a little spring to your home. Pinterest. CHICAGO The founder of Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design has died. The Smithe sisters, all in their thirties, worked in the family business as teens but pursued different career paths in adulthood. 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. One spot was modeled after Apple's weird commercials. 2023 Zoe Communications Group | 332 S. Michigan Ave., Suite #LL-M974, Chicago, IL 60604 | 708.386.5555 | Website by Web Publisher PRO, ParentEd Talks: Free Virtual Speaker Series, A Concerned Parents Guide to Gun Violence and Gun Safety. Moms of 17 juggle the Chicago-based family business 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. View info about Walter E. Smithe Furniture (smithe.com). Am I the only one who just thinks he looks like Louis CK? The Smithe boys started out in a tiny ranch house in Des Plaines, the children of Walter Jr. and Florence. [6], One of Walter E. Smithe's most discussed commercials aired in late March 2006. It took the mother of six children a few years to figure out how to juggle her demanding career and busy home life. When the boys took over from their father, there were about a half-dozen stores. This has been our priority since we first began serving the Chicago area back in 1945. Tim, 41, is the vice president of sales; he and his wife have four kids and live in Winnetka. [1] 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 advertising). 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. There have been more than a thousand of them since, and thanks to the magic of cable TV he is now a national celebrity. Sibling revelry - Chicago Tribune "There are still people who ask us, 'Where are the brothers? Their dad, the company's president, continued filming his signature ads with his brother, Mark, for a short period of time, Colleen said. They're not egomaniacs. "It was kind of ingrained in us," Caitie Smithe said. 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. / CBS Chicago. But one by one, they followed Maureen's lead and rejoined the family business. 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. It was like the empire jingle. And now with the company's 75th anniversary approaching in August, they're ready to push forward plans to expand and evolve. . From 5 to 8 p.m., select retailers will offer refreshments while highlighting unique designers. "We had a common agreement that we had the best furniture in Chicago," Tim says, "but not enough people knew about it.". The Smithe brothers have been described as "Chicago's most recognizable furniture purveyors", due to their ubiquitous television commercials starring themselves. Walter E. Smithe, Jr., founder of Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design, has died at the age of 86, his family said. The Smithe sisters have heard it all before, and they've set out to dispel those misperceptions. As their father, the company president, has told customers for decades, Life is too short to sit on uncomfortable furniture.. 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. We see this country chic trend currently happening as a design emergency, says Maureen. 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. 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. Not as long as they keep the commercials clever and topical, O'Neil says. Walter E. Smithe Jr. also earned a master's degree in Anthropology at Loyola University Chicago in 1980. As mothers, theyve learned its not only possible, but preferable, to have a functional yet beautiful home. "KFC dances to beat of familiar drummers". Tim recalls Walt trying to smother him -- repeatedly, apparently -- with a bean bag chair. The Smithe brothers used good-natured humor on countless TV commercials selling furniture. 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. Receive a 20 percent discount on sofas, love seats, sectionals, chaises, and more at Cassona (5241 N. Clark St., cassona.com) through March 13. "We're not your parents' furniture company," Caitie said. Walter E. Smithe Near You in Vernon Hills, Illinois - furniture That's a galaxy away from the current "Star Wars" parody. Colleen loved being able to point out that her dad and uncles, Mark and Tim, brainstormed and executed the ideas themselves. The Smithe brothers used good-natured humor on countless TV commercials selling furniture. Walter E. Smithe is a furniture company based in Itasca, Illinois. 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. 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 . 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. The Smithe sisters now serve as the face . Walter Smithe III and Mark Smithe (the Smithe Brothers) are the sons of Walter Jr, and serve as President and VP/Legal Counsel, respectively. 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. Edit: I have been informed that they are the daughters, not the wives. "They took different career paths," Tim says. So, somewhat reluctantly, they let themselves become the public face of Walter E. Smithe Furniture. Luxury Hotels, Travel, Dining, Lifestyle - Haute Living The first change I noticed was it became all about the sons. The inky accents create a sleek statement against the white walls and lend a streamlined look to the space. 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. He attended the University of Notre Dame and earned a bachelor 's . In fact, none of the sisters seriously considered having a career in the company, founded by their great-grandfather in 1945. and became working moms in different industries. 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! Over the last 13 years, one by one, Walters daughters have been hired on at Smithe as the jobs became available. Smithe was born in 1936 to Margaret Slifka and Walter E. Smithe Sr., and grew up on the Northwest Side in Belmont Central.
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