But even as likable as the brothers are, do they run the risk of oversaturation or going to the well too often? The new generation of Smithes are featured in the company's new advertising. And Amy is a singer and songwriter. Customers were more concerned with what we were selling versus the people who were selling it, she adds. 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. We've got the radar out for that," Tim Smithe says. Nah, I know a few of them. 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. 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. Nothing is left unchanged, Meghan notes. We not only respect this, we embrace it.. 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. With a 71-year history and 11 stores sprinkled throughout Chicago and the suburbs Walter E. Maureen in 2002 Meghan in 2014 Caitie in 2015 and Colleen in 2016. And youll see each of my sisters doing what they do best.. 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. Updating your home theater? Weird. Our lives can be overrun with technology, commitments and schedules. As their father, the company president, has told customers for decades, Life is too short to sit on uncomfortable furniture.. But repeated airings of the ad have made him and his door legendary. This began a long series of lighthearted television commercials, which became increasingly elaborate over the next few years. His line was, `If you can talk you can breathe.'". Spoken like the daughter of a true shop owner, as her father Walter E. Smithe III, president of the eponymous furniture retailer calls himself. 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. Edited to add: Looked them up and gee, it's one of the daughters managing the marketing. 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. I gave up sleep and TV, Maureen jokes. Dont burden yourself with the boredom of a matching wood set. 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 Smithe sisters have heard it all before, and they've set out to dispel those misperceptions. They got on each other's nerves and learned to talk quickly at the dinner table if they wanted to get a word in. In 2002 they brought in director Bill O'Neil to help them. Chicago magazine newsletters have you covered. "We're all rolling up our sleeves and getting dirty. 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.. walter e smithe furniture - inc. walter e smithe furniture. Also would somebody please feed them? Smithe then went into the computer industry working for General Electric and IBM in 1967, according to his obit. We understand that customers see a certain look on, say, Instagram and they want it replicated in their own home, Colleen says. Here, get to know this powerhouse quartet. 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. Assuming your a dude your not supposed to understand the commercials. ", Instead they talk about the U2/iTunes takeoff, the brothers' version of "The Apprentice" or the Olympic parody from last year. "Staying fresh, young . Now, the Itasca-based furniture and interior design company wants you to get to know the Smithe sisters. Chicagoans came to know and appreciate the three Smithe brothers who starred for years in quirky TV commercials touting their family-run furniture company. 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. 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. "[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. In the late '60s, the growing family -- there are also four sisters, Cindy, Margie and . The company has become known over the years in particular for its quirky TV commercials Chicago TV viewers have long known the jingle, "Walter E. Smithe, you dream it we build it." 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. Postpartum bladder leaks are common but there's help. Sometimes its the only quiet I get.. And in between the entertainment were his folksy commercials for Courtesy Motors -- his cars were "honeys" and "sweeties" -- which at one point was the world's largest Ford dealer. Someone really needs a new marketing director/CMO/agency because they do not know what they are doing. That collective experience comes in handy ahead of any major decisions. 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. It turned out so well that Tim carried along a copy to a speaking engagement. The 86-year-old patriarch of the Smithe family, Walter Edward Smithe Jr., "died . Walter E. Smithe and Bill Shanahan founded the store anticipating a booming economy in the wake of World War II. "I was invited to speak to 300-some designers in Oak Brook," he says. But the sisters also know they can always turn to the leaders who came before them. A 2005 advertisement showed Mark and Tim Smithe dueling with CGI-enhanced lamps in an homage to the lightsaber duels of the Star Wars films. Colleen Smithe, Director of Advertising 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. Receive a 20 percent discount on sofas, love seats, sectionals, chaises, and more at Cassona (5241 N. Clark St., cassona.com) through March 13. Rocketreach finds email, phone & social media for 450M+ professionals. Then when I plugged it in, the place went up for grabs. Around the same time, Caitie was ready to return to the workforce as a designer and stylist, a skill she had honed early in her career. With a 71-year history and 11 stores sprinkled throughout Chicago and the suburbs, Walter E. Smithe is a local furniture icon. Walter E. Smithe is a family business in every sense of the word, the sisters say. They look hungry. Our learning curve has been steep and long, with a lot of challenges, says Colleen, flanked by her sisters at the familys Lincoln Park location, a 10,000-square-foot boutique store. "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. [6], One of Walter E. Smithe's most discussed commercials aired in late March 2006. Now its only the wives and zero about the furniture. Find out where to go, what to eat, where to live, and more. If you find the right furniture, it will last even through your kids, Colleen says. 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. The Walter E. Smithe + Jeff Lewis showcase certainly fits the bill. Oct 2012 - Apr 20152 years 7 months. As mothers, theyve learned its not only possible, but preferable, to have a functional yet beautiful home. She is a celebrity who is genuinely interested in how her furniture will do and be perceived, Maureen says. Only a year apart in age, the lively, fast-talking Smithe sisters consider one another best friends. This initiative calls for all hands on deck. Holly Hunt (222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Ste. 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. Bloomingdale Plaza. They can really do great things. 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. Be sure to visit Sawbridge Studios, which will showcase sustainably harvested, live-edge furniture by David Stine. Bob's proudly proclaims that it sells cheap garbage, Walter E looks like they're trying to sell you viagra and Penny Mustard radio commercials are justweird.. Walter e smithe daughters. "And of course this summer's blockbuster is supposed to be `Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.' You have this sense of passion and responsibility for it. The company gained national exposure from Lewis' collection, and each sister was able to shine in her own specialty. I presented my ideas for this two weeks ago and it will be out on the floor in three weeks. We are sad to announce that on October 9, 2022 we had to say goodbye to Walter E. Smithe Jr. of Chicago, Illinois. Then the commercial came on. This rating has improved by 10% over the last 12 months. Not as long as they keep the commercials clever and topical, O'Neil says. Tim recalls Walt trying to smother him -- repeatedly, apparently -- with a bean bag chair. 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. His daughters were hesitant at first, questioning whether they were ready for such a responsibility. So is there a `Wally and the Sofa Factory' in our future?". - 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!". 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. The company makes, sells, and repairs furniture, . "KFC dances to beat of familiar drummers". They were each only a year apart, at one point covering all four grade levels at Barrington High School. Visit Website (opens in new window) Walter E. Smithe. 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. You want it to succeed and do well.". I can't breathe!' 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. It's fun to be part of Chicago in that way.". The commercials were being shot at a studio in Northfield and would result in enough footage for dozens of TV ads to appear over the next six months. That cartoon of Bob has BDE and you can't deny it. Most recently, she was at . Haute Living is a network of luxury publications with bimonthly regional editions in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco. Smithe brothers aim for 'Sex' appeal in latest quirky commercial, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Walter_E._Smithe&oldid=1127865487, This page was last edited on 17 December 2022, at 02:33. 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. [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). My hope is to inspire people to slow down enough to talk with a designer and hopefully buy something.. 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. Get 5 free searches. Darvin is always yelling about discounts. The Chicago native attended Fenwick High School and the University of Notre Dame. Since 1945, the company has established itself as a reliable family-run retailer, with the second- and third-generation Smithe men at the helm. "That was the best part," she said. They've transitioned into the spotlight. What she does: "I make spaces beautiful for clients' homes, our catalogs and showrooms, and play couples' therapist for clients who can't agree on a sofa." Favorite design style: Modern mixed with traditional. You can still be a fun premium brand (Virgin, for example) but this is Family Dollar-type schtick. "It's always positive, and it's nice to be part of it. The first order of business: ditch the longstanding, highly recognizable ad campaign featuring their father and two uncles. Its a tough balance, but I like figuring out the retail puzzle.. Hauldren -- an advertising copywriter who created the character -- first appeared in the ads in 1973. Ellen is very serious about design and had a definite voice in what this modern-rustic-meets-farmhouse collection would be. A matte black bathtub, vanity mirrors and hardware pop against the airy walls in this modern primary bathroom. "There was some physical violence between the brothers," Walt says with that satisfied look of a big brother who got to dish it out. The CBS Chicago team is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on CBSChicago.com. Walter E. Smithe is a furniture company based in Itasca, Illinois. The original simple jingle and slogan was perfect. "They've done a wonderful job building a distinctive brand," says Tim Calkins, a professor of marketing at Northwestern University. The company began in 1945 as Tone Appliances and Furniture, a single store on Belmont Avenue in Chicago. We had no grand plan.. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Walter E. Smithe, Jr., founder of Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design, has died at the age of 86, his family said. Edit: I have been informed that they are the daughters, not the wives. We feel like we can now speak to the multitude of generations who shop with us, she says. But now a new generationsisters Meghan, Colleen, Maureen, and Caitie Smitheis shaking things up in a big way. 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. One by one, each sister began working in the family business. And they represented Walter E. Smithe with a sense of drive and zeal that can only exude from the third-generation stakeholders of what has become a household name. 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. He cites the U2 music video takeoff. Young. As the oldest sibling, Maureen was the first to officially join Walter E. Smithe in a professional capacity in 2004. It also featured an appearance by Dutchie Caray, wife of the late Cubs announcer Harry Caray. [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. "There are still people who ask us, 'Where are the brothers? Falling asleep. 22 miles. Who are the Walter E Smithe daughters? He began working in the . We connect families with the best local resources, advice, stories, things to do with kids and much more. The Smithe boys started out in a tiny ranch house in Des Plaines, the children of Walter Jr. and Florence. My wife and I were just talking about this yesterday, we truly hate the Walter E Smithe commercials with the daughters. 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. That was the extent of his pitchman career. Woven Roman shades, a jute rug and a blonde wood vanity usher texture and warmth into the otherwise minimalist design. Im stunned when people watch one of our makeovers and are surprised that Smithe carries so much of what they like, says Caitie. Find locations. walter e smithe furniture & design. Billy Corgan and Walter E. Smithe Wrestling. It takes work and sacrifice.. The founder of well-known Chicago-area furniture company Walter E. Smithe has died, his family announced Wednesday. 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. They're not egomaniacs. We simply never had that conversation, Meghan says. /r/Chicago is the place to discuss and stay updated on the daily happenings of Chicago, Illinois, USA. The sisters left for college with a few prized furnishings and a work ethic that became a permanent fixture in their lives. The campaign was inspired in part by a partnership with designer/house-flipper Jeff Lewis of the Bravo show Flipping Out. "We take that very seriously, and we have so much passion for it.". My sisters and I represent the viewpoint of our younger clientele, Meghan says. We dont always agree on things, Colleen says. Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta, Room Request: Four Seasons Hotel Bogota Casa Medina, New Restaurants and Bars in New York City, Clare V., Mulberry and More New Retail Openings in NYC, Tony Robbins Challenge to Provide 1 Billion Meals Nears its Goal, Get behind-the-scenes pictures on Instagram. Along the way, they got married, had children (17 in all!) "They took different career paths," Tim says. Give yourself time to just be in a comfortable and beautiful outdoor space. 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 Smithes: (L-R) Colleen, Meghan, Walter III, Walter Jr., Mark, Caitie, and Maureen. 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. Over the past 76 years, the company has grown to include 10 Chicago area showrooms. Tomorrow, Hubbard Woods Design District (Green Bay Rd. Personally, I dont want to stare at ugly furniture for all those years, Meghan says. Find employees, official website, emails, phone numbers, revenue, employee headcount, social accounts, and anything related to Walter E. Smithe Furniture. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Walter E. Smithe Furniture, Inc. Marketing Contacts Contacts (5/9) Name Title State; Walter S. President & Chief Executive Officer . About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . The inky accents create a sleek statement against the white walls and lend a streamlined look to the space. 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. This has been our priority since we first began serving the Chicago area back in 1945. I'm so annoyed that I won't buy anything from there. 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.. About. 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. This article originally appeared in the April 2019 issue of Chicago Parent. 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. While a new recession may strike a particular industry, measuring the industry and . And they wanted a way to build the brand. "What about you and your sisters?". First published on October 12, 2022 / 3:27 PM. I love the attention I get as a local celebrity," Mark says. Explore. Sometimes we present to our dad as a united front and other times we need him to be a tie breaker. I dont think anyone in the furniture industry does advertising well. One of the first opportunities to test their compatibility was through a partnership with interior designer and TV personality Jeff Lewis. Like most mothers, whether theyre working or staying at home, we do what we can, she says. 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. "Smithes have fun at the old ballpark". 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. Walter E. Smithe is a furniture company based in Itasca, Illinois. Born in the heart of Chicago, we're a family owned and operated local business since 1945, now four generations strong. Draftfcb. formId: "acc781a7-d0b4-433d-bc7f-c5bac12f3766" William Hageman and Tribune staff reporter. As Caitie puts it, Theres no reason you cant use an entertainment console as a buffet in the dining room.. 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 . They hammer out a script, call in O'Neil and start filming. Since 1945 the company has . Read on to find out more about pelvic floor therapy and how it's growing in popularity among postpartum women. Only a year apart in age, the lively, fast-talking Smithe sisters consider one another best friends. And then fate gently tapped them on their shoulder. 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.". Margie, who used to be a buyer for Smithe, moved to St. Louis with her husband, who worked for Anheuser-Busch's ad agency. She sounds annoyed that the spill isn't absorbing, like there's some insurance scheme that hinges on being able to stain this white couch. How, they wondered, would longtime customers respond to four new female faces on their television screens? [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]. - 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. You may have noticed a change lately in those Walter E. Smithe . You could say that the Smithes are a bit obsessed with quality. 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. Their camaraderie is genuine, and they can easily share ideas and bounce between conversations. (847) 933-1481. "It almost feels like the business is, in a weird way, a member of the family. Three years later, she recruited Colleen to become advertising director -- a position she accepted without hesitation. 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. Sometimes you have to act fast. Take dress up and glam up a notch with a self-care day at this luxurious spa for kids and tweens. 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. ("You should keep that hat on for about three weeks. 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. Whoever said brick-and-mortar is dead hasn't met the Smithe sisters. A wake will be held at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home in Park Ridge on Friday, Oct. 21, and a funeral mass will follow on Saturday, Oct. 22, and St. Paul of the Cross Church in Park Ridge. Smithe's wife of 64 years was by his side when he passed, and he . Walter E. SMITHE corporate office is located in 1775 W Rand Rd, Arlington Heights, Illinois, 60004, United States and has 382 employees.