The Smithe sisters are synonymous with bespoke furniture in the Chicago area. But what many people don't know is the fascinating story of their family legacy. Walter E. Smithe, the patriarch of the family, started the furniture business over 70 years ago. But long before then, the Smithe family had its humble beginnings.
The Smithe sisters – Lisa, Colleen, and Caitlin – grew up hearing stories of their grandfather and his carpentry skills. Their grandfather, who they never met, was a skilled woodworker who created custom pieces of furniture for neighbors in their small town. Their father, Walter E. Smithe, inherited the carpentry genes and started his own furniture business in the early 1940s.
Walter E. Smithe established his furniture business in the Chicago area in 1945. The business was initially a small shop in Logan Square that focused on repairing and refinishing furniture. But Walter was always one step ahead and saw the potential in expanding the business.
In the late 1960s, Walter moved the business to a larger location in Arlington Heights and began designing and producing custom-designed furniture. By the 1980s, the Smithe family business had expanded to multiple locations across the Chicago area, all of which were run by the Smithe brothers.
Walter E. Smithe passed away in 2000, leaving behind a lasting legacy and three daughters who were eager to carry on his work. Lisa, Colleen, and Caitlin all grew up in and around the furniture business, and each brought their own unique set of skills to the table.
Lisa, the eldest sister, has an eye for design and a passion for creating beautiful spaces. Colleen, the middle sister, is an expert in sales and marketing. Caitlin, the youngest sister, has a background in finance and business management. Together, they make a formidable team.
Today, the Smithe sisters are at the helm of Walter E. Smithe Furniture + Design, a successful furniture business with 11 locations across the Chicago area. They continue to innovate and create custom-designed furniture, just as their father and grandfather did before them.
But perhaps most importantly, they carry on the legacy of their family and their father's vision. They uphold the values of honesty, integrity, and hard work, and they strive to make a positive impact on the community they serve.
The Smithe sisters may be known for their beautiful furniture, but their family legacy is truly their greatest achievement.
