Today we’d like to introduce you to Maureen Smithe.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Maureen. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I officially joined my family’s business back in 2004. After graduating from Notre Dame, I spent a few years working in fashion merchandising and product development for Abercombie & Fitch in Ohio. When an opportunity in the buying office opened up at Smithe, my dad called to give me the offer. I was happy to move back to Chicago and since I’d been working at Smithe since I was a kid on weekends and holidays, I knew how fun and dynamic the work environment is.
My great-grandfather started this business 73 years ago. World War II had just ended and he wanted to serve the many young families establishing roots in the Chicago area. I feel proud to carry on his legacy in new and different ways.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I first joined the furniture business 14 years ago it was still a very male dominated field. I’d go to business meetings all over the country and sometimes be the only woman in the room, which felt very intimidating for a young 20-something. Fortunately, things are changing in this industry and women are now in leadership positions in every company we work with. Here at Smithe, I feel so fortunate to work with so many women in a variety of leadership roles.
My advice for young women is to speak up. You were hired because management saw intelligence, creativity, and wisdom in you – so don’t be shy about voicing your opinions and encouraging others to do the same. A good idea can come from anyone at any level in an organization.
Please tell us about WALTER E SMITHE FURNITURE + DESIGN.
At Smithe, we strive to be a furniture store for everyone. We have contemporary, transitional and traditional styles across all price points. Any dream room you find on Instagram or Pinterest (or in a competitor’s catalog!) can be achieved with the help of our insanely talented designers and our vast array of products. And, you’ll have a piece of mind knowing you purchased from a 73-year-old family business that stands behind everything we sell.
I often say that we truly care. We care about our employees. We care about our clients. We care about the furniture we sell. We know furniture is a big purchase, and it can be exciting and daunting at the same time. We are here to make the process easy and fun. I promise!
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
My dad raised my three sisters and me to believe that we can say, do and be whatever we want. I really leaned on his encouragement when I first started out in this business as it was very male-dominated (think along the lines of Good Ole’ Boys Club). While I hesitate to say that women are generally better positioned for certain jobs than their male counterparts, I will say that now is the time for young women to seize any opportunity that comes their way. And, women shouldn’t be afraid to make their own opportunities, too!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.smithe.com
- Phone: 800-WITH-AN-E
- Email: contactus@smithe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wesmithefurniture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walteresmithe
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/WalterESmithe
- Other: https://pinterest.com/walteresmithe/
Image Credit:
WALTER E SMITHE FURNITURE + DESIGN
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
