Our People


A history of craftsmanship

Created on Buffalo’s West Side in 1946, word quickly spread about Auburn Watson. As the years passed, this family-owned business continued to uphold the values and lessons instilled from founder Vincent Watson—intensive attention to detail, skilled craftsmanship and considered approach.

Today, that same dedication and commitment to our clients remain, as each team member strives to go above and beyond to create a space you have always dreamed about.

Meet our team


Wayne Watson

Wayne Watson

Since 1986, Wayne has been at the helm of Auburn Watson, succeeding his father, Vincent. Learning from an old-school craftsman with an eye for detail and absolute commitment to quality, Wayne discovered early that his strength is in taking what he has learned about the construction side of the business and applying it to people. Wayne goes above and beyond to open the dialogue and keep it active as needs are prioritized and choices are made. He builds relationships with every one of his clients to create their personal, unique space. Cabinets, counters, floors and appliances are simply ingredients of a result Wayne and his team aim for. And his experience has given him the ability to interpret what clients tell him, leading to suggestions and details that meet—and exceed—their needs.

Chris Watson

Chris Watson

Sales and design manager

Following the Auburn Watson path created by his grandfather and father is sales and design manager, Chris. In 2011, he began working in the field, honing his craft, before moving to sales and taking on clients of his own in 2016. His attention to detail is what keeps clients coming back for more. Chris’s ability to envision not just a space but its aesthetic design has been far exceeding the expectations of those he works with. It’s no wonder tackling challenges is one of his favorite parts of the job.

Laszlo Szlabonyi

Laszlo Szlabonyi

Production Manager

Laszlo was in high school when he started working for the Watson family—making cabinets in the shop alongside his dad. Once in the field, he learned more and more about how things come together on various jobs. As his role evolved, so did his ability to problem solve. Now, Laszlo can easily spot the small issues before they become problems.

Eddie Domagala

Eddie Domagala

Journeyman

With almost 40 years under his belt at Auburn Watson, Eddie knows no two projects are alike—and neither are clients. No matter the job or the client, though, he makes sure the entire crew understands that they have an obligation not just to build the best kitchen or bath but create as little intrusion and disorder as possible.

Jim Krell

Jim Krell

Journeyman

After 18 years on the job, Jim still savors the feeling of satisfaction that comes with a completed renovation. His craftsmanship is always done with the client’s needs and wishes in mind. And when they are satisfied, so is Jim. He stands by his work and says the proud feeling he gets at the end of a project never gets old.

Bob Quider

Bob Quider

Journeyman

An employee since high school, Bob knows that every day on the job is different. Despite being a seasoned veteran on the Auburn Watson team, Bob is always learning, taking advantage of all opportunities to enrich himself and his team. He also always puts the clients first, priding himself on paying attention to their needs and proactively problem solving.

Vincent Watson

Vincent Watson

Posthumously

With an eye for old-world precision and craftsmanship he learned from his Poland-born father, Vince created Auburn Watson on Auburn Avenue in 1946. While Vince would be the first to admit he enjoyed the building process much more than design, his commitment to craftsmanship remains at the core of the business. Although Vince passed in 2010 at the age of 90, his work is still prominent in many of the region’s finest homes and his legacy lives on in every new Auburn Watson opportunity.

Kitchens

From sleek downtown penthouses to comfortable suburban bungalows, the signature of an Auburn Watson kitchen is that it is a long term investment which works for you.

Baths

Bathrooms are now a center of innovation in home design and comfort. Whether your approach is understated elegance or day spa opulence, we'll help guide you.

Other Spaces

Our expertise is not limited to stunning kitchens and baths. From luxury bars to fireplace surrounds, from office desks to furniture, we materialize your vision for any room in your home.

Showroom

You will not find aisles of hurried vignettes and hundreds of samples at the Auburn Watson showroom at the Walden Design Center. Our showroom is a relaxed, elegant setting.