About Us
Who We Are
A trusted, Family-Owned furniture store proudly delivering high quality products to the local Western New York Community since 2011. From the time you begin your shopping process, until you are satisfied with your product at your home — Lake Effect Furniture & Mattress have your back.
Visit UsWhat to Expect
Lake Effect has 1 main goal: create the best experience possible for the customer. Pricing is established at sale-price and below, which can be expected every day. Both your needs & budgets are our priority when serving you, which is what sets us apart from the competition. See for yourself why we are such a trusted business in the community!
Our Story
Going over a decade now in the industry, Lake Effect Furniture and Mattress started in the community back in 2011. The business started very small with handwritten signs, Craigslist postings, and pull-tabs on college campuses. After a month of opening the first store in Bowmansville, we more than doubled our warehouse space from 3,000 square foot to 8,000 square foot! After years of providing peak customer experience & growth from word of mouth we had the ability to transition to our current location on Union Road. Providing a positive atmosphere and outstanding customer service is what we attribute to our great success in the industry, thanks to our supportive & friendly community.
Meet the Owner of Lake Effect
Chris Schunk began with an engineering degree, an MBA, and over 15 years in the automotive industry. During the recession of 2008 was laid off twice, which motivated him to make a career change. His experience in manufacturing helped him understand how to eliminate waste. Applying previous experiences to a locally owned furniture store, he had the ability to offer high-quality items at the lowest possible prices. The furniture industry has been Chris’ area of expertise ever since, where he has made it on the Nationwide Marketing Group advisory board for furniture and bedding.
Chris was born and raised in Western New York and now married with two children. With 13 years as a volunteer hockey coach & 8 years as a volunteer fireman, he is devoted to his community and helps wherever he can. How he likes his wings: Hot with celery & blue cheese.
The Leadership
- Matt Operations Team Leader
- Mariah Merchandiser
- Mark Controller
- Shontae Warranty Team Leader
- Judy Purchasing
The Sales Team
- Pam Salesperson
- Christine S. Salesperson
- Allen Salesperson
- Arturo Salesperson
- Christine D. Salesperson
- Dijae Salesperson
- Jaimee Salesperson
- Rob Salesperson
- Jim Salesperson
- Sierra Salesperson
- Colin Admin Team Member
The Warehouse Team
- Ryan Warehouse Team Leader
- Dan Assistant Warehouse Team Leader
- Alex Warehouse Team Member
- Rylie Warehouse Team Member
- Eric Warehouse Team Member
- Jaren Warehouse Team Member
- Zach Warehouse Team Member
Our Core Values
- Integrity Know and do what is right
- Respect Treating others the way you want to be treated
- Personal Responsibility Doing what’s right even when no one is looking
- Servant Leadership Serve the common good
- Innovation Not imitation
- Collaborative Teamwork Embrace opportunities to contribute
- Diversity Our business reflects our community
- Family & Friendship It’s a way of life
- Growth Your comfort zone will kill you
- Passion You love being a part of our team/family and it shows
Mission Statement
Our mission is to combine quality products at competitive prices with a buying experience that is unmatched by others to provide the best value for consumers. At Lake Effect Furniture and Mattress, we would rather have a customer for life than a sale today. We prefer the term neighbor over customer. Our friendly staff treat people the way we would like to be treated with honesty and a no-pressure approach to create a relaxed shopping experience.
Vision Statement
To grow and become a vibrant part of the Buffalo community by providing quality products at the best possible value in the Buffalo market with service that says we are your neighbor. We put an emphasis on giving back to our community by supporting organizations that help the youth in our community.