Watson

Wood Dimension, Inc. (WDI), appeals an adverse judgment awarding L. Dale Watson $155,955.85 in damages plus interest, costs and attorney fees. WDI claims the court relied on an improper referee’s report, erroneously awarded commissions on sales made after Watson’s termination, failed to allow opposition evidence after presentation of the referee’s report, and abused its discretion in the award of attorney fees. Watson appeals the amount of the judgment, requesting we enlarge the award.

I

WDI manufactures stereo speakers for resale by sound system companies. A major customer for several years, Fisher Corporation was an enormous asset, its orders accounting for 30 to 50 percent of WDI’s business. Fisher ceased purchasing from WDI in early 1982. The loss was a serious financial detriment for WDI; regaining Fisher as a customer, which it was unable to do by itself, was of vital importance.

Gene Hedlund, president of WDI, and L. Dale Watson had known each other for many years. In early 1983, Hedlund’s desire to reacquire Fisher’s business surfaced in conversation with Watson. Watson was socially acquainted with Ira Horon, Fisher’s general manager and vice president.

The…