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Jeff Lewis

Do People Change?

Jeff Lewis reflects on the big events of Season 2.

July 30, 2008

I went back to work for Courtney, hoping she had learned a lesson. I wanted a fresh start, a meeting of the minds and it seemed to be happening -- until her husband, Joe, entered the picture. I realized that what she was telling me was different from what she told her husband when Chris Ash let me know he had asked if my workers would stay if he fired me. This put me in a terrible position. I was afraid to tie up my crew with a non-paying project for me, but I also had no work for them and landing a well-paying job isn't all that easy. I was kind enough to let them stay and I feel satisfied in how I handled leaving Courtney. Still, I was extremely disappointed that she had fallen back into her old ways and we could not see eye to eye. It looks like the only person who changed in that situation was me, since I ended our work together with no anger and what I thought was a lot of generosity.

 I'm also happy with how things ended with Chris Keslar, since I was able to keep it professional. He just refused to acknowledge his mistakes, which irritated me beyond belief. A simple "I'm sorry" would have worked just fine, but he rarely apologized. Instead, he tried to justify his actions. I began to question his motives for working with me. I understand it takes a while to get used to having three cameras follow you wherever you go, but Chris seemed overly distracted. As a result, he made a lot of mistakes. Yes -- I teased him mercilessly, but I now realize that it was because I became increasingly suspicious about his motives. When I look back, I wonder if he was in it for his own advancement rather than making a contribution. He had failed to tell me that his mother and his sister had already appeared on Project Runway -- I learned of that much later. I also found out he was taking acting classes on Saturdays. This confused me because I was under the impression he wanted to pursue design. 

 I resolved that he must have been in it for the show. Why else would he have asked Zoila to trade seats with him so he could show the camera his best profile? (Is it possible that he could just be a vain man? Maybe.) By the way, Zoila is so perceptive, she was onto him before I started questioning his motives. Maybe this is why she seemed so agitated around him. At Jeff Lewis's office, my business comes before the show, while Chris was making the show more important. That isn't the way to get promoted. You get promoted by making yourself indispensable. And Chris was making himself disposable. I know I hazed him relentlessly, but his behavior was making me suspect and I was annoyed and disappointed. One afternoon, he interrupted an important meeting to ask me what he should wear in an upcoming photo shoot -- five days away..

Comments

113 Comments

I just starting watching the show and it is a riot. I have mmy own issues with OCD so I can relate. Jeff, you need some help with your animals. Zoila is great, but she is no trainer. Get someone in to just take care of your animals.
I'd volunteer, but I live in Wisconsin. But I can give you some tips having had dogs,cats and horses.

Love you the show and can't wait for more of season 4!!!

I along with my sister and daughter really enjoy watching your show. Jeff you may have your different ways but you wouldn't be Jeff without them. Change for noone and those that don't apprecialte your talent or little quirks really don't have to watchyou. You have some great designer ideas and your houses always come out so classy. Keep up the good work and keep on coming back. Love the BRAVO commerical and what Jenni did when she jumped in the pool and the look on your face was priceless. See you on your new show.

i can't start my day until i play pogo monopoly and win. so your intern, and your response to his behavior, had me in stitches~

Jeff,

Your my idol. How much does an apprentice job pay or how much do I pay you?

Jeff- I can not stand reality shows, but I make a exception for your show. I think it is so addictive and entertaining. If you ever need an assistant in NY I would love to work for you.

The checkers routine in the morning for Trace sent me reeling off the sofa. I too cannot get ready for work until I complete yet one more hand of Jewel Quest Solitaire. And completing it is not enough. I don't more forward until I have topped my last score in that hand. On the bright side, I'm still not late for work, but I have to get up 2 hours earlier to be sure I can my "win" in and still be ready in time.

Be sure I have NEVER told anyone of this odd behavior. I suddenly feel really really close to Trace. He's a good boy; be nice now Jeff.

I love you Jeff Lewis! I love your work and the way you think. You're not for everybody..sorry. But I love you!!! Loving this season so far. I know you won't be working for anybody too long!!

omg, i absolutely love this season! i cannot believe the checkers excuse and the look on jeff's face.

JEFF LOVE WELCOME BACK DO YOU EVER DO ANY MEET AND GREET IN
LA

LOVE that an 11 year old child put you in check!

I love all of you and i don't care about your phobias...lol
it must be hard in todays economy to do what you do? i give you alot of credit and you must be well loved by the people that stick by you.

Bravo to Jeff

Jeff - I love your show. I would love for you to come and re-do my kitchen in Illinois. I have been a loyal fan of your show from the get-go. Love it!! Pam

Jeff,

Jenni is beautiful,sweet,and very "LOYAL" to you.Why do you treat her so mean at times.??.It's hard to find Good dedicated employee's.Be good to her,as she is the only one who understands JEFF LEWIS.

Jeff, you are a nut. A very talented guy but a nut. Jenny and Zoila are priceless. They really have your back. The rest? Not so much. Ryan reminds me of my ex. Had enough of you but still loves you and "gets" you and you will always be family. Same as mine. He has a new guy and a child also now so I relate to that. I am the crazy ex and uncle to his child. I know how that is. But, you are a nut. Single, driven and self-employed in So Cal if you ever want to grab a cocktail.

Jeff, I love the show. How much of Ryan and his staff will we see this year? I love the interchange between the 2 or you. Susan

Love your show! Wondering if on the last episode season 2 if you were interviewing Jett Travolta? Looked just like him. The credits were shown so fast I couldn't tell....

Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you that I am thrilled that the new season starts soon.
Love ya

Hi Jeff,
I love you, your personality, your charm, sense of humor, everything and I am a Grandmother age 61. I get you completely and I love your show. I wish you the best.
One of your many fans.
Wisconsin

Jeff, I adore you and the show. I'm watching re-runs right now. I must admit I could never work for you as I am sensitive. However at least your very honest about your quirks and you get the job done well everytime.I wish I could afford you for my house. I'm always rooting for you and your talent is remarkable. I'm looking forward to the show. Have a great season and know there are millions of us that love love love you.

Here's what I've observed from viewing just ONE episode of your show. I would have also FIRED Chris for entering MY office for his own leisure. Jenny is going to be a headache. I repeat "JENNY IS GOING TO BE A HEADACHE" and a foreseen problem of the future. Don't trust her. There is always going to be a hidden grudge against you. YOU FIRED her husband whom she STILL loves. She is soo over dramatic and very dense. Come on, sending someone a blank check as well as having marital problems that spills into the workplace is a definite, unprofessional, NO! I understand that you are always trying to look out for your friends and people you care about but business is business. Chris K. threw me back when he got a little over worried about the nanny cam. Um Chris K., 90% of the corporate world has a computer tracker system and monthly/yearly investigation of its employees. Jeff, I say clean house. Get rid of these people that need a constant babysitter. There are students that would love to be a "non-paid" intern for you. There are Professional women and men in need of work. Jeff, keep up the good work and be very skeptical of EVERYTHING, especially when something feels out of place and/or is just not working in your favor.

Hello Jeff, every comment is so so true, you are one of a kind.I think well I know I have ocd. I hav only been digose by my husband ha ha!! I told him if he did not leave me alone I was going to live with you. Can I? I was so excited when I see that you was coming back o.I live in a trailor, but it is not fancey but it is very very clean and nothing is out of place. and I have 2 beauiful dog's there are the loves of my life.so I do not thinkI will hav anything close to anything that you have. Unless I was tohit the lottery, then the frist thing I would do is come and meet you and ask if you would please hv me a beauiful house built, well I would hve you to over see the whole thing, but until then I can do what I always do when I watch every show,go to some good place and dream. so please do not ever change, and until I hit the lottery I will just dream!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE & Prayers Sandra!!

i have been following your posts for a while now all i can say
is they are great. I look forward to reading more from you.

Jeff, So happy to learn your show is returning this month.
Your attention to detail and standards has inspired me in getting my house ready to sell so I can "downsize".
I love your sense of humor. Your show keeps me learning
AND in stitches.
Also love Zoila. I found your comments about her reaction to Chris K quite interesting. She's the insightful person!!!
Can't wait for the "drama in the house" to begin.......

In the upcoming episode...you say that you are gonna kill yourself...

So happy to see that there will be a season 3. I adore you, this show is my fav of all the bravo show. Look forward to the antics and drama created by the cast. Mostly love the the process of your projects from beginning to end, you are the man!

Hi Jeff! I am a fan of your show and can't wait to see what incredible house you make over. I think of the magazine "Dwell" when I see some of your houses you completed and love the flow and function you plan and execute to perfection.

Don't let anyone change you or let them think you are OCD or too much of a perfectionist. It's a great skill to have and the world needs a few more of you to bring the quality of home rehabs to a new standard.

Hey Jeff, we are very happy your show will be back on August 17. We love your show. Can`t wait!
All the Best1

As many others have requested, I ask, please put your past seasons on DVD's.

I am beyond pleased to know you that are doing a third season.

Jeff, you inspire me to make changes in my surroundings and to strive for perfection.

You're a genius and I love Jenni and Zoila too.

You are the reason BRAVO truely earns a Bravo!

I love you guys!!!!! Waiting patiently for the return of Flipping Out. August can't get here quick enough!!!

I am so glad to see that you will be back! Your show is my "guilty pleasure."

This show MAKES Bravos! Can't wait for its return. But, why aren't Seasons 1 or 2 on DVD? I want to buy the seasons on dvd. Please Bravo, make this available -I want to give you my monnneyy

Hello Jeff, my husband and I are so excited that your show is coming back. I totally understand your way of thinking and can appreciate your sense of style, attention to detail, cleanliness and care when it comes to your home and dogs. My husband is just like you and I am so used to living with that same personality for the past 20 years. I have previously been an executive assistant and have been at my current job for the past 9 years. Although my job pays me very well and I have the security and benefits, I miss the hell out of being an assistant, call me crazzzy...but I funtion best under pressure and can handle alot! I watch your show and my husband and I say "you/I could totally do that job" and run circles around your last House Assistants, with no alterior motives, just the desire to work for someone that has passsion and vision, something that I possess myself. Oh, did I mention that I think Zoila is great?! and I also speak spanish, something very important.

Just saw the date for the new season. YAY.

Jeff, you are an educated, brilliant man who pays such incredible attention to detail. I am shocked to watch you fuel your body with an endless supply of junk food and highly processed and refined food. No wonder you always feel stressed and anxious! These foods are poisoning your body, soul and mind. Please get a Naturopath or Nutritionist!
LOVE your show!
Shannon, Australia. xx

YES BABY! I AM ELATED YOU ARE COMING BACK. YOU ARE TO THE POINT AND JUST DAMN GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO. CANT WAIT TO WATCH THIS SEASON. ANYONE WHO DOESNT APPRECIATE YOUR TALENT ... WELLL THEY CAN KEEP ON MOVING, WELCOME BACK.

Hi Jeff, I am so glad to hear that you are coming back for a third season… I really missed your show. Jeff your homes are truly amazing, I wanted to know if you are the only designer or do you consult with others? Also have you always been as meticulous as you are now?

Jeff, Love your show. I would be a wonderful assistance! I could even get your coffee right.

The new season starts,August 17 at 10PM ET/PT!

We want more flipping out !!!! Please tell me you're going to have third season !! We love the work you do !!
Also I would love to see you flip Kathy Griffins house.
My two fav. shows on at one time !!!!!!

I love u, ur houses are beautiful!!!!!!!!
is there gonna be a season 3?

Love your show, can't wait for next season. Now about your hiring practices. Your problem is you hire people for their looks, not people who really want to work. I don't know if the lack of good work ethics is a generational or geographic thing, but I believe if an employer says jump you ask how high. Hire someone who's not afraid to get their hands dirty.

I love your work, you are truly an artist!!!

what do you order at pollo loco?

"Flipping Out" Season 3 comes back August 17. I can't wait!

Jeff!!! We're Flipping out without our Flipping Out!!! I love this show and always looked forward to watching every episode, sometimes more than once!! You are incredibly funny and adorable!

YEAH!!! I just looked at Jeff's official website and it says Flipping Out is coming back in August.

When is season 3 coming? We miss you!!!

Hi Jeff,
I don't understand why some people may give you a hard time because you say it how it is!! I love this about you.
If you have employees working for you I completely understand that they are been paid to do their job and if someone is not to your standard then you are more than entitled to fired them! Keep up your great vision towards your work which may I add is amazing!! and if you ever do a show in Sydney, Australia I will like to be your Jenny..
Take care and I hope to see you soon "Down Under"

When is season 3 coming out? SOON PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!

Jeff, I truly love your show and activities that go along with it AND you sonderful partner. He also is fantasticj, plus his little girl; what a sweetheart. I'm quite elderly by the way

anyone know if Jeff is coming back.

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